A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-Q 11 Jan 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Jan. 08, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87,565
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Nov. 30, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Net sales	$ 649,219,000	$ 615,053,000
Cost of sales	544,290,000	528,209,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	77,237,000	60,547,000
Restructuring expense	1,546,000	5,219,000
Operating income	26,146,000	21,078,000
Interest expense	13,618,000	2,359,000
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	729,000	1,099,000
Other (income) expense, net	71,000	(254,000)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	11,728,000	17,874,000
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	4,251,000	4,486,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations	7,477,000	13,388,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	20,000	(10,000)
Net income (loss)	7,497,000	13,378,000
Noncontrolling interests	(404,000)	(220,000)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	7,093,000	13,158,000
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875,000	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ 5,218,000	$ 13,158,000
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,223	29,017
Diluted	29,462	29,468
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.18	$ 0.45
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	0.18	0.45
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	0.18	0.45
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	0.18	0.45
Cash dividends per common share	0.205	0.205
Cash dividends per share of convertible special stock	$ 15	$ 0

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Net income (loss)		$ 7,497	$ 13,378
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)		(10,776)	(25,615)
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax		1,015	336
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(9,761)	(25,279)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(2,264)	(11,901)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		335	196
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ (2,599)	$ (12,097)
[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		Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 95,562	$ 96,872
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,533 at November 30, 2015 and $10,777 at August 31, 2015		395,317	413,943
Inventories		313,616	317,328
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		68,483	60,205
Total current assets		872,978	888,348
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements		31,883	31,674
Buildings and leasehold improvements		163,448	164,759
Machinery and equipment		418,652	427,183
Furniture and fixtures		33,733	34,393
Construction in progress		25,960	23,866
Gross property, plant and equipment		673,676	681,875
Accumulated depreciation		365,590	367,381
Net property, plant and equipment		308,086	314,494
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets		88,490	90,749
Goodwill		623,551	623,583
Intangible assets, net		423,302	434,537
Total assets		2,316,407	2,351,711
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		299,219	305,385
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable		3,885	4,205
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		58,067	56,192
Other accrued liabilities		84,109	70,824
Short-term debt		22,433	20,710
Total current liabilities		467,713	457,316
Long-term debt		1,013,576	1,045,349
Pension plans		112,265	117,889
Deferred income taxes		117,186	115,537
Other long-term liabilities		22,281	22,885
Total liabilities		$ 1,733,021	$ 1,758,976
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Convertible special stock, no par value		$ 120,289	$ 120,289
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,371 shares at November 30, 2015 and 48,369 shares at August 31, 2015		48,371	48,369
Additional paid-in capital		275,095	274,319
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(93,152)	(83,460)
Retained earnings		606,884	607,690
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,075 shares at November 30, 2015 and 18,977 shares at August 31, 2015		(383,085)	(383,121)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity		574,402	584,086
Noncontrolling interests		8,984	8,649
Total equity		583,386	592,735
Total liabilities and equity		$ 2,316,407	$ 2,351,711
[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 ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 10,533,000	$ 10,777,000
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,371,000	48,369,000
Treasury stock, shares	19,075,000	19,077,000
Convertible special stock, shares converted to common shares	0	0
Convertible special stock, no par value	$ 120,289,000	$ 120,289,000
Fair Value Hedges, Net	0	$ 0
Fair Value, Transfers Between Levels, Amount	$ 0
Equity Award [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	8,661

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net income	$ 7,497	$ 13,378
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	12,013	8,963
Amortization	10,039	4,066
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,306	633
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	1,217	2,452
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(7,345)	4,731
Inventories	(8,671)	(16,341)
Accounts payable	377	8,200
Income taxes	1,432	463
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	18,614	2,846
Other assets and long-term liabilities	(11,144)	(9,670)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	40,025	10,259
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(7,402)	(10,324)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	361	904
Business acquisitions, net of cash	0	(6,698)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(7,041)	(16,118)
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(1,875)	0
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(6,024)	(5,962)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	1,926	870
Borrowings on long-term debt	0	27,500
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(24,946)	(10,915)
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	0	(1,750)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	90	71
Purchases of treasury stock	0	(3,335)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(30,829)	6,479
Non-cash Activity:
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(3,465)	(4,004)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,310)	(3,384)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	96,872	135,493
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 95,562	$ 132,109

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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, 2015 . The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2016 . 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, 2015 . Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2016 presentation.

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [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 $801.6 million . Citadel is a 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 added-value specialty engineered composites business. The business enhances the Company's existing portfolio and presents attractive expansion opportunities in other sectors such as aerospace, medical, LED lighting and oil & gas. Through this acquisition the Company's portfolio becomes more highly specialized, which enables the Company to better serve its global customer base with comprehensive solutions to address their needs such as light-weighting, material replacement, and high temperature strength. The information included herein has been prepared based on the preliminary allocation of the purchase price using estimates of the fair value and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed which were determined with the assistance of independent valuations using discounted cash flow and comparative market multiple approaches, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. The purchase price allocation is subject to further adjustment until all pertinent information regarding the acquired accounts receivable, inventory, intangible assets, accrued liabilities and deferred taxes 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 $ 71,498 Inventories 41,771 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 15,320 Property, plant and equipment 78,113 Intangible assets 325,000 Other long-term assets 3,593 Total assets acquired $ 535,295 Accounts payable 29,500 Accrued liabilities 19,608 Deferred income taxes, long-term 116,102 Other long-term liabilities 3,121 Total liabilities assumed $ 168,331 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 366,964 Goodwill 434,596 Net assets acquired $ 801,560 The Company recorded acquired intangible assets of $325.0 million , with an estimated weighted-average useful life of 14.1 years. These intangible assets include customer related intangibles of $230.5 million , developed technology of $75.3 million , and trademarks and trade names of $19.2 million , with estimated weighted-average useful lives of 14.0 years, 16.3 years and 8.1 years, respectively. In addition, the estimated fair value of accounts receivable acquired was $71.5 million with the gross contractual amount being $72.1 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 resulting from the consolidation and centralization of manufacturing and global purchasing activities, insurance savings, elimination of duplicate corporate administrative costs and the previously discussed market expansion. The Company allocated the goodwill to its USCAN engineered plastics and global engineered composites reporting units. Except for certain pre-acquisition tax-deductible goodwill, none of the goodwill associated with this transaction is 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 months ended November 30, 2014 includes (1) A. Schulman’s three months ended November 30, 2014 and (2) Citadel’s three months ended December 31, 2014. The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Citadel acquisition occurred on September 1, 2013: Three months ended November 30, 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 739,738 Net income available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 7,906 Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.27 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 on September 1, 2013. • 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 $14.1 million , which were incurred during fiscal 2015, are reflected as if incurred during the three months ended November 30, 2013. • Costs associated with acquisition bridge financing of $18.8 million , which were incurred during fiscal 2015, are reflected as if incurred during the three months ended November 30, 2013. 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 on September 1, 2013, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the Company. The following table summarizes the Company's other business acquisitions for the periods presented: Transaction Description Date of Transaction Purchase Consideration (In millions) Segment Compco Pty. Ltd. September 2, 2014 $ 6.7 APAC The Company incurred $1.9 million and $1.1 million of acquisition and integration related costs, primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses, during the three months ended November 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [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 LATAM APAC EC Total (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 75,714 $ 285,791 $ 11,695 $ 901 $ 249,482 $ 623,583 Acquisitions — (31 ) (1) — — 3,237 (1) 3,206 Translation (3,128 ) — (107 ) (3 ) — (3,238 ) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ 72,586 $ 285,760 $ 11,588 $ 898 $ 252,719 $ 623,551 (1) Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocation made in fiscal 2016, primarily due to inventory valuation adjustments. 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, 2015 and noted no impairment. Management uses judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative analysis or a quantitative fair value measurement approach that combines the income and market valuation techniques for each of the Company’s reporting units that carry goodwill. These valuation techniques use estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the determination of appropriate market comparables, projected future cash flows (including timing and profitability), discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rate, and projected future economic and market conditions. The Company is not aware of any triggers which would require a goodwill impairment test as of November 30, 2015 . The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: November 30, 2015 August 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 358,758 $ (46,650 ) $ 312,108 $ 360,193 $ (40,447 ) $ 319,746 Developed technology 94,885 (11,392 ) 83,493 93,518 (9,398 ) 84,120 Registered trademarks and tradenames 34,694 (6,993 ) 27,701 37,964 (7,293 ) 30,671 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 488,337 $ (65,035 ) $ 423,302 $ 491,675 $ (57,138 ) $ 434,537 Amortization expense of intangible assets was $9.3 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended November 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: November 30, 2015 August 31, 2015 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 7,399 $ 5,584 Current portion of long-term debt 15,034 15,126 Short-term debt $ 22,433 $ 20,710 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ — $ — Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 185,000 187,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 343,938 344,781 Euro Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 108,525 137,818 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 1,113 250 Long-term debt $ 1,013,576 $ 1,045,349 For a detailed discussion of the Company's long-term debt and credit arrangements, refer to Note 5 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 . The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants as of November 30, 2015 . The Company paid €20.0 million on its Euro Term Loan B Facility debt during the three months ended November 30, 2015 , in addition to normal required payments of $3.8 million on all term debt.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value: November 30, 2015 August 31, 2015 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 $ 2,733 $ — $ 2,733 $ — $ 1,818 $ — $ 1,818 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 3,957 $ — $ 3,957 $ — $ 1,576 $ — $ 1,576 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate debt $ 367,969 $ — $ 367,969 $ — $ 374,299 $ — $ 374,299 $ — 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 $207.9 million and $161.5 million as of November 30, 2015 and August 31, 2015 , respectively. The amount of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding as of the end of the period is indicative of the exposure of current balances and the forecasted change in exposures for the following quarter. Any gains or losses associated with these contracts as well as the offsetting gains or losses from the underlying assets or liabilities are included in the foreign currency transaction (gains) losses line in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts is recognized in other current assets or other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets based on the net settlement value. The foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into with creditworthy financial institutions, generally have a term of three months or less, and the Company does not hold or issue foreign exchange forward contracts for trading purposes. There were no foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedging instruments as of November 30, 2015 and August 31, 2015 . Long-term fixed-rate debt as of November 30, 2015 and August 31, 2015 represents the Senior Notes, due 2023, recorded at cost and presented at fair value for disclosure purposes. 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. As of November 30, 2015 and August 31, 2015 , the carrying value of the Company's long-term fixed-rate debt recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $375.0 million. 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, 2015 . The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during fiscal 2016 , 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 period 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 period presented.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES The effective tax rate for the three months ended November 30, 2015 and 2014 was 36.2% and 25.1% , respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended November 30, 2015 as compared with the same period last year was driven primarily by the prior year benefit of U.S. income with no tax due to valuation allowance and an increase in current year foreign income subject to U.S. tax, including income recognized due to the expiration of the “look-thru” provision of U.S. tax law, partially offset by fewer losses with no tax benefit. We record quarterly taxes based on overall estimated annual effective tax rates. The difference between our effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate in the current year is primarily attributable to certain foreign income being taxable in the U.S., including a portion due to the expiration of the “look-thru” provision of U.S. tax law, partially offset by our overall foreign rate being less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate. Subsequent to the close of the quarter, the “look-thru” provision of U.S. tax law was extended. The additional tax recorded in the three months ended November 30, 2015 , due to the expiration of this provision, will be reversed in the second quarter, reducing our annual effective rate. As of November 30, 2015 , the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $2.0 million . If recognized, $1.4 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company's effective tax rate. The Company reports interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of November 30, 2015 , the Company had $0.9 million of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits. The Company’s statute of limitations is open in various jurisdictions as follows: Germany - from 2005 onward, France - from 2010 onward, U.S. - from 2012 onward, Belgium - from 2012 onward, other foreign jurisdictions - from 2006 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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,294 $ 1,254 Interest cost 1,063 1,168 Expected return on plan assets (504 ) (471 ) Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net 724 786 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,577 $ 2,737 Other postretirement benefit plan: Service cost $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 97 110 Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net (149 ) (135 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (51 ) $ (24 )

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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: Convertible Special Stock Common Stock ($1 par value) 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, 2015 $ 120,289 $ 48,369 $ 274,319 $ (83,460 ) $ 607,690 $ (383,121 ) $ 8,649 $ 592,735 Comprehensive income (loss) (9,692 ) 7,093 335 (2,264 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.205 per share (6,024 ) (6,024 ) Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $15.00 per share (1,875 ) (1,875 ) Issuance of treasury stock 22 36 58 Stock options exercised 2 30 32 Amortization of restricted stock 724 724 Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ 120,289 $ 48,371 $ 275,095 $ (93,152 ) $ 606,884 $ (383,085 ) $ 8,984 583,386

Convertible Special Stock Conve

Convertible Special Stock Convertible Special Stock	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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. As of November 30, 2015 and August 31, 2015 , 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 . Since August 31, 2015 , there have been no changes to the Convertible Special Stock in regards to the: • ranking upon payment of dividends and distributions upon the Company’s liquidation, winding up or dissolution; • cumulative 6.00% per annum dividend entitlements; • voting rights; • redemption rights; • conversion rate, of which there have been no conversions as of November 30, 2015 and August 31, 2015 ; and • optional conversion by the Company on or after May 1, 2020. The Company paid $1.9 million of convertible special stock dividends in case during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and currently intends to pay future dividends in cash. If the Company undergoes a fundamental change, as defined in the Certificate of Designation, and a holder subsequently converts its shares of Convertible Special Stock, 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 November 30, 2015 or August 31, 2015 .

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [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 August 31, 2015 $ (49,562 ) $ (33,898 ) $ (83,460 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (10,776 ) — (10,776 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,015 (2) 1,015 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (10,776 ) 1,015 (9,761 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (69 ) — (69 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (10,707 ) 1,015 (9,692 ) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ (60,269 ) $ (32,883 ) $ (93,152 ) 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 (25,615 ) — (25,615 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 336 (2) 336 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (25,615 ) 336 (25,279 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (24 ) — (24 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (25,591 ) 336 (25,255 ) Balance as of November 30, 2014 $ (2,805 ) $ (39,141 ) $ (41,946 ) (1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits. (2) Amounts represent amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs and are 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.

Share-Based Incentive Compensat

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS For a discussion of the Company's share-based incentive compensation plans, refer to Note 11 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 . The Company did not grant any restricted stock awards during the three months ended November 30, 2015 and 2014 . The Company recorded share-based incentive compensation expense of $0.4 million and $1.3 million during the three months ended November 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 stockholders. 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 Company computes income available to common stockholders by deducting dividends accumulated on the convertible special stock from income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss). The convertible special stock does not impact the denominator of basic EPS. The dilutive effect of convertible special stock is reflected in diluted EPS by application of the if-converted method. In applying the if-converted method, conversion shall not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted EPS if the effect would be anti-dilutive. The convertible special stock is anti-dilutive whenever the amount of the dividend declared in or accumulated for the current period per share on conversion exceeds basic EPS. For the three months ended November 30, 2015 , the accumulated dividend per share on conversion exceeds basic EPS, therefore the 2,388,913 shares related to the convertible special stock were considered anti-dilutive. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,223 29,017 Incremental shares from equity awards 239 451 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — Diluted 29,462 29,468 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three months ended November 30, 2015 , excludes 8,661 shares related to equity awards, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the three months ended November 30, 2014 , there were no anti-dilutive shares related to share-based compensation plans that were excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [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”), Asia Pacific (“APAC”), and Engineered Composites ("EC"). 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 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. The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 328,096 $ 371,191 USCAN 178,282 144,707 LATAM 45,203 46,181 APAC 45,692 52,974 EC 51,946 — Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 649,219 $ 615,053 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 47,684 $ 49,706 USCAN 30,294 24,629 LATAM 9,705 5,650 APAC 7,874 7,250 EC 13,208 — Total segment gross profit 108,765 87,235 Inventory step-up — (341 ) Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (1,877 ) — Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (129 ) (50 ) Lucent costs (1,830 ) — Total gross profit $ 104,929 $ 86,844 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 20,153 $ 20,039 USCAN 12,163 11,393 LATAM 5,604 595 APAC 4,307 3,508 EC 4,102 — Total segment operating income 46,329 35,535 Corporate (8,488 ) (7,484 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (1,866 ) (1,053 ) Restructuring and related costs (4,670 ) (5,579 ) Accelerated depreciation (1,453 ) — Inventory step-up — (341 ) Lucent costs (1) (3,706 ) — Operating income 26,146 21,078 Interest expense (13,618 ) (2,359 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (729 ) (1,099 ) Other income (expense), net (71 ) 254 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 11,728 $ 17,874 (1) Refer to Note 15 for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs of $3.7 million include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory, legal and investigative costs, and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations. Included in USCAN segment results are additional costs of $1.2 million required to produce products to meet customer specifications. Globally, the Company operates in six product families: (1) custom performance colors, (2) engineered composites, (3) masterbatch solutions, (4) engineered plastics, (5) specialty powders and (6) distribution services. The three months ended November 30, 2014 includes a reclassification of revenue between product families to better reflect the way the businesses are managed. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands, except for %'s) Custom Performance Colors $ 46,520 7 % $ 51,298 8 % Engineered Composites 51,946 8 — — Masterbatch Solutions 181,895 28 198,358 33 Engineered Plastics 234,218 36 194,968 32 Specialty Powders 67,422 11 82,357 13 Distribution Services 67,218 10 88,072 14 Total consolidated net sales $ 649,219 100 % $ 615,053 100 %

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	RESTRUCTURING Fiscal 2016 Restructuring Plan USCAN Plan In October 2015, as part of the Company’s previously announced Citadel acquisition integration strategy and a careful evaluation of capacity utilization and manufacturing capabilities, the Company approved plans to close three manufacturing facilities in Evansville, Indiana and consolidate production into other existing facilities in the area. The Company also plans to relocate production of its engineered plastics products from its Akron, Ohio facility into other facilities in Evansville, while retaining masterbatch solutions production in Akron. Overall, the Company expects to reduce headcount by approximately 25 as a result of these actions. The Company recorded minimal pretax employee-related costs and $1.2 million of accelerated depreciation costs during the three months ended November 30, 2015 . The Company anticipates recognizing approximately $2.0 million to $3.0 million of pretax employee-related cash and other charges as well as approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million of pretax machinery and equipment accelerated depreciation through fiscal 2017. As of November 30, 2015 , the Company has no balance accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2017 as the plan is completed. Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Plans EMEA Plans In August 2015, the Company approved plans to integrate the existing Paris, Montereau, and Beaucaire, France facilities into one new facility in St. Germain-Laval, France. As a result of this consolidation, the Company plans to reduce headcount in France by approximately 20 in fiscal 2016, partially offset by the addition of approximately 15 associates at the Company's new facility. The Company has recognized $0.4 million in pre-tax employee-related costs and accelerated depreciation costs of $0.2 million during the three months ended November 30, 2015 . The Company expects to incur an additional $0.3 million in pretax employee-related costs and $0.3 million in accelerated depreciation throughout the remainder of fiscal 2016. As of November 30, 2015 , the Company has a balance of $1.0 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2017 as the plan is completed. 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 in Londerzeel, Belgium by the end of fiscal 2016. The Company recorded pretax employee-related costs and other charges of $0.5 million during the three months ended November 30, 2015 , and expects to recognize minimal additional pre-tax employee-related costs through the remainder of fiscal 2016. As of November 30, 2015 , the Company has a balance of $1.7 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 16 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 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, 2015 $ 5,786 $ 461 $ (864 ) $ 5,383 Fiscal 2016 charges 982 564 — 1,546 Fiscal 2016 payments (1,141 ) (633 ) — (1,774 ) Translation — — (300 ) (300 ) Accrual balance as of November 30, 2015 $ 5,627 $ 392 $ (1,164 ) $ 4,855 Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 1,211 $ 4,274 USCAN 234 762 LATAM 70 183 APAC 31 — Total restructuring expense $ 1,546 $ 5,219

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In the normal course of business, the Company is at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought may be substantial. Although the Company is not able to predict the outcome of such legal actions, after reviewing all pending and threatened legal actions with counsel and based on information currently available, management believes that the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, 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. There were no material changes to the Company’s future contractual obligations as previously reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 . Lucent Matter As previously reported by the Company in its filings with the SEC, on June 1, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Citadel and its subsidiaries from certain private equity firms for $801.6 million . In August 2015, the Company identified quality reporting issues affecting certain product lines at two manufacturing facilities located on Lynch Road in Evansville, Indiana. Both facilities are a part of Lucent Polymers, Inc. (“Lucent”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Citadel which was acquired as part of the Citadel acquisition. Specifically, the Company discovered discrepancies between laboratory data and certifications provided by Lucent to customers with respect to certain products using recycled or reclaimed raw materials. The Company also discovered inaccuracies in materials and information provided by Lucent employees to Underwriter Laboratories with respect to such products. The Company took immediate decisive actions following its initial discoveries, including implementing protocols designed so that future shipments of products meet customer standards and certification requirements, entering into discussions and exploring different certification standards with customers and other third parties. To date, the Company has notified all affected customers. The Company is working with customers and will deliver accurate certifications with respect to all products going forward. In addition, the Company has notified and is cooperating with Underwriter Laboratories to institute all necessary corrective action. The Company also commenced an internal investigation into these matters. The Company’s internal investigation, which is ongoing, has revealed that the discrepancies and inaccuracies initially identified were due to longstanding practices at Lucent under its prior ownership pursuant to which Lucent falsified test results on documents provided to customers and other parties pertaining to the physical properties of Lucent products made with recycled or reclaimed raw materials. To date, no customers, or other parties have initiated recalls, or have made material claims against or sought to terminate their relationships with the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company incurred a total of $4.9 million of costs related to this matter that negatively impacted the Company’s operating results for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, including product and manufacturing operational costs, dedicated internal personnel costs, a reduction in inventory value, and additional legal and investigative costs. A break out of these expenses include additional product and manufacturing operational costs of approximately $1.0 million primarily for reworking existing inventory, $0.8 million to rework inventory produced or acquired since the acquisition, $0.5 million of dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations during the three months ended November 30, 2015 , legal and investigative costs related to the matter of $1.4 million , and $1.2 million of production costs associated with adding prime material and changing of production processes to ensure that finished product met customer specifications. Additionally, the Company reduced the carrying value of Lucent related inventory on the opening balance sheet by $0.3 million which did not impact the Company’s operational results for the quarter ended November 30, 2015 . The Company continues with the internal investigation as to the scope of products, customers, and other parties affected. As no customer or other parties have initiated recalls, or have made material claims against or sought to terminate their relationships with the Company or its subsidiaries from the date we identified this issue in August through the date of filing, we are currently unable to conclude that litigation or claims losses related to these matters are probable or to estimate the potential range of loss, if any. The Company is currently unable to determine whether such issues will have any material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. The Company has provided a written claim notice to the sellers and to the escrow agent with respect to the indemnity escrow established in connection with the stock purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired Citadel and its subsidiaries. As of November 30, 2015 , approximately $31.0 million remained in such indemnity escrow. As Lucent was effectively acquired by Citadel in December of 2013, the Company also submitted written claim notices pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 6, 2013, among The Matrixx Group, Incorporated, LPI Merger Sub, Inc., LPI Holding Company, River Associates Investments, LLC and certain stockholders of LPI Holding Company, pursuant to which Citadel initially acquired Lucent, and pursuant to the representations and warranties insurance policy issued in connection with that acquisition. The Company is continuing to assess the scope of indemnifiable losses under these agreements and to evaluate all other possible claims and remedies which may be available to the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with this matter.

Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“the FASB”) issued new accounting guidance that requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this guidance will have on its 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, 2017, including interim periods, and the Company will adopt the new guidance on September 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating 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 2016 had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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, 2015 . The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2016 .

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
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 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 months ended November 30, 2014 includes (1) A. Schulman’s three months ended November 30, 2014 and (2) Citadel’s three months ended December 31, 2014. The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Citadel acquisition occurred on September 1, 2013: Three months ended November 30, 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 739,738 Net income available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 7,906 Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.27
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 $ 71,498 Inventories 41,771 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 15,320 Property, plant and equipment 78,113 Intangible assets 325,000 Other long-term assets 3,593 Total assets acquired $ 535,295 Accounts payable 29,500 Accrued liabilities 19,608 Deferred income taxes, long-term 116,102 Other long-term liabilities 3,121 Total liabilities assumed $ 168,331 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 366,964 Goodwill 434,596 Net assets acquired $ 801,560

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The changes in the Company's carrying value of goodwill are as follows: EMEA USCAN LATAM APAC EC Total (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 75,714 $ 285,791 $ 11,695 $ 901 $ 249,482 $ 623,583 Acquisitions — (31 ) (1) — — 3,237 (1) 3,206 Translation (3,128 ) — (107 ) (3 ) — (3,238 ) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ 72,586 $ 285,760 $ 11,588 $ 898 $ 252,719 $ 623,551	[1]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: November 30, 2015 August 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 358,758 $ (46,650 ) $ 312,108 $ 360,193 $ (40,447 ) $ 319,746 Developed technology 94,885 (11,392 ) 83,493 93,518 (9,398 ) 84,120 Registered trademarks and tradenames 34,694 (6,993 ) 27,701 37,964 (7,293 ) 30,671 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 488,337 $ (65,035 ) $ 423,302 $ 491,675 $ (57,138 ) $ 434,537
[1]	(1) Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocation made in fiscal 2016, primarily due to inventory valuation adjustments.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr26

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Schedule of Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: November 30, 2015 August 31, 2015 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 7,399 $ 5,584 Current portion of long-term debt 15,034 15,126 Short-term debt $ 22,433 $ 20,710 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ — $ — Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 185,000 187,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 343,938 344,781 Euro Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 108,525 137,818 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 1,113 250 Long-term debt $ 1,013,576 $ 1,045,349

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value: November 30, 2015 August 31, 2015 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 $ 2,733 $ — $ 2,733 $ — $ 1,818 $ — $ 1,818 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 3,957 $ — $ 3,957 $ — $ 1,576 $ — $ 1,576 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate debt $ 367,969 $ — $ 367,969 $ — $ 374,299 $ — $ 374,299 $ —

Pension and Postretirement Be28

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,294 $ 1,254 Interest cost 1,063 1,168 Expected return on plan assets (504 ) (471 ) Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net 724 786 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,577 $ 2,737 Other postretirement benefit plan: Service cost $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 97 110 Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net (149 ) (135 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (51 ) $ (24 )

Consolidated Statement of Sto29

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows: Convertible Special Stock Common Stock ($1 par value) 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, 2015 $ 120,289 $ 48,369 $ 274,319 $ (83,460 ) $ 607,690 $ (383,121 ) $ 8,649 $ 592,735 Comprehensive income (loss) (9,692 ) 7,093 335 (2,264 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.205 per share (6,024 ) (6,024 ) Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $15.00 per share (1,875 ) (1,875 ) Issuance of treasury stock 22 36 58 Stock options exercised 2 30 32 Amortization of restricted stock 724 724 Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ 120,289 $ 48,371 $ 275,095 $ (93,152 ) $ 606,884 $ (383,085 ) $ 8,984 583,386

Accumulated Other Comprehensi30

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [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 August 31, 2015 $ (49,562 ) $ (33,898 ) $ (83,460 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (10,776 ) — (10,776 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,015 (2) 1,015 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (10,776 ) 1,015 (9,761 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (69 ) — (69 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (10,707 ) 1,015 (9,692 ) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ (60,269 ) $ (32,883 ) $ (93,152 )	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 (25,615 ) — (25,615 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 336 (2) 336 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (25,615 ) 336 (25,279 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (24 ) — (24 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (25,591 ) 336 (25,255 ) Balance as of November 30, 2014 $ (2,805 ) $ (39,141 ) $ (41,946 )

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,223 29,017 Incremental shares from equity awards 239 451 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — Diluted 29,462 29,468

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
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 November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 328,096 $ 371,191 USCAN 178,282 144,707 LATAM 45,203 46,181 APAC 45,692 52,974 EC 51,946 — Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 649,219 $ 615,053 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 47,684 $ 49,706 USCAN 30,294 24,629 LATAM 9,705 5,650 APAC 7,874 7,250 EC 13,208 — Total segment gross profit 108,765 87,235 Inventory step-up — (341 ) Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (1,877 ) — Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (129 ) (50 ) Lucent costs (1,830 ) — Total gross profit $ 104,929 $ 86,844 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 20,153 $ 20,039 USCAN 12,163 11,393 LATAM 5,604 595 APAC 4,307 3,508 EC 4,102 — Total segment operating income 46,329 35,535 Corporate (8,488 ) (7,484 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (1,866 ) (1,053 ) Restructuring and related costs (4,670 ) (5,579 ) Accelerated depreciation (1,453 ) — Inventory step-up — (341 ) Lucent costs (1) (3,706 ) — Operating income 26,146 21,078 Interest expense (13,618 ) (2,359 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (729 ) (1,099 ) Other income (expense), net (71 ) 254 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 11,728 $ 17,874
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	Globally, the Company operates in six product families: (1) custom performance colors, (2) engineered composites, (3) masterbatch solutions, (4) engineered plastics, (5) specialty powders and (6) distribution services. The three months ended November 30, 2014 includes a reclassification of revenue between product families to better reflect the way the businesses are managed. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands, except for %'s) Custom Performance Colors $ 46,520 7 % $ 51,298 8 % Engineered Composites 51,946 8 — — Masterbatch Solutions 181,895 28 198,358 33 Engineered Plastics 234,218 36 194,968 32 Specialty Powders 67,422 11 82,357 13 Distribution Services 67,218 10 88,072 14 Total consolidated net sales $ 649,219 100 % $ 615,053 100 %

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [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, 2015 $ 5,786 $ 461 $ (864 ) $ 5,383 Fiscal 2016 charges 982 564 — 1,546 Fiscal 2016 payments (1,141 ) (633 ) — (1,774 ) Translation — — (300 ) (300 ) Accrual balance as of November 30, 2015 $ 5,627 $ 392 $ (1,164 ) $ 4,855
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment [Table Text Block]	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended November 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 1,211 $ 4,274 USCAN 234 762 LATAM 70 183 APAC 31 — Total restructuring expense $ 1,546 $ 5,219

Business Acquisitions (Details)

Business Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 06, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2015	Jun. 01, 2015	Sep. 02, 2014
Business Acquisitions
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		$ 488,337		$ 491,675
Goodwill		623,551		623,583
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs		1,900	$ 1,100
Bridge financing fees				18,800
Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price					$ 801,560
Accounts receivable					71,498
Inventories					41,771
Prepaid expenses and other current assets					15,320
Property, plant and equipment					78,113
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross					325,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets					3,593
Total assets acquired					535,295
Accounts payable					29,500
Other accrued liabilities					19,608
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent					116,102
Other long-term liabilities					3,121
Total liabilities assumed					168,331
Identifiable net assets acquired					366,964
Goodwill					434,596
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	14 years 1 month 6 days
Gross contractual amount of acquired receivables					72,100
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue		739,738
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)		$ 7,906
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted		$ 0.27
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs				14,100
Compco Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price						$ 6,700
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross					230,500
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	14 years
Developed Technology [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		$ 94,885		$ 93,518
Developed Technology [Member] | Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross					75,300
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	16 years 3 months 16 days
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross					$ 19,200
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	8 years 1 month 6 days

Goodwill and Intangible Asset35

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill
Goodwill		$ 623,551,000	$ 623,583,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		3,206,000
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(3,238,000)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			0
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill		72,586,000	75,714,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	[1]	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(3,128,000)
USCAN [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill		285,760,000	285,791,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		(31,000)
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		0
LATAM [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill		11,588,000	11,695,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	[1]	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(107,000)
APAC [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill		898,000	901,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(3,000)
EC [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill		252,719,000	$ 249,482,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		3,237,000
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		$ 0
[1]	(1) Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocation made in fiscal 2016, primarily due to inventory valuation adjustments.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset36

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2015
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 488,337		$ 491,675
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(65,035)		(57,138)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	423,302		434,537
Amortization of Intangible Assets	9,300	$ 3,400
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	358,758		360,193
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(46,650)		(40,447)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	312,108		319,746
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	94,885		93,518
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(11,392)		(9,398)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	83,493		84,120
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	34,694		37,964
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(6,993)		(7,293)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 27,701		$ 30,671

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr37

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015EUR (€)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Current	$ 7,399		$ 5,584
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	15,034		15,126
Debt, Current	22,433		20,710
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	375,000		375,000
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	1,113		250
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	1,013,576		1,045,349
Repayments of Debt	3,800
2015 Revolver, due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	0		0
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B Euro [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	108,525		137,818
Repayments of Debt | €		€ 20,000,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	185,000		187,500
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$ 343,938		$ 344,781

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	$ 2,733,000	$ 1,818,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	3,957,000	1,576,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	367,969,000	374,299,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	207,900,000	161,500,000
Fair Value Hedges, Net	0	0
Fair Value, Transfers Between Levels, Amount	0
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	2,733,000	1,818,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	3,957,000	1,576,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	367,969,000	374,299,000
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 Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes percentage	36.20%	25.10%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 2
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	1.4
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0.9

Pension and Postretirement Be40

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,294	$ 1,254
Interest cost	1,063	1,168
Expected return on plan assets	(504)	(471)
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	724	786
Net periodic benefit cost	2,577	2,737
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1	1
Interest cost	97	110
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(149)	(135)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (51)	$ (24)

Consolidated Statement of Sto41

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2015
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (2,264,000)	$ (11,901,000)
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.205 per share	(6,024,000)
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $15.00 per share	(1,875,000)	$ 0
Issuance of treasury stock	58,000
Stock options exercised	32,000
Amortization of restricted stock	724,000
Balance	(583,386,000)		$ (592,735,000)
Common Stock [Member]
Stock options exercised	2,000
Balance	(48,371,000)		(48,369,000)
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Balance	(120,289,000)		(120,289,000)
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Issuance of treasury stock	22,000
Stock options exercised	30,000
Amortization of restricted stock	724,000
Balance	(275,095,000)		(274,319,000)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Issuance of treasury stock	36,000
Balance	(383,085,000)		(383,121,000)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)	(9,692,000)
Balance	93,152,000		83,460,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)	7,093,000
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.205 per share	(6,024,000)
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $15.00 per share	(1,875,000)
Balance	(606,884,000)		(607,690,000)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Comprehensive income (loss)	335,000
Balance	$ (8,984,000)		$ (8,649,000)

Convertible Special Stock Con42

Convertible Special Stock Convertible Special Stock (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2015	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
Convertible special stock, no par value	$ 120,289,000		$ 120,289,000
Payment of financing and stock issuance costs				$ 4,700,000
Convertible special stock, shares converted to common shares	0		0
Convertible special stock dividends	$ 1,875,000	$ 0

Accumulated Other Comprehensi43

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (93,152)	$ (41,946)	$ (83,460)	$ (16,691)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	[1]	(10,776)	(25,615)
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	1,015	336
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(9,761)	(25,279)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	[1]	(69)	(24)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax		(10,776)	(25,615)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax		1,015	336
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	(9,692)	(25,255)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(60,269)	(2,805)	(49,562)	22,786
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	[1]	(10,776)	(25,615)
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	[1]	(69)	(24)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	[1]	(10,776)	(25,615)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	(10,707)	(25,591)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(32,883)	(39,141)	$ (33,898)	$ (39,477)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	[1]	0	0
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1],[2]	1,015	336
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	[1]	0	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	[1]	1,015	336
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	$ 1,015	$ 336
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
[2]	(2) Amounts represent amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs and are 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.

Share-Based Incentive Compansat

Share-Based Incentive Compansation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 0.4	$ 1.3

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,223,000	29,017,000
Diluted	29,462,000	29,468,000
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	8,661	0
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from dilutive securities	239,000	451,000
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	2,388,913
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from dilutive securities	0	0

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 649,219	$ 615,053
Total gross profit	104,929	86,844
Operating income	26,146	21,078
Interest expense	(13,618)	(2,359)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(729)	(1,099)
Other income (expense), net	(71)	254
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$ 11,728	$ 17,874
Net sales, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventory step-up	$ 0	$ (341)
Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs	(1,877)	0
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in gross profit	(129)	(50)
Lucent costs in gross profit	1,830	0
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in operating income	(1,866)	(1,053)
Restructuring and related costs	(4,670)	(5,579)
Accelerated depreciation	(1,453)	0
Lucent costs in operating income	(3,706)	0
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit	108,765	87,235
Operating income	46,329	35,535
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate	(8,488)	(7,484)
Custom Performance Colors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 46,520	$ 51,298
Net sales, percentage	7.00%	8.00%
EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 51,946	$ 0
Net sales, percentage	8.00%	0.00%
Masterbatch Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 181,895	$ 198,358
Net sales, percentage	28.00%	33.00%
Engineered Plastics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 234,218	$ 194,968
Net sales, percentage	36.00%	32.00%
Specialty Powders [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 67,422	$ 82,357
Net sales, percentage	11.00%	13.00%
Distribution Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 67,218	$ 88,072
Net sales, percentage	10.00%	14.00%
EMEA Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 328,096	$ 371,191
Total segment gross profit	47,684	49,706
Total segment operating income	20,153	20,039
USCAN Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	178,282	144,707
Total segment gross profit	30,294	24,629
Total segment operating income	12,163	11,393
LATAM Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	45,203	46,181
Total segment gross profit	9,705	5,650
Total segment operating income	5,604	595
APAC [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	45,692	52,974
Total segment gross profit	7,874	7,250
Total segment operating income	4,307	3,508
EC [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	51,946	0
Total segment gross profit	13,208	0
Total segment operating income	$ 4,102	$ 0

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring
Charges	$ 1,546,000	$ 5,219,000
Restructuring reserve	4,855,000			$ 5,383,000
Payments	(1,774,000)
Translation	(300,000)
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring
Charges	1,211,000	4,274,000
USCAN [Member]
Restructuring
Charges	234,000	762,000
LATAM [Member]
Restructuring
Charges	70,000	183,000
APAC [Member]
Restructuring
Charges	31,000	$ 0
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Charges	982,000
Restructuring reserve	5,627,000			5,786,000
Payments	(1,141,000)
Translation	0
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Charges	564,000
Restructuring reserve	392,000			461,000
Payments	(633,000)
Translation	0
Translation Effect on Restructuring Reserve [Member]
Restructuring
Charges	0
Restructuring reserve	(1,164,000)			$ (864,000)
Payments	0
Translation	(300,000)
EP Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and related cost, expected number of positions eliminated			25
Accelerated depreciation	1,200,000
Restructuring reserve	0
France Asset Footprint Reduction Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and related cost, expected number of positions eliminated			20
Charges	400,000
Accelerated Depreciation, Expected Cost	300,000
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost	300,000
Restructuring reserve	1,000,000
Restructuring related cost number of additional positions			15
FY15 EMEA Shared Service Center Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and related cost, expected number of positions eliminated			40
Charges	500,000
Restructuring reserve	1,700,000
Minimum [Member] | EP Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Accelerated Depreciation, Expected Cost	3,000,000
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost	2,000,000
Maximum [Member] | EP Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Accelerated Depreciation, Expected Cost	4,000,000
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost	$ 3,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Jun. 01, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Lucent Costs	$ 4,900
Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price		$ 801,560
Escrow Deposit	31,000
Lucent Matter [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Cost of reworking existing inventory	1,000
Cost of reworking inventory acquired since acquisition	800
Labor and Related Expense	500
Legal Fees	1,400
Production costs associated with adding prime material	1,200
Inventory Write-down	$ 300