A. Schulman (SLMNP) Inactive 10-Q6 Jul 152015 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	May. 31, 2015	Jul. 02, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87,565
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	May 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,290,184

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Net sales	$ 560,858	$ 645,735	$ 1,718,206	$ 1,819,640
Cost of sales	470,101	553,771	1,462,531	1,574,269
Selling, general and administrative expenses	64,842	65,536	195,482	181,647
Restructuring expense	2,649	1,078	10,530	4,583
Asset impairment	0	0	0	104
Operating income	23,266	25,350	49,663	59,037
Interest expense	2,618	1,433	7,288	6,112
Bridge financing fees	18,750	0	18,750	0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	857	(28)	3,097	2,120
Other (income) expense, net	(335)	(64)	(900)	(478)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	(1,290)	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	1,376	24,009	22,718	51,283
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	10,344	4,662	18,801	12,657
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(8,968)	19,347	3,917	38,626
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(18)	(23)	(86)	2,979
Net income (loss)	(8,986)	19,324	3,831	41,605
Noncontrolling interests	(343)	(233)	(890)	(584)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(9,329)	19,091	2,941	41,021
Convertible special stock dividends	(563)	0	(563)	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ (9,892)	$ 19,091	$ 2,378	$ 41,021
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,219	29,081	29,125	29,052
Diluted	29,219	29,375	29,547	29,300
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (0.34)	$ 0.66	$ 0.08	$ 1.31
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0.10
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	(0.34)	0.66	0.08	1.41
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(0.34)	0.65	0.08	1.30
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0.10
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	(0.34)	0.65	0.08	1.40
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.205	$ 0.200	$ 0.615	$ 0.600

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Net income (loss)		$ (8,986)	$ 19,324	$ 3,831	$ 41,605
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)		(7,786)	(1,290)	(65,892)	15,076
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax		429	78	1,364	312
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(7,357)	(1,212)	(64,528)	15,388
Comprehensive income (loss)		(16,343)	18,112	(60,697)	56,993
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		282	225	768	462
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ (16,625)	$ 17,887	$ (61,465)	$ 56,531

[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 ($) $ in Thousands		May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 107,043	$ 135,493
Restricted Cash		378,509	0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,537 at May 31, 2015 and $10,844 at August 31, 2014		357,688	384,444
Inventories		270,227	292,141
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		38,867	40,473
Total current assets		1,152,334	852,551
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements		25,568	28,439
Buildings and leasehold improvements		143,002	160,858
Machinery and equipment		372,030	398,563
Furniture and fixtures		31,896	41,255
Construction in progress		23,015	16,718
Gross property, plant and equipment		595,511	645,833
Accumulated depreciation		358,979	391,912
Net property, plant and equipment		236,532	253,921
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets		83,149	65,079
Goodwill		191,489	202,299
Intangible assets, net		119,508	138,634
Total assets		1,783,012	1,512,484
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		293,203	314,957
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable		7,350	6,385
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		46,513	54,199
Other accrued liabilities		78,558	46,054
Short-term debt		14,290	31,748
Total current liabilities		439,914	453,343
Long-term debt		607,585	339,546
Pension plans		110,498	129,949
Deferred income taxes		20,681	23,826
Other long-term liabilities		25,571	29,369
Total liabilities		$ 1,204,249	$ 976,033
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,367 shares at May 31, 2015 and 48,185 shares at August 31, 2014		$ 48,367	$ 48,185
Convertible special stock, no par value		120,296	0
Additional paid-in capital		274,138	268,545
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(81,097)	(16,691)
Retained earnings		591,781	606,898
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,078 shares at May 31, 2015 and 18,973 shares at August 31, 2014		(383,148)	(379,894)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity		570,337	527,043
Noncontrolling interests		8,426	9,408
Total equity		578,763	536,451
Total liabilities and equity		$ 1,783,012	$ 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 (U5

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9,537	$ 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	19,078	18,973

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net income (loss)	$ 3,831	$ 41,605
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	26,481	24,751
Amortization	11,899	10,308
Bridge financing fees	18,750	0
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	(1,143)	(3,182)
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	8,318	9,157
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	(3,344)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(13,610)	(26,048)
Inventories	(13,309)	(15,330)
Accounts payable	9,599	2,847
Income taxes	2,598	204
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	4,776	260
Other assets and long-term liabilities	(6,698)	(6,296)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	56,281	35,036
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(32,662)	(24,126)
Investment in equity investees	(12,456)	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	1,411	5,255
Restricted Cash	(3,509)	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash	(6,698)	(115,624)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(53,914)	(134,495)
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(18,058)	(17,717)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	(12,995)	3,747
Borrowings on long-term debt	255,196	703,141
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(353,647)	(609,501)
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	(1,782)
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	(1,750)	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	231	403
Issuances of convertible special stock, net	120,296	0
Redemptions of common stock	(4,999)	(361)
Purchases of treasury stock	(3,335)	(1,116)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(19,061)	76,814
Non-cash Activity:
Unpaid debt issuance costs	11,116	0
Senior Notes funding held in restricted cash	375,000	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(11,756)	(605)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(28,450)	(23,250)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	135,493	134,054
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 107,043	$ 110,804

General

General	9 Months Ended
General	May. 31, 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 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 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 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015. In addition to these accounting policies, the Company applied the following policy during the third quarter of fiscal 2015: Restricted Cash Restricted cash is classified according to the timing of use of such cash. At May 31, 2015, restricted cash included proceeds from the issuance of the $375 million aggregate principal amount of Notes, as discussed in Note 4 of this Form 10-Q. This amount was held in an escrow account, as required by the terms of the Notes, until June 1, 2015 at which time the restricted cash, along with a refinancing of the Company's long-term debt, was used to complete the acquisition of HGGC Citadel Plastics Holdings, Inc. (“Citadel”), as discussed in Note 2 of this Form 10-Q. 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 13 of this Form 10-Q.

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
Business Acquisitions	May. 31, 2015
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Citadel On June 1, 2015, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of privately held Citadel, a portfolio company of certain private equity firms, for approximately $800 million . Citadel is a leading plastics materials science business that produces engineered composites and engineered plastics for specialty product applications spanning multiple industries including transportation, industrial & construction, consumer, electrical, energy and healthcare & safety. The acquisition expands the Company's presence substantially, especially in the North America engineered plastics markets as well as balancing the global geographic footprint and gives A. Schulman a second growth platform with its industry-leading, added-value specialty engineered composites business. The business enhances the Company's existing portfolio and presents attractive expansion opportunities in other fast-growing sectors such as aerospace, medical, LED lighting and oil & gas. Through this acquisition the Company's portfolio becomes more highly specialized, which will enable the Company to better serve its global customer base. 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 assets and liabilities acquired are fully evaluated by the Company. The following table presents the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Citadel acquisition at the date of acquisition: As of June 1, 2015 (In thousands) Accounts receivable $ 72,926 Inventories 44,300 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,755 Property, plant and equipment 81,551 Intangible assets 321,900 Other long-term assets 3,967 Total assets acquired $ 532,399 Accounts payable 32,278 Accrued liabilities 10,517 Deferred income taxes 124,067 Other long-term liabilities 1,265 Total liabilities assumed $ 168,127 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 364,272 Goodwill 437,628 Net assets acquired $ 801,900 The Company anticipates recording acquired intangible assets of $321.9 million , with an estimated weighted-average useful life of 14.1 years. These intangible assets include customer related intangibles of $227.7 million , developed technology of $75.0 million , and trademarks and trade names of $19.2 million , with estimated weighted-average useful lives of 13.9 years, 16.3 years and 8.1 years, respectively. In addition, the estimated fair value of accounts receivable acquired was $72.9 million with the gross contractual amount being $73.9 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 Citadel acquisition is primarily the result of anticipated synergies and the previously discussed market expansion resulting from the consolidation and centralization of manufacturing and global purchasing activities, insurance savings, and elimination of duplicate corporate administrative costs. The Company will allocate the goodwill to its USCAN engineered plastics and global engineered composites reporting units. Except for certain goodwill acquired from Citadel, none of the goodwill associated with this transaction will be deductible for income tax purposes. A. Schulman's fiscal year ends on August 31 while Citadel's fiscal year ended on December 31. The pro forma information in the table below for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 includes (1) A. Schulman’s three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and (2) Citadel’s three and nine months ended March 31, 2015. The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Citadel acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2014: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 688,823 $ 753,458 $ 2,095,541 $ 2,142,810 Net income available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 6,393 $ 14,711 $ 2,504 $ (9,999 ) Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.50 $ 0.08 $ (0.34 ) The unaudited pro forma information has been adjusted with respect to certain aspects of the Acquisition to reflect the following: • Citadel acquired The Composites Group (“TCG”) in November of 2014. For purposes of the pro forma information disclosed above, the TCG acquisition was included as if the acquisition date was as of the earliest presented period. • Additional depreciation and amortization expenses that would have been recognized assuming fair value adjustments to the existing Citadel assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including intangible assets, fixed assets and expense associated with the fair value step-up of inventory acquired. • Increased interest expense due to additional borrowings to fund the acquisition. • Adjustment of valuation allowances associated with US deferred tax assets. • Acquisition-related costs of $4.9 million , which were included in the Company’s results of operations for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 . • Costs associated with the Bridge Financing discussed in Note 4 of this Form 10-Q of $18.8 million , which were expensed during the three months ended May 31, 2015 . The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the planned integration of the acquired business. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed as of September 1, 2014, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the Company. 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 allocation of the purchase price using 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 following table presents the 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 15,192 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 1,690 Other accrued liabilities 951 Other long-term liabilities 181 Total liabilities assumed $ 18,014 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 70,204 Goodwill 20,796 Net assets acquired $ 91,000 The Company 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 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 May 31, 2014 Nine months ended May 31, 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 688,334 $ 1,938,731 Net income available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 21,715 $ 46,067 Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.74 $ 1.57 The following table summarizes the Company's other business acquisitions for the periods presented: Transaction Description Date of Transaction Purchase Consideration (In millions) Segment Perrite Group September 2, 2013 $ 51.3 EMEA and APAC Network Polymers, Inc. December 2, 2013 $ 49.2 USCAN Prime Colorants December 31, 2013 $ 15.1 USCAN Compco Pty. Ltd. September 2, 2014 $ 6.7 APAC The Company incurred $3.6 million and $8.0 million of acquisition and integration related costs, primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses, during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , respectively, and $0.9 million and $3.4 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014 , respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	May. 31, 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 (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2014 $ 85,957 $ 102,735 $ 12,944 $ 663 $ 202,299 Acquisitions (109 ) (2) 1,327 (2) — 407 1,625 Translation (11,314 ) — (956 ) (165 ) (12,435 ) Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 74,534 $ 104,062 $ 11,988 $ 905 $ 191,489 (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 in 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. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, 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 May 31, 2015 . The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: May 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 130,626 $ (34,035 ) $ 96,591 $ 139,990 $ (29,088 ) $ 110,902 Developed technology 18,053 (7,658 ) 10,395 19,603 (6,914 ) 12,689 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,891 (6,369 ) 12,522 20,945 (5,902 ) 15,043 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 167,570 $ (48,062 ) $ 119,508 $ 180,538 $ (41,904 ) $ 138,634 Foreign currency translation reduced the gross carrying amount of intangible assets by $13.0 million from August 31, 2014 to May 31, 2015 . Amortization expense of intangible assets was $3.3 million and $10.0 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , respectively, and $3.4 million and $9.5 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014 , respectively.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS [Abstract]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt obligations outstanding: May 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 (in thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 4,290 $ 18,429 Current portion of long-term debt 10,000 13,319 Short-term debt $ 14,290 $ 31,748 Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due September 2018 $ 164,174 $ 105,400 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 — Term loan, due September 2018 68,125 180,625 Euro notes, 4.485%, due March 2016 — 53,106 Capital leases and other long-term debt 286 415 Long-term debt $ 607,585 $ 339,546 2013 Credit Agreement On September 24, 2013, the Company entered into a $500.0 million Credit Agreement ("Previous Credit Agreement") that was replaced on June 1, 2015 by the Credit Agreement (as defined below). For discussion of the Company's Previous Credit Agreement, refer to Note 5 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015. On May 26, 2015, an amendment was issued to the Previous Credit Agreement which, among other things, altered both the minimum interest coverage ratio and the maximum net debt leverage ratio to exclude the impact of the issuance of the Notes (as defined below) on May 26, 2015. The amendment also provided a waiver by which the lenders to the Previous Credit Agreement waived any default or event of default that has or may, on or prior to July 15, 2015, directly arise out of or result from the completion of the issuance of the Notes. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Previous Credit Agreement, as amended, as of May 31, 2015. Additional Debt During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company obtained commitments for a senior unsecured bridge loan of $425.0 million and a senior secured credit facility of $875.0 million (together, the "Bridge Financing") to finance the Citadel acquisition in the event permanent financing was not available in time to close the Citadel acquisition. The Company did not draw on the Bridge Financing during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 due to the successful issuance of the Notes and the Convertible Special Stock (refer to Note 9 of this Form 10-Q) and the execution of the Credit Agreement. The Company incurred and expensed financing fees of $18.8 million on the Bridge Financing during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. On February 3, 2015, the Company obtained a $25.0 million uncommitted line of credit from a financial institution, originally 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 Previous Credit Agreement. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company terminated this $25.0 million uncommitted line of credit, in addition to the $15.0 million uncommitted line of credit entered into on February 14, 2014, in conjunction with the new financing transactions discussed below. During the second quarter of fiscal 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. Senior Notes On May 26, 2015, the Company issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company capitalized $11.3 million in debt issuance costs related to the Notes. Additionally, the Company had to fund $3.8 million of interest on the Notes as of May 31, 2015, of which $0.4 million relates to interest expense from the date of funding to May 31, 2015 and $3.4 million is a prepayment. As discussed in Note 1 of this Form 10-Q, the proceeds from the Notes and interest prepayment are recorded as restricted cash as of May 31, 2015 as the funds were restricted to be used until the Citadel acquisition was consummated on June 1, 2015. The Notes mature on June 1, 2023 and are senior unsecured obligations of the Company that are guaranteed on a senior basis by the material domestic guarantors under the Credit Facility (as defined below). The Notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability, in certain circumstances, of the Company to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or other restricted payments, incur liens on assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate with another company, and transfer or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of May 31, 2015. The Company has the option to redeem these Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 1, 2018 at redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date of 105.156%, 103.438%, 101.719% and 100% during the 12-month periods commencing on June 1, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and thereafter, respectively. Prior to June 1, 2018, the Company may redeem these Notes, in whole or in part, and pay the applicable premium that includes the redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. 2015 Credit Agreement On June 1, 2015, the Company and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated Credit Agreement for approximately $1.0 billion with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as global agent, the lenders named in the Credit Agreement and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint bookrunners and joint lead arrangers (the "Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement provides for: • a multicurrency revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to $300 million (the “Revolving Facility"); • a $200 million term loan A facility (the "Term Loan A Facility") with quarterly payments due until maturity; • a $350 million U.S. term loan B facility (the "U.S. Term Loan B Facility") with quarterly payments due until maturity; • a €145 million term loan B facility (the "Euro Term Loan B Facility") with quarterly payments due until maturity; and • an expansion feature allowing the Company to incur additional revolving loans and/or term loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $250 million plus additional amounts that are subject to certain terms and conditions (the "Incremental Facility" and, together with the Revolving Facility, the Term Loan A Facility, the U.S. Term Loan B Facility and the Euro Term Loan B Facility, the "Credit Facility"). The Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility each mature on June 1, 2020, and the U.S. Term Loan B Facility and Euro Term Loan B Facility each mature on June 1, 2022. The Credit Facility is jointly and severally guaranteed by certain material domestic subsidiaries of the Company (the "Guarantors”). Payment and performance under the Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all tangible property of the Company and each Guarantor; including a pledge of 100% of the stock of certain domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the stock of certain foreign subsidiaries subject to materiality and customary exceptions. Foreign obligations are secured by a pledge of 100% of the stock of the foreign borrower and other pledged foreign subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company and its subsidiaries' ability to incur indebtedness and grant liens other than certain types of permitted indebtedness and permitted liens. In addition, the Company is required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and cannot exceed a maximum net debt leverage ratio for the Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility. Interest rates under the Credit Agreement are based on ABR or LIBOR (depending on the borrowing currency) plus a spread determined by the Company's total leverage ratio. Borrowings under the U.S. Term Loan B Facility and Euro Term Loan B Facility are subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.75% . When market LIBOR rates are lower than the 0.75% floor, the interest rate on the Term Loan B Facilities is based on the LIBOR floor plus a spread. The Company is also required to pay a facility fee on the commitments for the unused portion of the Revolving Facility. Additionally, the Revolving Facility provides for a portion of the funds to be made available as a short-term swing-line loan. The table below summarizes the Company’s available funds: May 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 (In thousands) Existing capacity: Revolving Facility, due September 2018 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Domestic short-term lines of credit — 15,000 Foreign short-term lines of credit 47,734 53,520 Total capacity from credit lines $ 347,734 $ 368,520 Availability: Revolving Facility, due September 2018 $ 134,542 $ 193,909 Foreign short-term lines of credit 41,194 49,250 Total available funds from credit lines $ 175,736 $ 243,159 Total available funds from credit lines represents the total capacity from credit lines less outstanding borrowings of $170.7 million and $124.6 million as of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively, and issued letters of credit of $1.3 million and $0.7 million , as of May 31, 2015, and August 31, 2014, respectively. After completion of the Citadel acquisition on June 1, 2015, the total capacity from credit lines and total available funds from credit lines was $347.7 million and $301.9 million , respectively.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement	May. 31, 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: May 31, 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 $ 876 $ — $ 876 $ — $ 713 $ — $ 713 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 1,550 $ — $ 1,550 $ — $ 557 $ — $ 557 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate debt $ 382,268 $ — $ 382,268 $ — $ 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 $146.9 million and $118.0 million as of May 31, 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 May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 . Long-term fixed-rate debt as of May 31, 2015 represents the Senior Notes, due 2023, recorded at cost and presented at fair value for disclosure purposes. Long-term fixed-rate debt as of August 31, 2014 represents debt issued in Euros recorded at cost and presented at fair value for disclosure purposes. On February 26, 2015, the Euro Note debt was extinguished, as discussed in Note 4 of this Form 10-Q. As of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 , the Level 2 fair value of the Company's fixed-rate 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 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015. 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	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	May. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 was 751.5% and 82.8% , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014 was 19.4% and 24.7% , respectively. The increase in the effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended May 31, 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. These charges include $18.8 million of U.S. financing fees on the Bridge Financing related to the Citadel acquisition which occurred during the three months ended May 31, 2015 (refer to Note 4 of this Form 10-Q) and $6.2 million of U.S. costs related to the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards for the CEO transition which occurred during the three months ended February 28, 2015 (refer to Note 11 of this Form 10-Q). We record quarterly taxes based on overall estimated annual effective tax rates. In addition to the U.S. charges with no tax benefit 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 a result of the Citadel acquisition discussed in Note 2 of this Form 10-Q, the Company anticipates a one-time release in the fourth quarter of a portion of its U.S. valuation allowance resulting from the Company’s ability to offset its U.S. deferred income tax assets with Citadel’s U.S. deferred income tax liabilities. The Company expects to release approximately $6.0 million of historical valuation allowance as a result of the Citadel acquisition. The Company will also recognize approximately $7.0 to $9.0 million of deferred tax assets associated with the U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no tax benefit that occurred during the nine months ended May 31, 2015. As of May 31, 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 May 31, 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 2012 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 Bene

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	May. 31, 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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,093 $ 970 $ 3,516 $ 2,878 Interest cost 1,036 1,370 3,299 4,059 Expected return on plan assets (435 ) (461 ) (1,354 ) (1,360 ) Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net 692 359 2,213 1,063 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,386 $ 2,238 $ 7,674 $ 6,640 Other postretirement benefit plan: Service cost $ 1 $ 1 $ 3 $ 3 Interest cost 110 123 330 369 Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net (135 ) (139 ) (406 ) (419 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (24 ) $ (15 ) $ (73 ) $ (47 )

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	May. 31, 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 Stock ($1 par value) Convertible Special Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Non-controlling Interests Total Equity (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) (64,406 ) 2,941 768 (60,697 ) Cash dividends paid, $0.615 per share (18,058 ) (18,058 ) Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests (1,750 ) (1,750 ) Purchase of treasury stock (3,335 ) (3,335 ) Issuance of treasury stock 86 81 167 Stock options exercised 3 61 64 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 10,624 10,624 Issuance of convertible special stock, net of issuance costs 120,296 120,296 Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 48,367 $ 120,296 $ 274,138 $ (81,097 ) $ 591,781 $ (383,148 ) $ 8,426 $ 578,763

Convertible Special Stock Conve

Convertible Special Stock Convertible Special Stock	9 Months Ended
Convertible Special Stock Convertible Special Stock	May. 31, 2015
Convertible Special Stock [Abstract]
Preferred Stock [Text Block]	CONVERTIBLE SPECIAL STOCK On May 4, 2015, the Company filed with the Delaware Secretary of State a Certificate of Designation, Preferences, Rights and Limitations (the "Certificate of Designation") for the purpose of amending its Restated Certificate of Incorporation to fix the designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights of 125,000 shares of the Company’s 6.00% Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Special Stock, without par value (the “Convertible Special Stock”). On May 4, 2015, the Company received gross cash proceeds of $125.0 million from the sale of 125,000 shares of Convertible Special Stock. The $120.3 million amount recorded in the Convertible Special Stock line in the balance sheet is net of issuance costs of $4.7 million . The Certificate of Designation for the Convertible Special Stock provides that: Ranking. The Convertible Special Stock, with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions upon the Company’s liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, will rank: • senior to the Company’s common stock and to all of the Company’s other capital stock issued in the future, unless the terms of that stock expressly provide that it ranks senior to, or on parity with, the Convertible Special Stock; • on parity with any of the Company’s capital stock issued in the future, the terms of which expressly provide that it will rank on parity with the Convertible Special Stock; and • junior to all of the Company’s capital stock issued in the future, the terms of which expressly provide that such stock will rank senior to the Convertible Special Stock. Dividends. Holders of Convertible Special Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 6.00% per annum on the $1,000 liquidation preference per share of the Convertible Special Stock. When declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, dividends will be payable quarterly in arrears on each dividend payment date. Dividends may be paid in cash or, where freely transferable by any non-affiliate recipient thereof, in common stock of the Company or a combination thereof, and are payable on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2015. The Company currently intends to pay dividends in cash. No dividends had been declared as of May 31, 2015; however, $0.6 million of dividends were considered earned for purposes of the earnings per share calculation. Voting Rights. Except as required by Delaware law, and subject to the following limitations, holders of the Convertible Special Stock will have no voting rights. If dividends are in arrears and unpaid for six or more quarterly periods, until such arrearage is paid in full, the holders of the Convertible Special Stock will be entitled (voting on an as-converted basis, together with the holders of the Company’s common stock) at the next regular or special meeting of the Company’s stockholders, to vote on matters presented to the Company’s stockholders for a vote at such meeting. Furthermore, so long as any shares of Convertible Special Stock remain outstanding, the Company may not, without the affirmative consent of the holders of at least 66.67% of the shares of the Convertible Special Stock outstanding at the time, voting together as a single class with all series of parity stock with similar voting rights, take certain actions altering or preempting the rights of the holders of the Convertible Special Stock, as described in the Certificate of Designation. Liquidation. In the event of any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of Convertible Special Stock shall be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders, a liquidation preference per share of Convertible Special Stock equal to $1,000 ($125.0 million in aggregate for the 125,000 shares outstanding as of May 31, 2015 ) plus accumulated dividends to the date fixed for liquidation, winding-up or dissolution in the order described within Ranking above. Redemption. The Convertible Special Stock has no maturity date, is not redeemable by the Company at any time and will remain outstanding unless converted by the holders or mandatorily converted by the Company as described below. Optional Conversion by Holders. Each share of Convertible Special Stock is convertible, at the holder’s option at any time, into shares of common stock at the initial conversion rate of approximately 19.1113 shares of common stock of the Company (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $52.33 per share) to one share of Convertible Special Stock. The conversion rate is subject to specified adjustments as set forth in the Certificate of Designation. There have been no conversions as of May 31, 2015 . If the Company undergoes a fundamental change, as defined in the Certificate of Designation, and a holder converts its shares of Convertible Special Stock at any time beginning at the opening of business on the trading day immediately following the effective date of such fundamental change and ending at the close of business on the 30th trading day immediately following such effective date, the holder will receive, for each share of Convertible Special Stock surrendered for conversion, a number of shares of common stock of the Company as set forth in the Certificate of Designations. There have been no fundamental changes as of May 31, 2015 . Optional Conversion by the Company. On or after May 1, 2020, the Company may, at its option, give notice of its election to cause all outstanding shares of Convertible Special Stock to be automatically converted into shares of common stock of the Company at the conversion rate then in effect, if the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds 150% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in a period of 30 consecutive trading days.

Reclassification Out of Accumul

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 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 February 28, 2015 $ (35,259 ) $ (38,542 ) $ (73,801 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (7,786 ) — (7,786 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 429 (2) 429 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (7,786 ) 429 (7,357 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (61 ) — (61 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (7,725 ) 429 (7,296 ) Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ (42,984 ) $ (38,113 ) $ (81,097 ) 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 (65,892 ) — (65,892 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,364 (2) 1,364 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (65,892 ) 1,364 (64,528 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (122 ) — (122 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (65,770 ) 1,364 (64,406 ) Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ (42,984 ) $ (38,113 ) $ (81,097 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of February 28, 2014 $ 34,192 $ (16,796 ) $ 17,396 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,290 ) — (1,290 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 78 (2) 78 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (1,290 ) 78 (1,212 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (8 ) — (8 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (1,282 ) 78 (1,204 ) Balance as of May 31, 2014 $ 32,910 $ (16,718 ) $ 16,192 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 15,961 — 15,961 Amounts reclassified to earnings (885 ) (3) 312 (2) (573 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 15,076 312 15,388 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (122 ) — (122 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 15,198 312 15,510 Balance as of May 31, 2014 $ 32,910 $ (16,718 ) $ 16,192 (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 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.

Share-Based Incentive Compensat

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	9 Months Ended
Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	May. 31, 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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 1,590 $ 3,161 $ 5,266 $ 5,360 Board of Directors unrestricted awards — — 630 797 CEO transition costs — — 6,167 — Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,590 $ 3,161 $ 12,063 $ 6,157 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 May 31, 2015 was $ 9.7 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years . As of May 31, 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 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	May. 31, 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. Dividends on convertible special stock that an issuer has paid or intends to pay are deducted from net income or added to the amount of a net loss in computing income available to common shareholders. 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, and the inclusion of the convertible special stock dividends, calculated using the if-converted method. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,219 29,081 29,125 29,052 Incremental shares from equity awards — 294 422 248 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — — Diluted 29,219 29,375 29,547 29,300 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three months ended May 31, 2015 excludes approximately 300,000 shares related to equity awards and 700,000 shares related to convertible special stock, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended May 31, 2015 approximately 200,000 shares related to convertible special stock were excluded, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
Segment Information	May. 31, 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 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. On June 1, 2015, the Company acquired Citadel, as discussed in Note 2 of this Form 10-Q. Based on the new structure and an evaluation of how the CODM will make decisions, assess performance and allocate resources, the Company expects to include the engineered plastics market within the USCAN segment and add a new reportable segment, Engineered Composites, beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 326,255 $ 413,788 $ 1,012,592 $ 1,189,274 USCAN 137,080 131,645 415,221 336,277 LATAM 44,821 49,754 132,135 148,748 APAC 52,702 50,548 158,258 145,341 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 560,858 $ 645,735 $ 1,718,206 $ 1,819,640 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 51,695 $ 56,798 $ 145,908 $ 156,237 USCAN 22,104 23,791 66,478 50,911 LATAM 9,324 4,472 22,075 20,011 APAC 7,771 7,052 22,403 20,202 Total segment gross profit 90,894 92,113 256,864 247,361 Inventory step-up — — (341 ) (1,199 ) Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs (78 ) (149 ) (674 ) (791 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (59 ) — (174 ) — Total gross profit $ 90,757 $ 91,964 $ 255,675 $ 245,371 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 24,716 $ 23,565 $ 61,032 $ 61,537 USCAN 7,982 11,906 25,299 18,603 LATAM 4,654 (649 ) 7,531 6,286 APAC 3,972 3,328 10,903 9,870 Total segment operating income 41,324 38,150 104,765 96,296 Corporate (8,502 ) (9,752 ) (24,992 ) (24,149 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (3,590 ) (888 ) (7,972 ) (3,377 ) Restructuring and related costs (5,937 ) (2,160 ) (15,303 ) (8,322 ) CEO transition costs — — (6,167 ) — Asset impairment — — — (104 ) Accelerated depreciation (29 ) — (327 ) (108 ) Inventory step-up — — (341 ) (1,199 ) Operating income 23,266 25,350 49,663 59,037 Interest expense (2,618 ) (1,433 ) (7,288 ) (6,112 ) Bridge financing fees (18,750 ) — (18,750 ) — Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (857 ) 28 (3,097 ) (2,120 ) Other income (expense), net 335 64 900 478 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — 1,290 — Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 1,376 $ 24,009 $ 22,718 $ 51,283 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 May 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands, except for %'s) Custom performance colors $ 45,305 8 % $ 50,212 8 % Masterbatch solutions 187,927 34 202,273 31 Engineered plastics 181,725 32 195,661 30 Specialty powders 71,133 13 97,121 15 Distribution services 74,768 13 100,468 16 Total consolidated net sales $ 560,858 100 % $ 645,735 100 % Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands, except for %'s) Custom performance colors $ 136,649 8 % $ 140,918 8 % Masterbatch solutions 568,408 33 564,750 31 Engineered plastics 549,072 32 559,399 31 Specialty powders 222,722 13 263,931 14 Distribution services 241,355 14 290,642 16 Total consolidated net sales $ 1,718,206 100 % $ 1,819,640 100 % The three and nine months ended May 31, 2014 include a reclassification of revenue between product families to better reflect the way the businesses are managed.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
Restructuring	May. 31, 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 $0.6 million and $ 5.1 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , respectively, and expects to recognize additional pretax employee-related costs of $1.0 million throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015 for this plan. As of May 31, 2015 , the Company has a balance of $1.3 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 closed its plant in Stryker, Ohio in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 and shifted the plant’s production to other North American facilities. The Company expects to reduce headcount by approximately 70 , of which the majority occurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company recorded pretax employee-related costs of $ 0.1 million and $ 1.1 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , respectively, and expects minimal charges related to this plan to be recognized throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of May 31, 2015 , the Company has a balance of $0.1 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur during fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed. 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 $0.1 million and $0.7 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , respectively, and expects minimal charges related to this plan to be recognized throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of May 31, 2015 , the Company has a balance of $0.2 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. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company shifted the production to its facility in Sumare, Brazil. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 20 , of which the majority occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company recorded pretax employee-related costs of $0.1 million and $0.5 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , respectively, and expects minimal charges related to this plan to be recognized throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of May 31, 2015 , the Company has no balance accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to be minimal during fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed. EMEA Shared Service Center Plan In May 2015, the Company announced plans to relocate its EMEA Shared Service Center from Londerzeel, Belgium to Poznan, Poland as part of the Company’s ongoing cost control initiatives. The Company expects to reduce headcount by approximately 40 employees by the end of fiscal 2016. The Company recorded pretax employee-related costs of $1.6 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , and expects to recognize additional pre-tax employee-related costs of $0.5 million throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015 and $5.0 million in fiscal 2016. As of May 31, 2015 , the Company has a balance of $1.6 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2016 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 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015. 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 9,734 796 — 10,530 Fiscal 2015 payments (6,593 ) (852 ) — (7,445 ) Translation — — (669 ) (669 ) Accrual balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 4,886 $ 315 $ (973 ) $ 4,228 Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 2,091 $ 313 $ 7,710 $ 938 USCAN 254 96 1,910 754 LATAM 304 669 910 2,815 APAC — — — 76 Total restructuring expense $ 2,649 $ 1,078 $ 10,530 $ 4,583

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	May. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	(15) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In the normal course of business, the Company is at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought may be substantial. Although the Company is not able to predict the outcome of such legal actions, after reviewing all pending and threatened legal actions with counsel and based on information currently available, management believes that the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or cash flow of the Company. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of such matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the results of operations in a particular future period as the time and amount of any resolution of such legal actions and its relationship to the future results of operations are not currently known. Reserves are established for legal claims only when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, it is not considered probable that a liability has been incurred or it is not possible to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case no reserve would be recognized until that time. On January 7, 2015, the Company completed its remaining capital contribution with a cash investment of € 10.8 million for its joint venture agreement, Natpet Schulman Specialty Plastic Compounds Co., with NATPET of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. On March 22, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with the Saudi Industrial Development Fund ("SIDF") guaranteeing the payment by the joint venture of Saudi riyal 50 million , or $13.3 million , equivalent to 50% of loans to be made by SIDF to the joint venture. As discussed in Note 4 of this Form 10-Q, the Company completed various financing transactions in conjunction with the Citadel acquisition that impact the timing of contractual debt payments. There were no other material changes to the Company’s future contractual obligations as previously reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.

Share Repurchase Program

Share Repurchase Program	9 Months Ended
Share Repurchase Program	May. 31, 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 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015. 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 May 31, 2015 , shares valued at $51.7 million remained authorized for repurchase.

Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
Accounting Pronouncements	May. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“the FASB”) issued an update to simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of that debt liability. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods. Early application is permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, 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	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations	May. 31, 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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales $ — $ — $ — $ 1,372 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (18 ) $ (23 ) $ (86 ) $ 2,979 During the nine months ended May 31, 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)	9 Months Ended
General (Policies)	May. 31, 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 , as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015 .
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	Restricted Cash Restricted cash is classified according to the timing of use of such cash. At May 31, 2015, restricted cash included proceeds from the issuance of the $375 million aggregate principal amount of Notes, as discussed in Note 4 of this Form 10-Q. This amount was held in an escrow account, as required by the terms of the Notes, until June 1, 2015 at which time the restricted cash, along with a refinancing of the Company's long-term debt, was used to complete the acquisition of HGGC Citadel Plastics Holdings, Inc. (“Citadel”), as discussed in Note 2 of this Form 10-Q.

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Business Acquisitions (Tables)	Jul. 06, 2015	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
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 Consideration (In millions) Segment Perrite Group September 2, 2013 $ 51.3 EMEA and APAC Network Polymers, Inc. December 2, 2013 $ 49.2 USCAN Prime Colorants December 31, 2013 $ 15.1 USCAN Compco Pty. Ltd. September 2, 2014 $ 6.7 APAC
Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	A. Schulman's fiscal year ends on August 31 while Citadel's fiscal year ended on December 31. The pro forma information in the table below for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 includes (1) A. Schulman’s three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and (2) Citadel’s three and nine months ended March 31, 2015. The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Citadel acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2014: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 688,823 $ 753,458 $ 2,095,541 $ 2,142,810 Net income available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 6,393 $ 14,711 $ 2,504 $ (9,999 ) Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.50 $ 0.08 $ (0.34 )
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 Citadel acquisition at the date of acquisition: As of June 1, 2015 (In thousands) Accounts receivable $ 72,926 Inventories 44,300 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,755 Property, plant and equipment 81,551 Intangible assets 321,900 Other long-term assets 3,967 Total assets acquired $ 532,399 Accounts payable 32,278 Accrued liabilities 10,517 Deferred income taxes 124,067 Other long-term liabilities 1,265 Total liabilities assumed $ 168,127 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 364,272 Goodwill 437,628 Net assets acquired $ 801,900
Specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation [Member]
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 May 31, 2014 Nine months ended May 31, 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 688,334 $ 1,938,731 Net income available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 21,715 $ 46,067 Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.74 $ 1.57
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		The following table presents the 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 15,192 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 1,690 Other accrued liabilities 951 Other long-term liabilities 181 Total liabilities assumed $ 18,014 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 70,204 Goodwill 20,796 Net assets acquired $ 91,000

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)		9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)		May. 31, 2015
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	[1],[2]	The changes in the Company's carrying value of goodwill are as follows: EMEA USCAN (1) LATAM (1) APAC Total (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2014 $ 85,957 $ 102,735 $ 12,944 $ 663 $ 202,299 Acquisitions (109 ) (2) 1,327 (2) — 407 1,625 Translation (11,314 ) — (956 ) (165 ) (12,435 ) Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 74,534 $ 104,062 $ 11,988 $ 905 $ 191,489
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]		The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: May 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 130,626 $ (34,035 ) $ 96,591 $ 139,990 $ (29,088 ) $ 110,902 Developed technology 18,053 (7,658 ) 10,395 19,603 (6,914 ) 12,689 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,891 (6,369 ) 12,522 20,945 (5,902 ) 15,043 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 167,570 $ (48,062 ) $ 119,508 $ 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 in fiscal 2015.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr28

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Schedule of Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the Company’s available funds: May 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 (In thousands) Existing capacity: Revolving Facility, due September 2018 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Domestic short-term lines of credit — 15,000 Foreign short-term lines of credit 47,734 53,520 Total capacity from credit lines $ 347,734 $ 368,520 Availability: Revolving Facility, due September 2018 $ 134,542 $ 193,909 Foreign short-term lines of credit 41,194 49,250 Total available funds from credit lines $ 175,736 $ 243,159
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt obligations outstanding: May 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 (in thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 4,290 $ 18,429 Current portion of long-term debt 10,000 13,319 Short-term debt $ 14,290 $ 31,748 Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due September 2018 $ 164,174 $ 105,400 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 — Term loan, due September 2018 68,125 180,625 Euro notes, 4.485%, due March 2016 — 53,106 Capital leases and other long-term debt 286 415 Long-term debt $ 607,585 $ 339,546

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	May. 31, 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: May 31, 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 $ 876 $ — $ 876 $ — $ 713 $ — $ 713 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 1,550 $ — $ 1,550 $ — $ 557 $ — $ 557 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate debt $ 382,268 $ — $ 382,268 $ — $ 58,882 $ — $ 58,882 $ —

Pension and Postretirement Be30

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	May. 31, 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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,093 $ 970 $ 3,516 $ 2,878 Interest cost 1,036 1,370 3,299 4,059 Expected return on plan assets (435 ) (461 ) (1,354 ) (1,360 ) Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net 692 359 2,213 1,063 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,386 $ 2,238 $ 7,674 $ 6,640 Other postretirement benefit plan: Service cost $ 1 $ 1 $ 3 $ 3 Interest cost 110 123 330 369 Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net (135 ) (139 ) (406 ) (419 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (24 ) $ (15 ) $ (73 ) $ (47 )

Consolidated Statement of Sto31

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	May. 31, 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 Stock ($1 par value) Convertible Special Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Non-controlling Interests Total Equity (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) (64,406 ) 2,941 768 (60,697 ) Cash dividends paid, $0.615 per share (18,058 ) (18,058 ) Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests (1,750 ) (1,750 ) Purchase of treasury stock (3,335 ) (3,335 ) Issuance of treasury stock 86 81 167 Stock options exercised 3 61 64 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 10,624 10,624 Issuance of convertible special stock, net of issuance costs 120,296 120,296 Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 48,367 $ 120,296 $ 274,138 $ (81,097 ) $ 591,781 $ (383,148 ) $ 8,426 $ 578,763

Reclassification Out of Accum32

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 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) (In thousands) Balance as of February 28, 2015 $ (35,259 ) $ (38,542 ) $ (73,801 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (7,786 ) — (7,786 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 429 (2) 429 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (7,786 ) 429 (7,357 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (61 ) — (61 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (7,725 ) 429 (7,296 ) Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ (42,984 ) $ (38,113 ) $ (81,097 )	Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of February 28, 2014 $ 34,192 $ (16,796 ) $ 17,396 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,290 ) — (1,290 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 78 (2) 78 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (1,290 ) 78 (1,212 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (8 ) — (8 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (1,282 ) 78 (1,204 ) Balance as of May 31, 2014 $ 32,910 $ (16,718 ) $ 16,192	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 (65,892 ) — (65,892 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,364 (2) 1,364 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (65,892 ) 1,364 (64,528 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (122 ) — (122 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (65,770 ) 1,364 (64,406 ) Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ (42,984 ) $ (38,113 ) $ (81,097 )	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 15,961 — 15,961 Amounts reclassified to earnings (885 ) (3) 312 (2) (573 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 15,076 312 15,388 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (122 ) — (122 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 15,198 312 15,510 Balance as of May 31, 2014 $ 32,910 $ (16,718 ) $ 16,192

Share-Based Incentive Compens33

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 1,590 $ 3,161 $ 5,266 $ 5,360 Board of Directors unrestricted awards — — 630 797 CEO transition costs — — 6,167 — Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,590 $ 3,161 $ 12,063 $ 6,157

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	May. 31, 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, and the inclusion of the convertible special stock dividends, calculated using the if-converted method. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,219 29,081 29,125 29,052 Incremental shares from equity awards — 294 422 248 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — — Diluted 29,219 29,375 29,547 29,300

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables) - May. 31, 2015	Total	Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]		The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 326,255 $ 413,788 $ 1,012,592 $ 1,189,274 USCAN 137,080 131,645 415,221 336,277 LATAM 44,821 49,754 132,135 148,748 APAC 52,702 50,548 158,258 145,341 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 560,858 $ 645,735 $ 1,718,206 $ 1,819,640 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 51,695 $ 56,798 $ 145,908 $ 156,237 USCAN 22,104 23,791 66,478 50,911 LATAM 9,324 4,472 22,075 20,011 APAC 7,771 7,052 22,403 20,202 Total segment gross profit 90,894 92,113 256,864 247,361 Inventory step-up — — (341 ) (1,199 ) Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs (78 ) (149 ) (674 ) (791 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (59 ) — (174 ) — Total gross profit $ 90,757 $ 91,964 $ 255,675 $ 245,371 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 24,716 $ 23,565 $ 61,032 $ 61,537 USCAN 7,982 11,906 25,299 18,603 LATAM 4,654 (649 ) 7,531 6,286 APAC 3,972 3,328 10,903 9,870 Total segment operating income 41,324 38,150 104,765 96,296 Corporate (8,502 ) (9,752 ) (24,992 ) (24,149 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (3,590 ) (888 ) (7,972 ) (3,377 ) Restructuring and related costs (5,937 ) (2,160 ) (15,303 ) (8,322 ) CEO transition costs — — (6,167 ) — Asset impairment — — — (104 ) Accelerated depreciation (29 ) — (327 ) (108 ) Inventory step-up — — (341 ) (1,199 ) Operating income 23,266 25,350 49,663 59,037 Interest expense (2,618 ) (1,433 ) (7,288 ) (6,112 ) Bridge financing fees (18,750 ) — (18,750 ) — Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (857 ) 28 (3,097 ) (2,120 ) Other income (expense), net 335 64 900 478 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — 1,290 — Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 1,376 $ 24,009 $ 22,718 $ 51,283
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) custom performance colors, (2) masterbatch solutions, (3) engineered plastics, (4) specialty powders and (5) distribution services. The Company offers tolling services to customers primarily in the specialty powders product family. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows: Three months ended May 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands, except for %'s) Custom performance colors $ 45,305 8 % $ 50,212 8 % Masterbatch solutions 187,927 34 202,273 31 Engineered plastics 181,725 32 195,661 30 Specialty powders 71,133 13 97,121 15 Distribution services 74,768 13 100,468 16 Total consolidated net sales $ 560,858 100 % $ 645,735 100 %	Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands, except for %'s) Custom performance colors $ 136,649 8 % $ 140,918 8 % Masterbatch solutions 568,408 33 564,750 31 Engineered plastics 549,072 32 559,399 31 Specialty powders 222,722 13 263,931 14 Distribution services 241,355 14 290,642 16 Total consolidated net sales $ 1,718,206 100 % $ 1,819,640 100 %

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Restructuring (Tables)	May. 31, 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 9,734 796 — 10,530 Fiscal 2015 payments (6,593 ) (852 ) — (7,445 ) Translation — — (669 ) (669 ) Accrual balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 4,886 $ 315 $ (973 ) $ 4,228
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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 2,091 $ 313 $ 7,710 $ 938 USCAN 254 96 1,910 754 LATAM 304 669 910 2,815 APAC — — — 76 Total restructuring expense $ 2,649 $ 1,078 $ 10,530 $ 4,583

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Tables)	May. 31, 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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales $ — $ — $ — $ 1,372 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (18 ) $ (23 ) $ (86 ) $ 2,979

Business Acquisitions (Details)

Business Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Business Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 06, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Jun. 01, 2015	Mar. 15, 2015	Sep. 02, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 02, 2013	Sep. 02, 2013
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			$ 3,600,000	$ 900,000	$ 8,000,000	$ 3,400,000
Goodwill		$ 202,299,000	191,489,000		191,489,000
Bridge financing fees			18,750,000	0	18,750,000	0
Specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue				688,334,000		1,938,731,000
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										15,192,000
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits										1,690,000
Other accrued liabilities										951,000
Other long-term liabilities										181,000
Total liabilities assumed										18,014,000
Identifiable net assets acquired										70,204,000
Goodwill										20,796,000
Gross contractual amount of acquired receivables										$ 28,000,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)				$ 21,715,000		$ 46,067,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted				$ 0.74		$ 1.57
Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisition Approximated Purchase Consideration								$ 800,000,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue			688,823,000	$ 753,458,000	2,095,541,000	$ 2,142,810,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	14 years 1 month 6 days
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs					4,900,000
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price							$ 801,900,000
Accounts receivable							72,926,000
Inventories							44,300,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets							7,755,000
Property, plant and equipment							81,551,000
Intangible assets							321,900,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets							3,967,000
Total assets acquired							532,399,000
Accounts payable							32,278,000
Other accrued liabilities							10,517,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent							124,067,000
Other long-term liabilities							1,265,000
Total liabilities assumed							168,127,000
Identifiable net assets acquired							364,272,000
Goodwill							437,628,000
Gross contractual amount of acquired receivables							73,900,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)			$ 6,393,000	$ 14,711,000	$ 2,504,000	$ (9,999,000)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted			$ 0.22	$ 0.50	$ 0.08	$ (0.34)
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
Compco Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price									$ 6,700,000
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] \| Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	13 years 10 months 18 days
Intangible assets							227,700,000
Developed Technology [Member] \| Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Intangible assets							75,000,000
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] \| Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Intangible assets							$ 19,200,000
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] \| Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	16 years 3 months 16 days
Marketing-Related Intangible Assets [Member] \| Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	8 years 1 month 6 days

Goodwill and Intangible Asset39

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			$ 0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 1,625
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(12,435)
Goodwill		191,489	202,299
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	[1]	(109)
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(11,314)
Goodwill		74,534	85,957
LATAM [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	[2]	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	[2]	(956)
Goodwill	[2]	11,988	12,944
USCAN [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	[1],[2]	1,327
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	[2]	0
Goodwill	[2]	104,062	102,735
APAC [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		407
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(165)
Goodwill		$ 905	$ 663

[1]	(2) Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocation made in 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 Asset40

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross change in value due to foreign currency translation			$ 13,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 167,570		167,570		$ 180,538
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(48,062)		(48,062)		(41,904)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	119,508		119,508		138,634
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3,300	$ 3,400	10,000	$ 9,500
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	130,626		130,626		139,990
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(34,035)		(34,035)		(29,088)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	96,591		96,591		110,902
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	18,053		18,053		19,603
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(7,658)		(7,658)		(6,914)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	10,395		10,395		12,689
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	18,891		18,891		20,945
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(6,369)		(6,369)		(5,902)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 12,522		$ 12,522		$ 15,043

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr41

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details) € in Millions	May. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 06, 2015	May. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015EUR (€)	May. 31, 2014USD ($)	May. 31, 2015USD ($)	May. 31, 2015EUR (€)	May. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2015EUR (€)	May. 26, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other, due within one year	$ 4,290,000		$ 4,290,000				$ 4,290,000						$ 18,429,000
Current portion of long-term debt	10,000,000		10,000,000				10,000,000						13,319,000
Short-term debt	14,290,000		14,290,000				14,290,000						31,748,000
Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due September 2018	164,174,000		164,174,000				164,174,000						105,400,000
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023	375,000,000		375,000,000				375,000,000						0
Term loan, due September 2018	68,125,000		68,125,000				68,125,000						180,625,000
Euro notes, 4.485%, due March 2016	0		0				0						53,106,000
Capital leases and other long-term debt	286,000		286,000				286,000						415,000
Long-term debt	607,585,000		607,585,000				607,585,000						339,546,000
Unsecured Bridge Loan	425,000,000		425,000,000				425,000,000
Bridge financing fees			18,750,000			$ 0	18,750,000		$ 0
Gain on early extinguishment of debt			0			$ 0	1,290,000		$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity										$ 250,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	300,000,000		300,000,000				300,000,000						300,000,000
Domestic Uncollateralized Short Term Lines Of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	0		0				0						15,000,000
Foreign short-term lines of credit	47,734,000		47,734,000				47,734,000						53,520,000
Total capacity from credit lines	347,734,000		347,734,000				347,734,000			347,700,000			368,520,000
Revolving Facility, due September 2018	134,542,000		134,542,000				134,542,000						193,909,000
Foreign short-term lines of credit	41,194,000		41,194,000				41,194,000						49,250,000
Total available funds from credit lines	175,736,000		175,736,000				175,736,000			$ 301,900,000			243,159,000
Credit Lines and Notes, Amount Outstanding less Letters of Credit	170,700,000		170,700,000				170,700,000						124,600,000
DomesticPledgeofSubsidiaryCapitalStocktoSupportRevolvingFacilityandSeniorNote										100.00%	100.00%
Foreign Pledge of Subsidiary Capital Stock to Support Revolving Facility and Senior Notes										65.00%	65.00%
Foreign Pledge of Subsidiary Capital Stock to Support Foreign Obligations										100.00%	100.00%
Euro Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount \| €					€ 42.8			€ 42.8
Gain on early extinguishment of debt				$ 1,290,000			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
Senior Notes, due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate												6.875%
Capitalized debt issuance costs			11,300,000				11,300,000
Interest Costs Incurred	400,000		3,800,000				3,800,000
Prepaid Interest	3,400,000		3,400,000				3,400,000
2015 Credit Facility Revolver, due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity										$ 300,000,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity										200,000,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B USD [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity										350,000,000
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		0.0075
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B Euro [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity \| €											€ 145
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		0.0075
2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	500,000,000		500,000,000				500,000,000
Bridge Financing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	875,000,000		875,000,000				875,000,000
2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity										$ 1,000,000,000
Outstanding Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due September 2018	1,300,000		1,300,000				1,300,000						$ 700,000
FY15 US Bank Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Domestic Uncollateralized Short Term Lines Of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	25,000,000		25,000,000				25,000,000
FY15 Huntington Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Domestic Uncollateralized Short Term Lines Of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 15,000,000		$ 15,000,000				$ 15,000,000
Stated Value [Member] \| Senior Notes, due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023												$ 375,000,000

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Transfers Between Levels, Amount		$ 0
Fair value transfers between levels	$ 0
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	876,000	713,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	1,550,000	557,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	382,268,000	58,882,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	146,900,000	118,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	0	0
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	0	0
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	876,000	713,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	1,550,000	557,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	382,268,000	58,882,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	0	0
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	0	0
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes percentage		751.50%		19.40%	82.80%	24.70%
Bridge financing fees		$ 18,750		$ 0	$ 18,750	$ 0
US Cost with No Tax Benefit Related to CEO Restricted Stock Expense			$ 6,200		6,200
Unrecognized tax benefits		3,700			3,700
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate		3,000			3,000
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits		$ 1,300			$ 1,300
Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Expected release of valuation allowance	$ 6,000
Minimum [Member] \| Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Expected deferred tax asset, restructuring and other	7,000
Maximum [Member] \| Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Expected deferred tax asset, restructuring and other	$ 9,000

Pension and Postretirement Be44

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,093	$ 970	$ 3,516	$ 2,878
Interest cost	1,036	1,370	3,299	4,059
Expected return on plan assets	(435)	(461)	(1,354)	(1,360)
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	692	359	2,213	1,063
Net periodic benefit cost	2,386	2,238	7,674	6,640
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1	1	3	3
Interest cost	110	123	330	369
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(135)	(139)	(406)	(419)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (24)	$ (15)	$ (73)	$ (47)

Consolidated Statement of Sto45

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (16,343)	$ 18,112	$ (60,697)	$ 56,993
Cash dividends paid, $0.615 per share			(18,058)
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests			(1,750)	$ 0
Purchase of treasury stock			(3,335)
Issuance of treasury stock			167
Stock options exercised			64
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures			0
Redemptions of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(4,999)
Amortization of restricted stock			10,624
Issuance of convertible special stock, net of issuance costs			120,296
Balance as of May 31, 2015	578,763		578,763		$ 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 May 31, 2015	48,367		48,367		48,185
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Issuance of convertible special stock, net of issuance costs			120,296
Balance as of May 31, 2015	120,296		120,296		0
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Issuance of treasury stock			86
Stock options exercised			61
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures			(329)
Redemptions of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(4,849)
Amortization of restricted stock			10,624
Balance as of May 31, 2015	274,138		274,138		268,545
Treasury Stock [Member]
Purchase of treasury stock			(3,335)
Issuance of treasury stock			81
Balance as of May 31, 2015	(383,148)		(383,148)		(379,894)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)			(64,406)
Balance as of May 31, 2015	(81,097)		(81,097)		(16,691)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)			2,941
Cash dividends paid, $0.615 per share			(18,058)
Balance as of May 31, 2015	591,781		591,781		606,898
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)			768
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests			(1,750)
Balance as of May 31, 2015	$ 8,426		$ 8,426		$ 9,408

Convertible Special Stock Con46

Convertible Special Stock Convertible Special Stock (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 04, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Authorized					125,000
Convertible Special Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage			6.00%
Issuances of convertible special stock, gross			$ 125,000,000
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Issued					125,000
Issuances of convertible special stock, net			120,296,000	$ 0
Payment of Financing and Stock Issuance Costs					$ 4,700,000
Convertible Special Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share					$ 1,000
Dividends, Convertible Special Stock, Cash			0
Convertible special stock dividends	$ 563,000	$ 0	$ 563,000	$ 0
Preferred Stock, Voting Rights					66.67%
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Outstanding	125,000		125,000
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion	19.1113		19.1113
Convertible Special Stock, Terms of Conversion			52.33
Convertible Special Stock Converted to Other Securities	$ 0		$ 0
Convertible Special Stock, Redemption Terms			1.5

Reclassification Out of Accum47

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (81,097)	$ 16,192	$ (81,097)	$ 16,192		$ (73,801)	$ (16,691)	$ 17,396	$ 682
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	(7,786)	(1,290)	(65,892)	15,961
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	429	78	1,364	(573)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax		429	78	1,364	312
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(7,357)	(1,212)	(64,528)	15,388
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)		(7,786)	(1,290)	(65,892)	15,076
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(61)	(8)	(122)	(122)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	(7,296)	(1,204)	(64,406)	15,510
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(42,984)	32,910	(42,984)	32,910		(35,259)	22,786	34,192	17,712
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	(7,786)	(1,290)	(65,892)	15,961
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	0	0	0	(885)	[2]
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	[1]	(7,786)	(1,290)	(65,892)	15,076
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(61)	(8)	(122)	(122)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	(7,725)	(1,282)	(65,770)	15,198
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(38,113)	(16,718)	(38,113)	(16,718)		$ (38,542)	$ (39,477)	$ (16,796)	$ (17,030)
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1],[3]	429	78	1,364	312
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	[1]	429	78	1,364	312
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	0	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	$ 429	$ 78	$ 1,364	$ 312

[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 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 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.

Share-Based Incentive Compansat

Share-Based Incentive Compansation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 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	$ 1,590		$ 3,161	$ 12,063	$ 6,157
CEO transition costs	0		0	6,167	0
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	9,700			$ 9,700
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition				1 year 7 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	1,590		3,161	$ 5,266	5,360
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	0		0	$ 630	797
CEO Transition Awards [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
CEO transition costs	$ 0		$ 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) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,219,000	29,081,000	29,125,000	29,052,000
Diluted	29,219,000	29,375,000	29,547,000	29,300,000
Equity Award [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	300,000
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from equity awards	0	294,000	422,000	248,000
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			200,000
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	700,000
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from equity awards	0	0	0	0

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 560,858	$ 645,735	$ 1,718,206	$ 1,819,640
Total segment gross profit	90,894	92,113	256,864	247,361
Inventory step-up	0	0	(341)	(1,199)
Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs	(78)	(149)	(674)	(791)
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in gross profit	(59)	0	(174)	0
Total gross profit	90,757	91,964	255,675	245,371
Corporate	(8,502)	(9,752)	(24,992)	(24,149)
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations	(3,590)	(888)	(7,972)	(3,377)
Restructuring and related costs	(5,937)	(2,160)	(15,303)	(8,322)
CEO transition costs	0	0	(6,167)	0
Asset impairment	0	0	0	(104)
Accelerated depreciation	(29)	0	(327)	(108)
Operating income	23,266	25,350	49,663	59,037
Interest expense	(2,618)	(1,433)	(7,288)	(6,112)
Bridge financing fees	(18,750)	0	(18,750)	0
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(857)	28	(3,097)	(2,120)
Other income (expense), net	335	64	900	478
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	1,290	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$ 1,376	$ 24,009	$ 22,718	$ 51,283
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	$ 45,305	$ 50,212	$ 136,649	$ 140,918
Net sales, percentage	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Masterbatch Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 187,927	$ 202,273	$ 568,408	$ 564,750
Net sales, percentage	34.00%	31.00%	33.00%	31.00%
Engineered Plastics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 181,725	$ 195,661	$ 549,072	$ 559,399
Net sales, percentage	32.00%	30.00%	32.00%	31.00%
Specialty Powders [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 71,133	$ 97,121	$ 222,722	$ 263,931
Net sales, percentage	13.00%	15.00%	13.00%	14.00%
Distribution Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 74,768	$ 100,468	$ 241,355	$ 290,642
Net sales, percentage	13.00%	16.00%	14.00%	16.00%
EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 326,255	$ 413,788	$ 1,012,592	$ 1,189,274
Total segment gross profit	51,695	56,798	145,908	156,237
Total segment operating income	24,716	23,565	61,032	61,537
USCAN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	137,080	131,645	415,221	336,277
Total segment gross profit	22,104	23,791	66,478	50,911
Total segment operating income	7,982	11,906	25,299	18,603
LATAM [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	44,821	49,754	132,135	148,748
Total segment gross profit	9,324	4,472	22,075	20,011
Total segment operating income	4,654	(649)	7,531	6,286
APAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	52,702	50,548	158,258	145,341
Total segment gross profit	7,771	7,052	22,403	20,202
Total segment operating income	3,972	3,328	10,903	9,870
Total Segment Operating Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating income	$ 41,324	$ 38,150	$ 104,765	$ 96,296

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Restructuring (Details)	May. 31, 2015USD ($)	May. 31, 2014USD ($)	May. 31, 2015USD ($)	May. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Restructuring
Convertible Special Stock Converted to Other Securities	$ 0		$ 0
Restructuring Reserve	4,228,000		4,228,000			$ 1,812,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	2,649,000	$ 1,078,000	10,530,000	$ 4,583,000
Fiscal 2015 payments			(7,445,000)
Accelerated depreciation	29,000	0	327,000	108,000
Translation			(669,000)
USCAN [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	254,000	96,000	1,910,000	754,000
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	2,091,000	313,000	7,710,000	938,000
APAC [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	0	0	0	76,000
LATAM [Member]
Restructuring
Fiscal 2015 charges	304,000	$ 669,000	910,000	$ 2,815,000
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	4,886,000		4,886,000			1,745,000
Fiscal 2015 charges			9,734,000
Fiscal 2015 payments			(6,593,000)
Translation			0
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	315,000		315,000			371,000
Fiscal 2015 charges			796,000
Fiscal 2015 payments			(852,000)
Translation			0
Translation Effect on Restructuring Reserve [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	(973,000)		(973,000)			$ (304,000)
Fiscal 2015 charges			0
Fiscal 2015 payments			0
Translation			$ (669,000)
FY15 EMEA Reorganization Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated			40
Restructuring Reserve	1,300,000		$ 1,300,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	600,000		5,100,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	1,000,000		$ 1,000,000
FY15 North American Production Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated			70
Restructuring Reserve	100,000		$ 100,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	100,000		$ 1,100,000
FY15 North American SG&A [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated			15
Restructuring Reserve	200,000		$ 200,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	100,000		$ 700,000
FY15 Brazil Production Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated			20
Restructuring Reserve	0		$ 0
Fiscal 2015 charges	100,000		$ 500,000
FY15 EMEA Shared Service Center Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated			40
Restructuring Reserve	1,600,000		$ 1,600,000
Fiscal 2015 charges	1,600,000		1,600,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	$ 500,000		$ 500,000		$ 5,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) € in Millions, SAR in Millions, $ in Millions	Mar. 22, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 22, 2015SAR	Jan. 07, 2015EUR (€)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guaranty Of Equity Investee Loans	$ 13.3	SAR 50
Loans from SIDF to be Guaranteed, Percent	50.00%	50.00%
NATPET Joint Venture [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures			€ 10.8

Share Repurchase Program (Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) - May. 31, 2015 - USD ($)	Total
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	$ 3,335,000

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($)	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets			$ 1,411,000	$ 5,255,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax			0	3,344,000
Net sales	$ 0	$ 0	0	1,372,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (18,000)	$ (23,000)	$ (86,000)	2,979,000
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				3,000,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax				$ 3,334,000