A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-Q 6 Jan 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Dec. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87565
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Nov-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-23
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,104,817

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Net sales	$615,053	$585,397
Cost of sales	528,209	506,289
Selling, general and administrative expenses	60,547	57,398
Restructuring expense	5,219	1,778
Operating income	21,078	19,932
Interest expense	2,359	2,191
Interest income	-95	-62
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	1,099	682
Other (income) expense, net	-159	-78
Income from continuing operations before taxes	17,874	17,199
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	4,486	4,568
Income from continuing operations	13,388	12,631
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-10	2,655
Net income	13,378	15,286
Noncontrolling interests	-220	-215
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$13,158	$15,071
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,017	29,017
Diluted	29,468	29,205
Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
Income from continuing operations	$0.45	$0.43
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	$0.09
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$0.45	$0.52
Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
Income from continuing operations	$0.45	$0.43
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	$0.09
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$0.45	$0.52
Cash dividends per common share	$0.21	$0.20

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013
Net income	$13,378		$15,286
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	-25,615	[1]	11,868	[1]
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax	336	[1],[2]	119	[1],[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-25,279	[1]	11,987	[1]
Comprehensive income (loss)	-11,901		27,273
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	196		185
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	($12,097)		$27,088
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
[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 6 of this Form 10-Q for further details.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$132,109		$135,493
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,674 at November 30, 2014 and $10,844 at August 31, 2014	376,486		384,444
Inventories	296,539		292,141
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	47,591		40,473
Total current assets	852,725		852,551
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	27,155		28,439
Buildings and leasehold improvements	154,656		160,858
Machinery and equipment	394,884		398,563
Furniture and fixtures	39,785		41,255
Construction in progress	17,676		16,718
Gross property, plant and equipment	634,156		645,833
Accumulated depreciation	384,143		391,912
Net property, plant and equipment	250,013		253,921
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	63,376		65,079
Goodwill	198,649		202,299
Intangible assets, net	131,488		138,634
Total assets	1,496,251		1,512,484
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	314,315		314,957
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	6,075		6,385
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	47,661		54,199
Other accrued liabilities	52,270		46,054
Short-term debt	32,012		31,748
Total current liabilities	452,333		453,343
Long-term debt	353,262		339,546
Pension plans	123,923		129,949
Deferred income taxes	23,222		23,826
Other long-term liabilities	28,704		29,369
Total liabilities	981,444		976,033
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,186 shares at November 30 2014 and 48,185 shares at August 31, 2014	48,186		48,185
Additional paid-in capital	269,818		268,545
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-41,946	[1]	-16,691	[1]
Retained earnings	614,094		606,898
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,081 shares at November 30, 2014 and 18,973 shares at August 31, 2014	-383,199		-379,894
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	506,953		527,043
Noncontrolling interests	7,854		9,408
Total equity	514,807		536,451
Total liabilities and equity	$1,496,251		$1,512,484
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,674	$10,844
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,186	48,185
Treasury stock, shares	19,081	18,973

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net income	$13,378	$15,286
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	8,963	7,865
Amortization	4,066	3,244
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	633	-693
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	2,452	2,550
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations	0	-3,028
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-4,731	-12,681
Inventories	-16,341	-25,936
Accounts payable	8,200	24,826
Income taxes	463	765
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	2,846	1,239
Other assets and long-term liabilities	-9,670	-3,618
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	10,259	9,819
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	-10,324	-9,601
Proceeds from the sale of assets	904	3,087
Business acquisitions, net of cash	-6,698	-51,322
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	-16,118	-57,836
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid	-5,962	-5,915
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	870	3,294
Borrowings on long-term debt	27,500	457,000
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	-10,915	-444,649
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	-1,731
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	-1,750	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	71	211
Purchases of treasury stock	-3,335	-1,116
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	6,479	7,094
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,004	1,672
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-3,384	-39,251
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	135,493	134,054
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$132,109	$94,803

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 periods 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, 2014.
	The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015.
	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, 2014.
	Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2015 presentation.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
	Specialty Plastics Business of Ferro Corporation
	On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired the majority of the assets of the specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation(“Specialty Plastics” acquisition) for $91.0 million. The results of operations for this business have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.
	The acquisition strategically expands the Company's geographic reach with multiple facilities located in the U.S. and one facility located in Spain, diversifies the Company's product mix and strengthens its position in a broad range of attractive product markets. Additionally, the business offers a broad portfolio of proprietary products and recognized brand names serving a wide range of end markets including packaging, transportation, construction, appliances and agriculture.
	The information included herein has been prepared based on the preliminary allocation of the purchase price using estimates of the fair value and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed which were determined with the assistance of independent valuations using discounted cash flow and comparative market multiple approaches, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. The purchase price allocation is subject to further adjustment until all pertinent information regarding the acquired accounts receivable, inventory, intangible assets, property, plant & equipment, other current and long-term liabilities, and deferred income tax assets and liabilities are fully evaluated by the Company.
	The following table presents the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Specialty Plastics acquisition at the date of acquisition:
			As of July 1, 2014
			(In thousands)
	Accounts receivable		$	27,850
	Inventories		12,800
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		415
	Property, plant and equipment		20,049
	Intangible assets		26,985
	Total assets acquired		$	88,099
	Accounts payable		15,247
	Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		1,552
	Other accrued liabilities		706
	Other long-term liabilities		181
	Total liabilities assumed		$	17,686
	Identifiable net assets acquired		$	70,413
	Goodwill		20,587
	Net assets acquired		$	91,000
	The Company preliminarily recorded acquired intangible assets of $27.0 million, all of which are customer related intangibles with an estimated weighted-average useful life of 13.6 years. In addition, the estimated fair value of accounts receivable acquired was $27.9 million with the gross contractual amount being $28.0 million.
	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. The amount allocated to goodwill associated with the Specialty Plastics acquisition is primarily the result of anticipated synergies and market expansion.
	The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Specialty Plastics acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2013:
			Three months ended November 30,
			2013
			Unaudited
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales		$	624,872
	Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	16,075
	Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted		$	0.55
	The following table summarizes the Company's other business acquisitions for the periods presented:
	Transaction Description	Date of Transaction		Purchase	Segment
				Consideration
				(In millions)
	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
	Compco Pty. Ltd.	2-Sep-14		$6.70	APAC
	A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia
	The Company incurred $1.1 million and $0.6 million of acquisition and integration related costs, primarily included in selling, general & administrative expenses, during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes in the Company's carrying value of goodwill are as follows:
		EMEA			Americas			APAC			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	85,957		$	115,679		$	663		$	202,299
	Acquisitions	(80		)	1,064			407			1,391
	Translation and other	(4,556		)	(404		)	(81		)	(5,041		)
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	81,321		$	116,339		$	989		$	198,649
	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 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, 2014 and noted no impairment. Management uses judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative analysis or a quantitative fair value measurement approach that combines the income and market valuation techniques for each of the Company’s reporting units that carry goodwill. These valuation techniques use estimates 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.
	The Company is not aware of any triggers which would require a goodwill impairment test as of November 30, 2014.
	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category:
		November 30, 2014									August 31, 2014
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Customer related	$	136,295		$	(30,741	)	$	105,554		$	139,990		$	(29,088	)	$	110,902
	Developed technology	19,106			(7,191		)	11,915			19,603			(6,914		)	12,689
	Registered trademarks and tradenames	20,061			(6,042		)	14,019			20,945			(5,902		)	15,043
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	175,462		$	(43,974	)	$	131,488		$	180,538		$	(41,904	)	$	138,634
	Foreign currency translation reduced the gross carrying amount of intangible assets by $5.1 million from August 31, 2014 to November 30, 2014. Amortization expense of intangible assets was $3.4 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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:
		November 30, 2014								August 31, 2014
		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	$	1,610	$	—	$	1,610	$	—	$	713	$	—	$	713	$	—
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	1,718	$	—	$	1,718	$	—	$	557	$	—	$	557	$	—
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate debt	$	55,201	$	—	$	55,201	$	—	$	58,882	$	—	$	58,882	$	—
	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 $161.4 million and $118.0 million as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, 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 November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014.
	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 November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, the carrying value of the Company's long-term fixed-rate debt recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $53.4 million and $56.4 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, 2014. The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during fiscal 2015, 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. There were no significant assets or liabilities that were remeasured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the periods presented.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 respective periods is as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014					2013
		(In thousands, except for %’s)
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	6,256		35	%	$	6,019		35	%
	Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	(2,034		)	(11.4	)	(3,794		)	(22.1	)
	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	1,430			8		1,785			10.4
	U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	539			3		473			2.8
	U.S. income with no tax	(2,091		)	(11.7	)	—			—
	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	49			0.3		56			0.3
	Other	337			1.9		29			0.2
	Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	$	4,486		25.1	%	$	4,568		26.6	%
	The effective tax rates for the three months ended November 30, 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. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended November 30, 2014 as compared with the same period last year was driven primarily by a decrease in U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit combined with U.S. income in the current period with no tax as a result of an offsetting decrease in the U.S. valuation allowance.
	As of November 30, 2014, the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $3.6 million. If recognized, $2.8 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 November 30, 2014, the Company had $0.9 million of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits.
	The Company’s statute of limitations is open in various jurisdictions as follows: Germany - from 2005 onward, France - from 2010 onward, U.S. - from 2011 onward, Belgium - from 2012 onward, other foreign jurisdictions - from 2009 onward.
	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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit pension plans:
	Service cost	$	1,254		$	948
	Interest cost	1,168			1,334
	Expected return on plan assets	(471		)	(444		)
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	786			349
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,737		$	2,187
	Other postretirement benefit plan:
	Service cost	$	1		$	1
	Interest cost	110			123
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(135		)	(139		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$	(24	)	$	(15	)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows:
		Common		Additional Paid-In Capital		Accumulated			Retained			Treasury			Non-controlling			Total
		Stock ($1 par value)				Other			Earnings			Stock			Interests			Equity
						Comprehensive
						Income (Loss)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Balance as of September 1, 2014	$	48,185	$	268,545	$	(16,691	)	$	606,898		$	(379,894	)	$	9,408		$	536,451
	Comprehensive income (loss)					(25,255		)	13,158						196			(11,901		)
	Cash dividends paid, $0.205 per share								(5,962		)							(5,962		)
	Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests														(1,750		)	(1,750		)
	Purchase of treasury stock											(3,335		)				(3,335		)
	Issuance of treasury stock			24								30						54
	Stock options exercised	1		16														17
	Amortization of restricted stock			1,233														1,233
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	48,186	$	269,818	$	(41,946	)	$	614,094		$	(383,199	)	$	7,854		$	514,807

Reclassification_Out_of_Accumu

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block]	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 August 31, 2014	$	22,786			$	(39,477	)		$	(16,691	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(25,615		)		—				(25,615		)
	Amounts reclassified to earnings	—				336			(3)	336
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(25,615		)		336				(25,279		)
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(24		)		—				(24		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(25,591		)		336				(25,255		)
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	(2,805	)		$	(39,141	)		$	(41,946	)
		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	12,753				—				12,753
	Amounts reclassified to earnings	(885		)	(4)	119			(3)	(766		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	11,868				119				11,987
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(30		)		—				(30		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	11,898				119				12,017
	Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	29,610			$	(16,911	)		$	12,699
	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
	(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 6 of this Form 10-Q for further details.
	(3) Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs.
	(4) 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 19 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014 for further details.

ShareBased_Incentive_Compensat

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
INCENTIVE STOCK PLANS [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS
	For a 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, 2014. The Company did not grant any restricted stock awards during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company recorded share-based incentive compensation expense of $1.3 million during each of the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013. These amounts are primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	On December 12, 2014, both the Compensation Committee and all of the independent members of the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously approved the accelerated vesting upon retirement of the outstanding equity compensation awards previously granted to Joseph M. Gingo in 2013 and 2014 in lieu of the pro rata vesting otherwise required under the terms of the awards. As a result, the Company expects to recognize a one-time charge of approximately $5.8 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 for such accelerated vesting. Awards granted in 2012 will vest pursuant to their grant terms and conditions on January 12, 2015.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 as well as 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 vesting of restricted stock awards, 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 November 30,
		2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic	29,017	29,017
	Incremental shares from equity awards	451	188
	Diluted	29,468	29,205

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 (“CEO”), 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 current 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 and related costs including accelerated depreciation, asset impairments, or costs and inventory step-up charges related to business acquisitions and integration. 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.
	On November 17, 2014, the Company appointed a Vice President and General Manager for the United States & Canada and a Vice President and General Manager for Latin America. These appointments separate responsibilities that were previously combined under the Vice President and General Manager of the Americas. On January 1, 2015, the Company’s new President and CEO assumed the role of CODM. Based on the new management structure and an evaluation of how the new CODM is expected to make decisions, assess performance and allocate resources, the Company expects to disclose the following four reportable segments beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2015: EMEA, United States & Canada, Latin America and APAC.
	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	371,191		$	392,462
	Americas	190,888			146,527
	APAC	52,974			46,408
	Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	615,053		$	585,397
	Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	49,706		$	51,940
	Americas	30,279			21,433
	APAC	7,250			6,623
	Total segment gross profit	87,235			79,996
	Inventory step-up	(341		)	(417		)
	Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs	—			(471		)
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	(50		)	—
	Total gross profit	$	86,844		$	79,108
	Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	20,039		$	20,417
	Americas	11,988			7,364
	APAC	3,508			3,366
	Total segment operating income	35,535			31,147
	Corporate	(7,484		)	(6,683		)
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	(1,053		)	(635		)
	Restructuring and related costs	(5,579		)	(3,372		)
	Accelerated depreciation	—			(108		)
	Inventory step-up	(341		)	(417		)
	Operating income	21,078			19,932
	Interest expense, net	(2,264		)	(2,129		)
	Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(1,099		)	(682		)
	Other income (expense), net	159			78
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	17,874		$	17,199
	Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) custom performance colors, (2) masterbatch solutions, (3) engineered plastics, (4) specialty powders and (5) distribution services. The Company offers tolling services to customers primarily in the specialty powders product family. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014						2013
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Custom performance colors	$	48,078		8	%		$	44,941	8	%
	Masterbatch solutions	202,030			33			182,903		31
	Engineered plastics	194,516			32			180,698		31
	Specialty powders	82,357			13			86,947		15
	Distribution services	88,072			14			89,908		15
	Total consolidated net sales	$	615,053		100	%		$	585,397	100	%
	The three months ended November 30, 2013 include a reclassification of revenue between product families to better reflect the way the businesses are managed.

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
RESTRUCTURING [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	RESTRUCTURING
	Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Plans
	EMEA Reorganization Plan
	In October 2014, the Company announced actions to optimize the back-office and support functions in EMEA. The Company plans to reduce headcount in EMEA by approximately 40, with the majority of reductions expected to occur during the first half of fiscal 2015. During the three months ended November 30, 2014, the Company recorded $4.2 million of pretax employee-related costs and expects to recognize additional pretax employee-related costs of $2.7 million throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015 for this plan. As of November 30, 2014, the Company has a balance of $3.2 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur during fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed.
	North American Production Facilities Consolidation Plan
	In November 2014, the Company announced plans to consolidate its North American production facilities. As part of the ongoing review of its manufacturing footprint, the Company will close its plant in Stryker, Ohio in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 and shift the plant’s production to other North American facilities. The Company expects to reduce headcount by approximately 70 by the end of fiscal 2015. The Company recorded $0.6 million of pretax employee-related costs during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and expects to recognize additional pretax employee-related costs of $1.9 million throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of November 30, 2014, the Company has a balance of $0.6 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur during fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed.
	North American SG&A Reduction Plan
	In November 2014, the Company announced plans to reduce headcount by approximately 10, primarily in North America selling, general and administrative functions as part of its ongoing effort to drive further synergies from recent acquisitions. The Company recorded $0.2 million of pretax employee-related costs during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and expects to recognize additional pretax employee-related costs of $0.3 million throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of November 30, 2014, the Company has a balance of $0.1 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur during fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed.
	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, 2014.
	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, 2014	$	1,745		$	371		$	(304	)	$	1,812
	Fiscal 2015 charges	4,907			312			—			5,219
	Fiscal 2015 payments	(1,419		)	(328		)	—			(1,747		)
	Translation	—			—			(133		)	(133		)
	Accrual balance as of November 30, 2014	$	5,233		$	355		$	(437	)	$	5,151
	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	4,274		$	501
	Americas	945			1,212
	APAC	—			65
	Total restructuring expense	$	5,219		$	1,778

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 it is 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, 2014.

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
	For a discussion of the Company's Share Repurchase programs, refer to Note 18 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 109,422 shares of common stock at an average price of $30.46 per share for a total cost of $3.3 million. As of November 30, 2014, shares valued at $51.7 million remain authorized for repurchase. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 40,327 shares of common stock at an average price of $27.68 per share for a total cost of $1.1 million.

Accounting_Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“the FASB”) issued new accounting guidance that requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, including interim periods. Early application is permitted. The standard is not anticipated to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that creates a single revenue recognition model, while clarifying the principles for recognizing revenue. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods, and the Company will adopt the new guidance on September 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to reporting discontinued operations that changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014 on a prospective basis, including interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	No other new accounting pronouncements issued or with effective dates during fiscal 2015 had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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
	The Company completed the sale of all of the fixed and intangible assets of its rotational compounding business in Australia 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.
	The following summarizes select financial information included in income (loss) from discontinued operations:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,288
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(10	)	$	2,655
	During the three months ended November 30, 2013, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of assets of $3.0 million. Income taxes were minimal for all periods presented.

General_Policies

General (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 periods 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, 2014.
	The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015.

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014					Nov. 30, 2013
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]						The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Specialty Plastics acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2013:
							Three months ended November 30,
							2013
							Unaudited
							(In thousands, except per share data)
						Net sales	$	624,872
						Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$	16,075
						Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted	$	0.55
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Specialty Plastics acquisition at the date of acquisition:
			As of July 1, 2014
			(In thousands)
	Accounts receivable		$	27,850
	Inventories		12,800
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		415
	Property, plant and equipment		20,049
	Intangible assets		26,985
	Total assets acquired		$	88,099
	Accounts payable		15,247
	Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		1,552
	Other accrued liabilities		706
	Other long-term liabilities		181
	Total liabilities assumed		$	17,686
	Identifiable net assets acquired		$	70,413
	Goodwill		20,587
	Net assets acquired		$	91,000
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company's other business acquisitions for the periods presented:
	Transaction Description	Date of Transaction		Purchase	Segment
				Consideration
				(In millions)
	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
	Compco Pty. Ltd.	2-Sep-14		$6.70	APAC
	A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The changes in the Company's carrying value of goodwill are as follows:
		EMEA			Americas			APAC			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	85,957		$	115,679		$	663		$	202,299
	Acquisitions	(80		)	1,064			407			1,391
	Translation and other	(4,556		)	(404		)	(81		)	(5,041		)
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	81,321		$	116,339		$	989		$	198,649
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category:
		November 30, 2014									August 31, 2014
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Customer related	$	136,295		$	(30,741	)	$	105,554		$	139,990		$	(29,088	)	$	110,902
	Developed technology	19,106			(7,191		)	11,915			19,603			(6,914		)	12,689
	Registered trademarks and tradenames	20,061			(6,042		)	14,019			20,945			(5,902		)	15,043
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	175,462		$	(43,974	)	$	131,488		$	180,538		$	(41,904	)	$	138,634

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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:
		November 30, 2014								August 31, 2014
		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	$	1,610	$	—	$	1,610	$	—	$	713	$	—	$	713	$	—
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	1,718	$	—	$	1,718	$	—	$	557	$	—	$	557	$	—
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate debt	$	55,201	$	—	$	55,201	$	—	$	58,882	$	—	$	58,882	$	—

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 respective periods is as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014					2013
		(In thousands, except for %’s)
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	6,256		35	%	$	6,019		35	%
	Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	(2,034		)	(11.4	)	(3,794		)	(22.1	)
	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	1,430			8		1,785			10.4
	U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	539			3		473			2.8
	U.S. income with no tax	(2,091		)	(11.7	)	—			—
	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	49			0.3		56			0.3
	Other	337			1.9		29			0.2
	Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	$	4,486		25.1	%	$	4,568		26.6	%

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben1

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit pension plans:
	Service cost	$	1,254		$	948
	Interest cost	1,168			1,334
	Expected return on plan assets	(471		)	(444		)
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	786			349
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,737		$	2,187
	Other postretirement benefit plan:
	Service cost	$	1		$	1
	Interest cost	110			123
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(135		)	(139		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$	(24	)	$	(15	)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc1

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows:
		Common		Additional Paid-In Capital		Accumulated			Retained			Treasury			Non-controlling			Total
		Stock ($1 par value)				Other			Earnings			Stock			Interests			Equity
						Comprehensive
						Income (Loss)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Balance as of September 1, 2014	$	48,185	$	268,545	$	(16,691	)	$	606,898		$	(379,894	)	$	9,408		$	536,451
	Comprehensive income (loss)					(25,255		)	13,158						196			(11,901		)
	Cash dividends paid, $0.205 per share								(5,962		)							(5,962		)
	Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests														(1,750		)	(1,750		)
	Purchase of treasury stock											(3,335		)				(3,335		)
	Issuance of treasury stock			24								30						54
	Stock options exercised	1		16														17
	Amortization of restricted stock			1,233														1,233
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	48,186	$	269,818	$	(41,946	)	$	614,094		$	(383,199	)	$	7,854		$	514,807

Reclassification_Out_of_Accumu1

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014											Nov. 30, 2013
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 August 31, 2014	$	22,786		$	(39,477	)		$	(16,691	)
												Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	12,753				—				12,753
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(25,615		)	—				(25,615		)
												Amounts reclassified to earnings	(885		)	(4)	119			(3)	(766		)
	Amounts reclassified to earnings	—			336			(3)	336
												Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	11,868				119				11,987
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(25,615		)	336				(25,279		)
												Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(30		)		—				(30		)
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(24		)	—				(24		)	noncontrolling interests
	noncontrolling interests											Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	11,898				119				12,017
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(25,591		)	336				(25,255		)
												Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	29,610			$	(16,911	)		$	12,699
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	(2,805	)	$	(39,141	)		$	(41,946	)

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 vesting of restricted stock awards, 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 November 30,
		2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic	29,017	29,017
	Incremental shares from equity awards	451	188
	Diluted	29,468	29,205

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	371,191		$	392,462
	Americas	190,888			146,527
	APAC	52,974			46,408
	Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	615,053		$	585,397
	Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	49,706		$	51,940
	Americas	30,279			21,433
	APAC	7,250			6,623
	Total segment gross profit	87,235			79,996
	Inventory step-up	(341		)	(417		)
	Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs	—			(471		)
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	(50		)	—
	Total gross profit	$	86,844		$	79,108
	Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	20,039		$	20,417
	Americas	11,988			7,364
	APAC	3,508			3,366
	Total segment operating income	35,535			31,147
	Corporate	(7,484		)	(6,683		)
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	(1,053		)	(635		)
	Restructuring and related costs	(5,579		)	(3,372		)
	Accelerated depreciation	—			(108		)
	Inventory step-up	(341		)	(417		)
	Operating income	21,078			19,932
	Interest expense, net	(2,264		)	(2,129		)
	Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(1,099		)	(682		)
	Other income (expense), net	159			78
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	17,874		$	17,199
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	.
	Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) custom performance colors, (2) masterbatch solutions, (3) engineered plastics, (4) specialty powders and (5) distribution services. The Company offers tolling services to customers primarily in the specialty powders product family. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014						2013
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Custom performance colors	$	48,078		8	%		$	44,941	8	%
	Masterbatch solutions	202,030			33			182,903		31
	Engineered plastics	194,516			32			180,698		31
	Specialty powders	82,357			13			86,947		15
	Distribution services	88,072			14			89,908		15
	Total consolidated net sales	$	615,053		100	%		$	585,397	100	%

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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, 2014	$	1,745		$	371		$	(304	)	$	1,812
	Fiscal 2015 charges	4,907			312			—			5,219
	Fiscal 2015 payments	(1,419		)	(328		)	—			(1,747		)
	Translation	—			—			(133		)	(133		)
	Accrual balance as of November 30, 2014	$	5,233		$	355		$	(437	)	$	5,151
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 November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	4,274		$	501
	Americas	945			1,212
	APAC	—			65
	Total restructuring expense	$	5,219		$	1,778

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 income (loss) from discontinued operations:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,288
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(10	)	$	2,655

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		2 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 02, 2013	Dec. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 01, 2014	Sep. 02, 2014
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	$1,100,000	$600,000
Goodwill	198,649,000		202,299,000
The Perrite Group [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price				51,300,000
Network Polymers, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price					49,200,000
Prime Colorants [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price						15,100,000
Specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue		624,872,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			13 years 7 months 20 days
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price							91,000,000
Accounts receivable							27,850,000
Inventories							12,800,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets							415,000
Property, plant and equipment							20,049,000
Intangible assets							26,985,000
Total assets acquired							88,099,000
Accounts payable							15,247,000
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits							1,552,000
Other accrued liabilities							706,000
Other long-term liabilities							181,000
Total liabilities assumed							17,686,000
Identifiable net assets acquired							70,413,000
Goodwill							20,587,000
Gross contractual amount of acquired receivables							28,000,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)		16,075,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted		$0.55
Compco Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price								$6,700,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		$0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,391,000
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-5,041,000
Goodwill	198,649,000	202,299,000
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	-80,000
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-4,556,000
Goodwill	81,321,000	85,957,000
Americas [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,064,000
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-404,000
Goodwill	116,339,000	115,679,000
APAC [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	407,000
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-81,000
Goodwill	$989,000	$663,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross change in value due to foreign currency translation	$5,100,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	175,462,000		180,538,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-43,974,000		-41,904,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	131,488,000		138,634,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3,400,000	3,000,000
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	136,295,000		139,990,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-30,741,000		-29,088,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	105,554,000		110,902,000
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	19,106,000		19,603,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-7,191,000		-6,914,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	11,915,000		12,689,000
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	20,061,000		20,945,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-6,042,000		-5,902,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$14,019,000		$15,043,000

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
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	1,610,000	713,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	1,718,000	557,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	55,201,000	58,882,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	161,400,000	118,000,000
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	1,610,000	713,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	1,718,000	557,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	55,201,000	58,882,000
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	$53,400,000	$56,400,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$6,256,000	$6,019,000
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate percentage	35.00%	35.00%
Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	-2,034,000	-3,794,000
Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate percentage	-11.40%	-22.10%
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	1,430,000	1,785,000
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit percentage	8.00%	10.40%
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	539,000	473,000
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit percentage	3.00%	2.80%
U.S. income with no tax	-2,091,000	0
U.S. income with no tax percentage	-11.70%	0.00%
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	49,000	56,000
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions percentage	0.30%	0.30%
Other	337,000	29,000
Other percentage	1.90%	0.20%
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	4,486,000	4,568,000
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes percentage	25.10%	26.60%
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	2,800,000
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	900,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	$3,600,000

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben2

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$1,254	$948
Interest cost	1,168	1,334
Expected return on plan assets	-471	-444
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	786	349
Net periodic benefit cost	2,737	2,187
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1	1
Interest cost	110	123
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	-135	-139
Net periodic benefit cost	($24)	($15)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014
Comprehensive income (loss)	($11,901)	$27,273
Cash dividends paid, $0.205 per share	-5,962
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,750	0
Purchase of treasury stock	-3,335
Issuance of treasury stock	54
Stock options exercised	17
Amortization of restricted stock	1,233
Balance as of November 30, 2014	514,807		536,451
Common Stock [Member]
Stock options exercised	1
Balance as of November 30, 2014	48,186		48,185
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Issuance of treasury stock	24
Stock options exercised	16
Amortization of restricted stock	1,233
Balance as of November 30, 2014	269,818		268,545
Treasury Stock [Member]
Purchase of treasury stock	-3,335
Issuance of treasury stock	30
Balance as of November 30, 2014	-383,199		-379,894
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)	-25,255
Balance as of November 30, 2014	-41,946		-16,691
Retained Earnings [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)	13,158
Cash dividends paid, $0.205 per share	-5,962
Balance as of November 30, 2014	614,094		606,898
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)	196
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,750
Balance as of November 30, 2014	$7,854		$9,408

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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($41,946)	[1]	$12,699	[1]	($16,691)	[1]	$682	[1]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-25,615	[1]	12,753	[1]
Amounts reclassified to earnings	336	[1]	-766	[1]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	336	[1],[2]	119	[1],[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-25,279	[1]	11,987	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	25,615	[1]	-11,868	[1]
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-24	[1]	-30	[1]
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	-25,255	[1]	12,017	[1]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-2,805	[1]	29,610	[1]	22,786	[1]	17,712	[1]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-25,615	[1]	12,753	[1]
Amounts reclassified to earnings	0	[1]	-885	[1],[3]
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-24	[1]	-30	[1]
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	-25,591	[1]	11,898	[1]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-39,141	[1],[2]	-16,911	[1],[2]	-39,477	[1],[2]	-17,030	[1],[2]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Amounts reclassified to earnings	336	[1],[2]	119	[1],[2],[4]
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.	$336	[1],[2]	$119	[1],[2]
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
[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 6 of this Form 10-Q for further details.
[3]	(4) 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 19 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014 for further details.
[4]	(3) Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs

ShareBased_Incentive_Compansat

Share-Based Incentive Compansation Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted	0	0
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	1.3	1.3
Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected equity compensation cost due to accelerated vesting			$5.80

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Basic	29,017	29,017
Incremental shares from equity awards	451	188
Diluted	29,468	29,205

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$615,053	$585,397
Segment gross profit	87,235	79,996
Inventory step-up	-341	-417
Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs	0	-471
Costs related to acquisitions in gross profit	-50	0
Gross profit	86,844	79,108
Costs related to acquisitions	1,053	635
Restructuring and related costs	-5,579	-3,372
Accelerated depreciation	0	-108
Operating income	21,078	19,932
Interest expense, net	-2,264	-2,129
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	-1,099	-682
Other income (expense), net	159	78
Income from continuing operations before taxes	17,874	17,199
Net sales, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Custom Performance Colors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	48,078	44,941
Net sales, percentage	8.00%	8.00%
Masterbatch Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	202,030	182,903
Net sales, percentage	33.00%	31.00%
Engineered Plastics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	194,516	180,698
Net sales, percentage	32.00%	31.00%
Specialty Powders [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	82,357	86,947
Net sales, percentage	13.00%	15.00%
Distribution Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	88,072	89,908
Net sales, percentage	14.00%	15.00%
EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	371,191	392,462
Segment gross profit	49,706	51,940
Operating income before certain items	20,039	20,417
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	190,888	146,527
Segment gross profit	30,279	21,433
Operating income before certain items	11,988	7,364
APAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	52,974	46,408
Segment gross profit	7,250	6,623
Operating income before certain items	3,508	3,366
Total Segment Operating Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income before certain items	35,535	31,147
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income before certain items	($7,484)	($6,683)

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	$5,151,000		$1,812,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	5,219,000	1,778,000
Fiscal 2015 payments	-1,747,000
Accelerated depreciation	0	108,000
Translation	-133,000
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	4,274,000	501,000
Americas [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	945,000	1,212,000
APAC [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	0	65,000
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	5,233,000		1,745,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	4,907,000
Fiscal 2015 payments	-1,419,000
Translation	0
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	355,000		371,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	312,000
Fiscal 2015 payments	-328,000
Translation	0
Translation Effect on Restructuring Reserve [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	-437,000		-304,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	0
Fiscal 2015 payments	0
Translation	-133,000
EMEA FY15 Reorganization Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	40
Restructuring Reserve	3,200,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	4,200,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	2,700,000
FY15 North American Production Consolidation Plan [Domain]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	70
Restructuring Reserve	600,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	600,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	1,900,000
FY15 North American SG&A [Domain]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	10
Restructuring Reserve	100,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	200,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	$300,000

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Share Repurchase Program
Number of treasury stock shares acquired	109,422	40,327
Treasury stock shares acquired, average cost per share	$30.46	$27.68
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$3,335,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	51,700,000
April 2014 Repurchase Plan [Member]
Share Repurchase Program
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	3,300,000
November 2011 18-Month Repurchase Plan [Member]
Share Repurchase Program
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$1,100,000

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets	$904	$3,087
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	0	3,028
Net sales	0	1,288
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-10	2,655
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		$3,000