A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-Q 7 Apr 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 04, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SCHULMAN A INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000087565	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	29,204,862

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Net sales	$588,508	$515,440	$1,173,905	$1,047,525
Cost of sales	514,209	452,241	1,020,498	912,659
Selling, general and administrative expenses	58,713	52,019	116,111	103,335
Restructuring expense	1,727	1,669	3,505	3,606
Asset impairment	104	0	104	498
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	0	0	333
Operating income	13,755	9,511	33,687	27,094
Interest expense	2,488	1,925	4,679	3,693
Interest income	-81	-119	-143	-326
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	1,466	-40	2,148	539
Other (income) expense, net	-193	-211	-271	-347
Income from continuing operations before taxes	10,075	7,956	27,274	23,535
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	3,427	-4,350	7,995	-913
Income from continuing operations	6,648	12,306	19,279	24,448
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	347	-282	3,002	-279
Net income	6,995	12,024	22,281	24,169
Noncontrolling interests	-136	-239	-351	-605
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$6,859	$11,785	$21,930	$23,564
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	29,059	29,293	29,038	29,255
Diluted	29,277	29,725	29,240	29,668
Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.23	$0.41	$0.65	$0.82
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0.01	($0.01)	$0.11	($0.01)
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$0.24	$0.40	$0.76	$0.81
Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.22	$0.41	$0.65	$0.80
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0.01	($0.01)	$0.10	($0.01)
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$0.23	$0.40	$0.75	$0.79
Cash dividends per common share	$0.20	$0.20	$0.40	$0.39

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013
Net income	$6,995		$12,024	$22,281		$24,169
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	4,498	[1]	1,363	16,366	[1]	9,833
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service (costs) credits, net of tax	115	[1],[2]	118	234	[1],[2]	895
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,613	[1]	1,481	16,600	[1]	10,728
Comprehensive income (loss)	11,608		13,505	38,881		34,897
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	52		205	237		530
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$11,556		$13,300	$38,644		$34,367
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax.
[2]	(2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 7 of this Form 10-Q for further details.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$90,053		$134,054
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,955 at February 28, 2014 and $10,434 at August 31, 2013	381,872		310,749
Inventories, lower of average cost or market	307,122		261,658
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	44,015		41,224
Total current assets	823,062		747,685
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:	'		'
Land and improvements	26,892		27,954
Buildings and leasehold improvements	158,841		146,647
Machinery and equipment	389,424		356,144
Furniture and fixtures	41,399		39,065
Construction in progress	9,877		7,149
Gross property, plant and equipment	626,433		576,959
Accumulated depreciation	392,325		366,438
Net property, plant and equipment	234,108		210,521
Other assets:	'		'
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	54,853		48,723
Goodwill	185,379		139,526
Intangible assets, net	119,539		91,887
Total assets	1,416,941		1,238,342
Current liabilities:	'		'
Accounts payable	292,693		265,477
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	7,782		6,423
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	42,926		43,072
Other accrued liabilities	52,661		48,689
Short-term debt	20,572		8,373
Total current liabilities	416,634		372,034
Long-term debt	302,981		207,435
Pension plans	104,247		98,599
Deferred income taxes	23,865		20,873
Other long-term liabilities	26,174		24,657
Total liabilities	873,901		723,598
Commitments and contingencies	'		'
Stockholders' equity:	'		'
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,179 shares at February 28, 2014 and 48,094 shares at August 31, 2013	48,179		48,094
Additional paid-in capital	265,285		263,158
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	17,396	[1]	682	[1]
Retained earnings	584,523		574,370
Treasury stock, at cost, 18,975 shares at February 28, 2014 and 18,940 shares at August 31, 2013	-379,947		-378,927
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	535,436		507,377
Noncontrolling interests	7,604		7,367
Total equity	543,040		514,744
Total liabilities and equity	$1,416,941		$1,238,342
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,955	$10,434
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,179	48,094
Treasury stock, shares	18,975	18,940

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:	'	'
Net income	$22,281	$24,169
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	16,419	15,023
Amortization	6,669	5,782
Deferred tax provision	-2,895	-8,413
Pension, postretirement benefits and other deferred compensation	4,494	4,398
Asset impairment	104	498
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	333
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations	-3,331	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-21,283	-14,306
Inventories	-13,107	-19,199
Accounts payable	-15,534	-6,324
Income taxes	229	-930
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	375	804
Other assets and long-term liabilities	-3,100	-9,887
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	-8,679	-8,052
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:	'	'
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	-16,541	-12,889
Proceeds from the sale of assets	4,738	8,008
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-115,624	-36,360
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	-127,427	-41,241
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:	'	'
Cash dividends paid	-11,777	-11,713
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	2,469	2,081
Borrowings on long-term debt	686,955	70,696
Repayments on long-term debt	-583,914	-56,565
Payment of debt issuance costs	-1,782	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	276	1,394
Redemptions of common stock	-361	-397
Purchases of treasury stock	-1,116	-479
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	90,750	5,017
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	1,355	-59
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-44,001	-44,335
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	134,054	124,031
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$90,053	$79,696

General

General	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
General [Abstract]	'
GENERAL	'
	GENERAL
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim period presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The fiscal year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	The results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2014.
	The accounting policies for the periods presented are the same as described in Note 1 – Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2014 presentation.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
	The following table summarizes the Company's business acquisitions for the periods presented:
	Transaction Description	Date of Transaction	Purchase	Segment
			Consideration
			(In millions)
	ECM Plastics, Inc.	4-Sep-12	$36.80	Americas
	A Massachusetts producer of custom color, specialty additive masterbatch and niche engineered plastics products
	Perrite Group	2-Sep-13	$51.30	EMEA and APAC
	A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France
	Network Polymers, Inc.	2-Dec-13	$49.20	Americas
	An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a leading single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys
	Prime Colorants	31-Dec-13	$15.10	Americas
	A Tennessee manufacturer of custom color and additive concentrates
	The Company incurred $1.8 million and $2.5 million of acquisition related transaction costs, primarily included in selling, general & administrative expenses, during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively and $0.7 million and $1.0 million during three and six months ended February 28, 2013, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the Company is as follows:
		EMEA		Americas			APAC		Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	70,266	$	69,260		$	—	$	139,526
	Acquisitions	11,618		29,063			637		41,318
	Translation	4,530		3			2		4,535
	Balance as of February 28, 2014	$	86,414	$	98,326		$	639	$	185,379
	The increase in goodwill from August 31, 2013 is due to the acquisition of the Perrite Group in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the Network Polymers and Prime Colorants acquisitions in the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the acquisition, and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill associated with the Perrite Group transaction was included in the EMEA and APAC segments and none of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. Goodwill associated with both the Network Polymers and Prime Colorants transactions was included in the Americas segment and the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
	Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis in the fourth quarter and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
	The Company completed its annual impairment review of goodwill as of June 1, 2013 and noted no impairment. The fair value used in the analysis was estimated using a combination of the income and market approaches. These valuation methodologies use management judgment and assumptions including, but not limited to, the determination of appropriate market comparables, projected future cash flows (including timing and profitability), discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rate, and projected future economic and market conditions. In addition, the Company is not aware of any triggers which would require a goodwill impairment test as of February 28, 2014.
	The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category:
		February 28, 2014							August 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount					Amount		Amount					Amount
		(In thousands)
	Customer related intangibles	$	107,961	$	(23,922	)	$	84,039	$	85,129	$	(19,605	)	$	65,524
	Developed technology	20,052		(6,147		)	13,905		19,641		(5,156		)	14,485
	Registered trademarks and tradenames	27,080		(5,485		)	21,595		15,991		(4,113		)	11,878
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	155,093	$	(35,554	)	$	119,539	$	120,761	$	(28,874	)	$	91,887
	The increase in intangible assets from August 31, 2013 is due to the fiscal 2014 acquisitions. Amortization expense of intangible assets was $3.1 million and $6.1 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively, and $2.6 million and $5.2 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2013, respectively.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	'
	-4	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt obligations outstanding:
		February 28, 2014		31-Aug-13
		(In thousands)
	Notes payable and other, due within one year	$	7,096	$	5,042
	Current portion of long-term debt	13,476		3,331
	Short-term debt	$	20,572	$	8,373
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due 2016	$	—	$	150,000
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due 2018	57,907		—
	Term loan, due 2018	185,625		—
	Euro notes, 4.485%, due 2016	59,099		56,626
	Capital leases and other long-term debt	350		809
	Long-term debt	$	302,981	$	207,435
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated Credit Agreement, dated September 24, 2013, and containing a maturity date of September 24, 2018, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as global agent, the lenders named in the Credit Agreement and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and PNC Capital Markets LLC as lead arrangers ("the Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement provides for:
	•	a multicurrency revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to $300 million (the “Revolving Facility");
	•	a $200 million term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility"); and
	•	an expansion feature allowing the Company to incur, subject to certain terms and conditions, up to an additional $250 million of revolving loans and/or term loans ("the Incremental Facility" and, together with the Revolving Facility and the Term Loan Facility, the "Credit Facility").
	The Credit Facility is jointly and severally guaranteed by certain material domestic subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company's ability to incur indebtedness and grant liens other than certain types of permitted indebtedness and permitted liens. The Company is also required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and cannot exceed a maximum net debt leverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with these covenants and does not believe a subsequent covenant violation is reasonably possible as of February 28, 2014.
	Interest rates under the Credit Agreement are based on LIBOR or EURIBOR (depending on the borrowing currency) plus a spread determined by the Company's total leverage ratio. The Company is also required to pay a facility fee on the commitments, whether used or unused. The Revolving Facility provides for a portion of the funds to be made available as a short-term swing-line loan. The swing-line loan interest rate varies based on a mutually agreed upon rate between the bank and the Company. As of February 28, 2014, the amount available under the Credit Facility was reduced by outstanding letters of credit of $1.0 million and borrowings of $253.5 million. Outstanding letters of credit and borrowings as of August 31, 2013 were $1.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively.
	On February 14, 2014, the Company obtained a $15.0 million uncommitted line of credit from Huntington National Bank, available until September 24, 2018. The interest rate is based upon the 30-day LIBOR index that is 10 basis points below the applicable spread on the Revolving Facility, noted above. The Company has no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit as of February 28, 2014.
	On March 1, 2006, the Company issued €50.3 million of senior guaranteed notes in Germany in the private placement market maturing on March 1, 2016, with a fixed interest rate of 4.485% (“Euro Notes”). The carrying value of the Euro Notes approximate €45.3 million, or $62.6 million, as of February 28, 2014. Repayment of the Euro Notes prior to maturity would cost approximately $11.0 million in early termination fees as of February 28, 2014.
	The Euro Notes are guaranteed by certain material domestic subsidiaries and contain covenants similar to those in the Credit Agreement discussed above. The Company was in compliance with its covenants relating to the Euro Notes and does not believe a subsequent covenant violation is reasonably possible as of February 28, 2014.
	Below summarizes the Company’s available funds:
		February 28, 2014		August 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Existing capacity:
	Revolving Facility	$	300,000	$	300,000
	Term Loan Facility	195,625		—
	Domestic short-term lines of credit	15,000		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit	61,627		56,178
	Total capacity from credit lines and notes	$	572,252	$	356,178
	Availability:
	Revolving Facility	$	241,117	$	149,024
	Term Loan Facility	—		—
	Domestic short-term lines of credit	15,000		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit	53,251		49,302
	Total available funds from credit lines and notes	$	309,368	$	198,326
	Total available funds from credit lines and notes represents the total capacity from credit lines and notes less outstanding borrowings of $261.9 million and $156.9 million as of February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively, and issued letters of credit of $1.0 million as of February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
		February 28, 2014								August 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Assets recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	801	$	—	$	801	$	—	$	151	$	—	$	151	$	—
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	929	$	—	$	929	$	—	$	1,224	$	—	$	1,224	$	—
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate debt	$	65,797	$	—	$	65,797	$	—	$	63,460	$	—	$	63,460	$	—
	Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Additionally, the carrying value of the Company's variable-rate debt approximates fair value.
	The Company measures the fair value of its foreign exchange forward contracts using an internal model. The model maximizes the use of Level 2 market observable inputs including interest rate curves, currency forward and spot prices, and credit spreads. The total contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding was $121.9 million and $138.0 million as of February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively. The amount of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding as of the end of the period is indicative of the exposure of current balances and the forecasted change in exposures for the following quarter. Any gains or losses associated with these contracts as well as the offsetting gains or losses from the underlying assets or liabilities are included in the foreign currency transaction (gains) losses line in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts is recognized in other current assets or other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets based on the net settlement value. The foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into with creditworthy financial institutions, generally have a term of three months or less, and the Company does not hold or issue foreign exchange forward contracts for trading purposes. There were no foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedging instruments as of February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013.
	Long-term fixed-rate debt issued in Euros is recorded at cost and is presented at fair value for disclosure purposes as shown in the table above. The Level 2 fair value of the Company's long-term fixed-rate debt was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities. As of February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, the carrying value of the Company's long-term fixed-rate debt recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $62.6 million and $60.0 million, respectively.
	For a discussion of the Company’s fair value measurement policies under the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 1 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013. The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during fiscal 2014, and transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy, if any, are recognized at the end of each quarter. There were no transfers between levels during the periods presented.
	Additionally, the Company remeasures certain assets to fair value, using Level 3 measurements, as a result of the occurrence of triggering events. During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company remeasured the carrying value of one of the Oyonnax, France facilities to fair value using comparable prices for similar assets in conjunction with restructuring activities. For further discussion on asset impairments, refer to Note 14 of this Form 10-Q.
	There were no additional significant assets or liabilities that were remeasured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the periods presented.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INCOME TAXES
	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three months ended February 28,
		2014					2013
		(In thousands, except for %’s)
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	3,526		35	%	$	2,785		35	%
	Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	(3,878		)	(38.4	)	(1,355		)	(17.0	)
	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	2,815			27.9		1,161			14.6
	U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	868			8.6		231			2.9
	Valuation allowance changes	—			—		(7,049		)	(88.6	)
	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	(70		)	(0.7	)	(422		)	(5.3	)
	Other	166			1.6		299			3.8
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	3,427		34	%	$	(4,350	)	(54.6	)%
	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Six months ended February 28,
		2014					2013
		(In thousands, except for %’s)
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	9,546		35	%	$	8,237		35	%
	Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	(7,674		)	(28.1	)	(4,603		)	(19.5	)
	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	4,600			16.9		1,941			8.2
	U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	1,342			4.9		554			2.4
	Valuation allowance changes	—			—		(7,049		)	(30.0	)
	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	(14		)	(0.1	)	(253		)	(1.1	)
	Other	195			0.7		260			1.1
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	7,995		29.3	%	$	(913	)	(3.9	)%
	The effective tax rates for the three months and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 are less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate primarily because of the Company's overall foreign tax rates being less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate and the valuation allowance decrease for the three months and six months ended February 28, 2013. In January 2014, Mexico made significant changes to its tax laws which resulted in the recognition of a $0.8 million tax benefit, which is included in the amount of foreign taxes at less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate. These favorable effects on the Company's tax rate were partially offset by no tax benefits being recognized for U.S. and certain foreign losses.
	The increase in the effective tax rate as compared with the same period last year was driven primarily by the valuation allowance adjustment in the three months and six months ended February 28, 2013. There was also a significant increase in the amount of U.S. and certain foreign losses with no tax benefits as well as U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no tax benefits which were primarily offset by increases in income in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate.
	As of February 28, 2014, the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $5.5 million. If recognized, $3.8 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company's effective tax rate. The Company reports interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of February 28, 2014, the Company had $1.0 million of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits.
	The Company is open to potential income tax examinations in Germany from fiscal 2005 onward, in the U.S. and France from fiscal 2010 onward and in Belgium from fiscal 2011 onward. The Company is open to potential examinations from fiscal 2008 onward for most other foreign jurisdictions.
	The amount of unrecognized tax benefits is expected to change in the next 12 months; however, the change is not expected to have a significant impact on the financial position of the Company.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below:
		Three months ended February 28,						Six months ended February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit pension plans:
	Service cost	$	960		$	988		$	1,908		$	1,954
	Interest cost	1,355			1,222			2,689			2,423
	Expected return on plan assets	(455		)	(376		)	(899		)	(753		)
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	355			378			704			748
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,215		$	2,212		$	4,402		$	4,372
	Other postretirement benefit plan:
	Service cost	$	1		$	3		$	2		$	8
	Interest cost	123			112			246			227
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(141		)	(136		)	(280		)	(270		)
	Curtailment (gain) loss	—			—			—			333
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$	(17	)	$	(21	)	$	(32	)	$	298

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity for the six months ended February 28, 2014 is as follows:
		Common			Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated		Retained			Treasury			Noncontrolling		Total
		Stock ($1 par value)						Other		Earnings			Stock			Interests		Equity
								Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Balance as of September 1, 2013	$	48,094		$	263,158		$	682	$	574,370		$	(378,927	)	$	7,367	$	514,744
	Comprehensive income (loss)							16,714		21,930						237		38,881
	Cash dividends paid, $0.40 per share									(11,777		)						(11,777		)
	Purchase of treasury stock												(1,116		)			(1,116		)
	Issuance of treasury stock				58								96					154
	Stock options exercised	7			115													122
	Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	88			(88		)											—
	Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(10		)	(351		)											(361		)
	Amortization of restricted stock				2,393													2,393
	Balance as of February 28, 2014	$	48,179		$	265,285		$	17,396	$	584,523		$	(379,947	)	$	7,604	$	543,040

Reclassification_Out_of_Accumu

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block]	'
	-9	RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows(1):
		Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)				Pension and Other Retiree Benefits(2)			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	29,610			$	(16,911	)	$	12,699
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,498				—			4,498
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—				115			115
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	4,498				115			4,613
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(84		)		—			(84		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	4,582				115			4,697
	Balance as of February 28, 2014	$	34,192			$	(16,796	)	$	17,396
		Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)				Pension and Other Retiree Benefits(2)			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	17,712			$	(17,030	)	$	682
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	17,251				—			17,251
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(885		)	(3)	234			(651		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	16,366				234			16,600
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(114		)		—			(114		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	16,480				234			16,714
	Balance as of February 28, 2014	$	34,192			$	(16,796	)	$	17,396
	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax.
	(2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 7 of this Form 10-Q for further details.
	(3) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 18 of this Form 10-Q for further details.

ShareBased_Incentive_Compensat

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
INCENTIVE STOCK PLANS [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
		SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company granted 42,138 and 315,941 shares of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $34.42 and $29.14 per share, respectively. The terms and conditions of the awards granted during the current year are consistent with the awards granted in the prior year. Additionally, the Company granted non-employee directors 23,150 shares of unrestricted common stock.
	The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
		Three months ended February 28,				Six months ended February 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards	$	873	$	1,041	$	2,199	$	1,747
	Board of Directors unrestricted awards	797		850		797		850
	Total share-based incentive compensation	$	1,670	$	1,891	$	2,996	$	2,597
	Total unrecognized compensation cost, including a provision for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements as of February 28, 2014 was $10.5 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
	As of February 28, 2014, there were 524,749 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan and 22,949 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company's 2010 Rewards Plan. For further discussion of the Company's share-based incentive compensation plans, refer to Note 10 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock equivalents are exercised and also the impact of restricted stock awards expected to vest, which combined would then share in the earnings of the Company.
	The difference between basic and diluted weighted-average shares results from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and grants of restricted stock, calculated using the treasury stock method. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts:
		Three months ended February 28,		Six months ended February 28,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic	29,059	29,293	29,038	29,255
	Incremental shares from equity awards	218	432	202	413
	Diluted	29,277	29,725	29,240	29,668

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company considers its operating structure and the types of information subject to regular review by its President and Chief Executive Officer, who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), to identify reportable segments. The CODM makes decisions, assesses performance and allocates resources by the following regions, which are also the Company’s reportable segments: Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), the Americas, and Asia Pacific (“APAC”).
	The CODM uses net sales to unaffiliated customers, segment gross profit and segment operating income in order to make decisions, assess performance and allocate resources to each segment. Segment operating income does not include items such as interest income or expense, other income or expense, foreign currency transaction gains or losses, restructuring related expenses including accelerated depreciation, asset impairments, or costs and inventory step-up charges related to business acquisitions. Corporate expenses include the compensation of certain personnel, certain audit expenses, Board of Directors related costs, certain insurance costs, costs associated with being a publicly traded entity and other miscellaneous legal and professional fees.
	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:
		Three months ended February 28,							Six months ended February 28,
		2014			2013				2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	383,024		$	342,198			$	775,486			$	693,686
	Americas	157,099			144,205				303,626				293,779
	APAC	48,385			29,037				94,793				60,060
	Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	588,508		$	515,440			$	1,173,905			$	1,047,525
	Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
		Three months ended February 28,							Six months ended February 28,
		2014			2013				2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	47,499		$	39,930			$	99,439			$	85,033
	Americas	21,226			18,735				42,659				40,161
	APAC	6,527			4,938				13,150				10,492
	Total segment gross profit	75,252			63,603				155,248				135,686
	Inventory step-up	(782		)	—				(1,199		)		(138		)
	Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related	(171		)	(404		)		(642		)		(682		)
	Total gross profit	$	74,299		$	63,199			$	153,407			$	134,866
	Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:
		Three months ended February 28,							Six months ended February 28,
		2014			2013				2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	17,553		$	11,521			$	37,972			$	27,666
	Americas	6,269			5,845				13,632				13,637
	APAC	3,176			2,405				6,542				5,494
	Total segment operating income	26,998			19,771				58,146				46,797
	Corporate	(7,714		)	(7,512		)		(14,397		)		(13,459		)
	Costs related to acquisitions	(1,851		)	(675		)		(2,487		)		(987		)
	Restructuring and related costs	(2,792		)	(1,669		)		(6,164		)		(3,606		)
	Accelerated depreciation	—			(404		)		(108		)		(682		)
	Asset impairment	(104		)	—				(104		)		(498		)
	Curtailment gain (loss)	—			—				—				(333		)
	Inventory step-up	(782		)	—				(1,199		)		(138		)
	Operating income	13,755			9,511				33,687				27,094
	Interest expense, net	(2,407		)	(1,806		)		(4,536		)		(3,367		)
	Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(1,466		)	40				(2,148		)		(539		)
	Other income (expense), net	193			211				271				347
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	10,075		$	7,956			$	27,274			$	23,535
	Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) masterbatch solutions, (2) engineered plastics, (3) distribution services, (4) specialty powders and (5) custom performance colors. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:
		Three months ended February 28,
		2014						2013
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Masterbatch solutions	$	188,969		32	%		$	189,544			37	%
	Engineered plastics	182,890			31			123,908				24
	Distribution services	94,406			16			94,608				18
	Specialty powders	79,863			14			69,741				14
	Custom performance colors	42,380			7			37,639				7
	Total consolidated net sales	$	588,508		100	%		$	515,440			100	%
		Six months ended February 28,
		2014						2013
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Masterbatch solutions	$	381,361		33	%		$	388,470			37	%
	Engineered plastics	357,601			30			258,726				25
	Distribution services	184,314			16			182,255				17
	Specialty powders	166,810			14			143,564				14
	Custom performance colors	83,819			7			74,510				7
	Total consolidated net sales	$	1,173,905		100	%		$	1,047,525			100	%

Restructuring

Restructuring	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
RESTRUCTURING [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	RESTRUCTURING
	The Company did not have any new restructuring plans during the six months ended February 28, 2014. For discussion of the Company's previous restructuring plans, refer to Note 15 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s restructuring plans:
		Employee-related Costs			Other Costs			Translation Effect			Total Restructuring Costs
		(In thousands)
	Accrual balance as of August 31, 2013	$	5,446		$	400		$	(497	)	$	5,349
	Fiscal 2014 charges	1,576			1,929			—			3,505
	Fiscal 2014 payments	(4,507		)	(1,973		)	—			(6,480		)
	Translation	—			—			381			381
	Accrual balance as of February 28, 2014	$	2,515		$	356		$	(116	)	$	2,755
	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows:
		Three months ended February 28,						Six months ended February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	124		$	1,138		$	625		$	2,695
	Americas	1,592			517			2,804			731
	APAC	11			14			76			180
	Total restructuring expense	$	1,727		$	1,669		$	3,505		$	3,606

Asset_Impairments

Asset Impairments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS [Abstract]	'
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	'
	ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
	During the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to a reduction in the carrying value of one of the Company’s facilities in Oyonnax, France, which was held for sale. The impairment charges were determined based on the estimated sales value of the facility less the estimated costs to sell utilizing information provided by a third-party real estate valuation source using the market approach.
	In December 2013, the Company sold its facility in Verolanuova, Italy to a third-party for $1.5 million, which approximated its carrying value.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	In the normal course of business, the Company is at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought may be substantial. Although the Company is not able to predict the outcome of such legal actions, after reviewing all pending and threatened legal actions with counsel and based on information currently available, management believes that the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of such matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the results of operations in a particular future period as the time and amount of any resolution of such legal actions and its relationship to the future results of operations are not currently known.
	Reserves are established for legal claims only when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, it is not considered probable that a liability has been incurred or not possible to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case no reserve would be recognized until that time.
	There were no material changes to the Company’s future contractual obligations as previously reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, other than the Company's new Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 4 within this Form 10-Q for further details.

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	'
	SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
	The Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the second quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company repurchased 40,327 shares of common stock during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 at an average price of $27.68 per share. Shares valued at $55.5 million remain authorized for repurchase as of February 28, 2014. For further discussion of the Company's share repurchase program, refer to Note 18 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.

Accounting_Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	'
	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In February 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the reporting of the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements. The new accounting guidance requires all companies to report the effect of items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items of net income either on the face of the financial statements where net income is presented or in a tabular format in the notes to the financial statements. This standard was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012, including interim periods. The Company adopted this standard for the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Refer to Note 9 of this Form 10-Q for the new disclosure.
	No other new accounting pronouncements issued or with effective dates during fiscal 2014 had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	In May 2013, the Company announced plans to sell its rotational compounding business in Australia. The Company completed the sale of all of the fixed and intangible assets for $3.0 million on September 3, 2013. The operating results for this business were previously included in the Company's specialty powders product family within the APAC segment and have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all of the periods presented. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of this business were classified as held for sale in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2013 and included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other accrued liabilities, respectively.
	The following summarizes select financial information included in net earnings from discontinued operations:
		Three months ended February 28,					Six months ended February 28,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	83	$	6,929		$	1,372	$	15,396
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	347	$	(282	)	$	3,002	$	(279	)
	During fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of assets of $3.3 million. Income taxes were minimal for all periods presented.

General_Policies

General (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
General [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting	'
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim period presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The fiscal year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	The results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2014.

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's business acquisitions for the periods presented:
	Transaction Description	Date of Transaction	Purchase	Segment
			Consideration
			(In millions)
	ECM Plastics, Inc.	4-Sep-12	$36.80	Americas
	A Massachusetts producer of custom color, specialty additive masterbatch and niche engineered plastics products
	Perrite Group	2-Sep-13	$51.30	EMEA and APAC
	A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France
	Network Polymers, Inc.	2-Dec-13	$49.20	Americas
	An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a leading single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys
	Prime Colorants	31-Dec-13	$15.10	Americas
	A Tennessee manufacturer of custom color and additive concentrates

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the Company is as follows:
		EMEA		Americas			APAC		Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	70,266	$	69,260		$	—	$	139,526
	Acquisitions	11,618		29,063			637		41,318
	Translation	4,530		3			2		4,535
	Balance as of February 28, 2014	$	86,414	$	98,326		$	639	$	185,379
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category:
		February 28, 2014							August 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount					Amount		Amount					Amount
		(In thousands)
	Customer related intangibles	$	107,961	$	(23,922	)	$	84,039	$	85,129	$	(19,605	)	$	65,524
	Developed technology	20,052		(6,147		)	13,905		19,641		(5,156		)	14,485
	Registered trademarks and tradenames	27,080		(5,485		)	21,595		15,991		(4,113		)	11,878
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	155,093	$	(35,554	)	$	119,539	$	120,761	$	(28,874	)	$	91,887

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran1

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Below summarizes the Company’s available funds:
		February 28, 2014		August 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Existing capacity:
	Revolving Facility	$	300,000	$	300,000
	Term Loan Facility	195,625		—
	Domestic short-term lines of credit	15,000		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit	61,627		56,178
	Total capacity from credit lines and notes	$	572,252	$	356,178
	Availability:
	Revolving Facility	$	241,117	$	149,024
	Term Loan Facility	—		—
	Domestic short-term lines of credit	15,000		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit	53,251		49,302
	Total available funds from credit lines and notes	$	309,368	$	198,326
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt obligations outstanding:
		February 28, 2014		31-Aug-13
		(In thousands)
	Notes payable and other, due within one year	$	7,096	$	5,042
	Current portion of long-term debt	13,476		3,331
	Short-term debt	$	20,572	$	8,373
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due 2016	$	—	$	150,000
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due 2018	57,907		—
	Term loan, due 2018	185,625		—
	Euro notes, 4.485%, due 2016	59,099		56,626
	Capital leases and other long-term debt	350		809
	Long-term debt	$	302,981	$	207,435

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
		February 28, 2014								August 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Assets recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	801	$	—	$	801	$	—	$	151	$	—	$	151	$	—
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	929	$	—	$	929	$	—	$	1,224	$	—	$	1,224	$	—
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate debt	$	65,797	$	—	$	65,797	$	—	$	63,460	$	—	$	63,460	$	—

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended											6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014											Feb. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'											'
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'											'
	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and 2013 is as follows:											A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three months ended February 28,											Six months ended February 28,
													2014					2013
		2014					2013						(In thousands, except for %’s)
		(In thousands, except for %’s)										U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	9,546		35	%	$	8,237		35	%
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	3,526		35	%	$	2,785		35	%
												Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	(7,674		)	(28.1	)	(4,603		)	(19.5	)
	Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	(3,878		)	(38.4	)	(1,355		)	(17.0	)	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	4,600			16.9		1,941			8.2
	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	2,815			27.9		1,161			14.6
												U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	1,342			4.9		554			2.4
	U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	868			8.6		231			2.9
												Valuation allowance changes	—			—		(7,049		)	(30.0	)
	Valuation allowance changes	—			—		(7,049		)	(88.6	)
												Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	(14		)	(0.1	)	(253		)	(1.1	)
	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	(70		)	(0.7	)	(422		)	(5.3	)	Other	195			0.7		260			1.1
	Other	166			1.6		299			3.8
												Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	7,995		29.3	%	$	(913	)	(3.9	)%
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	3,427		34	%	$	(4,350	)	(54.6	)%

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben1

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below:
		Three months ended February 28,						Six months ended February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit pension plans:
	Service cost	$	960		$	988		$	1,908		$	1,954
	Interest cost	1,355			1,222			2,689			2,423
	Expected return on plan assets	(455		)	(376		)	(899		)	(753		)
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	355			378			704			748
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,215		$	2,212		$	4,402		$	4,372
	Other postretirement benefit plan:
	Service cost	$	1		$	3		$	2		$	8
	Interest cost	123			112			246			227
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(141		)	(136		)	(280		)	(270		)
	Curtailment (gain) loss	—			—			—			333
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$	(17	)	$	(21	)	$	(32	)	$	298

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc1

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity for the six months ended February 28, 2014 is as follows:
		Common			Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated		Retained			Treasury			Noncontrolling		Total
		Stock ($1 par value)						Other		Earnings			Stock			Interests		Equity
								Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Balance as of September 1, 2013	$	48,094		$	263,158		$	682	$	574,370		$	(378,927	)	$	7,367	$	514,744
	Comprehensive income (loss)							16,714		21,930						237		38,881
	Cash dividends paid, $0.40 per share									(11,777		)						(11,777		)
	Purchase of treasury stock												(1,116		)			(1,116		)
	Issuance of treasury stock				58								96					154
	Stock options exercised	7			115													122
	Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	88			(88		)											—
	Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(10		)	(351		)											(361		)
	Amortization of restricted stock				2,393													2,393
	Balance as of February 28, 2014	$	48,179		$	265,285		$	17,396	$	584,523		$	(379,947	)	$	7,604	$	543,040

Reclassification_Out_of_Accumu1

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended										6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014										Feb. 28, 2014
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'										'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'										'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows(1):
												Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)				Pension and Other Retiree Benefits(2)			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)			Pension and Other Retiree Benefits(2)			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)				(In thousands)
		(In thousands)									Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	17,712			$	(17,030	)	$	682
	Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	29,610		$	(16,911	)	$	12,699
											Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	17,251				—			17,251
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,498			—			4,498
											Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(885		)	(3)	234			(651		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			115			115
											Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	16,366				234			16,600
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	4,498			115			4,613
											Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(114		)		—			(114		)
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(84		)	—			(84		)	noncontrolling interests
	noncontrolling interests										Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	16,480				234			16,714
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	4,582			115			4,697
											Balance as of February 28, 2014	$	34,192			$	(16,796	)	$	17,396
	Balance as of February 28, 2014	$	34,192		$	(16,796	)	$	17,396

ShareBased_Incentive_Compensat1

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
		Three months ended February 28,				Six months ended February 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards	$	873	$	1,041	$	2,199	$	1,747
	Board of Directors unrestricted awards	797		850		797		850
	Total share-based incentive compensation	$	1,670	$	1,891	$	2,996	$	2,597

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	'
	The difference between basic and diluted weighted-average shares results from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and grants of restricted stock, calculated using the treasury stock method. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts:
		Three months ended February 28,		Six months ended February 28,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic	29,059	29,293	29,038	29,255
	Incremental shares from equity awards	218	432	202	413
	Diluted	29,277	29,725	29,240	29,668

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended									6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014									Feb. 28, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'									'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'									'
										The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:
											Three months ended February 28,							Six months ended February 28,
											2014			2013				2014				2013
											(In thousands)
										EMEA	$	383,024		$	342,198			$	775,486			$	693,686
										Americas	157,099			144,205				303,626				293,779
										APAC	48,385			29,037				94,793				60,060
										Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	588,508		$	515,440			$	1,173,905			$	1,047,525
										Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
											Three months ended February 28,							Six months ended February 28,
											2014			2013				2014				2013
											(In thousands)
										EMEA	$	47,499		$	39,930			$	99,439			$	85,033
										Americas	21,226			18,735				42,659				40,161
										APAC	6,527			4,938				13,150				10,492
										Total segment gross profit	75,252			63,603				155,248				135,686
										Inventory step-up	(782		)	—				(1,199		)		(138		)
										Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related	(171		)	(404		)		(642		)		(682		)
										Total gross profit	$	74,299		$	63,199			$	153,407			$	134,866
										Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:
											Three months ended February 28,							Six months ended February 28,
											2014			2013				2014				2013
											(In thousands)
										EMEA	$	17,553		$	11,521			$	37,972			$	27,666
										Americas	6,269			5,845				13,632				13,637
										APAC	3,176			2,405				6,542				5,494
										Total segment operating income	26,998			19,771				58,146				46,797
										Corporate	(7,714		)	(7,512		)		(14,397		)		(13,459		)
										Costs related to acquisitions	(1,851		)	(675		)		(2,487		)		(987		)
										Restructuring and related costs	(2,792		)	(1,669		)		(6,164		)		(3,606		)
										Accelerated depreciation	—			(404		)		(108		)		(682		)
										Asset impairment	(104		)	—				(104		)		(498		)
										Curtailment gain (loss)	—			—				—				(333		)
										Inventory step-up	(782		)	—				(1,199		)		(138		)
										Operating income	13,755			9,511				33,687				27,094
										Interest expense, net	(2,407		)	(1,806		)		(4,536		)		(3,367		)
										Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(1,466		)	40				(2,148		)		(539		)
										Other income (expense), net	193			211				271				347
										Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	10,075		$	7,956			$	27,274			$	23,535
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	'									'
	Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) masterbatch solutions, (2) engineered plastics, (3) distribution services, (4) specialty powders and (5) custom performance colors. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:
											Six months ended February 28,
		Three months ended February 28,									2014						2013
		2014				2013					(In thousands, except for %'s)
										Masterbatch solutions	$	381,361		33	%		$	388,470			37	%
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Masterbatch solutions	$	188,969	32	%	$	189,544	37	%	Engineered plastics	357,601			30			258,726				25
	Engineered plastics	182,890		31		123,908		24		Distribution services	184,314			16			182,255				17
	Distribution services	94,406		16		94,608		18		Specialty powders	166,810			14			143,564				14
	Specialty powders	79,863		14		69,741		14		Custom performance colors	83,819			7			74,510				7
	Custom performance colors	42,380		7		37,639		7		Total consolidated net sales	$	1,173,905		100	%		$	1,047,525			100	%
	Total consolidated net sales	$	588,508	100	%	$	515,440	100	%

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
RESTRUCTURING [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s restructuring plans:
		Employee-related Costs			Other Costs			Translation Effect			Total Restructuring Costs
		(In thousands)
	Accrual balance as of August 31, 2013	$	5,446		$	400		$	(497	)	$	5,349
	Fiscal 2014 charges	1,576			1,929			—			3,505
	Fiscal 2014 payments	(4,507		)	(1,973		)	—			(6,480		)
	Translation	—			—			381			381
	Accrual balance as of February 28, 2014	$	2,515		$	356		$	(116	)	$	2,755
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows:
		Three months ended February 28,						Six months ended February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	124		$	1,138		$	625		$	2,695
	Americas	1,592			517			2,804			731
	APAC	11			14			76			180
	Total restructuring expense	$	1,727		$	1,669		$	3,505		$	3,606

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following summarizes select financial information included in net earnings from discontinued operations:
		Three months ended February 28,					Six months ended February 28,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	83	$	6,929		$	1,372	$	15,396
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	347	$	(282	)	$	3,002	$	(279	)

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Sep. 04, 2012	Sep. 02, 2013	Dec. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
					E.C.M. Plastics Inc. [Member]	The Perrite Group [Member]	Network Polymers, Inc. [Member]	Prime Colorants [Member]
Business Acquisitions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	$1.80	$0.70	$2.50	$1	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price	'	'	'	'	$36.80	$51.30	$49.20	$15.10

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill	'	'
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	'	$0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	41,318,000	'
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	4,535,000	'
Goodwill	185,379,000	139,526,000
EMEA [Member]	'	'
Goodwill	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	11,618,000	'
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	4,530,000	'
Goodwill	86,414,000	70,266,000
Americas [Member]	'	'
Goodwill	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	29,063,000	'
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	3,000	'
Goodwill	98,326,000	69,260,000
APAC [Member]	'	'
Goodwill	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	637,000	'
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	2,000	'
Goodwill	$639,000	$0

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$155,093,000	'	$155,093,000	'	$120,761,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-35,554,000	'	-35,554,000	'	-28,874,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	119,539,000	'	119,539,000	'	91,887,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3,100,000	2,600,000	6,100,000	5,200,000	'
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	107,961,000	'	107,961,000	'	85,129,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-23,922,000	'	-23,922,000	'	-19,605,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	84,039,000	'	84,039,000	'	65,524,000
Developed Technology [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	20,052,000	'	20,052,000	'	19,641,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-6,147,000	'	-6,147,000	'	-5,156,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	13,905,000	'	13,905,000	'	14,485,000
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	27,080,000	'	27,080,000	'	15,991,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-5,485,000	'	-5,485,000	'	-4,113,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$21,595,000	'	$21,595,000	'	$11,878,000

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran2

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details)

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

2011 Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2011 Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]

Outstanding Letters of Credit [Member]

Outstanding Letters of Credit [Member]

Borrowings [Member]

Borrowings [Member]

Euro Notes [Member]

Euro Notes [Member]

Euro Notes [Member]

Euro Notes [Member]

Existing Capacity [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Stated Value [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Domestic short-term lines of credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$15,000,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable and other, due within one year

7,096,000

5,042,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current portion of long-term debt

13,476,000

3,331,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Lines and Notes, Amount Outstanding less Letters of Credit

261,900,000

156,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign Short-term Lines of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

61,627,000

56,178,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Capacity from Credit Lines and Notes

572,252,000

356,178,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

300,000,000

200,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

195,625,000

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

241,117,000

149,024,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Domestic short-term lines of credit, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

15,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign short-term lines of credit

53,251,000

49,302,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

1,000,000

253,500,000

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Domestic Uncollateralized Short Term Lines Of Credit, outstanding borrowings

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Euro Senior Notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,300,000

62,600,000

45,300,000

'

Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.49%

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, early termination fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,000,000

'

'

'

'

Short-term debt

20,572,000

8,373,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread

'

'

0

150,000,000

57,907,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan, due 2018

'

'

'

'

'

'

185,625,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Euro notes, 4.485%, due 2016

59,099,000

56,626,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital leases and other long-term debt

350,000

809,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

302,981,000

207,435,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Available Funds from Credit Lines and Notes

309,368,000

198,326,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

$300,000,000

$200,000,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$195,625,000

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value transfers between levels	$0	$0
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	801,000	151,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	929,000	1,224,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	65,797,000	63,460,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	121,900,000	138,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	0	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	0	0
Long-term fixed-rate debt	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	801,000	151,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	929,000	1,224,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	65,797,000	63,460,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	0	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	0	0
Long-term fixed-rate debt	0	0
Euro Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable carrying value	$62,600,000	$60,000,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$3,526,000	$2,785,000	$9,546,000	$8,237,000
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate percentage	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Impact of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	-3,878,000	-1,355,000	-7,674,000	-4,603,000
Impact of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate percentage	-38.40%	-17.00%	-28.10%	-19.50%
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	2,815,000	1,161,000	4,600,000	1,941,000
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit percentage	27.90%	14.60%	16.90%	8.20%
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	868,000	231,000	1,342,000	554,000
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit percentage	8.60%	2.90%	4.90%	2.40%
Valuation allowance changes	0	-7,049,000	0	-7,049,000
Valuation allowance changes percentage	0.00%	-88.60%	0.00%	-30.00%
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	-70,000	-422,000	-14,000	-253,000
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions percentage	-0.70%	-5.30%	-0.10%	-1.10%
Other	166,000	299,000	195,000	260,000
Other percentage	1.60%	3.80%	0.70%	1.10%
Total income tax expense (benefit)	3,427,000	-4,350,000	7,995,000	-913,000
Total income tax expense (benefit) percentage	34.00%	-54.60%	29.30%	-3.90%
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	3,800,000	'	3,800,000	'
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	1,000,000	'	1,000,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	5,500,000	'	5,500,000	'
Mexico Tax Law Change [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impact of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$800,000	'	$800,000	'

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben2

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Curtailment (gain) loss	$0	$0	$0	$333
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	960	988	1,908	1,954
Interest cost	1,355	1,222	2,689	2,423
Expected return on plan assets	-455	-376	-899	-753
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	355	378	704	748
Net periodic benefit cost	2,215	2,212	4,402	4,372
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1	3	2	8
Interest cost	123	112	246	227
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	-141	-136	-280	-270
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	0	0	333
Net periodic benefit cost	($17)	($21)	($32)	$298

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Comprehensive income (loss)	$11,608	$13,505	$38,881	$34,897	'
Cash dividends paid, $0.40 per share	'	'	-11,777	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	'	'	-1,116	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock	'	'	154	'	'
Stock options exercised	'	'	122	'	'
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	0	'	'
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	'	'	361	397	'
Equity impact of redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	'	'	-361	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock	'	'	2,393	'	'
Balance as of February 28, 2014	543,040	'	543,040	'	514,744
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	'	'	7	'	'
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	88	'	'
Equity impact of redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	'	'	-10	'	'
Balance as of February 28, 2014	48,179	'	48,179	'	48,094
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock	'	'	58	'	'
Stock options exercised	'	'	115	'	'
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	-88	'	'
Equity impact of redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	'	'	-351	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock	'	'	2,393	'	'
Balance as of February 28, 2014	265,285	'	265,285	'	263,158
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	'	'	-1,116	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock	'	'	96	'	'
Balance as of February 28, 2014	-379,947	'	-379,947	'	-378,927
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	16,714	'	'
Balance as of February 28, 2014	17,396	'	17,396	'	682
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	21,930	'	'
Cash dividends paid, $0.40 per share	'	'	-11,777	'	'
Balance as of February 28, 2014	584,523	'	584,523	'	574,370
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	237	'	'
Balance as of February 28, 2014	$7,604	'	$7,604	'	$7,367

Reclassification_Out_of_Accumu2

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$17,396	[1]	'	$17,396	[1]	'	$12,699	[1]	$682	[1]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,498	[1]	'	17,251	[1]	'	'		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	115	[1]	'	-651	[1]	'	'		'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	115	[1],[2]	118	234	[1],[2]	895	'		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	4,613	[1]	1,481	16,600	[1]	10,728	'		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	4,498	[1]	1,363	16,366	[1]	9,833	'		'
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-84	[1]	'	-114	[1]	'	'		'
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	4,697	[1]	'	16,714	[1]	'	'		'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	34,192	[1]	'	34,192	[1]	'	29,610	[1]	17,712	[1]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,498	[1]	'	17,251	[1]	'	'		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	[1]	'	-885	[1],[3]	'	'		'
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-84	[1]	'	-114	[1]	'	'		'
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	4,582	[1]	'	16,480	[1]	'	'		'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-16,796	[1],[2]	'	-16,796	[1],[2]	'	-16,911	[1],[2]	-17,030	[1],[2]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	[1],[2]	'	0	[1],[2]	'	'		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	115	[1],[2]	'	234	[1],[2]	'	'		'
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	[1],[2]	'	0	[1],[2]	'	'		'
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$115	[1],[2]	'	$234	[1],[2]	'	'		'
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax.
[2]	(2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 7 of this Form 10-Q for further details.
[3]	(3) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 18 of this Form 10-Q for further details.

ShareBased_Incentive_Compansat

Share-Based Incentive Compansation Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based incentive compensation	$1,670,000	$1,891,000	$2,996,000	$2,597,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	10,500,000	'	10,500,000	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'1 year 9 months 18 days	'
Time Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Awards granted	42,138	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$34.42	'	'	'
Time Based and Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based incentive compensation	873,000	1,041,000	2,199,000	1,747,000
Board of Directors Unrestricted Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Awards granted	23,150	'	'	'
Share-based incentive compensation	$797,000	$850,000	$797,000	$850,000
Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Awards granted	315,941	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$29.14	'	'	'
2006 Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	524,749	'	524,749	'
2010 Rewards Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	22,949	'	22,949	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Basic	29,059	29,293	29,038	29,255
Incremental shares from equity awards	218	432	202	413
Diluted	29,277	29,725	29,240	29,668

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$588,508	$515,440	$1,173,905	$1,047,525
Segment gross profit	75,252	63,603	155,248	135,686
Inventory step-up	-782	0	-1,199	-138
Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related	-171	-404	-642	-682
Gross profit	74,299	63,199	153,407	134,866
Costs related to acquisitions	-1,851	-675	-2,487	-987
Restructuring related	-2,792	-1,669	-6,164	-3,606
Accelerated depreciation	0	-404	-108	-682
Asset impairment	-104	0	-104	-498
Curtailment gain (loss)	0	0	0	-333
Operating income	13,755	9,511	33,687	27,094
Interest expense, net	-2,407	-1,806	-4,536	-3,367
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	-1,466	40	-2,148	-539
Other income (expense), net	193	211	271	347
Income from continuing operations before taxes	10,075	7,956	27,274	23,535
Net sales, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Custom Performance Colors [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	42,380	37,639	83,819	74,510
Net sales, percentage	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Masterbatch Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	188,969	189,544	381,361	388,470
Net sales, percentage	32.00%	37.00%	33.00%	37.00%
Engineered Plastics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	182,890	123,908	357,601	258,726
Net sales, percentage	31.00%	24.00%	30.00%	25.00%
Specialty Powders [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	79,863	69,741	166,810	143,564
Net sales, percentage	14.00%	14.00%	14.00%	14.00%
Distribution Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	94,406	94,608	184,314	182,255
Net sales, percentage	16.00%	18.00%	16.00%	17.00%
EMEA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	383,024	342,198	775,486	693,686
Segment gross profit	47,499	39,930	99,439	85,033
Operating income before certain items	17,553	11,521	37,972	27,666
Americas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	157,099	144,205	303,626	293,779
Segment gross profit	21,226	18,735	42,659	40,161
Operating income before certain items	6,269	5,845	13,632	13,637
APAC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	48,385	29,037	94,793	60,060
Segment gross profit	6,527	4,938	13,150	10,492
Operating income before certain items	3,176	2,405	6,542	5,494
Total Segment Operating Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income before certain items	26,998	19,771	58,146	46,797
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income before certain items	($7,714)	($7,512)	($14,397)	($13,459)

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Restructuring	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	$2,755	'	$2,755	'	$5,349
Fiscal 2014 charges	1,727	1,669	3,505	3,606	'
Fiscal 2014 payments	'	'	-6,480	'	'
Accelerated depreciation	0	404	108	682	'
Translation	'	'	381	'	'
EMEA [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'	'	'
Fiscal 2014 charges	124	1,138	625	2,695	'
Americas [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'	'	'
Fiscal 2014 charges	1,592	517	2,804	731	'
APAC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'	'	'
Fiscal 2014 charges	11	14	76	180	'
Employee Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	2,515	'	2,515	'	5,446
Fiscal 2014 charges	'	'	1,576	'	'
Fiscal 2014 payments	'	'	-4,507	'	'
Translation	'	'	0	'	'
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	356	'	356	'	400
Fiscal 2014 charges	'	'	1,929	'	'
Fiscal 2014 payments	'	'	-1,973	'	'
Translation	'	'	0	'	'
Translation Effect on Restructuring Reserve [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	-116	'	-116	'	-497
Fiscal 2014 charges	'	'	0	'	'
Fiscal 2014 payments	'	'	0	'	'
Translation	'	'	$381	'	'

Asset_Impairments_Details

Asset Impairments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'
Asset impairment	$104	$0	$104	$498
Oyonnax, France [Member]	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'
Asset impairment	'	'	100	500
Italy Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	$1,500	'	$1,500	'

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014
Share Repurchase Program	'	'	'
Number of treasury stock shares acquired	0	40,327	'
Treasury stock shares acquired, average cost per share	'	$27.68	'
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	'	'	$1,116,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount	'	'	$55,500,000

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets	'	'	$4,738	$8,008
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	'	'	3,331	0
Net sales	83	6,929	1,372	15,396
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	347	-282	3,002	-279
Australia rotational molding [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets	'	'	3,000	'
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	'	'	$3,300	'