A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-Q 6 Apr 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Apr. 02, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87565
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-23
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,288,847

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, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Net sales	$542,295	$588,508	$1,157,348	$1,173,905
Cost of sales	464,221	514,209	992,430	1,020,498
Selling, general and administrative expenses	70,093	58,713	130,640	116,111
Restructuring expense	2,662	1,727	7,881	3,505
Asset impairment	0	104	0	104
Operating income	5,319	13,755	26,397	33,687
Interest expense	2,311	2,488	4,670	4,679
Interest income	-66	-81	-161	-143
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	1,141	1,466	2,240	2,148
Other (income) expense, net	-245	-193	-404	-271
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	-1,290	0	-1,290	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	3,468	10,075	21,342	27,274
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	3,971	3,427	8,457	7,995
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-503	6,648	12,885	19,279
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-58	347	-68	3,002
Net income (loss)	-561	6,995	12,817	22,281
Noncontrolling interests	-327	-136	-547	-351
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	($888)	$6,859	$12,270	$21,930
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,138	29,059	29,078	29,038
Diluted	29,138	29,277	29,538	29,240
Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
Income (loss) from continuing operations	($0.03)	$0.23	$0.42	$0.65
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	$0.01	$0	$0.11
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	($0.03)	$0.24	$0.42	$0.76
Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
Income (loss) from continuing operations	($0.03)	$0.22	$0.42	$0.65
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	$0.01	$0	$0.10
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	($0.03)	$0.23	$0.42	$0.75
Cash dividends per common share	$0.21	$0.20	$0.41	$0.40

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014
Net income (loss)	($561)		$6,995		$12,817		$22,281
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	-32,491		4,498		-58,106		16,366
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax	599		115		935		234
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-31,892	[1]	4,613	[1]	-57,171	[1]	16,600	[1]
Comprehensive income (loss)	-32,453		11,608		-44,354		38,881
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	290		52		486		237
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	($32,743)		$11,556		($44,840)		$38,644
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$91,872		$135,493
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,520 at February 28, 2015 and $10,844 at August 31, 2014	354,257		384,444
Inventories	257,464		292,141
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40,399		40,473
Total current assets	743,992		852,551
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	25,883		28,439
Buildings and leasehold improvements	144,951		160,858
Machinery and equipment	373,938		398,563
Furniture and fixtures	32,020		41,255
Construction in progress	20,523		16,718
Gross property, plant and equipment	597,315		645,833
Accumulated depreciation	357,346		391,912
Net property, plant and equipment	239,969		253,921
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	73,211		65,079
Goodwill	192,940		202,299
Intangible assets, net	123,932		138,634
Total assets	1,374,044		1,512,484
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	251,091		314,957
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	4,426		6,385
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	42,232		54,199
Other accrued liabilities	46,067		46,054
Short-term debt	24,197		31,748
Total current liabilities	368,013		453,343
Long-term debt	365,406		339,546
Pension plans	112,501		129,949
Deferred income taxes	22,003		23,826
Other long-term liabilities	26,485		29,369
Total liabilities	894,408		976,033
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,367 shares at February 28, 2015 and 48,185 shares at August 31, 2014	48,367		48,185
Additional paid-in capital	272,934		268,545
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-73,801	[1]	-16,691	[1]
Retained earnings	607,162		606,898
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,079 shares at February 28, 2015 and 18,973 shares at August 31, 2014	-383,170		-379,894
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	471,492		527,043
Noncontrolling interests	8,144		9,408
Total equity	479,636		536,451
Total liabilities and equity	$1,374,044		$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 $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$9,520	$10,844
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,367	48,185
Treasury stock, shares	19,079	18,973

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net income (loss)	$12,817	$22,281
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	17,990	16,419
Amortization	8,271	6,669
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	-96	-2,895
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	6,173	4,494
Restricted stock compensation - CEO transition costs, net of cash	4,789	0
Asset impairment	0	104
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations	0	-3,331
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-4,197	-21,283
Inventories	3,838	-13,107
Accounts payable	-38,126	-15,534
Income taxes	-1,210	229
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	-3,159	375
Other assets and long-term liabilities	-6,003	-3,100
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	1,087	-8,679
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	-21,238	-16,541
Investment in equity investees	-12,456	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	1,366	4,738
Business acquisitions, net of cash	-6,698	-115,624
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	-39,026	-127,427
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid	-12,006	-11,777
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	-3,415	2,469
Borrowings on long-term debt	122,330	686,955
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	-91,381	-583,914
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	-1,782
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	-1,750	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	132	276
Redemptions of common stock	4,999	361
Purchases of treasury stock	-3,335	-1,116
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	5,576	90,750
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-11,258	1,355
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	-43,621	-44,001
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	135,493	134,054
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$91,872	$90,053

General

General	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 and six months ended February 28, 2015 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. All previously reported segment disclosures have also been reclassified to reflect the Company's new reportable segments as further discussed in Note 12 of this Form 10-Q.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
	Citadel
	On March 15, 2015, the Company entered into a definitive Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of privately held HGGC Citadel Plastics Holdings, Inc. (“Citadel”), a portfolio company of certain private equity firms, for $800 million. The purchase price will be reduced by the amount of Citadel’s indebtedness and unpaid transaction expenses on the closing date, increased by the amount of Citadel’s cash and cash equivalents on the closing date, and may be increased or decreased, as applicable, based on the company’s working capital on the closing date relative to target working capital, among other adjustments. Citadel is a leading North American specialty engineered plastics company that produces thermoset composites and thermoplastic compounds for specialty product applications spanning multiple industries including transportation, industrial & construction, consumer, electrical, energy and healthcare & safety. The transaction, which is subject to standard closing conditions, including the termination or expiration of all applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and under similar foreign regulations applicable to the merger, is expected to close in the third quarter of the Company's fiscal 2015. In the event the Company fails to close the acquisition when required due to its failure to secure the financing necessary to complete the acquisition, then, subject to certain exceptions and requirements, either party may terminate the Purchase Agreement and the Company would be required to pay a financing failure fee of $40 million as liquidated damages.
	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 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 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		12,781
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		553
	Property, plant and equipment		20,049
	Intangible assets		26,985
	Total assets acquired		$	88,218
	Accounts payable		15,247
	Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		1,690
	Other accrued liabilities		706
	Other long-term liabilities		181
	Total liabilities assumed		$	17,824
	Identifiable net assets acquired		$	70,394
	Goodwill		20,606
	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 February 28, 2014				Six months ended February 28, 2014
		Unaudited
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales	$	625,525			$	1,250,397
	Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$	8,277			$	24,352
	Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted	$	0.28			$	0.83
	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		$	51.3			EMEA and APAC
	Network Polymers, Inc.	2-Dec-13		$	49.2			USCAN
	Prime Colorants	31-Dec-13		$	15.1			USCAN
	Compco Pty. Ltd.	2-Sep-14		$	6.7			APAC
	The Company incurred $3.3 million and $4.4 million of acquisition and integration related costs, primarily included in selling, general & administrative expenses, during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively, and $1.9 million and $2.5 million during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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				USCAN			(1)	LATAM			(1)	APAC			Total
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	85,957			$	102,735			$	12,944			$	663		$	202,299
	Acquisitions	(66		)	(2)	1,083			(2)	—				407			1,424
	Translation and other	(9,917		)		—				(717		)		(149		)	(10,783		)
	Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	75,974			$	103,818			$	12,227			$	921		$	192,940
	(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reallocated a portion of the goodwill associated with its former Americas segment to its U.S. & Canada and Latin America segments based on relative fair value.
	(2) Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocation made within the first and second quarters of fiscal 2015.
	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 reviewed goodwill allocated to each of the reporting units within the former Americas segment and newly created USCAN and LATAM segments immediately before and after the reallocation and concluded no interim impairment tests were necessary. Additionally, the Company is not aware of any triggers which would require a goodwill impairment test as of February 28, 2015.
	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category:
		February 28, 2015												August 31, 2014
		Gross				Accumulated				Net				Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying				Amortization				Carrying				Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount								Amount				Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Customer related	$	131,947			$	(31,988	)		$	99,959			$	139,990		$	(29,088	)	$	110,902
	Developed technology	18,234				(7,313		)		10,921				19,603			(6,914		)	12,689
	Registered trademarks and tradenames	19,175				(6,123		)		13,052				20,945			(5,902		)	15,043
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	169,356			$	(45,424	)		$	123,932			$	180,538		$	(41,904	)	$	138,634
	Foreign currency translation reduced the gross carrying amount of intangible assets by $11.2 million from August 31, 2014 to February 28, 2015. Amortization expense of intangible assets was $3.3 million and $6.7 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively, and $3.1 million and $6.1 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS [Abstract]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
	For a detailed discussion of the Company’s Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements, refer to Note 5 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.
	On February 3, 2015, the Company obtained a $25.0 million uncommitted line of credit from a financial institution, available until December 31, 2015. The interest rate is based upon the 30-day LIBOR index plus a spread at least 10 basis points below the applicable spread on the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility. As of February 28, 2015, the Company had not drawn down on any portion of this line of credit.
	On February 26, 2015, the Company prepaid the entire principal balance of €42.8 million of its Euro Notes along with accrued interest. The Company recognized a net gain of $1.3 million on the early extinguishment of debt consisting of a gain of $3.9 million on a related foreign currency swap, partially offset by early termination fees of $2.5 million and a write-off of $0.1 million of deferred financing fees.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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, 2015								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	$	1,657	$	—	$	1,657	$	—	$	713	$	—	$	713	$	—
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,206	$	—	$	2,206	$	—	$	557	$	—	$	557	$	—
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate debt	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	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 $145.4 million and $118.0 million as of February 28, 2015 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 February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014.
	Long-term fixed-rate debt as shown in the table above represents debt issued in Euros recorded at cost and presented at fair value for disclosure purposes. On February 26, 2015, this debt was extinguished (refer to Note 4 of this Form 10-Q for additional information). As of August 31, 2014, the Level 2 fair value of this debt was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities.
	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	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES
	The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 was 114.4% and 39.6%, respectively, and for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 was 34.0% and 29.3%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rates for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 as compared with the same periods last year was driven primarily by the increase in the U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no tax benefit. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended February 28, 2015 in comparison with the other periods presented is primarily due to $6.2 million of U.S. costs in the three month period with no tax benefit related to the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards for the CEO transition, refer to Note 10 of this Form 10-Q.
	We record quarterly taxes based on overall estimated annual effective tax rates. In addition to the discrete items noted above, the difference between our effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate in both years was primarily attributable to our overall foreign tax rate being less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate and the valuation allowance on our U.S. and certain foreign deferred tax assets.
	As of February 28, 2015, the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $3.7 million. If recognized, $3.0 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, 2015, the Company had $1.3 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	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit pension plans:
	Service cost	$	1,169		$	960		$	2,423		$	1,908
	Interest cost	1,095			1,355			2,263			2,689
	Expected return on plan assets	(448		)	(455		)	(919		)	(899		)
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	735			355			1,521			704
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,551		$	2,215		$	5,288		$	4,402
	Other postretirement benefit plan:
	Service cost	$	1		$	1		$	2		$	2
	Interest cost	110			123			220			246
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(136		)	(141		)	(271		)	(280		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$	(25	)	$	(17	)	$	(49	)	$	(32	)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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)							(57,110		)	12,270						486			(44,354		)
	Cash dividends paid, $0.41 per share										(12,006		)							(12,006		)
	Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests																(1,750		)	(1,750		)
	Purchase of treasury stock													(3,335		)				(3,335		)
	Issuance of treasury stock				54									59						113
	Stock options exercised	3			16															19
	Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	329			(329		)													—
	Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(150		)	(4,849		)													(4,999		)
	Amortization of restricted stock				9,497															9,497
	Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	48,367		$	272,934		$	(73,801	)	$	607,162		$	(383,170	)	$	8,144		$	479,636

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, 2015
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				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	(2,805	)		$	(39,141	)		$	(41,946	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(32,491		)		—				(32,491		)
	Amounts reclassified to earnings	—				599			(2)	599
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(32,491		)		599				(31,892		)
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(37		)		—				(37		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(32,454		)		599				(31,855		)
	Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	(35,259	)		$	(38,542	)		$	(73,801	)
		Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)				Pension and Other Retiree Benefits				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	(58,106		)		—				(58,106		)
	Amounts reclassified to earnings	—				935			(2)	935
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(58,106		)		935				(57,171		)
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(61		)		—				(61		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(58,045		)		935				(57,110		)
	Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	(35,259	)		$	(38,542	)		$	(73,801	)
		Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)				Pension and Other Retiree Benefits				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 to earnings	—				115			(2)	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				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 to earnings	(885		)	(3)	234			(2)	(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. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
	(2) Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs. 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 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	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
INCENTIVE STOCK PLANS [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS
	On December 12, 2014, upon approval by its stockholders and Board of Directors, the Company adopted the A. Schulman, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2014 Equity Incentive Plan"). The 2014 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of various share-based incentive compensation awards and unless terminated earlier, will continue until December 12, 2024. A total of 2,000,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company granted 29,274 and 175,636 shares of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $33.52 per share. All of the performance-based restricted awards granted during fiscal 2015 vest based on the attainment of specific performance conditions. Vesting of the ultimate number of shares underlying a portion of these performance-based awards, if any, will be dependent upon the Company's return on invested capital ("ROIC") while vesting for the remaining performance-based awards, if any, will be dependent upon the Company's cumulative earnings per share ("Cumulative EPS"), both over a three-year performance period. All other 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 a total of 18,810 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,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
		(In thousands)
	Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards	$	2,369	$	873	$	3,676	$	2,199
	Board of Directors unrestricted awards	630		797		630		797
	CEO transition costs	6,167		—		6,167		—
	Total share-based incentive compensation	$	9,166	$	1,670	$	10,473	$	2,996
	CEO transition costs represent a one-time charge for the modification and accelerated vesting upon retirement of the outstanding equity compensation awards granted to Joseph M. Gingo in 2013 and 2014.
	Total unrecognized compensation cost, including a provision for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements as of February 28, 2015 was $11.2 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
	As of February 28, 2015, there were 750,912 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, 188,249 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company's 2010 Rewards Plan and 2,000,000 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company's 2014 Equity Incentive 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, 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 February 28,		Six months ended February 28,
		2015	2014	2015	2014
		(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic	29,138	29,059	29,078	29,038
	Incremental shares from equity awards	—	218	460	202
	Diluted	29,138	29,277	29,538	29,240
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three months ended February 28, 2015 excludes approximately 400,000 shares related to equity awards, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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”), United States & Canada (“USCAN”), Latin America (“LATAM”), 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 CEO transition costs, 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 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 makes decisions, assesses performance and allocates resources, the Company discloses the following four reportable segments from the second quarter of fiscal 2015: EMEA, USCAN, LATAM and APAC.
	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:
		Three months ended February 28,							Six months ended February 28,
		2015			2014				2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	315,146		$	383,024			$	686,337			$	775,486
	USCAN	133,434			108,692				278,141				204,633
	LATAM	41,133			48,407				87,314				98,993
	APAC	52,582			48,385				105,556				94,793
	Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	542,295		$	588,508			$	1,157,348			$	1,173,905
	Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
		Three months ended February 28,							Six months ended February 28,
		2015			2014				2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	44,507		$	47,499			$	94,213			$	99,439
	USCAN	19,745			13,370				44,374				27,120
	LATAM	7,101			7,856				12,751				15,539
	APAC	7,382			6,527				14,632				13,150
	Total segment gross profit	78,735			75,252				165,970				155,248
	Inventory step-up	—			(782		)		(341		)		(1,199		)
	Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs	(596		)	(137		)		(596		)		(608		)
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	(65		)	(34		)		(115		)		(34		)
	Total gross profit	$	78,074		$	74,299			$	164,918			$	153,407
	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,
		2015			2014				2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	16,277		$	17,553			$	36,316			$	37,972
	USCAN	5,925			2,839				17,317				6,699
	LATAM	2,281			3,430				2,877				6,933
	APAC	3,423			3,176				6,931				6,542
	Total segment operating income	27,906			26,998				63,441				58,146
	Corporate	(9,006		)	(7,714		)		(16,490		)		(14,397		)
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	(3,337		)	(1,851		)		(4,389		)		(2,487		)
	Restructuring and related costs	(3,779		)	(2,792		)		(9,359		)		(6,164		)
	CEO transition costs	(6,167		)	—				(6,167		)		—
	Asset impairment	—			(104		)		—				(104		)
	Accelerated depreciation	(298		)	—				(298		)		(108		)
	Inventory step-up	—			(782		)		(341		)		(1,199		)
	Operating income	5,319			13,755				26,397				33,687
	Interest expense, net	(2,245		)	(2,407		)		(4,509		)		(4,536		)
	Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(1,141		)	(1,466		)		(2,240		)		(2,148		)
	Other income (expense), net	245			193				404				271
	Gain on early extinguishment of debt	1,290			—				1,290				—
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	3,468		$	10,075			$	21,342			$	27,274
	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 February 28,
		2015						2014
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Custom performance colors	$	43,266		8	%		$	45,765			8	%
	Masterbatch solutions	178,451			33			179,572				30
	Engineered plastics	172,830			32			183,040				31
	Specialty powders	69,233			13			79,864				14
	Distribution services	78,515			14			100,267				17
	Total consolidated net sales	$	542,295		100	%		$	588,508			100	%
		Six months ended February 28,
		2015						2014
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Custom performance colors	$	91,344		8	%		$	90,706			8	%
	Masterbatch solutions	380,481			33			362,476				31
	Engineered plastics	367,346			32			363,738				31
Specialty powders	151,590			13			166,811				14
Distribution services	166,587			14			190,174				16
Total consolidated net sales	$	1,157,348		100	%		$	1,173,905			100	%
The three and six months ended February 28, 2014 include a reclassification of revenue between product families to better reflect the way the businesses are managed.

Restructuring

Restructuring	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 reduced headcount in EMEA by approximately 40 during the first half of fiscal 2015. The Company recorded pretax employee-related costs of $0.3 million and $4.5 million during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively, and expects to recognize additional pretax employee-related costs of $1.6 million throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015 for this plan. As of February 28, 2015, the Company has a balance of $2.0 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur during fiscal 2015 and into fiscal 2016 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 pretax employee-related costs of $0.4 million and $1.0 million during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively, and expects minimal charges related to this plan to be recognized throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of February 28, 2015, the Company has a balance of $0.9 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 primarily in North America selling, general and administrative functions as part of its ongoing effort to drive further synergies from recent acquisitions. The Company expects to reduce headcount by approximately 15 by the end of fiscal 2015. The Company recorded pretax employee-related costs of $0.4 million and $0.6 million during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively, and expects minimal charges related to this plan to be recognized throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of February 28, 2015, the Company has a balance of $0.3 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur during fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed.
	Brazil Production Facilities Consolidation Plan
	In February 2015, the Company initiated plans to close its facility in Contagem, Brazil in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 and shift the production to its facility in Sumare, Brazil. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 20, which the majority occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company recorded $0.4 million of pretax employee-related costs and other restructuring expenses during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, and expects minimal charges related to this plan to be recognized throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of February 28, 2015, the Company has a balance of $0.3 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	7,236			645			—			7,881
	Fiscal 2015 payments	(3,698		)	(514		)	—			(4,212		)
	Translation	—			—			(846		)	(846		)
	Accrual balance as of February 28, 2015	$	5,283		$	502		$	(1,150	)	$	4,635
	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,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	1,345		$	124		$	5,619		$	625
	USCAN	855			590			1,656			658
	LATAM	462			1,002			606			2,146
	APAC	—			11			—			76
	Total restructuring expense	$	2,662		$	1,727		$	7,881		$	3,505

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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. The Company purchased 109,422 shares of common stock entirely in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 at an average price of $30.46 per share for a total cost of $3.3 million. As of February 28, 2015, shares valued at $51.7 million remained authorized for repurchase.

Accounting_Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“the FASB”) released updated consolidation guidance that changed the analysis a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, including interim periods. Early application is permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, 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	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 February 28,					Six months ended February 28,
		2015			2014		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	83	$	—		$	1,372
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(58	)	$	347	$	(68	)	$	3,002
	During the six months ended February 28, 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, 2015
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 and six months ended February 28, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015.

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015						Feb. 28, 2014
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 February 28, 2014		Six months ended February 28, 2014
								Unaudited
								(In thousands, except per share data)
							Net sales	$	625,525	$	1,250,397
							Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$	8,277	$	24,352
							Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted	$	0.28	$	0.83
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		12,781
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		553
	Property, plant and equipment		20,049
	Intangible assets		26,985
	Total assets acquired		$	88,218
	Accounts payable		15,247
	Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		1,690
	Other accrued liabilities		706
	Other long-term liabilities		181
	Total liabilities assumed		$	17,824
	Identifiable net assets acquired		$	70,394
	Goodwill		20,606
	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		$	51.3	EMEA and APAC
	Network Polymers, Inc.	2-Dec-13		$	49.2	USCAN
	Prime Colorants	31-Dec-13		$	15.1	USCAN
	Compco Pty. Ltd.	2-Sep-14		$	6.7	APAC

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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:																					[1],[2]
		EMEA				USCAN			(1)	LATAM			(1)	APAC			Total
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	85,957			$	102,735			$	12,944			$	663		$	202,299
	Acquisitions	(66		)	(2)	1,083			(2)	—				407			1,424
	Translation and other	(9,917		)		—				(717		)		(149		)	(10,783		)
	Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	75,974			$	103,818			$	12,227			$	921		$	192,940
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category:
		February 28, 2015												August 31, 2014
		Gross				Accumulated				Net				Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying				Amortization				Carrying				Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount								Amount				Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Customer related	$	131,947			$	(31,988	)		$	99,959			$	139,990		$	(29,088	)	$	110,902
	Developed technology	18,234				(7,313		)		10,921				19,603			(6,914		)	12,689
	Registered trademarks and tradenames	19,175				(6,123		)		13,052				20,945			(5,902		)	15,043
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	169,356			$	(45,424	)		$	123,932			$	180,538		$	(41,904	)	$	138,634
[1]	(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reallocated a portion of the goodwill associated with its former Americas segment to its U.S. & Canada and Latin America segments based on relative fair value.
[2]	(2) Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocation made within the first and second quarters of fiscal 2015.

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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, 2015								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	$	1,657	$	—	$	1,657	$	—	$	713	$	—	$	713	$	—
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,206	$	—	$	2,206	$	—	$	557	$	—	$	557	$	—
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate debt	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	58,882	$	—	$	58,882	$	—

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben1

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit pension plans:
	Service cost	$	1,169		$	960		$	2,423		$	1,908
	Interest cost	1,095			1,355			2,263			2,689
	Expected return on plan assets	(448		)	(455		)	(919		)	(899		)
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	735			355			1,521			704
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,551		$	2,215		$	5,288		$	4,402
	Other postretirement benefit plan:
	Service cost	$	1		$	1		$	2		$	2
	Interest cost	110			123			220			246
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(136		)	(141		)	(271		)	(280		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$	(25	)	$	(17	)	$	(49	)	$	(32	)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc1

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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)							(57,110		)	12,270						486			(44,354		)
	Cash dividends paid, $0.41 per share										(12,006		)							(12,006		)
	Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests																(1,750		)	(1,750		)
	Purchase of treasury stock													(3,335		)				(3,335		)
	Issuance of treasury stock				54									59						113
	Stock options exercised	3			16															19
	Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	329			(329		)													—
	Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(150		)	(4,849		)													(4,999		)
	Amortization of restricted stock				9,497															9,497
	Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	48,367		$	272,934		$	(73,801	)	$	607,162		$	(383,170	)	$	8,144		$	479,636

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, 2015											Feb. 28, 2014											Feb. 28, 2015											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				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)				Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)			Pension and Other Retiree Benefits				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)				Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)				Pension and Other Retiree Benefits				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)			Pension and Other Retiree Benefits				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)				(In thousands)											(In thousands)											(In thousands)
		(In thousands)										Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	29,610		$	(16,911	)		$	12,699		Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	22,786		$	(39,477	)		$	(16,691	)	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	17,712			$	(17,030	)		$	682
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	(2,805	)	$	(39,141	)		$	(41,946	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(32,491		)	—				(32,491		)	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,498			—				4,498			Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(58,106		)	—				(58,106		)	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	17,251				—				17,251
	Amounts reclassified to earnings	—			599			(2)	599			Amounts reclassified to earnings	—			115			(2)	115			Amounts reclassified to earnings	—			935			(2)	935			Amounts reclassified to earnings	(885		)	(3)	234			(2)	(651		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(32,491		)	599				(31,892		)	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	4,498			115				4,613			Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(58,106		)	935				(57,171		)	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	16,366				234				16,600
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(37		)	—				(37		)	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(84		)	—				(84		)	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(61		)	—				(61		)	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(114		)		—				(114		)
	noncontrolling interests											noncontrolling interests											noncontrolling interests											noncontrolling interests
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(32,454		)	599				(31,855		)	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	4,582			115				4,697			Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(58,045		)	935				(57,110		)	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	16,480				234				16,714
	Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	(35,259	)	$	(38,542	)		$	(73,801	)	Balance as of February 28, 2014	$	34,192		$	(16,796	)		$	17,396		Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	(35,259	)	$	(38,542	)		$	(73,801	)	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, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
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,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
		(In thousands)
	Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards	$	2,369	$	873	$	3,676	$	2,199
	Board of Directors unrestricted awards	630		797		630		797
	CEO transition costs	6,167		—		6,167		—
	Total share-based incentive compensation	$	9,166	$	1,670	$	10,473	$	2,996

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 February 28,		Six months ended February 28,
		2015	2014	2015	2014
		(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic	29,138	29,059	29,078	29,038
	Incremental shares from equity awards	—	218	460	202
	Diluted	29,138	29,277	29,538	29,240

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended									6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015									Feb. 28, 2015
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,
											2015			2014				2015				2014
											(In thousands)
										EMEA	$	315,146		$	383,024			$	686,337			$	775,486
										USCAN	133,434			108,692				278,141				204,633
										LATAM	41,133			48,407				87,314				98,993
										APAC	52,582			48,385				105,556				94,793
										Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	542,295		$	588,508			$	1,157,348			$	1,173,905
										Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
											Three months ended February 28,							Six months ended February 28,
											2015			2014				2015				2014
											(In thousands)
										EMEA	$	44,507		$	47,499			$	94,213			$	99,439
										USCAN	19,745			13,370				44,374				27,120
										LATAM	7,101			7,856				12,751				15,539
										APAC	7,382			6,527				14,632				13,150
										Total segment gross profit	78,735			75,252				165,970				155,248
										Inventory step-up	—			(782		)		(341		)		(1,199		)
										Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs	(596		)	(137		)		(596		)		(608		)
										Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	(65		)	(34		)		(115		)		(34		)
										Total gross profit	$	78,074		$	74,299			$	164,918			$	153,407
										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,
											2015			2014				2015				2014
											(In thousands)
										EMEA	$	16,277		$	17,553			$	36,316			$	37,972
										USCAN	5,925			2,839				17,317				6,699
										LATAM	2,281			3,430				2,877				6,933
										APAC	3,423			3,176				6,931				6,542
										Total segment operating income	27,906			26,998				63,441				58,146
										Corporate	(9,006		)	(7,714		)		(16,490		)		(14,397		)
										Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	(3,337		)	(1,851		)		(4,389		)		(2,487		)
										Restructuring and related costs	(3,779		)	(2,792		)		(9,359		)		(6,164		)
										CEO transition costs	(6,167		)	—				(6,167		)		—
										Asset impairment	—			(104		)		—				(104		)
										Accelerated depreciation	(298		)	—				(298		)		(108		)
										Inventory step-up	—			(782		)		(341		)		(1,199		)
										Operating income	5,319			13,755				26,397				33,687
										Interest expense, net	(2,245		)	(2,407		)		(4,509		)		(4,536		)
										Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(1,141		)	(1,466		)		(2,240		)		(2,148		)
										Other income (expense), net	245			193				404				271
										Gain on early extinguishment of debt	1,290			—				1,290				—
										Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	3,468		$	10,075			$	21,342			$	27,274
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:
											Six months ended February 28,
		Three months ended February 28,									2015						2014
		2015				2014					(In thousands, except for %'s)
										Custom performance colors	$	91,344		8	%		$	90,706			8	%
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Custom performance colors	$	43,266	8	%	$	45,765	8	%	Masterbatch solutions	380,481			33			362,476				31
	Masterbatch solutions	178,451		33		179,572		30		Engineered plastics	367,346			32			363,738				31
	Engineered plastics	172,830		32		183,040		31		Specialty powders	151,590			13			166,811				14
	Specialty powders	69,233		13		79,864		14		Distribution services	166,587			14			190,174				16
	Distribution services	78,515		14		100,267		17		Total consolidated net sales	$	1,157,348		100	%		$	1,173,905			100	%
	Total consolidated net sales	$	542,295	100	%	$	588,508	100	%

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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	7,236			645			—			7,881
	Fiscal 2015 payments	(3,698		)	(514		)	—			(4,212		)
	Translation	—			—			(846		)	(846		)
	Accrual balance as of February 28, 2015	$	5,283		$	502		$	(1,150	)	$	4,635
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,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	1,345		$	124		$	5,619		$	625
	USCAN	855			590			1,656			658
	LATAM	462			1,002			606			2,146
	APAC	—			11			—			76
	Total restructuring expense	$	2,662		$	1,727		$	7,881		$	3,505

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 February 28,					Six months ended February 28,
		2015			2014		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	83	$	—		$	1,372
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(58	)	$	347	$	(68	)	$	3,002

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		2 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Mar. 15, 2015	Sep. 02, 2013	Dec. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 01, 2014	Sep. 02, 2014
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	$3,300,000	$1,900,000	$4,400,000	$2,500,000
Goodwill	192,940,000		192,940,000		202,299,000
Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Acquistion Anticipated Purchase Consideration						800,000,000
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		625,525,000		1,250,397,000
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										12,781,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets										553,000
Property, plant and equipment										20,049,000
Intangible assets										26,985,000
Total assets acquired										88,218,000
Accounts payable										15,247,000
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits										1,690,000
Other accrued liabilities										706,000
Other long-term liabilities										181,000
Total liabilities assumed										17,824,000
Identifiable net assets acquired										70,394,000
Goodwill										20,606,000
Gross contractual amount of acquired receivables										28,000,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)		8,277,000		24,352,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted		$0.28		$0.83
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 $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			$0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,424,000
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-10,783,000
Goodwill	192,940,000		202,299,000
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	-66,000	[1]
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-9,917,000
Goodwill	75,974,000		85,957,000
LATAM [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	[2]
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-717,000	[2]
Goodwill	12,227,000	[2]	12,944,000	[2]
USCAN [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,083,000	[1],[2]
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0	[2]
Goodwill	103,818,000	[2]	102,735,000	[2]
APAC [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	407,000
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-149,000
Goodwill	$921,000		$663,000
[1]	(2) Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocation made within the first and second quarters of fiscal 2015.
[2]	(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reallocated a portion of the goodwill associated with its former Americas segment to its U.S. & Canada and Latin America segments based on relative fair value.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross change in value due to foreign currency translation			$11,200,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	169,356,000		169,356,000		180,538,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-45,424,000		-45,424,000		-41,904,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	123,932,000		123,932,000		138,634,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3,300,000	3,100,000	6,700,000	6,100,000
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	131,947,000		131,947,000		139,990,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-31,988,000		-31,988,000		-29,088,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	99,959,000		99,959,000		110,902,000
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	18,234,000		18,234,000		19,603,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-7,313,000		-7,313,000		-6,914,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	10,921,000		10,921,000		12,689,000
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	19,175,000		19,175,000		20,945,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-6,123,000		-6,123,000		-5,902,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$13,052,000		$13,052,000		$15,043,000

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran1

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Euro Notes [Member]	Euro Notes [Member]	Euro Notes [Member]	Euro Notes [Member]	FY15 US Bank Line of Credit [Member]
					USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Domestic Uncollateralized Short-term Lines of Credit, Remaining Borrowing Capacity									$25,000,000
Domestic Uncollateralized Short Term Lines Of Credit, outstanding borrowings									0
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount						42,800,000		42,800,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	1,290,000	0	1,290,000	0	1,300,000		1,300,000
Gain on Foreign Currency Swap Related to Extinguishment of Debt					3,900,000		3,900,000
Early Termination Fees on Euro Senior Notes					2,500,000		2,500,000
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost					$100,000		$100,000

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	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	1,657,000	713,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	2,206,000	557,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	0	58,882,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	145,400,000	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	1,657,000	713,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	2,206,000	557,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	0	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

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes percentage	114.40%	34.00%	39.60%	29.30%
US Cost with No Tax Benefit Related to CEO Restricted Stock Expense	$6.20		$6.20
Unrecognized tax benefits	3.7		3.7
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	3		3
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	$1.30		$1.30

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben2

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$1,169	$960	$2,423	$1,908
Interest cost	1,095	1,355	2,263	2,689
Expected return on plan assets	-448	-455	-919	-899
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	735	355	1,521	704
Net periodic benefit cost	2,551	2,215	5,288	4,402
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1	1	2	2
Interest cost	110	123	220	246
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	-136	-141	-271	-280
Net periodic benefit cost	($25)	($17)	($49)	($32)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Comprehensive income (loss)	($32,453)	$11,608	($44,354)	$38,881
Cash dividends paid, $0.41 per share			-12,006
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests			-1,750	0
Purchase of treasury stock			-3,335
Issuance of treasury stock			113
Stock options exercised			19
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures			0
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings			-4,999	-361
Redemptions of common stock to cover tax withholdings			-4,999
Amortization of restricted stock			9,497
Balance as of February 28, 2015	479,636		479,636		536,451
Common Stock [Member]
Stock options exercised			3
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures			329
Redemptions of common stock to cover tax withholdings			-150
Balance as of February 28, 2015	48,367		48,367		48,185
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Issuance of treasury stock			54
Stock options exercised			16
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures			-329
Redemptions of common stock to cover tax withholdings			-4,849
Amortization of restricted stock			9,497
Balance as of February 28, 2015	272,934		272,934		268,545
Treasury Stock [Member]
Purchase of treasury stock			-3,335
Issuance of treasury stock			59
Balance as of February 28, 2015	-383,170		-383,170		-379,894
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)			-57,110
Balance as of February 28, 2015	-73,801		-73,801		-16,691
Retained Earnings [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)			12,270
Cash dividends paid, $0.41 per share			-12,006
Balance as of February 28, 2015	607,162		607,162		606,898
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)			486
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests			-1,750
Balance as of February 28, 2015	$8,144		$8,144		$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				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($73,801)	[1]	$17,396	[1]	($73,801)	[1]	$17,396	[1]	($41,946)	[1]	($16,691)	[1]	$12,699	[1]	$682	[1]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-32,491	[1]	4,498	[1]	-58,106	[1]	17,251	[1]
Amounts reclassified to earnings	599	[1]	115	[1]	935	[1]	-651	[1]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	599		115		935		234
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-31,892	[1]	4,613	[1]	-57,171	[1]	16,600	[1]
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	-32,491		4,498		-58,106		16,366
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-37	[1]	-84	[1]	-61	[1]	-114	[1]
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	-31,855	[1]	4,697	[1]	-57,110	[1]	16,714	[1]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-35,259	[1]	34,192	[1]	-35,259	[1]	34,192	[1]	-2,805	[1]	22,786	[1]	29,610	[1]	17,712	[1]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-32,491	[1]	4,498	[1]	-58,106	[1]	17,251	[1]
Amounts reclassified to earnings	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	-885	[1],[2]
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	-32,491	[1]	4,498	[1]	-58,106	[1]	16,366	[1]
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-37	[1]	-84	[1]	-61	[1]	-114	[1]
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	-32,454	[1]	4,582	[1]	-58,045	[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	-38,542	[1],[3]	-16,796	[1],[3]	-38,542	[1],[3]	-16,796	[1],[3]	-39,141	[1],[3]	-39,477	[1],[3]	-16,911	[1],[3]	-17,030	[1],[3]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]
Amounts reclassified to earnings	599	[1],[3]	115	[1],[3]	935	[1],[3]	234	[1],[3]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	599	[1],[3]	115	[1],[3]	935	[1],[3]	234	[1],[3]
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$599	[1],[3]	$115	[1],[3]	$935	[1],[3]	$234	[1],[3]
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
[2]	(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 19 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014 for further details.
[3]	(2) Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs. 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.

ShareBased_Incentive_Compansat

Share-Based Incentive Compansation Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period				0
Share-based incentive compensation	$9,166	$1,670	$10,473	$2,996
CEO transition costs	6,167	0	6,167	0
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	11,200		11,200
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			1 year 9 months 15 days
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	2,369	873	3,676	2,199
Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	175,636
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$33.52
Time Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	29,274
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$33.52
Board of Directors Unrestricted Awards [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	18,810
Share-based incentive compensation	630	797	630	797
CEO Transition Awards [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
CEO transition costs	$6,167	$0	$6,167	$0
2014 Equity 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	2,000,000		2,000,000
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	750,912		750,912
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	188,249		188,249

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	400,000
Basic	29,138,000	29,059,000	29,078,000	29,038,000
Incremental shares from equity awards	0	218,000	460,000	202,000
Diluted	29,138,000	29,277,000	29,538,000	29,240,000

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$542,295	$588,508	$1,157,348	$1,173,905
Segment gross profit	78,735	75,252	165,970	155,248
Inventory step-up	0	-782	-341	-1,199
Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs	-596	-137	-596	-608
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in gross profit	-65	-34	-115	-34
Gross profit	78,074	74,299	164,918	153,407
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	-3,337	-1,851	-4,389	-2,487
Restructuring and related costs	-3,779	-2,792	-9,359	-6,164
CEO transition costs	-6,167	0	-6,167	0
Asset impairment	0	-104	0	-104
Accelerated depreciation	-298	0	-298	-108
Operating income	5,319	13,755	26,397	33,687
Interest expense, net	-2,245	-2,407	-4,509	-4,536
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	-1,141	-1,466	-2,240	-2,148
Other income (expense), net	245	193	404	271
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	1,290	0	1,290	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	3,468	10,075	21,342	27,274
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	43,266	45,765	91,344	90,706
Net sales, percentage	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Masterbatch Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	178,451	179,572	380,481	362,476
Net sales, percentage	33.00%	30.00%	33.00%	31.00%
Engineered Plastics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	172,830	183,040	367,346	363,738
Net sales, percentage	32.00%	31.00%	32.00%	31.00%
Specialty Powders [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	69,233	79,864	151,590	166,811
Net sales, percentage	13.00%	14.00%	13.00%	14.00%
Distribution Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	78,515	100,267	166,587	190,174
Net sales, percentage	14.00%	17.00%	14.00%	16.00%
EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	315,146	383,024	686,337	775,486
Segment gross profit	44,507	47,499	94,213	99,439
Operating income before certain items	16,277	17,553	36,316	37,972
USCAN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	133,434	108,692	278,141	204,633
Segment gross profit	19,745	13,370	44,374	27,120
Operating income before certain items	5,925	2,839	17,317	6,699
LATAM [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	41,133	48,407	87,314	98,993
Segment gross profit	7,101	7,856	12,751	15,539
Operating income before certain items	2,281	3,430	2,877	6,933
APAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	52,582	48,385	105,556	94,793
Segment gross profit	7,382	6,527	14,632	13,150
Operating income before certain items	3,423	3,176	6,931	6,542
Total Segment Operating Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income before certain items	27,906	26,998	63,441	58,146
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income before certain items	($9,006)	($7,714)	($16,490)	($14,397)

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	$4,635,000		$4,635,000		$1,812,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	2,662,000	1,727,000	7,881,000	3,505,000
Fiscal 2015 payments			-4,212,000
Accelerated depreciation	298,000	0	298,000	108,000
Translation			-846,000
USCAN [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	855,000	590,000	1,656,000	658,000
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	1,345,000	124,000	5,619,000	625,000
APAC [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	0	11,000	0	76,000
LATAM [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	462,000	1,002,000	606,000	2,146,000
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	5,283,000		5,283,000		1,745,000
Fiscal 2015 charges			7,236,000
Fiscal 2015 payments			-3,698,000
Translation			0
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	502,000		502,000		371,000
Fiscal 2015 charges			645,000
Fiscal 2015 payments			-514,000
Translation			0
Translation Effect on Restructuring Reserve [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	-1,150,000		-1,150,000		-304,000
Fiscal 2015 charges			0
Fiscal 2015 payments			0
Translation			-846,000
FY15 EMEA Reorganization Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	40
Restructuring Reserve	2,000,000		2,000,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	300,000		4,500,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	1,600,000		1,600,000
FY15 North American Production Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	70
Restructuring Reserve	900,000		900,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	400,000		1,000,000
FY15 North American SG&A [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	15
Restructuring Reserve	300,000		300,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	400,000		600,000
FY15 Brazil Production Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	20
Restructuring Reserve	300,000		300,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	$400,000		$400,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Mar. 22, 2015	Mar. 22, 2015	Mar. 15, 2015	Jan. 07, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	SAR	USD ($)	NATPET Joint Venture [Member]
				EUR (€)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures				€ 10.80
Guaranty Of Equity Investee Loans	13.3	50
Loans from SIDF to be Guaranteed, Percent	50.00%	50.00%
Acquisition Termination Liquidated Damages			$40

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Share Repurchase Program
Number of treasury stock shares acquired	109,422
Treasury stock shares acquired, average cost per share	$30.46
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

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets			$1,366	$4,738
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax			0	3,331
Net sales	0	83	0	1,372
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-58	347	-68	3,002
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