A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-K 26 Oct 16 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Oct. 21, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87,565
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,441,860
Entity Public Float			$ 693

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,496,005		$ 2,392,225		$ 2,446,998
Cost of sales	2,095,085		2,031,215		2,116,990
Selling, general and administrative expenses	296,725		276,244		242,700
Restructuring expense	11,768		14,338		4,883
Asset impairment	401,667		0		104
Operating income (loss)	(309,240)		70,428		82,321
Interest expense	54,548		22,613		8,503
Bridge financing fees	0		18,750		0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	3,491		3,363		2,206
Other (income) expense, net	(774)		(1,438)		(720)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	0		(1,290)		0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(366,505)		28,430		72,332
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	(8,640)		499		18,542
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(357,865)		27,931		53,790
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,861		(133)		3,202
Net income (loss)	(356,004)		27,798		56,992
Noncontrolling interests	(1,118)		(1,169)		(799)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(357,122)		26,629		56,193
Convertible special stock dividends	7,500		2,438		0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ (364,622)		$ 24,191		$ 56,193
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,300		29,149		29,061
Diluted	29,300		29,483		29,362
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholder
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (12.51)	[1]	$ 0.83	[2]	$ 1.82
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0.07	[1]	0	[2]	0.11
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	(12.44)	[1]	0.83	[2]	1.93
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(12.51)	[1]	0.83	[2]	1.80
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0.07	[1]	(0.01)	[2]	0.11
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	(12.44)	[1]	0.82	[2]	1.91
Cash dividends per common share	0.82		0.82		0.80
Cash dividends per share of convertible special stock	$ 60		$ 14.50		$ 0
[1]	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.
[2]	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ (356,004)	$ 27,798	$ 56,992
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax of $0 in 2016, $7,076 in 2015 and $0 in 2014		(20,831)	(72,526)	4,987
Net change in net actuarial gains (losses), net of tax of $7,288 in 2016, $(2,743) in 2015 and $8,262 in 2014		(16,597)	6,086	(21,813)
Net change in prior service (costs) credits, net of tax of $0 for all periods presented		(509)	(507)	(634)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(37,937)	(66,947)	(17,460)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(393,941)	(39,149)	39,532
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		442	991	712
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ (394,383)	$ (40,140)	$ 38,820
[1]	All amounts presented are net of tax.

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	$ 0	$ 7,076	$ 0
Net Change in Net Actuarial Gains (Losses) [Member]
Net change in tax on pension and other postretirement benefit plans	7,288	(2,743)	8,262
Net Change in Prior Service (Costs) Credit [Member]
Net change in tax on pension and other postretirement benefit plans	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 35,260	$ 96,872
Restricted cash		8,143	0
Accounts receivable, net		376,786	413,943
Inventories		263,617	317,328
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		40,263	60,205
Total current assets		724,069	888,348
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements		32,957	31,674
Buildings and leasehold improvements		184,291	164,759
Machinery and equipment		447,932	427,183
Furniture and fixtures		34,457	34,393
Construction in progress		20,431	23,866
Gross property, plant and equipment		720,068	681,875
Accumulated depreciation		405,246	367,381
Net property, plant and equipment		314,822	314,494
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets		98,403	90,749
Goodwill		257,773	623,583
Intangible assets, net		362,614	434,537
Total assets		1,757,681	2,351,711
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		280,060	305,385
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable		8,985	4,205
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		47,569	56,192
Other accrued liabilities		67,704	70,824
Short-term debt		25,447	20,710
Total current liabilities		429,765	457,316
Long-term debt		929,591	1,045,349
Pension plans		145,108	117,889
Deferred income taxes		59,013	115,537
Other long-term liabilities		25,844	22,885
Total liabilities		1,589,321	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 - 48,510 shares in 2016 and 48,369 shares in 2015		48,510	48,369
Additional paid-in capital		275,115	274,319
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(120,721)	(83,460)
Retained earnings		219,039	607,690
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,069 shares in 2016 and 19,077 shares in 2015		(382,963)	(383,121)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity		159,269	584,086
Noncontrolling interests		9,091	8,649
Total equity		168,360	592,735
Total liabilities and equity		$ 1,757,681	$ 2,351,711
[1]	All amounts presented are net of tax.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,510	48,369
Treasury stock shares	19,069	19,077

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]	Common Stock ($1 par value) [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	$ 514,744	$ 0	$ 48,094	$ 263,158	$ 682	$ 574,370	$ (378,927)	$ 7,367
Comprehensive income (loss)	39,532				(17,373)	56,193		712
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	600							600
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(23,665)					(23,665)
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	0
Change in ownership interest	0			(729)				729
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,116)						(1,116)
Issuance of treasury stock	254			105			149
Stock options exercised	233		13	220
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0		88	(88)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(361)		(10)	(351)
Amortization of restricted stock	6,230			6,230
Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	536,451	0	48,185	268,545	(16,691)	606,898	(379,894)	9,408
Comprehensive income (loss)	(39,149)				(66,769)	26,629		991
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	(1,750)							(1,750)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(24,024)					(24,024)
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	1,813					1,813
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,335)						(3,335)
Issuance of treasury stock	225			117			108
Stock options exercised	64		3	61
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0		331	(331)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(4,999)		(150)	(4,849)
Amortization of restricted stock	10,270			10,270
Tax windfall (shortfall) related to share-based incentive compensation	506			506
Issuance of convertible special stock, net of issuance costs	120,289	120,289
Balance at Aug. 31, 2015	592,735	120,289	48,369	274,319	(83,460)	607,690	(383,121)	8,649
Comprehensive income (loss)	(393,941)				(37,261)	(357,122)		442
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(24,029)					(24,029)
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	7,500					7,500
Issuance of treasury stock	225			67			158
Stock options exercised	33		2	31
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0		190	(190)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(1,139)		(51)	(1,088)
Amortization of restricted stock	2,278			2,278
Tax windfall (shortfall) related to share-based incentive compensation	(302)			(302)
Balance at Aug. 31, 2016	$ 168,360	$ 120,289	$ 48,510	$ 275,115	$ (120,721)	$ 219,039	$ (382,963)	$ 9,091

Consolidated Statements of Sto8

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Parenthetical - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.82	$ 0.82	$ 0.80
Number of treasury stock shares acquired	0	109	40
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 60	$ 14.50	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net income (loss)	$ (356,004)	$ 27,798	$ 56,992
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	49,925	37,257	33,697
Amortization	39,339	21,983	14,207
Deferred tax provision	(37,919)	(19,253)	(1,687)
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes			(3,007)
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	3,516	7,560	10,802
Restricted stock compensation - CEO transition costs, net of cash	0	4,789	0
Asset impairment	401,667	0	104
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses	0	0	214
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations	0	0	(3,365)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	28,227	(2,395)	(5,875)
Inventories	44,627	(17,382)	7,099
Accounts payable	(27,465)	(8,139)	(3,497)
Income taxes	12,549	(3,342)	(1,372)
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation	0	(506)	0
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	(9,319)	18,359	5,189
Other assets and long-term liabilities	(1,016)	(6,559)	1,954
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	148,127	60,170	113,142
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(51,238)	(42,587)	(35,089)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	1,366	1,985	6,004
Restricted cash	(8,143)	0	0
Investment in equity investees	0	(12,456)	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash	0	(808,258)	(206,625)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(58,015)	(861,316)	(235,710)
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(24,029)	(24,024)	(23,665)
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	7,500	1,813	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	2,945	(8,759)	13,774
Borrowings on long-term debt	244,231	1,430,513	795,745
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(362,002)	(713,717)	(653,894)
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	(15,007)	(1,782)
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	0	(1,750)	600
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation	0	506	0
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury	258	289	487
Issuances of convertible special stock, net	0	120,289	0
Redemptions of common stock	(1,139)	(4,999)	(361)
Purchases of treasury stock	0	(3,335)	(1,116)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(147,236)	778,193	129,788
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(4,488)	(15,668)	(5,781)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(61,612)	(38,621)	1,439
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	96,872	135,493	134,054
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	35,260	96,872	135,493
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	54,432	11,187	7,578
Income taxes	$ 22,392	$ 22,651	$ 21,720

Business and Summary of Signifi

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins. The Company’s customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, custom services, and sports, home & leisure. The Company employs approximately 4,800 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities in the United States & Canada ("USCAN"), Latin America ("LATAM"), Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), Asia Pacific (“APAC”) and Engineered Composites ("EC") segments. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Noncontrolling interests represent a 37% equity position of Alta Plastica S.A. in an Argentinean venture with the Company and a 35% equity position of P.T. Prima Polycon Indah in an Indonesian joint venture with the Company. The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are generally recorded using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each reporting period end. Income statement accounts are translated each month at the average rate of exchange during the month. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity include translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period. Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates include the value of purchase consideration, valuation of accounts receivables, inventories, goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets, contingencies, and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefits, share-based incentive compensation, and restructuring, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors. Management monitors any factors which may have an impact and adjusts such estimates and assumptions when required. Changes in those estimates are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of change. Revenue Recognition The Company’s accounting policy regarding revenue recognition is to recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of a sales agreement, the delivery of goods has occurred where both title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of related billings is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized. Cost of Sales Cost of sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing, distribution and tolling of product, as well as related labor, depreciation and overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished products. Cost of sales also includes freight, packaging and warehousing. Convertible Special Stock Convertible special stock is recorded as an equity instrument as it is not mandatorily redeemable and has more equity-like characteristics. The Company monitors for any potential conversions or fundamental changes as defined in the agreement that would impact the valuation of the convertible special stock. In the event of a conversion or fundamental change, the valuation would be updated based on the valuation on that date. Share-based Incentive Compensation The Company accounts for share-based incentive compensation expense based on the fair value of the awards granted in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The fair value of awards with service and performance conditions is based on quoted market prices of the Company’s stock on the respective grant date. The fair value of awards that include market conditions for vesting is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The Monte Carlo valuation model requires assumptions based on management’s judgment regarding the volatility of the Company’s stock, the correlation between the Company’s stock price and that of its peer companies and the expected rates of interest. The Company uses historical data, corresponding to the vesting period, to determine all of the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo valuation model. The expected volatility assumption is based on historical volatility. The Company used the daily stock prices in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 to determine historical volatility. The correlation between the Company’s stock price and each of the peer companies is determined based on historical daily stock prices of the Company and each of the peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on zero coupon treasury bond rates corresponding to the expected life of the awards. Awards that are expected to settle through the issuance of the Company’s common stock are accounted for as equity-classified awards and related compensation expense is recognized based on grant date fair value over the related service period. Awards that may be settled in cash, at the election of the recipient, are accounted for as liability-classified awards. The fair value of such awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period and expense is recognized over the requisite service period. The Company uses an estimate of expected forfeitures in the recognition of all share-based incentive compensation expense that is based on historical experience. See Note 11, Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on share-based incentive compensation. Restructuring The Company records restructuring costs related to the actions implemented to reduce excess and high-cost manufacturing capacity and to reduce associate headcount. Employee-related costs include severance, supplemental unemployment compensation and benefits, medical benefits, pension curtailments and settlements, and other termination benefits. For ongoing benefit arrangements, a liability is recognized when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These conditions are generally met when the restructuring plan is approved by management. For one-time benefit arrangements, a liability is incurred and accrued at the date the plan is communicated to employees, unless they will be retained beyond a minimum retention period. In this case, the liability is estimated at the date the plan is communicated to employees and is accrued ratably over the future service period. Other costs generally include non-cancelable lease costs, contract terminations, and relocation costs. A liability for these costs is recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. Restructuring charges related to accelerated depreciation and asset impairments are recorded separately within the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on restructuring charges. Asset Impairment Long-lived assets, except goodwill, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such asset groups. If such asset groups are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Income Taxes The Company recognizes income taxes during the period in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income. Accordingly, deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. No taxes are provided on certain foreign earnings which are permanently reinvested. Accruals for uncertain tax positions are provided for in accordance with accounting rules related to uncertainty in income taxes. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. See Note 7, Income Taxes, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on income taxes. Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are diversified with numerous financial institutions which management believes to have acceptable credit ratings. These cash equivalents are primarily money-market funds and short-term time deposits. The money-market funds are rated primarily A or higher by third parties. Management monitors the placement of its cash given the current credit market. The recorded amount of these cash equivalents approximates fair value. Investments with maturities between three and twelve months are considered to be short-term investments. As of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company did not hold any short-term investments. Restricted Cash At August 31, 2016 , restricted cash represents proceeds from tax return refunds for certain Citadel acquisition entities for periods prior to the Company's ownership. These proceeds are payable to the seller per the terms of the stock purchase agreement, and the liability is reflected on the consolidated balance sheet within other accrued liabilities as of August 31, 2016 . Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Management records an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on the current and projected credit quality of the Company’s customers, customer payment history and other factors that affect collectability. Changes in these factors or changes in economic circumstances could result in changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts on a periodic basis. Trade accounts receivables are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when the Company determines it is probable the account receivable will not be collected. Trade accounts receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, reflect the net realizable value of receivables, and approximate fair value. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet exposure related to its customers. See Note 3, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the allowance for doubtful accounts. Inventories Inventories are recorded at lower of cost or market. The Company generally does not distinguish between raw materials and finished goods because numerous products that can be sold as finished goods are also used as raw materials in the production of other inventory items. Management establishes an estimated excess and obsolete inventory reserve based on historical experience and amounts expected to be realized for slow-moving and obsolete inventory. Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. The cost of renewals and betterments is capitalized in the property accounts. Capital expenditures exclude liabilities that are included in accounts payable of $8.8 million , $4.4 million and $4.4 million in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. It is the Company’s policy to depreciate the cost of property, plant and equipment over the estimated useful lives of the assets, and for leasehold improvements over the shorter of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives used in the computation of depreciation are as follows: Buildings and leasehold improvements 7 to 40 years Machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Estimated useful lives are reviewed when certain events occur or operating conditions change and when appropriate, changes are made prospectively. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of is eliminated from the related accounts. Gains or losses are recognized in other (income) expense when sales or disposals occur. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Purchase Accounting, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. This method requires the Company to record assets and liabilities of the business acquired at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company generally uses valuation specialists to perform appraisals and assist in the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These valuations require management to make estimates and assumptions that are critical in determining the fair values of the assets and liabilities. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of June 1 for all reporting units. If circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value, the Company would test goodwill for impairment during interim periods between annual tests. Management uses judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative or quantitative fair value measurement approach. The fair value used in the quantitative analysis is established using a combination of the income and market approaches. The impairment test incorporates our judgment and estimates of future cash flows, future growth rates, terminal value amounts, allocations of certain assets, liabilities and cash flows among reporting units, and the applicable weighted-average cost of capital used to discount those estimated cash flows. The estimates and projections used in the estimate of fair value are consistent with our current budget and long-range plans, including anticipated changes in market conditions, industry trends, growth rates, and planned capital expenditures, among other considerations. These valuation methodologies 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. As of June 1, 2016 , the Company concluded that there were no indicators of impairment to the goodwill for the Company's reporting units that were tested on a qualitative basis in fiscal 2016. Based on the quantitative analysis performed, management concluded that as of June 1, 2016, the EMEA Specialty Powders ("EMEA SP"), USCAN Engineered Plastics ("USCAN EP") and EC reporting units had carrying values that exceeded its fair value. A decrease in the fair value of the reporting units resulted in the determination that $16.7 million of goodwill within EMEA SP, $166.8 million in USCAN EP and $177.2 million in EC reporting units was impaired. See Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on goodwill. Other intangible assets with finite useful lives, which consist primarily of registered trademarks and tradenames, customer related intangibles, and developed technology, are amortized over their estimated useful lives on either a straight-line or double-declining basis, reflective of the pattern of economic benefits consumed. The estimated useful lives for each major category of intangible assets with finite useful lives are: Customer related intangibles 9 to 20 years Developed technology 10 to 20 years Registered trademarks and tradenames 3 to 25 years See Note 2, Business Acquisitions, and Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on acquisitions, goodwill and other intangible assets. Retirement Plans The Company has defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans covering certain employees in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The pension and postretirement benefit accounting reflects the recognition of future benefit costs over the employee’s approximate period of employment based on the terms of the plans and the investment and funding decisions made by the Company. Generally, the defined benefit pension plans accrue the current and prior service costs annually and funding is not required for all plans. See Note 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on retirement plans. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company accounts for its derivative instruments in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance which requires all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are adjusted to their fair market value through the consolidated statement of operations. Gains or losses on foreign exchange forward contracts that relate to specific transactions are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations offsetting the underlying foreign currency gains or losses. Currently, the Company does not designate any of these contracts as hedges. See Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on derivative instruments and hedging activities. Fair Value Measurement Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. This framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows: • Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3: Unobservable inputs which reflect an entity’s own assumptions. See Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on fair value measurements. New Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("the FASB") issued new guidance amending certain cash flow issues which apply to all entities required to present a statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements together with evaluating the adoption date. In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification on the statement of cash flows, and accounting for forfeitures. 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 this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements together with evaluating the adoption date. In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which requires companies to recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset on the balance sheet for operating leases with a term greater than one year. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application is permitted. The Company regularly enters into operating leases which previously did not require recognition on the balance sheet. The Company is currently evaluating the effects this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements together with evaluating the adoption date. In November 2015, 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 has early-adopted this standard effective August 31, 2016 and applied it prospectively. In April 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that required entities to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a deduction from the carrying amounts of that debt liability. Current guidance classifies debt issuance costs as an asset. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company will retrospectively adopt the new guidance on September 1, 2016. In May 2014, and as subsequently updated, 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. 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.

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions [Text Block]	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Citadel On June 1, 2015, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Citadel, a privately held portfolio company of certain private equity firms, for $801.6 million . Citadel was a plastics materials science business that produced engineered composites and engineered plastics for specialty product applications spanning multiple industries including transportation, industrial & construction, consumer, electrical, energy and healthcare & safety. The acquisition expanded the Company's presence substantially, especially in the North America engineered plastics markets as well as balanced the global geographic footprint, and gave the Company a second growth platform with its industry-leading, added-value specialty Engineered Composites business. The business enhanced the Company's existing portfolio and presented attractive expansion opportunities in other fast-growing sectors such as aerospace, medical, LED lighting and oil & gas. Additionally, the acquisition has enabled 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 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 following table presents the 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 $ 71,767 Inventories 40,942 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,556 Property, plant and equipment 78,112 Intangible assets 325,000 Other long-term assets 3,606 Total assets acquired $ 533,983 Accounts payable $ 28,854 Accrued liabilities 19,853 Deferred income taxes, long-term 111,507 Other long-term liabilities 3,121 Total liabilities assumed $ 163,335 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 370,648 Goodwill 430,912 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 $71.8 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, and elimination of duplicate corporate administrative costs and the previously discussed market expansion. The Company allocated 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. Net sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from the Citadel acquisition are included in fiscal 2016 results. Amounts included in the Company’s results in fiscal 2015 are as follows: June 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 (In thousands) Net sales $ 116,659 Income before taxes 4,999 Net income attributable to A. Schulman Inc. 4,304 Income before taxes for the Citadel acquisition from June 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 includes $2.7 million of pretax purchase accounting inventory step-up charges. 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 year ended August 31, 2015 includes A. Schulman's twelve months ended August 31, 2015 and Citadel's nine months ended March 31, 2015. The pro forma information in the table below for the year ended August 31, 2014 includes A. Schulman’s twelve months ended August 31, 2014 and Citadel's twelve months ended June 30, 2014. The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Citadel acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2013: For the Years Ended August 31, 2015 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,769,560 $ 2,877,891 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 23,870 $ (1,516 ) Net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.81 $ (0.05 ) 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. • To push back acquisition-related costs of $14.1 million to the earliest period presented. These costs were included in the Company’s results of operations for the year ended August 31, 2015. • To push back costs associated with the Bridge Financing of $18.8 million to the earliest period presented. These costs were expensed during the third quarter of fiscal 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, 2013, 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 acquisition strategically expands the Company's geographic reach with three facilities located in the U.S. and one facility located in Spain, diversifies the Company's product mix and strengthens its position in a broad range of attractive product markets. Additionally, the business offers a broad portfolio of proprietary products and recognized brand names serving a wide range of end markets including packaging, transportation, construction, appliances and agriculture. The information included herein has been prepared based on the 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 in the areas of procurement and manufacturing consolidation, as well as market expansion. Net sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from the Specialty Plastics acquisition are included in the Company’s fiscal 2016 and 2015 results. Amounts included in the Company's results in fiscal 2014 are as follows: July 1, 2014 to August 31, 2014 (In thousands) Net sales $ 25,351 Income before taxes $ 1,644 Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 1,475 Income before taxes for the Specialty Plastics acquisition from July 1, 2014 to August 31, 2014 includes pretax depreciation and amortization costs of $0.6 million due to the increased estimated fair value of fixed assets and intangibles, and $0.6 million of pretax purchase accounting inventory step-up charges. The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Specialty Plastics acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2012: For the Year Ended August 31, 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,580,646 Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 65,639 Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 2.24 The pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the acquisition, such as increased depreciation and amortization expense on assets included in the Specialty Plastics acquisition resulting from the valuation of assets acquired and increased interest expense due to additional borrowings to fund the acquisition. 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, 2012, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the Company. Other Business Transactions The following table summarizes the Company's other business transactions for the periods presented: Transaction Description Date of Transaction Purchase Consideration (In millions) Segment Perrite Group September 2, 2013 $51.3 EMEA and APAC A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France Network Polymers, Inc. December 2, 2013 $49.2 USCAN An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys Prime Colorants December 31, 2013 $15.1 USCAN A Tennessee manufacturer of custom color and additive concentrates Compco Pty. Ltd. September 2, 2014 $6.7 APAC A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia The Company incurred $8.8 million , $17.3 million and $6.0 million of acquisition and integration related costs, primarily included in selling, general & administrative expenses, during fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Text Block]	ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS The change in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows: For the Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 10,777 $ 10,844 $ 10,434 Provision 2,097 1,956 907 Write-offs, net of recoveries (1,445 ) (973 ) (491 ) Translation effect (88 ) (1,050 ) (6 ) Ending balance $ 11,341 $ 10,777 $ 10,844

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [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, 2014 $ 85,957 $ 102,735 $ 12,944 $ 663 $ — $ 202,299 Acquisitions (111 ) (1) 183,056 — 407 249,482 432,834 Translation (10,132 ) — (1,249 ) (169 ) — (11,550 ) Balance as of August 31, 2015 75,714 285,791 11,695 901 249,482 623,583 Acquisitions (1) — (2,633 ) — — 2,154 (479 ) Impairment (16,752 ) (166,789 ) — — (177,167 ) (360,708 ) Translation (4,931 ) — 233 35 40 (4,623 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 54,031 $ 116,369 $ 11,928 $ 936 $ 74,509 $ 257,773 (1) Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocations, primarily due to inventory and deferred tax adjustments. The decrease in goodwill during fiscal 2016 is primarily due to goodwill impairment of $360.7 million , which also represents total accumulated impairment expense recognized to-date. The increase in goodwill during fiscal 2015 is primarily due to the Citadel acquisition. Goodwill associated with the Citadel acquisition is included in the USCAN and EC segments. Except for certain pre-acquisition tax deductible goodwill, none of the goodwill associated with the Citadel acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes. The Company completed its annual impairment review of goodwill as of June 1, 2016 , using judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative analysis or a quantitative fair value measurement for its goodwill impairment testing. The Company's fair value measurement approach combines the income (discounted cash flow method) and market valuation (market comparable method) 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. Upon completion of the annual testing, goodwill for the EMEA Specialty Powders ("EMEA SP"), USCAN Engineered Plastics ("USCAN EP"), and EC reporting units was determined to be impaired based on quantitative analyses, as the carrying value exceeded the fair value. During 2016, the EMEA SP reporting unit did not meet volume and revenue expectations, due, in part to the economic environment within EMEA, specifically within the oil and gas and agricultural markets. Additionally, the reporting units associated with the Citadel acquisition, USCAN EP and EC, did not meet volume and revenue expectations, and the product mix had lower margins than planned due, in part, to remediation and changes in business practices undertaken to address the Lucent quality matter, as well as the impact of the current oil and gas market. Based on the results of the annual testing, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges within the EMEA SP, USCAN EP, and EC reporting units of $16.7 million , $166.8 million , and $177.2 million , respectively, and are included in asset impairment charges in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. No other instances of goodwill impairment were identified in the June 1, 2016 test. The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: As of August 31, 2016 As of August 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 359,713 $ (67,207 ) $ 292,506 $ 360,193 $ (40,447 ) $ 319,746 Developed technology 72,657 (13,864 ) 58,793 93,518 (9,398 ) 84,120 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,097 (6,782 ) 11,315 37,964 (7,293 ) 30,671 Total finite-lived $ 450,467 $ (87,853 ) $ 362,614 $ 491,675 $ (57,138 ) $ 434,537 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $36.1 million , $19.4 million and $13.0 million for fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The weighted-average useful life of our finite-lived intangible assets as of August 31, 2016 is 12.8 years. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company discontinued the use of certain tradenames and developed technology associated with the Citadel acquisition and recorded intangible asset impairment of $34.5 million . The company impaired intangible assets of $7.6 million in the EC segment and $26.9 million in the USCAN segment. Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows: Estimated Future Amortization Expense (In thousands) Year ended August 31, 2017 $ 31,877 2018 30,693 2019 30,288 2020 30,107 2021 28,758

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: As of August 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 10,333 $ 5,584 Current portion of long-term debt 15,114 15,126 Short-term debt $ 25,447 $ 20,710 Short-term weighted average interest rate 7.58 % 6.75 % Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 17,279 $ — Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 177,500 187,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 341,407 344,781 Euro Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 14,678 137,818 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 3,727 250 Long-term debt $ 929,591 $ 1,045,349 Senior Notes On May 26, 2015, the Company issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). The Notes were sold on May 26, 2015 in a private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") for 540 days from issuance. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act as of August 31, 2016 . During fiscal 2015, the Company capitalized $11.3 million in debt issuance costs related to the Notes. 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 August 31, 2016 . 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 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 multi-currency 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. In addition to the required Term Loan quarterly payments due until maturity, the Company repaid €108.6 million of the Euro Term Loan B Facility during the year ending August 31, 2016 . 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. The Company was in compliance with these covenants and does not believe a subsequent covenant violation is reasonably possible as of August 31, 2016 . 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. 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 due to the successful issuance of the Notes and the Convertible Special Stock (refer to Note 9, Convertible Special Stock, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) 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. Upon finalizing the Citadel acquisition and related financings on June 1, 2015, the Bridge Financing was terminated and no longer available to the Company. 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. The table below summarizes the Company’s available funds: As of August 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Existing capacity: Revolving Facility, due June 2020 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Foreign short-term lines of credit 37,953 34,921 Total capacity from credit lines $ 337,953 $ 334,921 Availability: Revolving Facility, due June 2020 $ 279,120 $ 298,574 Foreign short-term lines of credit 27,959 25,999 Total available funds from credit lines $ 307,079 $ 324,573 Total available funds from credit lines represents the total capacity from credit lines less outstanding borrowings of $26.6 million and $8.9 million as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and issued letters of credit of $4.3 million and $1.4 million as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Aggregate maturities of debt, including capital lease obligations, subsequent to August 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2017 $ 25,447 2018 16,114 2019 21,067 2020 175,778 2021 6,002 2022 and thereafter 710,630

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value: August 31, 2016 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 $ 487 $ — $ 487 $ — $ 1,818 $ — $ 1,818 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange $ 951 $ — $ 951 $ — $ 1,576 $ — $ 1,576 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate $ 378,750 $ — $ 378,750 $ — $ 374,229 $ — $ 374,229 $ — 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 $115.9 million and $161.5 million as of August 31, 2016 and 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 August 31, 2016 and 2015 . Long-term fixed-rate debt as of August 31, 2016 and 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 long-term fixed-rate debt was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities. As of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , the carrying value of the Company's long-term fixed-rate debt recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $375.0 million . 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. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, for the purpose of impairment evaluation, the Company measured the implied fair value of the Company's EMEA Specialty Powders, USCAN Engineered Plastics, and EC reporting unit goodwill. We utilized income and market approaches to determine the fair value of these Level 3 assets. For more information, see Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Besides goodwill from certain business units noted above, 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	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) U.S. $ (433,199 ) $ (43,770 ) $ (2,426 ) Foreign 66,694 72,200 74,758 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ (366,505 ) $ 28,430 $ 72,332 The provisions for U.S. and foreign income taxes consist of the following: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Current taxes: U.S. $ 813 $ 1,674 $ 435 Foreign 28,466 18,078 19,794 Total current tax expense (benefit) 29,279 19,752 20,229 Deferred taxes: U.S. (34,069 ) (19,985 ) 589 Foreign (3,850 ) 732 (2,276 ) Total deferred tax expense (benefit) (37,919 ) (19,253 ) (1,687 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (8,640 ) $ 499 $ 18,542 A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates of 2.4% in 2016 , 1.8% in 2015 , and 25.7% in 2014 is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amount % of Pretax Income Amount % of Pretax Income Amount % of Pretax Income (In thousands, except for %s) U.S. statutory federal income tax rate $ (128,277 ) 35.0 % $ 9,951 35.0 % $ 25,316 35.0 % Foreign rate differential 10,069 (2.7 ) (692 ) (2.4 ) (13,602 ) (18.8 ) Foreign losses with no tax benefit 1,866 (0.5 ) 3,956 14.0 4,899 6.8 U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with — — — — 3,010 4.2 U.S. non-deductible transaction costs — — 1,349 4.7 — — Valuation allowance charges (reversals) 863 (0.2 ) (12,279 ) (43.2 ) — — Non-deductible goodwill impairment 106,503 (29.1 ) — — — — Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax 482 (0.1 ) (1,030 ) (3.6 ) (121 ) (0.2 ) Other (146 ) — (756 ) (2.7 ) (960 ) (1.3 ) Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes $ (8,640 ) 2.4 % $ 499 1.8 % $ 18,542 25.7 % Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) consist of the following: As of August 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Pensions $ 28,400 $ 20,431 Inventory reserves 2,176 1,635 Bad debt reserves 1,680 1,674 Accruals 7,844 8,479 Postretirement benefits other than pensions 6,255 6,094 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 21,967 15,999 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 5,442 4,952 Alternative minimum tax carryforwards 2,289 3,330 Interest carryforwards 2,713 2,733 U.S. net operating loss carryforwards 33,059 17,309 Other 13,498 15,305 Gross deferred tax assets 125,323 97,941 Valuation allowance (29,089 ) (23,859 ) Total deferred tax assets 96,234 74,082 Property, plant and equipment (16,194 ) (16,783 ) Intangibles (89,919 ) (122,485 ) Unremitted foreign earnings (9,003 ) — Other (3,925 ) (9,208 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (119,041 ) (148,476 ) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (22,807 ) $ (74,394 ) As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has a U.S. federal net operating loss carryforward of $81.6 million which will begin to expire in 2035, resulting in a deferred tax asset of $28.3 million . In connection with the acquisition of Citadel during the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company reversed its valuation allowance on most of its federal deferred tax assets. This reversal was due to deferred tax liabilities recorded as part of the Citadel acquisition. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $68.1 million resulting in a deferred tax asset of $21.9 million . These foreign net operating loss carryforwards are primarily from countries with unlimited carryforward periods, but include $2.6 million of carryforwards subject to expiration in years 2020 to 2025. A valuation allowance totaling $12.3 million has been recorded against this deferred tax asset where recovery of the carryforward is uncertain. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has domestic state and local net operating loss carryforwards of $153.1 million resulting in a deferred tax asset of $4.8 million partially offset by a valuation allowance of $4.1 million . These net operating loss carryforwards expire in years 2017 to 2036. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has $2.3 million in foreign tax credit carryforwards that will expire in 2019 and $5.4 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards that will expire in 2025. The foreign tax credit carryforwards have been offset by a full valuation allowance. The amount of foreign tax credit carryforwards and U.S. net operating loss carryforwards shown in the table above for the year 2016 has been reduced by unrealized stock compensation attributes of $2.6 million . As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has $2.3 million of alternative minimum tax carryforwards which have an unlimited carryforward period. The tax effect of temporary differences included in prepaid expenses and other current assets was $14.8 million at August 31, 2015. Deferred charges included $36.2 million and $27.5 million from the tax effect of temporary differences at August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The tax effect of temporary differences included in other accrued liabilities was $1.1 million at August 31, 2015. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $3.0 million . If recognized $2.1 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company elects to report interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. At August 31, 2016 , the Company had $1.1 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 2013 onward, Belgium - from 2013 onward, other foreign jurisdictions - from 2010 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. A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 2,031 $ 3,845 $ 4,986 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (53 ) (259 ) (576 ) Increases related to prior year tax positions 275 509 — Increases related to current year tax positions 826 61 512 Settlements — (376 ) (38 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (71 ) (1,192 ) (1,040 ) Foreign currency impact (15 ) (557 ) 1 Ending balance $ 2,993 $ 2,031 $ 3,845 As of August 31, 2016 , no taxes have been provided on the undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries amounting to $488.3 million because the Company intends to permanently reinvest these earnings. Quantification of the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings is not practicable.

Pension and Postretirement Bene

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The Company has defined benefit pension plans that cover employees primarily in its foreign subsidiaries, and other postretirement benefit plans that primarily include health care and life insurance plans in the U.S. Benefits for the defined benefit pension plans are based primarily on years of service and qualifying compensation during the final years of employment. The measurement date for all plans is August 31. Postretirement health care and life insurance benefits are provided to certain U.S. employees that have met certain age and length of service requirements while working for the Company. The U.S. postretirement health care and life insurance ("OPEB") plan is closed to new participants and is an unfunded plan. Components of the plan obligations and assets, the recorded liability and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ (165,205 ) $ (173,983 ) $ (10,137 ) $ (12,191 ) Service cost (5,051 ) (4,609 ) (3 ) (3 ) Interest cost (4,198 ) (4,362 ) (390 ) (440 ) Participant contributions (155 ) (203 ) (47 ) (59 ) Actuarial gains (losses) (36,159 ) (7,453 ) (755 ) 1,705 Settlement (gains) losses — — — — Curtailment (gains) losses 1,369 — — — Benefits paid 4,597 4,002 841 851 Business combinations — (1,806 ) — — Plan amendments — (110 ) — — Translation adjustment 6,417 23,319 — — Benefit obligation at end of year $ (198,385 ) $ (165,205 ) $ (10,491 ) $ (10,137 ) Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 44,325 $ 40,904 $ — $ — Actual return on assets 8,365 6,030 — — Employer contributions 5,658 5,662 794 792 Participant contributions 155 203 47 59 Benefits paid (4,597 ) (4,002 ) (841 ) (851 ) Translation adjustment (3,840 ) (4,472 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 50,066 $ 44,325 $ — $ — Underfunded $ (148,319 ) $ (120,880 ) $ (10,491 ) $ (10,137 ) Classification of net amount recognized: Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits $ (3,211 ) $ (2,991 ) $ (805 ) $ (780 ) Long-term liabilities (145,108 ) (117,889 ) (9,686 ) (9,357 ) Net amount recognized $ (148,319 ) $ (120,880 ) $ (10,491 ) $ (10,137 ) Amounts recognized in AOCI: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ 73,922 $ 50,612 $ (974 ) $ (1,785 ) Net prior service cost (credit) 132 351 (899 ) (1,440 ) Net amount recognized in AOCI $ 74,054 $ 50,963 $ (1,873 ) $ (3,225 ) Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ 28,358 $ 3,432 $ 755 $ (1,705 ) Prior service cost (credit) — 110 — — Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain (2,843 ) (2,884 ) 56 — Amortization of prior service (cost) credit (32 ) (144 ) 541 541 Settlement/curtailment gains (losses) (68 ) — — — Translation adjustment (2,324 ) (7,613 ) — — Total change in AOCI $ 23,091 $ (7,099 ) $ 1,352 $ (1,164 ) The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Year Ended August 31, Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Service cost $ 5,051 $ 4,609 $ 3,795 $ 3 $ 3 $ 5 Interest cost 4,198 4,362 5,413 390 440 491 Expected return on plan assets (1,934 ) (1,799 ) (1,819 ) — — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 32 144 24 (597 ) (541 ) (541 ) Recognized losses due to plan settlements — — 214 — — — Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments 68 — — — — — Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) 2,843 2,884 1,373 — — (18 ) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 10,258 $ 10,200 $ 9,000 $ (204 ) $ (98 ) $ (63 ) Amounts expected to be amortized from AOCI and included in total net periodic benefit cost during the year ended August 31, 2017 , are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 4,024 $ — Prior service cost (credit) 10 (541 ) Total $ 4,034 $ (541 ) Selected information regarding the Company’s pension and OPEB plans is as follows: As of August 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Pension Plans: All plans: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 183,298 $ 149,536 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 198,385 $ 165,205 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 183,298 $ 149,536 Fair value of plan assets $ 50,066 $ 44,325 Plans with projected benefit obligations less than plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ — $ — Accumulated benefit obligation $ — $ — Fair value of plan assets $ — $ — OPEB Plan: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,491 $ 10,137 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 10,491 $ 10,137 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,491 $ 10,137 The underfunded position of the pension plans is primarily related to the Company’s German and United Kingdom pension plans. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company’s German and United Kingdom pension plans are underfunded by $132.2 million . In Germany, there are no statutory requirements for funding while in the United Kingdom there are certain statutory minimum funding requirements. Actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the recorded liability are as follows: Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 : 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate on pension plans 1.5 % 2.6 % 2.8 % Discount rate on other postretirement obligation 3.1 % 4.0 % 3.8 % Rate of compensation increase 2.1 % 2.4 % 2.4 % Actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the recorded benefit expense are as follows: Weighted — Average Assumptions for the year ended August 31 : 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate on pension plans 2.6 % 2.8 % 4.0 % Discount rate on other postretirement obligation 4.0 % 3.8 % 4.5 % Return on pension plan assets 4.5 % 4.7 % 5.2 % Rate of compensation increase 2.4 % 2.4 % 2.4 % Projected health care cost trend rate 6.5 % 6.8 % 7.5 % Ultimate health care rate 5.0 % 5.0 % 5.0 % Year ultimate health care trend rate is achieved 2023 2023 2019 The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, annually, or as needed for interim remeasurements, reviews and selects the discount rates to be used in connection with its defined benefit pension plans. The discount rates used by the Company are based on the yields of various corporate bond indices with actual maturity dates that approximate the estimated benefit payment streams of the related pension plans. For countries in which there are no deep corporate bond markets, discount rates used by the Company are based on yields of various government bond indices with varying maturity dates. The discount rates are also reviewed in comparison with current benchmark indices, economic market conditions and the movement in the benchmark yield since the previous fiscal year. The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, annually, or as needed for interim remeasurements, reviews and selects the discount rate to be used in connection with its postretirement obligation. When selecting the discount rate the Company uses a model that considers the demographics of the participants and the resulting expected benefit payment stream over the participants’ lifetime. As of August 31, 2016, the Company changed the approach utilized to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for our major defined benefit postretirement plans. Historically, the Company estimated the service and interest cost components using a single weighted average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. As of August 31, 2016, the Company utilized a spot rate approach for the estimation of service and interest cost for our major plans by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows, to provide a better estimate of service and interest costs. Service and interest costs on the obligation are expected to be $0.7 million and $0.1 million lower for the twelve months ended August 31, 2017 for pension and other postretirement benefits plans, respectively, as a result of using the spot rate approach compared to the historical approach. For fiscal 2017 , the Company, in consultation with its actuaries, has selected a weighted-average discount rate of 1.5% , expected long-term return on plan assets of 3.1% and rate of compensation increase of 2.1% for its defined benefit pension plans. For its postretirement benefit plan, the Company, in consultation with its actuaries, has selected a discount rate of 3.1% for fiscal 2017 . Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the OPEB plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of August 31, 2016 : One-Percentage - Point Increase One-Percentage - Point Decrease (In thousands) Effect on aggregate of service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 38 $ (33 ) Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 972 $ (846 ) The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocation and target allocation, by asset category are as follows: Plan Assets Target Allocation As of August 31, As of August 31, Asset Category 2016 2015 2016 2015 Equity securities 22 % 28 % 20 % 20 % Debt securities 18 % 27 % 9 % 11 % Fixed insurance contracts 59 % 41 % 70 % 62 % Cash 1 % 3 % 1 % 7 % Real Estate — % 1 % — % — % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % The Company’s principal objective is to ensure that sufficient funds are available to provide benefits as and when required under the terms of the plans. The Company utilizes investments that provide benefits and maximizes the long-term investment performance of the plans without taking on undue risk while complying with various legal funding requirements. The Company, through its investment advisors, has developed detailed asset and liability models to aid in implementing optimal asset allocation strategies. The equity securities are invested in equity indexed funds, which minimizes concentration risk while offering market returns. The debt securities are invested in a long-term bond indexed fund which provides a stable low risk return. The fixed insurance contracts allow the Company to closely match a portion of the liability to the expected payout of benefit with little risk. The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, analyzes current market trends, the current plan performance and expected market performance of both the equity and bond markets to arrive at the expected return on each asset category over the long term. The Company’s plan assets which are invested in equity and debt securities are valued utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. In consultation with the Company's actuaries, plan assets invested in fixed insurance contracts are valued utilizing Level 3 inputs primarily based on the present value of discounted future cash flows taking into account the estimated future benefits of a profit sharing arrangement with an insurance company. The Company believes there is not a significant concentration of risk within its plan assets. The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets, all of which are for foreign plans, are as follows: As of August 31, 2016 As of August 31, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Equity securities $ 10,940 $ 1,615 $ 9,325 $ — $ 12,432 $ 6,887 $ 5,545 $ — Debt securities 8,969 4,905 4,064 — 12,076 4,457 7,619 — Fixed insurance contracts 29,855 — — 29,855 18,183 — — 18,183 Cash 302 302 — — 1,279 1,279 — — Other — — — — 355 — — 355 Total $ 50,066 $ 6,822 $ 13,389 $ 29,855 $ 44,325 $ 12,623 $ 13,164 $ 18,538 The change in fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets classified as Level 3, all of which are for foreign plans, is as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of fiscal year $ 18,538 $ 18,566 Actual return on plan assets 11,539 177 Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net 2,864 116 Foreign currency translation (3,086 ) (321 ) Balance, end of fiscal year $ 29,855 $ 18,538 The Company expects to contribute $5.7 million for its pension obligations and $0.8 million to its other postretirement plan in 2017 . The benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are as follows: Year Ended August 31, Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits (In thousands) 2017 $ 4,604 $ 817 2018 4,142 793 2019 4,502 805 2020 4,715 768 2021 5,010 726 Years 2022 — 2026 30,795 3,347 The Company maintains several defined contribution plans that cover domestic and foreign employees. The plan in which each employee is eligible to participate depends upon the subsidiary for which the employee works. Certain plans have eligibility requirements related to age and period of service with the Company. Certain plans have salary deferral features that enable participating employees to contribute up to a certain percentage of their earnings, subject to statutory limits and certain foreign plans require the Company to match employee contributions in cash. Employee contributions to the Company’s U.S. 401(k) plans have matching features whereas the Company will match a participant’s contribution up to a pre-approved amount of the participant’s annual salary. The total expense for defined contribution plans was $3.9 million , $4.2 million and $3.0 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Convertible Special Stock

Convertible Special Stock	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Convertible Special Stock [Abstract]
Convertible Special Stock [Text Block]	CONVERTIBLE SPECIAL STOCK The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 1,000,000 shares of special stock. The Board of Directors may designate these shares of special stock with special designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions prior to issuance. 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 August 31, 2016 , 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 paid $7.5 million and $1.8 million of convertible special stock dividends during fiscal 2016 and 2015 , respectively and currently intends to pay future dividends in cash. 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 August 31, 2016 ) 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 August 31, 2016 . 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 August 31, 2016 . 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.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (1) : Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) (5) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (2) Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2013 $ 17,712 $ (17,030 ) $ 682 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $0 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and $8,718 related to pension and other retiree benefits 5,872 (23,043 ) (17,171 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($456) (885 ) (3) 596 (4) (289 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 4,987 (22,447 ) (17,460 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (87 ) — (87 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,074 (22,447 ) (17,373 ) Balance as of August 31, 2014 22,786 (39,477 ) (16,691 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $7,076 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and ($1,682) related to pension and other retiree benefits (72,526 ) 4,152 (68,374 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($1,061) — (3) 1,427 (4) 1,427 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (72,526 ) 5,579 (66,947 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (178 ) — (178 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (72,348 ) 5,579 (66,769 ) Balance as of August 31, 2015 (49,562 ) (33,898 ) (83,460 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $0 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and $7,912 related to pension and other retiree benefits (20,831 ) (18,827 ) (39,658 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($624) — (3) 1,721 (4) 1,721 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (20,831 ) (17,106 ) (37,937 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (676 ) — (676 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (20,155 ) (17,106 ) (37,261 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ (69,717 ) $ (51,004 ) $ (120,721 ) (1) All amounts presented are net of tax. (2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. (3) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 20, Discontinued Operations, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. (4) Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs. Fiscal 2016 includes a curtailment gain of $68, and fiscal 2014 includes settlement charges of $214. There were no curtailments or settlements recognized in fiscal 2015. (5) The tax amounts on the foreign currency loss relate to a note denominated in euros which was repaid in fiscal 2015.

Share-based incentive compensat

Share-based incentive compensation plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans [Text Block]	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS On December 7, 2006, the Company adopted the 2006 Incentive Plan, which provides for the grant of various share-based incentive compensation awards. Upon adoption of the 2006 Incentive Plan, all remaining shares eligible for award under a previous plan were added to the 2006 Incentive Plan. On December 9, 2010, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the A. Schulman, Inc. 2010 Value Creation Rewards Plan (“2010 Rewards Plan”) which also provides for similar grants. On December 12, 2014, upon approval by its stockholders and Board of Directors, the Company adopted the A. Schulman, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan ("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. It has been the Company’s practice to issue new shares of common stock upon stock option exercise and the vesting of awards under these plans. As of August 31, 2016 , there were 971,627 shares, 395,987 shares and 1,531,680 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, the 2010 Rewards Plan and the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, respectively. The restricted stock awards outstanding under these plans have service vesting periods of three years following the date of grant. Also, certain of these awards have market or performance vesting conditions. The following table summarizes the activity of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards: Awards Outstanding Weighted-Average Fair Market Value (per share) Time- Based Performance- Based Time- Based Performance- Based Outstanding at August 31, 2015 96,930 575,957 $ 31.51 $ 31.78 Granted 57,350 339,510 $ 22.95 $ 22.93 Vested (37,837 ) (108,596 ) $ 28.47 $ 29.91 Forfeited (12,792 ) (165,864 ) $ 29.24 $ 29.74 Outstanding at August 31, 2016 103,651 641,007 $ 28.16 $ 27.93 Time-based awards are valued at the fair market value on the date of grant, have voting rights and earn dividends throughout the vesting period which are subject to the same vesting terms as the underlying restricted stock awards. The weighted-average grant date fair value of time-based awards granted during the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 were $22.95 , $33.90 and $34.42 , respectively. Performance-based awards vest based on market or performance conditions and do not have voting rights. Included in the outstanding performance-based awards as of August 31, 2016 are 300,785 performance-based awards which earn dividends throughout the vesting period, and the remaining performance-based awards which do not earn dividends. Earned dividends are subject to the same vesting terms as the underlying performance-based awards. The performance-based awards in the table above include 61,641 shares which vest based on market conditions and are valued based upon a Monte Carlo valuation model. Vesting of the ultimate number of shares underlying such performance-based awards, if any, will be dependent upon the Company’s total stockholder return in relation to the total stockholder return of a select group of peer companies over a three-year period. The probability of meeting the market criteria is considered when calculating the estimated fair market value using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Such awards granted prior to fiscal 2013 are accounted for as equity awards with market conditions given that recipients receive shares of stock upon vesting, and expense for these awards is recognized over the service period regardless of whether the market condition is achieved and the awards ultimately vest. Awards granted in fiscal 2013 and 2014 provide recipients an option to receive cash or shares of common stock upon vesting. As such, the fiscal 2013 and 2014 awards are accounted for as liability awards with a market condition, and the Company remeasures these awards at fair value on a quarterly basis over the service period. The fair value of these awards is not material to the Company's consolidated financial results. Expense for these awards is recognized only to the extent the market conditions are achieved and the awards ultimately vest. The fair values of the performance-based awards with market conditions were estimated using a Monte Carlo valuation model using the following assumptions: 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 42.00 % 29.00 % 31.00 % Risk-free interest rate 0.48 % 0.55 % 1.03 % Correlation 41.00 % 38.00 % 53.00 % The fair value of the remaining 579,366 performance-based awards in the table above is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. 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. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the performance-based awards granted in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 were $22.93 , $33.90 and $34.42 per share, respectively. A summary of stock option activity is as follows: Outstanding Shares Under Option Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at August 31, 2015 1,667 $ 19.20 Exercised (1,667 ) $ 19.20 Forfeited and expired — $ — Outstanding at August 31, 2016 — $ — Exercisable at August 31, 2016 — $ — The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $0.1 million , $0.1 million and $0.2 million , respectively. All outstanding and exercisable stock options are fully vested and exercised as of August 31, 2016 . The Company did no t grant stock options in fiscal years 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . Total unrecognized compensation cost, including a provision for estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested share-based incentive compensation arrangements as of August 31, 2016 was $2.2 million . This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years . The Company made $0.8 million and $1.4 million in cash payments for cash-settled restricted stock units and cash-based awards during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 , respectively. During fiscal 2016 and 2015 , the Company granted non-employee directors 24,624 shares and 18,810 shares of unrestricted common stock, respectively. The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) whereby employees may purchase Company stock through a payroll deduction plan. Purchases are made from the plan and credited to each participant’s account at the end of each calendar quarter (the “Investment Date”). The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the fair market value on the Investment Date. The plan is compensatory and the 15% discount is expensed ratably over the three month offering period. All employees, including officers, are eligible to participate in this plan. An employee whose stock ownership of the Company exceeds five percent of the outstanding common stock is not eligible to participate in this plan. The Company recorded minimal expense related to the ESPP during fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . It is the Company’s current practice to use treasury shares for the share settlement on the Investment Date. 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: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 879 $ 4,071 $ 7,105 Board of Directors unrestricted awards 564 631 797 CEO transition costs — 6,167 — Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,443 $ 10,869 $ 7,902 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.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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 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 fiscal years 2016 and 2015 , the accumulated dividend per share on conversion exceeds basic EPS, therefore the respective 2,388,913 and 772,502 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: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,300 29,149 29,061 Incremental shares from equity awards — 334 301 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — Diluted 29,300 29,483 29,362 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for fiscal 2016 excludes approximately 745,000 shares related to equity awards which are potentially dilutive in future periods, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. During fiscal 2015 and 2014 , there were no anti-dilutive shares related to equity awards that were excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leases [Text Block]	LEASES The Company leases certain equipment, buildings, vehicles and computer equipment. Total rental expense was $22.4 million in 2016 , $18.1 million in 2015 and $16.6 million in 2014 . The approximate future minimum rental commitments for non-cancelable operating leases, excluding obligations for taxes and insurance, are as follows: Year Ended August 31, Minimum Rental Commitments (In thousands) 2017 $ 14,254 2018 10,715 2019 6,723 2020 4,047 2021 2,520 2022 and thereafter 12,067 Total minimum rental commitments $ 50,326

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information [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 reportable segments: EMEA, USCAN, LATAM, APAC, and 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 interest income or expense, other income or expense, foreign currency transaction gains or losses, restructuring and related costs including accelerated depreciation, asset impairments, or costs and inventory step-up charges related to business acquisitions. 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: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 1,239,963 $ 1,339,355 $ 1,577,867 USCAN 691,369 610,493 475,050 LATAM 171,650 177,463 198,313 APAC 186,911 207,781 195,768 EC 206,112 57,133 — Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 2,496,005 $ 2,392,225 $ 2,446,998 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated sales and revenues for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 178,376 $ 189,860 $ 206,268 USCAN 115,329 100,550 73,278 LATAM 36,886 31,971 26,239 APAC 32,293 29,238 26,767 EC 50,461 14,536 — Total segment gross profit 413,345 366,155 332,552 Inventory step-up — (3,082 ) (1,468 ) Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (7,571 ) (1,796 ) (1,042 ) Costs related to acquisitions (2,769 ) (267 ) (34 ) Lucent costs (1) (2,085 ) — — Total gross profit $ 400,920 $ 361,010 $ 330,008 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 76,576 $ 78,313 $ 80,690 USCAN 47,062 40,713 30,418 LATAM 20,268 13,061 8,388 APAC 17,953 14,401 12,527 EC 14,885 5,454 — Total segment operating income 176,744 151,942 132,023 Corporate (30,797 ) (31,238 ) (32,170 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (8,789 ) (17,208 ) (6,021 ) Restructuring and related costs (27,762 ) (23,411 ) (9,832 ) Accelerated depreciation (6,309 ) (408 ) (107 ) CEO transition costs (3,399 ) (6,167 ) — Asset impairment (401,667 ) — (104 ) Lucent costs (1) (7,261 ) — — Inventory step-up — (3,082 ) (1,468 ) Operating income (loss) (309,240 ) 70,428 82,321 Interest expense (54,548 ) (22,613 ) (8,503 ) Bridge financing fees — (18,750 ) — Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (3,491 ) (3,363 ) (2,206 ) Other income (expense), net 774 1,438 720 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — 1,290 — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ (366,505 ) $ 28,430 $ 72,332 (1) Refer to Note 17, Contingencies and Claims, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in costs of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Additional Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations. The following table summarizes identifiable assets by segment: As of August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Identifiable assets: EMEA $ 594,599 $ 701,263 $ 809,670 USCAN 609,828 873,814 458,109 LATAM 86,105 96,210 111,126 APAC 131,356 126,965 133,579 EC 335,793 553,459 — Total identifiable assets $ 1,757,681 $ 2,351,711 $ 1,512,484 The following tables summarize depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures by segment: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Depreciation and amortization expense: EMEA $ 22,646 $ 21,730 $ 21,832 USCAN 39,139 24,197 16,522 LATAM 3,822 3,255 4,128 APAC 5,409 5,424 5,422 EC 18,248 4,634 — Total depreciation and amortization expense $ 89,264 $ 59,240 $ 47,904 Capital expenditures: EMEA $ 17,763 $ 21,321 $ 13,199 USCAN 17,447 10,332 12,235 LATAM 5,514 3,597 4,380 APAC 9,322 6,895 5,275 EC 1,192 442 — Total capital expenditures $ 51,238 $ 42,587 $ 35,089 Below is a summary of net sales by point of origin and long-lived assets by location: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales: United States $ 807,673 $ 632,906 $ 457,225 Germany 415,965 432,822 548,454 France 170,304 195,507 238,029 Other international 1,102,063 1,130,990 1,203,290 Total net sales $ 2,496,005 $ 2,392,225 $ 2,446,998 As of August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Long lived assets: United States $ 149,098 $ 159,394 $ 95,349 Germany 25,716 27,224 22,716 France 26,450 18,472 22,758 Other international 113,558 109,404 113,098 Total long lived assets $ 314,822 $ 314,494 $ 253,921 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 consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands, except for %’s) Custom Performance Colors $ 181,738 7 % $ 191,453 8 % $ 188,221 8 % Engineered Composites 206,112 8 57,133 2 — — Masterbatch Solutions 700,939 28 741,354 31 766,788 31 Engineered Plastics 886,573 36 787,258 33 753,728 31 Specialty Powders 258,137 10 294,228 12 350,510 14 Distribution Services 262,506 11 320,799 14 387,751 16 Total consolidated net sales $ 2,496,005 100 % $ 2,392,225 100 % $ 2,446,998 100 %

Research and Development

Research and Development	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Research and Development [Abstract]
Research and Development [Text Block]	RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Research and development expenditures were $19.8 million , $17.8 million and $16.9 million in fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company continues to invest in research and development activities as management believes it is important to the future of the Company.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring [Text Block]	RESTRUCTURING Fiscal 2016 Restructuring Plans Global Headcount Reduction Plan In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company approved a plan for a global headcount reduction to drive further efficiency and cost savings in the organization, primarily in the USCAN segment and Corporate location. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 60 with the majority of the reductions occurring in third quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company recorded $4.0 million of pre-tax employee-related and other charges during fiscal 2016 of which $0.7 million remains accrued as of August 31, 2016 . The Company does not expect any additional charges related to this plan during fiscal 2017. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2017 as the plan is completed. USCAN Plans In May 2016, the Company announced plans to create an Accounting and Shared Service Center of Excellence ("U.S. SSC") in Akron, Ohio that will be responsible for back office processes for all U.S. and Canada operations (USCAN and EC segments). The Company plans to reduce headcount by approximately 25 throughout the U.S. through fiscal 2017, partially offset by the addition of approximately 15 associates at the U.S. SSC. The Company recorded $0.7 million of pre-tax employee-related and other costs during fiscal 2016 . As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has a balance of $0.6 million accrued for the employee-related costs related to this plan. The Company anticipates recording approximately $1.0 million of additional pre-tax employee-related charges through fiscal 2017. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2018 as the plan is completed. 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. Overall, the Company reduced headcount by approximately 25 as a result of these actions through natural attrition. The Company recorded $0.4 million of pre-tax employee-related and other charges and $4.8 million of accelerated depreciation costs during fiscal 2016. The Company anticipates recognizing between $0.5 million and $1.0 million of additional pretax machinery and equipment accelerated depreciation through fiscal 2017. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has a minimal balance accrued for this plan. EC Plan In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company approved plans to optimize the Engineered Composites segment administrative functions and reduced headcount by approximately 10 in fiscal 2016. The Company recorded $1.2 million of pre-tax employee-related restructuring expense during fiscal 2016. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has a minimal balance accrued for the employee-related costs for this plan. The Company does not expect any additional charges or cash payments related to this plan as the plan is considered complete. Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Plans EMEA Plans 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 fiscal 2015. The Company recorded pretax employee-related and other charges of $0.2 million and $5.9 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has a minimal balance accrued and does not expect any additional charges for this 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 reduced headcount by approximately 40 employees during fiscal 2016. The Company recorded pretax employee-related and other charges of $1.2 million and $2.3 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has a balance of $0.7 million accrued for this plan and does not expect any additional charges in fiscal 2017. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2017 as the plan is completed. 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. As a result of this consolidation, the Company reduced 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 $2.3 million and $0.7 million in pre-tax employee-related and other charges in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company expects to incur minimal charges related to pretax employee-related costs in fiscal 2017. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has a balance of $1.5 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2017 as the plan is completed. USCAN Plans 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 fiscal 2015 and shifted the plant’s production to other North American facilities. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 70 . The Company recorded pretax employee-related and other charges of $0.5 million and $1.3 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has no balance accrued for this plan. The Company does not expect any additional charges or cash payments related to this plan as the plan is considered complete. In November 2014, the Company announced plans to reduce headcount primarily in North America selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") functions as part of its ongoing effort to drive further synergies from recent acquisitions. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 15 in fiscal 2015. The Company recorded pretax employee-related costs of $0.7 million during fiscal 2015. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has no remaining accrual related to this plan. The Company does not expect any additional charges or payments associated with this plan, as the plan is considered complete. In August 2015, the Company approved additional plans to improve manufacturing and SG&A efficiency throughout the USCAN segment. As a result of this restructuring, the Company reduced headcount by approximately 25 . The Company recognized $0.3 million and $1.2 million in pre-tax employee-related and other charges during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company has no balance accrued for this plan. The Company does not expect any additional charges or payments associated with this plan, as the plan is considered complete. LATAM Plan In February 2015, the Company initiated plans to close its facility in Contagem, Brazil. During fiscal 2015, the Company shifted the production to its facility in Sumare, Brazil. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 20 during fiscal 2015. The Company recorded pretax employee-related costs of $0.5 million during fiscal 2015. As of August 31, 2016 , the Company expects no further charges or payments and has no remaining accrual related to this plan as the plan is considered complete. Fiscal 2013 Restructuring Plans USCAN and LATAM Plans In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company conducted restructuring activities primarily in Mexico and Grand Junction, Tennessee to better align capacity with demand. As part of this restructuring, the Company reduced headcount in USCAN and LATAM by approximately 85 , of which the majority of reductions occurred during fiscal 2013. The Company recorded $0.7 million of pretax employee-related restructuring costs during fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2015, the Company had no remaining accrual related to the plan as it was considered complete. During fiscal 2013, the Company initiated restructuring activities to consolidate two of its three existing leased manufacturing facilities in Brazil. In fiscal 2014, manufacturing activities at two facilities in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil were relocated to a new facility. As a result of this consolidation, the Company reduced headcount in Brazil by approximately 55 in fiscal 2013, partially offset by the addition of approximately 35 associates at the Company's new manufacturing facility, including associate transfers and new hires. The Company recorded $3.1 million of pretax employee-related and other restructuring costs during fiscal 2014. Additionally, the Company recorded $0.1 million of accelerated depreciation included in cost of sales during fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2015, the Company had no accrual related to this plan and minimal cash payments occurred throughout fiscal 2016 as the plan was completed. Consolidated Restructuring Summary 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 12,711 1,627 — 14,338 Fiscal 2015 payments (8,670 ) (1,537 ) — (10,207 ) Translation — — (560 ) (560 ) Accrual balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 5,786 $ 461 $ (864 ) $ 5,383 Fiscal 2016 charges 9,009 2,759 — 11,768 Fiscal 2016 payments (10,343 ) (2,818 ) — (13,161 ) Translation — — (46 ) (46 ) Accrual balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 4,452 $ 402 $ (910 ) $ 3,944 Restructuring costs are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 4,568 $ 10,073 $ 1,000 USCAN 5,107 3,229 754 LATAM 417 990 3,053 APAC 312 46 76 EC 1,364 — — Total $ 11,768 $ 14,338 $ 4,883

Contingencies and Claims

Contingencies and Claims	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and Claims [Text Block]	CONTINGENCIES AND CLAIMS In the normal course of business, the Company is at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought may be substantial. Although the Company is not able to predict the outcome of such legal actions, after reviewing all pending and threatened legal actions with counsel and based on information currently available, management believes that the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of such matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the results of operations in a particular future period as the time and amount of any resolution of such legal actions and its relationship to the future results of operations are not currently known. Reserves are established for legal claims only when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, it is not considered probable that a liability has been incurred or not possible to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case no reserve would be recognized until that time. 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 provided by Lucent employees to an independent certification organization 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 specifications and customer certification requirements, entering into discussions and exploring different certification standards with customers and other third parties. The Company has notified and is working with affected customers to deliver accurate certifications with respect to products going forward. In addition, the Company has notified and is cooperating with Underwriter Laboratories to institute necessary corrective action. As a result, the Company has reformulated and rebranded its products and ceased the use of certain tradenames associated with Citadel, which resulted in the write-off of certain finite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of 2016. Reference Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details. The Company also commenced an internal investigation into these matters to determine the scope of products, customers, and other parties affected. The Company’s internal investigation has revealed that the discrepancies and inaccuracies initially identified were due to 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 certain Lucent products. To date, no customers or other parties have initiated recalls or have made material claims against the Company. Although to date, no significant customers have terminated their relationships with the Company or its subsidiaries because of the Lucent quality matter, the matter has resulted in decreased volume and revenue, including reductions by certain significant customers. The Company incurred the following costs related to the Lucent matter that negatively impacted the Company’s operating results for fiscal 2016: Year Ended August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Inventory rework, remediation actions, and investigative costs $ 5,423 Recurring additional costs to produce product to customer specifications 4,737 Total Lucent remediation costs 10,160 Litigation related costs 1,838 Total Lucent matter costs $ 11,998 As no customer or other parties have initiated recalls, or have made material claims against the Company or its subsidiaries from the date we identified this issue in August 2015 through the date of filing, we are currently unable to conclude that losses related to these matters are probable or to estimate the potential range of losses. The Company is currently unable to determine whether such issues will have any future material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. In addition, the Company previously 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 August 31, 2016 , 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. In June 2016, the Company filed a complaint in the Delaware Chancery Court against Citadel Plastics, as well as certain funds affiliated with the sellers and other former executives of Citadel and Lucent (the “defendants”). The complaint alleges breach of contract, indemnification, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraudulent inducement, unjust enrichment and violations of blue sky laws in Illinois, Ohio, California and Indiana. All defendants are accused of civil conspiracy. The Company is seeking rescission, damages, rescissory damages, disgorgement or any other remedy deemed proper for the alleged violations as well as seeking the costs and attorneys' fees for bringing suit.

Share Repurchase Program

Share Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program [Text Block]	SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM On April 3, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $55 million of its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and other conditions (the “Program”). Repurchases under the Program may take place over a three-year period ending April 2, 2017, when the Program is scheduled to expire. The Program may be modified, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time and replaces the Company’s previous share repurchase program, which was authorized on April 1, 2011 and expired on March 31, 2014. The Company did not repurchase any common or special stock during fiscal 2016. The Company repurchased 109,422 shares of common stock under the Program in fiscal 2015 at an average price of $30.46 per share for a total cost of $3.3 million . As of August 31, 2016 , shares valued at $51.7 million remain authorized for repurchase. As a result of the financing related to the Citadel acquisition on June 1, 2015, the Company's strategic focus shifted towards repaying debt and the Board indefinitely suspended the 10b5-1plan. In fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 40,327 shares of common stock under the previous share repurchase program at an average price of $27.68 per share for a total cost of $1.1 million . In total under the previous program, the Company acquired 2,192,612 shares at an average price of $20.33 per share.

Asset Impairment

Asset Impairment	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	ASSET IMPAIRMENT The following table summarizes the Company's asset impairment activity for the periods presented: Year ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Goodwill impairment $ 360,708 $ — $ — Finite-lived intangible asset impairment 34,471 — — Information technology asset impairment 6,488 — — Other — — 104 Total $ 401,667 $ — $ 104 During fiscal 2016, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of $360.7 million and intangible asset impairment of $34.5 million . See Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details. During fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $6.5 million related to certain software licenses that were discontinued.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations [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 net earnings from discontinued operations related to the Australia business: Year ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales $ — $ — $ 1,372 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 1,861 $ (133 ) $ 3,202 Fiscal 2016 includes a tax benefit of $1.6 million related to a worthless stock deduction relating to the discontinued business entity. Income taxes were minimal for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of assets of $3.4 million .

Consolidating Financial Informa

Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION Certain of our subsidiaries have guaranteed our obligations under the $375.0 million outstanding principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due June 2023 (the "Notes"). The following presents the condensed consolidating financial information separately for: (i) A. Schulman Inc. (“Parent”), the issuer of the guaranteed obligations; (ii) Guarantor subsidiaries (“Guarantors”), on a combined basis, as specified in the indentures related to the Company’s obligations under the Notes; (iii) Non-guarantor subsidiaries (“Non-Guarantors”), on a combined basis; (iv) Eliminations representing adjustments to (a) eliminate intercompany transactions between or among Parent, Guarantors and Non-Guarantors and (b) eliminate the investments in our subsidiaries; (v) A. Schulman, Inc. and Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (“Consolidated”). Each Guarantor is 100% owned by Parent for each period presented. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by each Guarantor. The guarantees of the Guarantors are subject to release in limited circumstances only upon the occurrence of certain customary conditions. Each entity in the consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, except for the use by Parent and Guarantors of the equity method of accounting to reflect ownership interests in subsidiaries which are eliminated upon consolidation. Changes in intercompany receivables and payables related to operations, such as intercompany sales or service charges, are included in cash flows from operating activities. Intercompany transactions reported as investing or financing activities include the sale of the capital stock of various subsidiaries, loans and other capital transactions between members of the consolidated group. Certain Non-Guarantors are limited in their ability to remit funds to it by means of dividends, advances or loans due to required foreign government and/or currency exchange board approvals or limitations in credit agreements or other debt instruments of those subsidiaries. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 35,260 $ — $ 35,260 Restricted cash 4,400 — 3,743 — 8,143 Accounts receivable, net 40,017 56,995 279,774 — 376,786 Accounts receivable, intercompany 16,245 9,906 26,839 (52,990 ) — Inventories 33,702 41,895 188,020 — 263,617 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 6,874 4,006 29,383 — 40,263 Total current assets 101,238 112,802 563,019 (52,990 ) 724,069 Net property, plant and equipment 52,653 77,800 184,369 — 314,822 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 84,705 4,205 66,038 (56,545 ) 98,403 Intercompany loans receivable 2,593 33,015 200 (35,808 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 871,441 245,202 — (1,116,643 ) — Goodwill 36,533 110,289 110,951 — 257,773 Intangible assets, net 30,316 204,026 128,272 — 362,614 Total assets $ 1,179,479 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,757,681 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 36,671 $ 36,157 $ 207,232 $ — $ 280,060 Accounts payable, intercompany 17,886 20,050 15,054 (52,990 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable 1,242 100 7,643 — 8,985 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 10,326 5,980 31,263 — 47,569 Other accrued liabilities 17,684 14,195 35,825 — 67,704 Short-term debt 13,626 — 11,821 — 25,447 Total current liabilities 97,435 76,482 308,838 (52,990 ) 429,765 Long-term debt 904,683 — 24,908 — 929,591 Intercompany debt — 200 35,608 (35,808 ) — Pension plans 2,444 1,450 141,214 — 145,108 Deferred income taxes — 77,507 38,051 (56,545 ) 59,013 Other long-term liabilities 15,648 1,037 9,159 — 25,844 Total liabilities 1,020,210 156,676 557,778 (145,343 ) 1,589,321 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,510 — — — 48,510 Other equity (9,530 ) 630,663 485,980 (1,116,643 ) (9,530 ) Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 159,269 630,663 485,980 (1,116,643 ) 159,269 Noncontrolling interests — — 9,091 — 9,091 Total equity 159,269 630,663 495,071 (1,116,643 ) 168,360 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,179,479 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,757,681 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,090 $ — $ 89,782 $ — $ 96,872 Accounts receivable, net 49,398 68,425 296,120 — 413,943 Accounts receivable, intercompany 57,570 43,064 11,836 (112,470 ) — Inventories 47,082 48,998 221,248 — 317,328 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 12,629 13,067 34,509 — 60,205 Total current assets 173,769 173,554 653,495 (112,470 ) 888,348 Net property, plant and equipment 55,151 83,907 175,436 — 314,494 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 27,182 4,288 59,279 — 90,749 Intercompany loans receivable 19,604 28,144 200 (47,948 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,268,607 355,138 — (1,623,745 ) — Goodwill 61,558 313,130 248,895 — 623,583 Intangible assets, net 33,135 257,636 143,766 — 434,537 Total assets $ 1,639,006 $ 1,215,797 $ 1,281,071 $ (1,784,163 ) $ 2,351,711 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 40,940 $ 38,641 $ 225,804 $ — $ 305,385 Accounts payable, intercompany 31,365 72,613 8,492 (112,470 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable 444 — 3,761 — 4,205 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 15,235 5,693 35,264 — 56,192 Other accrued liabilities 17,318 14,544 38,962 — 70,824 Short-term debt 13,561 — 7,149 — 20,710 Total current liabilities 118,863 131,491 319,432 (112,470 ) 457,316 Long-term debt 907,499 — 137,850 — 1,045,349 Intercompany debt — 200 47,748 (47,948 ) — Pension plans 2,377 1,470 114,042 — 117,889 Deferred income taxes 13,553 56,721 45,263 — 115,537 Other long-term liabilities 12,628 1,032 9,225 — 22,885 Total liabilities 1,054,920 190,914 673,560 (160,418 ) 1,758,976 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,369 — — — 48,369 Other equity 415,428 1,024,883 598,862 (1,623,745 ) 415,428 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 584,086 1,024,883 598,862 (1,623,745 ) 584,086 Noncontrolling interests — — 8,649 — 8,649 Total equity 584,086 1,024,883 607,511 (1,623,745 ) 592,735 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,639,006 $ 1,215,797 $ 1,281,071 $ (1,784,163 ) $ 2,351,711 Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 322,515 $ 461,295 $ 1,759,401 $ (47,206 ) $ 2,496,005 Cost of sales 262,334 404,004 1,475,953 (47,206 ) 2,095,085 Selling, general and administrative expenses 42,608 69,139 184,978 — 296,725 Restructuring expense 3,885 2,094 5,789 — 11,768 Asset impairment 31,512 236,871 133,284 — 401,667 Operating income (loss) (17,824 ) (250,813 ) (40,603 ) — (309,240 ) Interest expense 48,361 5 7,840 (1,658 ) 54,548 Intercompany charges 29 16 12,944 (12,989 ) — Intercompany income (8,337 ) (4,637 ) (15 ) 12,989 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 3,519 (135 ) 107 — 3,491 Other (income) expense, net (163 ) (1,056 ) (1,213 ) 1,658 (774 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments 316,066 122,371 — (438,437 ) — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (377,299 ) (367,377 ) (60,266 ) 438,437 (366,505 ) Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (20,178 ) (23,707 ) 35,245 — (8,640 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations (357,121 ) (343,670 ) (95,511 ) 438,437 (357,865 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 1,579 282 — 1,861 Net income (loss) (357,121 ) (342,091 ) (95,229 ) 438,437 (356,004 ) Noncontrolling interests — — (1,118 ) — (1,118 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (357,121 ) (342,091 ) (96,347 ) 438,437 (357,122 ) Convertible special stock dividends 7,500 — — — 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ (364,621 ) $ (342,091 ) $ (96,347 ) $ 438,437 $ (364,622 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ (394,383 ) $ (340,609 ) $ (133,350 ) $ 474,401 $ (393,941 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 442 — 442 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (394,383 ) $ (340,609 ) $ (133,792 ) $ 474,401 $ (394,383 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 394,116 $ 218,081 $ 1,818,184 $ (38,156 ) $ 2,392,225 Cost of sales 329,324 189,439 1,550,608 (38,156 ) 2,031,215 Selling, general and administrative expenses 57,711 37,391 181,142 — 276,244 Restructuring expense 2,367 290 11,681 — 14,338 Operating income (loss) 4,714 (9,039 ) 74,753 — 70,428 Interest expense 18,352 2 5,734 (1,475 ) 22,613 Bridge financing fees 18,750 — — — 18,750 Intercompany charges 14 38 7,379 (7,431 ) — Intercompany income (6,201 ) (1,225 ) (5 ) 7,431 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,819 (172 ) 1,716 — 3,363 Other (income) expense, net (1,436 ) (563 ) (914 ) 1,475 (1,438 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (37,382 ) 9,424 — 27,958 — Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — (1,290 ) — (1,290 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 10,798 (16,543 ) 62,133 (27,958 ) 28,430 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (15,831 ) (2,704 ) 19,034 — 499 Income (loss) from continuing operations 26,629 (13,839 ) 43,099 (27,958 ) 27,931 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (133 ) — (133 ) Net income (loss) 26,629 (13,839 ) 42,966 (27,958 ) 27,798 Noncontrolling interests — — (1,169 ) — (1,169 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 26,629 (13,839 ) 41,797 (27,958 ) 26,629 Convertible special stock dividends 2,438 — — — 2,438 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 24,191 $ (13,839 ) $ 41,797 $ (27,958 ) $ 24,191 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (40,140 ) $ (25,698 ) $ (28,731 ) $ 55,420 $ (39,149 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 991 — 991 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (40,140 ) $ (25,698 ) $ (29,722 ) $ 55,420 $ (40,140 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 353,762 $ 87,788 $ 2,037,236 $ (31,788 ) $ 2,446,998 Cost of sales 301,618 77,828 1,769,332 (31,788 ) 2,116,990 Selling, general and administrative expenses 43,304 13,645 185,751 — 242,700 Restructuring expense 691 64 4,128 — 4,883 Asset impairment — — 104 — 104 Operating income (loss) 8,149 (3,749 ) 77,921 — 82,321 Interest expense 5,039 — 4,693 (1,229 ) 8,503 Intercompany charges — — 6,747 (6,747 ) — Intercompany income (6,747 ) — — 6,747 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,738 — 468 — 2,206 Other (income) expense, net (1,006 ) (59 ) (884 ) 1,229 (720 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (47,543 ) 7,910 — 39,633 — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 56,668 (11,600 ) 66,897 (39,633 ) 72,332 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes 475 651 17,416 — 18,542 Income (loss) from continuing operations 56,193 (12,251 ) 49,481 (39,633 ) 53,790 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 3,202 — 3,202 Net income (loss) 56,193 (12,251 ) 52,683 (39,633 ) 56,992 Noncontrolling interests — — (799 ) — (799 ) Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 56,193 $ (12,251 ) $ 51,884 $ (39,633 ) $ 56,193 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 38,820 $ (10,596 ) $ 36,415 $ (25,107 ) $ 39,532 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 712 — 712 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 38,820 $ (10,596 ) $ 35,703 $ (25,107 ) $ 38,820 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 31,297 $ 7,650 $ 109,936 $ (756 ) $ 148,127 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (9,877 ) (7,882 ) (33,479 ) — (51,238 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 300 232 834 — 1,366 Intercompany investments (140 ) — — 140 — Restricted cash (4,400 ) — (3,743 ) — (8,143 ) Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (14,117 ) (7,650 ) (36,388 ) 140 (58,015 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,029 ) — — — (24,029 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (7,500 ) — — — (7,500 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (756 ) 756 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 2,945 — 2,945 Borrowings on long-term debt 164,500 — 79,731 — 244,231 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (167,441 ) — (194,561 ) — (362,002 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 11,081 — (11,081 ) — — Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 258 — — — 258 Redemptions of common stock (1,139 ) — — — (1,139 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — — 140 (140 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (24,270 ) — (123,582 ) 616 (147,236 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (4,488 ) — (4,488 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (7,090 ) — (54,522 ) — (61,612 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 7,090 — 89,782 — 96,872 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ — $ — $ 35,260 $ — $ 35,260 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 125,104 $ 3,159 $ 51,102 $ (119,195 ) $ 60,170 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (6,818 ) (2,467 ) (33,302 ) — (42,587 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 293 23 1,669 — 1,985 Investment in equity investees — — (12,456 ) — (12,456 ) Business acquisitions, net of cash (801,560 ) — (6,698 ) — (808,258 ) Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (808,085 ) (2,444 ) (50,787 ) — (861,316 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,024 ) — — — (24,024 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,813 ) — — — (1,813 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (119,195 ) 119,195 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt (11,617 ) — 2,858 — (8,759 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 1,095,000 — 335,513 — 1,430,513 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (469,400 ) — (244,317 ) — (713,717 ) Payment of debt issuance costs (15,007 ) — — — (15,007 ) Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions) — — (1,750 ) — (1,750 ) Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation 506 — — — 506 Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 289 — — — 289 Issuances of convertible special stock, net 120,289 — — — 120,289 Redemptions of common stock (4,999 ) — — — (4,999 ) Purchases of treasury stock (3,335 ) — — — (3,335 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 685,889 — (26,891 ) 119,195 778,193 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (15,668 ) — (15,668 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,908 715 (42,244 ) — (38,621 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 4,182 (715 ) 132,026 — 135,493 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 7,090 $ — $ 89,782 $ — $ 96,872 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 36,003 $ (157 ) $ 94,370 $ (17,074 ) $ 113,142 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (6,919 ) (565 ) (27,605 ) — (35,089 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 564 191 5,249 — 6,004 Intercompany investments (27,252 ) (13,000 ) — 40,252 — Business acquisitions, net of cash (138,325 ) — (68,300 ) — (206,625 ) Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (171,932 ) (13,374 ) (90,656 ) 40,252 (235,710 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (23,665 ) — — — (23,665 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (17,074 ) 17,074 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt 15,114 — (1,340 ) — 13,774 Borrowings on long-term debt 660,350 — 135,395 — 795,745 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (518,499 ) — (135,395 ) — (653,894 ) Payment of debt issuance costs (1,782 ) — — — (1,782 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 3,000 — (3,000 ) — — Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions) — — 600 — 600 Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 487 — — — 487 Redemptions of common stock (361 ) — — — (361 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — 13,000 27,252 (40,252 ) — Purchases of treasury stock (1,116 ) — — — (1,116 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 133,528 13,000 6,438 (23,178 ) 129,788 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (5,781 ) — (5,781 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,401 ) (531 ) 4,371 — 1,439 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 6,583 (184 ) 127,655 — 134,054 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 4,182 $ (715 ) $ 132,026 $ — $ 135,493

Quarterly Financial Highlights

Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) [Text Block]	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED) Quarter Ended Year Ended Nov 30, Feb 29, May 31, Aug 31, Aug 31, Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 649,219 $ 591,761 $ 650,439 $ 604,586 $ 2,496,005 Gross profit $ 104,929 $ 89,824 $ 109,474 $ 96,693 $ 400,920 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 7,477 $ 1,841 $ 17,556 $ (384,739 ) $ (357,865 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 20 181 82 1,578 1,861 Net income (loss) 7,497 2,022 17,638 (383,161 ) (356,004 ) Noncontrolling interests (404 ) (430 ) (241 ) (43 ) (1,118 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 7,093 1,592 17,397 (383,204 ) (357,122 ) Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 1,875 1,875 1,875 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 5,218 $ (283 ) $ 15,522 $ (385,079 ) $ (364,622 ) Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.18 ) $ (12.51 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 0.01 — 0.06 0.07 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.12 ) $ (12.44 ) Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.18 ) $ (12.51 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 0.01 — 0.06 0.07 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.12 ) $ (12.44 ) Certain items included in income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows: Accelerated depreciation (b) $ 1,047 $ 1,578 $ 1,043 $ 1,221 $ 4,889 Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (c) 1,344 3,239 1,208 1,020 6,811 Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees (d) 79 126 129 131 465 Restructuring and related costs (e) 3,576 4,653 7,630 6,254 22,113 CEO transition costs (f) — — — 2,634 2,634 Lucent costs (g) 2,669 560 1,566 832 5,627 Asset impairments (h) — — — 311,292 311,292 Total $ 8,715 $ 10,156 $ 11,576 $ 323,384 $ 353,831 (a) The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding. (b) Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments. Please refer to Note 14, Segment Information, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (c) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations primarily include professional, legal, IT and other expenses associated with successful and unsuccessful full or partial acquisition and divestiture/dissolution transactions, as well as certain employee-related expenses such as travel, bonuses and post-acquisition severance separate from a formal restructuring plan. (d) Write-off of deferred financing costs related to the €108.6 million prepayment of the Euro Term Loan B. (e) Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs, and professional fees related to the reorganization of the Company’s legal entity structure and facility operations. Refer to Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (f) CEO transition costs represent charges for deferred compensation granted to Bernard Rzepka. (g) Lucent costs primarily represent legal and investigation costs related to resolving the Lucent matter, product manufacturing costs for reworking existing Lucent inventory, obsolete Lucent inventory reserve costs, and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations. (h) Asset Impairments primarily relate to the write down of goodwill, intangible assets and information technology assets. Please refer to Note 19, Asset Impairment, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. Quarter Ended Year Ended Nov 30, Feb 28, May 31, Aug 31, Aug 31, Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 615,053 $ 542,295 $ 560,858 $ 674,019 $ 2,392,225 Gross profit $ 86,844 $ 78,074 $ 90,757 $ 105,335 $ 361,010 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 13,388 $ (503 ) $ (8,968 ) $ 24,014 $ 27,931 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (10 ) (58 ) (18 ) (47 ) (133 ) Net income (loss) 13,378 (561 ) (8,986 ) 23,967 27,798 Noncontrolling interests (220 ) (327 ) (343 ) (279 ) (1,169 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 13,158 $ (888 ) $ (9,329 ) $ 23,688 $ 26,629 Convertible special stock dividends — — (563 ) (1,875 ) (2,438 ) Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 13,158 $ (888 ) $ (9,892 ) $ 21,813 $ 24,191 Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (i) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ (0.34 ) $ 0.75 $ 0.83 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — — — Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ (0.34 ) $ 0.75 $ 0.83 Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (i) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ (0.34 ) $ 0.75 $ 0.83 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — (0.01 ) (0.01 ) Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ (0.34 ) $ 0.74 $ 0.82 Certain items included in income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows: Accelerated depreciation (j) $ — $ 298 $ 29 $ 53 $ 380 Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (k) 976 3,135 3,561 9,200 16,872 Acquisition related interest expense (l) — — 19,134 1,190 20,324 Restructuring and related costs (m) 4,096 3,260 4,793 6,927 19,076 CEO transition costs (n) — 6,167 — — 6,167 Inventory step-up (o) 239 — — 2,631 2,870 Gain on early extinguishment of debt (p) — (863 ) — — (863 ) Total $ 5,311 $ 11,997 $ 27,517 $ 20,001 $ 64,826 (i) The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding. (j) Relates to accelerated depreciation in the U.S., France and Brazil. (k) Costs related to acquisitions include professional, legal and other expenses associated with the Citadel acquisition, along with other potential acquisitions. (l) Primarily relates to bridge financing fees and the write-off of deferred debt costs of $18.8 million and $1.5 million , respectively. Refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (m) Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs, and professional fees related to the reorganization of the Company’s legal entity structure and facility operations. (n) CEO transition costs represent a charge for the modification and accelerated vesting upon retirement of the outstanding equity compensation awards granted to Joseph M. Gingo in 2013 and 2014. Refer to Note 11, Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (o) Inventory step-up relates to the fiscal 2015 acquisition noted above. (p) Represents a pre-tax net gain on the early extinguishment of debt. Refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 3, 2016, the Company announced Joseph J. Levanduski will be stepping down as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on October 31, 2016. He will be succeeded by John W. Richardson, who has joined the Company initially as Executive Vice President - Finance.

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II Balance at beginning of period Charges to cost and expenses Net write-offs Other Translation adjustment Balance at close of period (In thousands) Valuation allowance — deferred tax assets Year Ended August 31, 2016 $ 23,859 $ 4,240 $ — $ 990 $ — $ 29,089 Year Ended August 31, 2015 $ 21,716 $ (2,759 ) $ — $ 4,902 $ — $ 23,859 Year Ended August 31, 2014 $ 23,252 $ (1,536 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 21,716 In connection with the acquisition of Citadel during the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company reversed its valuation allowance in the amount of $12.3 million on most of its federal deferred tax assets. This reversal was due to deferred tax liabilities recorded as part of the Citadel acquisition. This valuation allowance reversal was offset by increases in the valuation allowances relating to foreign and domestic state and local net operating losses, including $4.9 million primarily related to the Citadel opening balance sheet. Schedule II Balance at beginning of period Charges to cost and expenses Net write-offs Other Translation adjustment Balance at close of period (In thousands) Valuation allowance — deferred tax assets Year Ended August 31, 2016 $ 23,859 $ 4,240 $ — $ 990 $ — $ 29,089 Year Ended August 31, 2015 $ 21,716 $ (2,759 ) $ — $ 4,902 $ — $ 23,859 Year Ended August 31, 2014 $ 23,252 $ (1,536 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 21,716

Business and Summary of Signi34

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Noncontrolling interests represent a 37% equity position of Alta Plastica S.A. in an Argentinean venture with the Company and a 35% equity position of P.T. Prima Polycon Indah in an Indonesian joint venture with the Company.
Foreign Currency Translation	The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are generally recorded using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each reporting period end. Income statement accounts are translated each month at the average rate of exchange during the month. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity include translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates include the value of purchase consideration, valuation of accounts receivables, inventories, goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets, contingencies, and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefits, share-based incentive compensation, and restructuring, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors. Management monitors any factors which may have an impact and adjusts such estimates and assumptions when required. Changes in those estimates are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of change.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company’s accounting policy regarding revenue recognition is to recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of a sales agreement, the delivery of goods has occurred where both title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of related billings is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Cost of sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing, distribution and tolling of product, as well as related labor, depreciation and overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished products. Cost of sales also includes freight, packaging and warehousing.
Convertible Special Stock	Convertible Special Stock Convertible special stock is recorded as an equity instrument as it is not mandatorily redeemable and has more equity-like characteristics. The Company monitors for any potential conversions or fundamental changes as defined in the agreement that would impact the valuation of the convertible special stock. In the event of a conversion or fundamental change, the valuation would be updated based on the valuation on that date.
Stock-based Compensation	Share-based Incentive Compensation The Company accounts for share-based incentive compensation expense based on the fair value of the awards granted in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The fair value of awards with service and performance conditions is based on quoted market prices of the Company’s stock on the respective grant date. The fair value of awards that include market conditions for vesting is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The Monte Carlo valuation model requires assumptions based on management’s judgment regarding the volatility of the Company’s stock, the correlation between the Company’s stock price and that of its peer companies and the expected rates of interest. The Company uses historical data, corresponding to the vesting period, to determine all of the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo valuation model. The expected volatility assumption is based on historical volatility. The Company used the daily stock prices in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 to determine historical volatility. The correlation between the Company’s stock price and each of the peer companies is determined based on historical daily stock prices of the Company and each of the peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on zero coupon treasury bond rates corresponding to the expected life of the awards. Awards that are expected to settle through the issuance of the Company’s common stock are accounted for as equity-classified awards and related compensation expense is recognized based on grant date fair value over the related service period. Awards that may be settled in cash, at the election of the recipient, are accounted for as liability-classified awards. The fair value of such awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period and expense is recognized over the requisite service period. The Company uses an estimate of expected forfeitures in the recognition of all share-based incentive compensation expense that is based on historical experience. See Note 11, Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on share-based incentive compensation.
Restructuring	Restructuring The Company records restructuring costs related to the actions implemented to reduce excess and high-cost manufacturing capacity and to reduce associate headcount. Employee-related costs include severance, supplemental unemployment compensation and benefits, medical benefits, pension curtailments and settlements, and other termination benefits. For ongoing benefit arrangements, a liability is recognized when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These conditions are generally met when the restructuring plan is approved by management. For one-time benefit arrangements, a liability is incurred and accrued at the date the plan is communicated to employees, unless they will be retained beyond a minimum retention period. In this case, the liability is estimated at the date the plan is communicated to employees and is accrued ratably over the future service period. Other costs generally include non-cancelable lease costs, contract terminations, and relocation costs. A liability for these costs is recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. Restructuring charges related to accelerated depreciation and asset impairments are recorded separately within the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on restructuring charges.
Asset Impairment	Asset Impairment Long-lived assets, except goodwill, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such asset groups. If such asset groups are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company recognizes income taxes during the period in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income. Accordingly, deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. No taxes are provided on certain foreign earnings which are permanently reinvested. Accruals for uncertain tax positions are provided for in accordance with accounting rules related to uncertainty in income taxes. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. See Note 7, Income Taxes, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on income taxes.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are diversified with numerous financial institutions which management believes to have acceptable credit ratings. These cash equivalents are primarily money-market funds and short-term time deposits. The money-market funds are rated primarily A or higher by third parties. Management monitors the placement of its cash given the current credit market. The recorded amount of these cash equivalents approximates fair value. Investments with maturities between three and twelve months are considered to be short-term investments. As of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company did not hold any short-term investments. Restricted Cash At August 31, 2016 , restricted cash represents proceeds from tax return refunds for certain Citadel acquisition entities for periods prior to the Company's ownership. These proceeds are payable to the seller per the terms of the stock purchase agreement, and the liability is reflected on the consolidated balance sheet within other accrued liabilities as of August 31, 2016 .
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Management records an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on the current and projected credit quality of the Company’s customers, customer payment history and other factors that affect collectability. Changes in these factors or changes in economic circumstances could result in changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts on a periodic basis. Trade accounts receivables are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when the Company determines it is probable the account receivable will not be collected. Trade accounts receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, reflect the net realizable value of receivables, and approximate fair value. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet exposure related to its customers. See Note 3, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are recorded at lower of cost or market. The Company generally does not distinguish between raw materials and finished goods because numerous products that can be sold as finished goods are also used as raw materials in the production of other inventory items. Management establishes an estimated excess and obsolete inventory reserve based on historical experience and amounts expected to be realized for slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. The cost of renewals and betterments is capitalized in the property accounts. Capital expenditures exclude liabilities that are included in accounts payable of $8.8 million , $4.4 million and $4.4 million in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. It is the Company’s policy to depreciate the cost of property, plant and equipment over the estimated useful lives of the assets, and for leasehold improvements over the shorter of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives used in the computation of depreciation are as follows: Buildings and leasehold improvements 7 to 40 years Machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Estimated useful lives are reviewed when certain events occur or operating conditions change and when appropriate, changes are made prospectively. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of is eliminated from the related accounts. Gains or losses are recognized in other (income) expense when sales or disposals occur. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
Purchase Accounting, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Purchase Accounting, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. This method requires the Company to record assets and liabilities of the business acquired at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company generally uses valuation specialists to perform appraisals and assist in the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These valuations require management to make estimates and assumptions that are critical in determining the fair values of the assets and liabilities. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of June 1 for all reporting units. If circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value, the Company would test goodwill for impairment during interim periods between annual tests. Management uses judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative or quantitative fair value measurement approach. The fair value used in the quantitative analysis is established using a combination of the income and market approaches. The impairment test incorporates our judgment and estimates of future cash flows, future growth rates, terminal value amounts, allocations of certain assets, liabilities and cash flows among reporting units, and the applicable weighted-average cost of capital used to discount those estimated cash flows. The estimates and projections used in the estimate of fair value are consistent with our current budget and long-range plans, including anticipated changes in market conditions, industry trends, growth rates, and planned capital expenditures, among other considerations. These valuation methodologies 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. As of June 1, 2016 , the Company concluded that there were no indicators of impairment to the goodwill for the Company's reporting units that were tested on a qualitative basis in fiscal 2016. Based on the quantitative analysis performed, management concluded that as of June 1, 2016, the EMEA Specialty Powders ("EMEA SP"), USCAN Engineered Plastics ("USCAN EP") and EC reporting units had carrying values that exceeded its fair value. A decrease in the fair value of the reporting units resulted in the determination that $16.7 million of goodwill within EMEA SP, $166.8 million in USCAN EP and $177.2 million in EC reporting units was impaired. See Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on goodwill. Other intangible assets with finite useful lives, which consist primarily of registered trademarks and tradenames, customer related intangibles, and developed technology, are amortized over their estimated useful lives on either a straight-line or double-declining basis, reflective of the pattern of economic benefits consumed. The estimated useful lives for each major category of intangible assets with finite useful lives are: Customer related intangibles 9 to 20 years Developed technology 10 to 20 years Registered trademarks and tradenames 3 to 25 years See Note 2, Business Acquisitions, and Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on acquisitions, goodwill and other intangible assets.
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans The Company has defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans covering certain employees in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The pension and postretirement benefit accounting reflects the recognition of future benefit costs over the employee’s approximate period of employment based on the terms of the plans and the investment and funding decisions made by the Company. Generally, the defined benefit pension plans accrue the current and prior service costs annually and funding is not required for all plans. See Note 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on retirement plans.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company accounts for its derivative instruments in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance which requires all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are adjusted to their fair market value through the consolidated statement of operations. Gains or losses on foreign exchange forward contracts that relate to specific transactions are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations offsetting the underlying foreign currency gains or losses. Currently, the Company does not designate any of these contracts as hedges. See Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on derivative instruments and hedging activities.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. This framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows: • Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3: Unobservable inputs which reflect an entity’s own assumptions. See Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on fair value measurements.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	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 As of June 1, 2015 (In thousands) Accounts receivable $ 71,767 Inventories 40,942 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,556 Property, plant and equipment 78,112 Intangible assets 325,000 Other long-term assets 3,606 Total assets acquired $ 533,983 Accounts payable $ 28,854 Accrued liabilities 19,853 Deferred income taxes, long-term 111,507 Other long-term liabilities 3,121 Total liabilities assumed $ 163,335 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 370,648 Goodwill 430,912 Net assets acquired $ 801,560
Results of Operations Since Acquisition Date [Table Text Block]	et sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from the Citadel acquisition are included in fiscal 2016 results. Amounts included in the Company’s results in fiscal 2015 are as follows: June 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 (In thousands) Net sales $ 116,659 Income before taxes 4,999 Net income attributable to A. Schulman Inc. 4,304 Net sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from the Specialty Plastics acquisition are included in the Company’s fiscal 2016 and 2015 results. Amounts included in the Company's results in fiscal 2014 are as follows: July 1, 2014 to August 31, 2014 (In thousands) Net sales $ 25,351 Income before taxes $ 1,644 Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 1,475
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Citadel acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2013: For the Years Ended August 31, 2015 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,769,560 $ 2,877,891 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 23,870 $ (1,516 ) Net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.81 $ (0.05 ) The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Specialty Plastics acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2012: For the Year Ended August 31, 2014 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,580,646 Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 65,639 Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 2.24
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company's other business transactions for the periods presented: Transaction Description Date of Transaction Purchase Consideration (In millions) Segment Perrite Group September 2, 2013 $51.3 EMEA and APAC A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France Network Polymers, Inc. December 2, 2013 $49.2 USCAN An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys Prime Colorants December 31, 2013 $15.1 USCAN A Tennessee manufacturer of custom color and additive concentrates Compco Pty. Ltd. September 2, 2014 $6.7 APAC A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun36

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS [Abstract]
Schedule Of Changes In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	The change in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows: For the Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 10,777 $ 10,844 $ 10,434 Provision 2,097 1,956 907 Write-offs, net of recoveries (1,445 ) (973 ) (491 ) Translation effect (88 ) (1,050 ) (6 ) Ending balance $ 11,341 $ 10,777 $ 10,844

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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, 2014 $ 85,957 $ 102,735 $ 12,944 $ 663 $ — $ 202,299 Acquisitions (111 ) (1) 183,056 — 407 249,482 432,834 Translation (10,132 ) — (1,249 ) (169 ) — (11,550 ) Balance as of August 31, 2015 75,714 285,791 11,695 901 249,482 623,583 Acquisitions (1) — (2,633 ) — — 2,154 (479 ) Impairment (16,752 ) (166,789 ) — — (177,167 ) (360,708 ) Translation (4,931 ) — 233 35 40 (4,623 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 54,031 $ 116,369 $ 11,928 $ 936 $ 74,509 $ 257,773
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: As of August 31, 2016 As of August 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 359,713 $ (67,207 ) $ 292,506 $ 360,193 $ (40,447 ) $ 319,746 Developed technology 72,657 (13,864 ) 58,793 93,518 (9,398 ) 84,120 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,097 (6,782 ) 11,315 37,964 (7,293 ) 30,671 Total finite-lived $ 450,467 $ (87,853 ) $ 362,614 $ 491,675 $ (57,138 ) $ 434,537
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows: Estimated Future Amortization Expense (In thousands) Year ended August 31, 2017 $ 31,877 2018 30,693 2019 30,288 2020 30,107 2021 28,758

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr38

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: As of August 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 10,333 $ 5,584 Current portion of long-term debt 15,114 15,126 Short-term debt $ 25,447 $ 20,710 Short-term weighted average interest rate 7.58 % 6.75 % Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 17,279 $ — Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 177,500 187,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 341,407 344,781 Euro Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 14,678 137,818 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 3,727 250 Long-term debt $ 929,591 $ 1,045,349
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the Company’s available funds: As of August 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Existing capacity: Revolving Facility, due June 2020 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Foreign short-term lines of credit 37,953 34,921 Total capacity from credit lines $ 337,953 $ 334,921 Availability: Revolving Facility, due June 2020 $ 279,120 $ 298,574 Foreign short-term lines of credit 27,959 25,999 Total available funds from credit lines $ 307,079 $ 324,573
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Aggregate maturities of debt, including capital lease obligations, subsequent to August 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2017 $ 25,447 2018 16,114 2019 21,067 2020 175,778 2021 6,002 2022 and thereafter 710,630

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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: August 31, 2016 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 $ 487 $ — $ 487 $ — $ 1,818 $ — $ 1,818 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange $ 951 $ — $ 951 $ — $ 1,576 $ — $ 1,576 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate $ 378,750 $ — $ 378,750 $ — $ 374,229 $ — $ 374,229 $ —

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes	Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) U.S. $ (433,199 ) $ (43,770 ) $ (2,426 ) Foreign 66,694 72,200 74,758 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ (366,505 ) $ 28,430 $ 72,332
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provisions for U.S. and foreign income taxes consist of the following: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Current taxes: U.S. $ 813 $ 1,674 $ 435 Foreign 28,466 18,078 19,794 Total current tax expense (benefit) 29,279 19,752 20,229 Deferred taxes: U.S. (34,069 ) (19,985 ) 589 Foreign (3,850 ) 732 (2,276 ) Total deferred tax expense (benefit) (37,919 ) (19,253 ) (1,687 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (8,640 ) $ 499 $ 18,542
Reconciliation of Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates of 2.4% in 2016 , 1.8% in 2015 , and 25.7% in 2014 is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amount % of Pretax Income Amount % of Pretax Income Amount % of Pretax Income (In thousands, except for %s) U.S. statutory federal income tax rate $ (128,277 ) 35.0 % $ 9,951 35.0 % $ 25,316 35.0 % Foreign rate differential 10,069 (2.7 ) (692 ) (2.4 ) (13,602 ) (18.8 ) Foreign losses with no tax benefit 1,866 (0.5 ) 3,956 14.0 4,899 6.8 U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with — — — — 3,010 4.2 U.S. non-deductible transaction costs — — 1,349 4.7 — — Valuation allowance charges (reversals) 863 (0.2 ) (12,279 ) (43.2 ) — — Non-deductible goodwill impairment 106,503 (29.1 ) — — — — Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax 482 (0.1 ) (1,030 ) (3.6 ) (121 ) (0.2 ) Other (146 ) — (756 ) (2.7 ) (960 ) (1.3 ) Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes $ (8,640 ) 2.4 % $ 499 1.8 % $ 18,542 25.7 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) consist of the following: As of August 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Pensions $ 28,400 $ 20,431 Inventory reserves 2,176 1,635 Bad debt reserves 1,680 1,674 Accruals 7,844 8,479 Postretirement benefits other than pensions 6,255 6,094 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 21,967 15,999 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 5,442 4,952 Alternative minimum tax carryforwards 2,289 3,330 Interest carryforwards 2,713 2,733 U.S. net operating loss carryforwards 33,059 17,309 Other 13,498 15,305 Gross deferred tax assets 125,323 97,941 Valuation allowance (29,089 ) (23,859 ) Total deferred tax assets 96,234 74,082 Property, plant and equipment (16,194 ) (16,783 ) Intangibles (89,919 ) (122,485 ) Unremitted foreign earnings (9,003 ) — Other (3,925 ) (9,208 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (119,041 ) (148,476 ) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (22,807 ) $ (74,394 )
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 2,031 $ 3,845 $ 4,986 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (53 ) (259 ) (576 ) Increases related to prior year tax positions 275 509 — Increases related to current year tax positions 826 61 512 Settlements — (376 ) (38 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (71 ) (1,192 ) (1,040 ) Foreign currency impact (15 ) (557 ) 1 Ending balance $ 2,993 $ 2,031 $ 3,845

Pension and Postretirement Be41

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Components of the plan obligations and assets, the recorded liability and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ (165,205 ) $ (173,983 ) $ (10,137 ) $ (12,191 ) Service cost (5,051 ) (4,609 ) (3 ) (3 ) Interest cost (4,198 ) (4,362 ) (390 ) (440 ) Participant contributions (155 ) (203 ) (47 ) (59 ) Actuarial gains (losses) (36,159 ) (7,453 ) (755 ) 1,705 Settlement (gains) losses — — — — Curtailment (gains) losses 1,369 — — — Benefits paid 4,597 4,002 841 851 Business combinations — (1,806 ) — — Plan amendments — (110 ) — — Translation adjustment 6,417 23,319 — — Benefit obligation at end of year $ (198,385 ) $ (165,205 ) $ (10,491 ) $ (10,137 ) Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 44,325 $ 40,904 $ — $ — Actual return on assets 8,365 6,030 — — Employer contributions 5,658 5,662 794 792 Participant contributions 155 203 47 59 Benefits paid (4,597 ) (4,002 ) (841 ) (851 ) Translation adjustment (3,840 ) (4,472 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 50,066 $ 44,325 $ — $ — Underfunded $ (148,319 ) $ (120,880 ) $ (10,491 ) $ (10,137 ) Classification of net amount recognized: Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits $ (3,211 ) $ (2,991 ) $ (805 ) $ (780 ) Long-term liabilities (145,108 ) (117,889 ) (9,686 ) (9,357 ) Net amount recognized $ (148,319 ) $ (120,880 ) $ (10,491 ) $ (10,137 ) Amounts recognized in AOCI: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ 73,922 $ 50,612 $ (974 ) $ (1,785 ) Net prior service cost (credit) 132 351 (899 ) (1,440 ) Net amount recognized in AOCI $ 74,054 $ 50,963 $ (1,873 ) $ (3,225 ) Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ 28,358 $ 3,432 $ 755 $ (1,705 ) Prior service cost (credit) — 110 — — Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain (2,843 ) (2,884 ) 56 — Amortization of prior service (cost) credit (32 ) (144 ) 541 541 Settlement/curtailment gains (losses) (68 ) — — — Translation adjustment (2,324 ) (7,613 ) — — Total change in AOCI $ 23,091 $ (7,099 ) $ 1,352 $ (1,164 )
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Year Ended August 31, Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Service cost $ 5,051 $ 4,609 $ 3,795 $ 3 $ 3 $ 5 Interest cost 4,198 4,362 5,413 390 440 491 Expected return on plan assets (1,934 ) (1,799 ) (1,819 ) — — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 32 144 24 (597 ) (541 ) (541 ) Recognized losses due to plan settlements — — 214 — — — Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments 68 — — — — — Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) 2,843 2,884 1,373 — — (18 ) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 10,258 $ 10,200 $ 9,000 $ (204 ) $ (98 ) $ (63 )
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]	Amounts expected to be amortized from AOCI and included in total net periodic benefit cost during the year ended August 31, 2017 , are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 4,024 $ — Prior service cost (credit) 10 (541 ) Total $ 4,034 $ (541 )
Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	Selected information regarding the Company’s pension and OPEB plans is as follows: As of August 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Pension Plans: All plans: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 183,298 $ 149,536 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 198,385 $ 165,205 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 183,298 $ 149,536 Fair value of plan assets $ 50,066 $ 44,325 Plans with projected benefit obligations less than plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ — $ — Accumulated benefit obligation $ — $ — Fair value of plan assets $ — $ — OPEB Plan: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,491 $ 10,137 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 10,491 $ 10,137 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,491 $ 10,137
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	Actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the recorded liability are as follows: Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 : 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate on pension plans 1.5 % 2.6 % 2.8 % Discount rate on other postretirement obligation 3.1 % 4.0 % 3.8 % Rate of compensation increase 2.1 % 2.4 % 2.4 % Actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the recorded benefit expense are as follows: Weighted — Average Assumptions for the year ended August 31 : 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate on pension plans 2.6 % 2.8 % 4.0 % Discount rate on other postretirement obligation 4.0 % 3.8 % 4.5 % Return on pension plan assets 4.5 % 4.7 % 5.2 % Rate of compensation increase 2.4 % 2.4 % 2.4 % Projected health care cost trend rate 6.5 % 6.8 % 7.5 % Ultimate health care rate 5.0 % 5.0 % 5.0 % Year ultimate health care trend rate is achieved 2023 2023 2019
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the OPEB plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of August 31, 2016 : One-Percentage - Point Increase One-Percentage - Point Decrease (In thousands) Effect on aggregate of service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 38 $ (33 ) Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 972 $ (846 )
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocation and target allocation, by asset category are as follows: Plan Assets Target Allocation As of August 31, As of August 31, Asset Category 2016 2015 2016 2015 Equity securities 22 % 28 % 20 % 20 % Debt securities 18 % 27 % 9 % 11 % Fixed insurance contracts 59 % 41 % 70 % 62 % Cash 1 % 3 % 1 % 7 % Real Estate — % 1 % — % — % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % The Company’s principal objective is to ensure that sufficient funds are available to provide benefits as and when required under the terms of the plans. The Company utilizes investments that provide benefits and maximizes the long-term investment performance of the plans without taking on undue risk while complying with various legal funding requirements. The Company, through its investment advisors, has developed detailed asset and liability models to aid in implementing optimal asset allocation strategies. The equity securities are invested in equity indexed funds, which minimizes concentration risk while offering market returns. The debt securities are invested in a long-term bond indexed fund which provides a stable low risk return. The fixed insurance contracts allow the Company to closely match a portion of the liability to the expected payout of benefit with little risk. The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, analyzes current market trends, the current plan performance and expected market performance of both the equity and bond markets to arrive at the expected return on each asset category over the long term. The Company’s plan assets which are invested in equity and debt securities are valued utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. In consultation with the Company's actuaries, plan assets invested in fixed insurance contracts are valued utilizing Level 3 inputs primarily based on the present value of discounted future cash flows taking into account the estimated future benefits of a profit sharing arrangement with an insurance company. The Company believes there is not a significant concentration of risk within its plan assets. The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets, all of which are for foreign plans, are as follows: As of August 31, 2016 As of August 31, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Equity securities $ 10,940 $ 1,615 $ 9,325 $ — $ 12,432 $ 6,887 $ 5,545 $ — Debt securities 8,969 4,905 4,064 — 12,076 4,457 7,619 — Fixed insurance contracts 29,855 — — 29,855 18,183 — — 18,183 Cash 302 302 — — 1,279 1,279 — — Other — — — — 355 — — 355 Total $ 50,066 $ 6,822 $ 13,389 $ 29,855 $ 44,325 $ 12,623 $ 13,164 $ 18,538
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The change in fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets classified as Level 3, all of which are for foreign plans, is as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of fiscal year $ 18,538 $ 18,566 Actual return on plan assets 11,539 177 Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net 2,864 116 Foreign currency translation (3,086 ) (321 ) Balance, end of fiscal year $ 29,855 $ 18,538
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	The Company expects to contribute $5.7 million for its pension obligations and $0.8 million to its other postretirement plan in 2017 . The benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are as follows: Year Ended August 31, Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits (In thousands) 2017 $ 4,604 $ 817 2018 4,142 793 2019 4,502 805 2020 4,715 768 2021 5,010 726 Years 2022 — 2026 30,795 3,347

Accumulated Other Comprehensi42

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (1) : Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) (5) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (2) Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2013 $ 17,712 $ (17,030 ) $ 682 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $0 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and $8,718 related to pension and other retiree benefits 5,872 (23,043 ) (17,171 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($456) (885 ) (3) 596 (4) (289 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 4,987 (22,447 ) (17,460 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (87 ) — (87 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,074 (22,447 ) (17,373 ) Balance as of August 31, 2014 22,786 (39,477 ) (16,691 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $7,076 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and ($1,682) related to pension and other retiree benefits (72,526 ) 4,152 (68,374 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($1,061) — (3) 1,427 (4) 1,427 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (72,526 ) 5,579 (66,947 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (178 ) — (178 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (72,348 ) 5,579 (66,769 ) Balance as of August 31, 2015 (49,562 ) (33,898 ) (83,460 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $0 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and $7,912 related to pension and other retiree benefits (20,831 ) (18,827 ) (39,658 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($624) — (3) 1,721 (4) 1,721 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (20,831 ) (17,106 ) (37,937 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (676 ) — (676 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (20,155 ) (17,106 ) (37,261 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ (69,717 ) $ (51,004 ) $ (120,721 ) (1) All amounts presented are net of tax. (2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. (3) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 20, Discontinued Operations, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. (4) Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs. Fiscal 2016 includes a curtailment gain of $68, and fiscal 2014 includes settlement charges of $214. There were no curtailments or settlements recognized in fiscal 2015. (5) The tax amounts on the foreign currency loss relate to a note denominated in euros which was repaid in fiscal 2015.

Share-based incentive compens43

Share-based incentive compensation plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards: Awards Outstanding Weighted-Average Fair Market Value (per share) Time- Based Performance- Based Time- Based Performance- Based Outstanding at August 31, 2015 96,930 575,957 $ 31.51 $ 31.78 Granted 57,350 339,510 $ 22.95 $ 22.93 Vested (37,837 ) (108,596 ) $ 28.47 $ 29.91 Forfeited (12,792 ) (165,864 ) $ 29.24 $ 29.74 Outstanding at August 31, 2016 103,651 641,007 $ 28.16 $ 27.93
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair values of the performance-based awards with market conditions were estimated using a Monte Carlo valuation model using the following assumptions: 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 42.00 % 29.00 % 31.00 % Risk-free interest rate 0.48 % 0.55 % 1.03 % Correlation 41.00 % 38.00 % 53.00 %
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of stock option activity is as follows: Outstanding Shares Under Option Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at August 31, 2015 1,667 $ 19.20 Exercised (1,667 ) $ 19.20 Forfeited and expired — $ — Outstanding at August 31, 2016 — $ — Exercisable at August 31, 2016 — $ —
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: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 879 $ 4,071 $ 7,105 Board of Directors unrestricted awards 564 631 797 CEO transition costs — 6,167 — Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,443 $ 10,869 $ 7,902

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,300 29,149 29,061 Incremental shares from equity awards — 334 301 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — Diluted 29,300 29,483 29,362

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The approximate future minimum rental commitments for non-cancelable operating leases, excluding obligations for taxes and insurance, are as follows: Year Ended August 31, Minimum Rental Commitments (In thousands) 2017 $ 14,254 2018 10,715 2019 6,723 2020 4,047 2021 2,520 2022 and thereafter 12,067 Total minimum rental commitments $ 50,326

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 1,239,963 $ 1,339,355 $ 1,577,867 USCAN 691,369 610,493 475,050 LATAM 171,650 177,463 198,313 APAC 186,911 207,781 195,768 EC 206,112 57,133 — Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 2,496,005 $ 2,392,225 $ 2,446,998 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated sales and revenues for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 178,376 $ 189,860 $ 206,268 USCAN 115,329 100,550 73,278 LATAM 36,886 31,971 26,239 APAC 32,293 29,238 26,767 EC 50,461 14,536 — Total segment gross profit 413,345 366,155 332,552 Inventory step-up — (3,082 ) (1,468 ) Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (7,571 ) (1,796 ) (1,042 ) Costs related to acquisitions (2,769 ) (267 ) (34 ) Lucent costs (1) (2,085 ) — — Total gross profit $ 400,920 $ 361,010 $ 330,008 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 76,576 $ 78,313 $ 80,690 USCAN 47,062 40,713 30,418 LATAM 20,268 13,061 8,388 APAC 17,953 14,401 12,527 EC 14,885 5,454 — Total segment operating income 176,744 151,942 132,023 Corporate (30,797 ) (31,238 ) (32,170 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (8,789 ) (17,208 ) (6,021 ) Restructuring and related costs (27,762 ) (23,411 ) (9,832 ) Accelerated depreciation (6,309 ) (408 ) (107 ) CEO transition costs (3,399 ) (6,167 ) — Asset impairment (401,667 ) — (104 ) Lucent costs (1) (7,261 ) — — Inventory step-up — (3,082 ) (1,468 ) Operating income (loss) (309,240 ) 70,428 82,321 Interest expense (54,548 ) (22,613 ) (8,503 ) Bridge financing fees — (18,750 ) — Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (3,491 ) (3,363 ) (2,206 ) Other income (expense), net 774 1,438 720 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — 1,290 — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ (366,505 ) $ 28,430 $ 72,332 (1) Refer to Note 17, Contingencies and Claims, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in costs of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Additional Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations. The following table summarizes identifiable assets by segment: As of August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Identifiable assets: EMEA $ 594,599 $ 701,263 $ 809,670 USCAN 609,828 873,814 458,109 LATAM 86,105 96,210 111,126 APAC 131,356 126,965 133,579 EC 335,793 553,459 — Total identifiable assets $ 1,757,681 $ 2,351,711 $ 1,512,484 The following tables summarize depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures by segment: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Depreciation and amortization expense: EMEA $ 22,646 $ 21,730 $ 21,832 USCAN 39,139 24,197 16,522 LATAM 3,822 3,255 4,128 APAC 5,409 5,424 5,422 EC 18,248 4,634 — Total depreciation and amortization expense $ 89,264 $ 59,240 $ 47,904 Capital expenditures: EMEA $ 17,763 $ 21,321 $ 13,199 USCAN 17,447 10,332 12,235 LATAM 5,514 3,597 4,380 APAC 9,322 6,895 5,275 EC 1,192 442 — Total capital expenditures $ 51,238 $ 42,587 $ 35,089
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	Below is a summary of net sales by point of origin and long-lived assets by location: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales: United States $ 807,673 $ 632,906 $ 457,225 Germany 415,965 432,822 548,454 France 170,304 195,507 238,029 Other international 1,102,063 1,130,990 1,203,290 Total net sales $ 2,496,005 $ 2,392,225 $ 2,446,998 As of August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Long lived assets: United States $ 149,098 $ 159,394 $ 95,349 Germany 25,716 27,224 22,716 France 26,450 18,472 22,758 Other international 113,558 109,404 113,098 Total long lived assets $ 314,822 $ 314,494 $ 253,921
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands, except for %’s) Custom Performance Colors $ 181,738 7 % $ 191,453 8 % $ 188,221 8 % Engineered Composites 206,112 8 57,133 2 — — Masterbatch Solutions 700,939 28 741,354 31 766,788 31 Engineered Plastics 886,573 36 787,258 33 753,728 31 Specialty Powders 258,137 10 294,228 12 350,510 14 Distribution Services 262,506 11 320,799 14 387,751 16 Total consolidated net sales $ 2,496,005 100 % $ 2,392,225 100 % $ 2,446,998 100 %

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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, 2014 1,745 371 (304 ) 1,812 Fiscal 2015 charges 12,711 1,627 — 14,338 Fiscal 2015 payments (8,670 ) (1,537 ) — (10,207 ) Translation — — (560 ) (560 ) Accrual balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 5,786 $ 461 $ (864 ) $ 5,383 Fiscal 2016 charges 9,009 2,759 — 11,768 Fiscal 2016 payments (10,343 ) (2,818 ) — (13,161 ) Translation — — (46 ) (46 ) Accrual balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 4,452 $ 402 $ (910 ) $ 3,944
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment [Table Text Block]	Restructuring costs are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) EMEA $ 4,568 $ 10,073 $ 1,000 USCAN 5,107 3,229 754 LATAM 417 990 3,053 APAC 312 46 76 EC 1,364 — — Total $ 11,768 $ 14,338 $ 4,883

Contingencies and Claims (Table

Contingencies and Claims (Tables) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block]	The Company incurred the following costs related to the Lucent matter that negatively impacted the Company’s operating results for fiscal 2016: Year Ended August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Inventory rework, remediation actions, and investigative costs $ 5,423 Recurring additional costs to produce product to customer specifications 4,737 Total Lucent remediation costs 10,160 Litigation related costs 1,838 Total Lucent matter costs $ 11,998

Asset Impairment (Tables)

Asset Impairment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Schedule of Impairment by type [Table Text Block]	he following table summarizes the Company's asset impairment activity for the periods presented: Year ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Goodwill impairment $ 360,708 $ — $ — Finite-lived intangible asset impairment 34,471 — — Information technology asset impairment 6,488 — — Other — — 104 Total $ 401,667 $ — $ 104

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following summarizes select financial information included in net earnings from discontinued operations related to the Australia business: Year ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales $ — $ — $ 1,372 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 1,861 $ (133 ) $ 3,202

Consolidating Financial Infor51

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 35,260 $ — $ 35,260 Restricted cash 4,400 — 3,743 — 8,143 Accounts receivable, net 40,017 56,995 279,774 — 376,786 Accounts receivable, intercompany 16,245 9,906 26,839 (52,990 ) — Inventories 33,702 41,895 188,020 — 263,617 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 6,874 4,006 29,383 — 40,263 Total current assets 101,238 112,802 563,019 (52,990 ) 724,069 Net property, plant and equipment 52,653 77,800 184,369 — 314,822 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 84,705 4,205 66,038 (56,545 ) 98,403 Intercompany loans receivable 2,593 33,015 200 (35,808 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 871,441 245,202 — (1,116,643 ) — Goodwill 36,533 110,289 110,951 — 257,773 Intangible assets, net 30,316 204,026 128,272 — 362,614 Total assets $ 1,179,479 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,757,681 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 36,671 $ 36,157 $ 207,232 $ — $ 280,060 Accounts payable, intercompany 17,886 20,050 15,054 (52,990 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable 1,242 100 7,643 — 8,985 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 10,326 5,980 31,263 — 47,569 Other accrued liabilities 17,684 14,195 35,825 — 67,704 Short-term debt 13,626 — 11,821 — 25,447 Total current liabilities 97,435 76,482 308,838 (52,990 ) 429,765 Long-term debt 904,683 — 24,908 — 929,591 Intercompany debt — 200 35,608 (35,808 ) — Pension plans 2,444 1,450 141,214 — 145,108 Deferred income taxes — 77,507 38,051 (56,545 ) 59,013 Other long-term liabilities 15,648 1,037 9,159 — 25,844 Total liabilities 1,020,210 156,676 557,778 (145,343 ) 1,589,321 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,510 — — — 48,510 Other equity (9,530 ) 630,663 485,980 (1,116,643 ) (9,530 ) Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 159,269 630,663 485,980 (1,116,643 ) 159,269 Noncontrolling interests — — 9,091 — 9,091 Total equity 159,269 630,663 495,071 (1,116,643 ) 168,360 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,179,479 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,757,681 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,090 $ — $ 89,782 $ — $ 96,872 Accounts receivable, net 49,398 68,425 296,120 — 413,943 Accounts receivable, intercompany 57,570 43,064 11,836 (112,470 ) — Inventories 47,082 48,998 221,248 — 317,328 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 12,629 13,067 34,509 — 60,205 Total current assets 173,769 173,554 653,495 (112,470 ) 888,348 Net property, plant and equipment 55,151 83,907 175,436 — 314,494 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 27,182 4,288 59,279 — 90,749 Intercompany loans receivable 19,604 28,144 200 (47,948 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,268,607 355,138 — (1,623,745 ) — Goodwill 61,558 313,130 248,895 — 623,583 Intangible assets, net 33,135 257,636 143,766 — 434,537 Total assets $ 1,639,006 $ 1,215,797 $ 1,281,071 $ (1,784,163 ) $ 2,351,711 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 40,940 $ 38,641 $ 225,804 $ — $ 305,385 Accounts payable, intercompany 31,365 72,613 8,492 (112,470 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable 444 — 3,761 — 4,205 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 15,235 5,693 35,264 — 56,192 Other accrued liabilities 17,318 14,544 38,962 — 70,824 Short-term debt 13,561 — 7,149 — 20,710 Total current liabilities 118,863 131,491 319,432 (112,470 ) 457,316 Long-term debt 907,499 — 137,850 — 1,045,349 Intercompany debt — 200 47,748 (47,948 ) — Pension plans 2,377 1,470 114,042 — 117,889 Deferred income taxes 13,553 56,721 45,263 — 115,537 Other long-term liabilities 12,628 1,032 9,225 — 22,885 Total liabilities 1,054,920 190,914 673,560 (160,418 ) 1,758,976 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,369 — — — 48,369 Other equity 415,428 1,024,883 598,862 (1,623,745 ) 415,428 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 584,086 1,024,883 598,862 (1,623,745 ) 584,086 Noncontrolling interests — — 8,649 — 8,649 Total equity 584,086 1,024,883 607,511 (1,623,745 ) 592,735 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,639,006 $ 1,215,797 $ 1,281,071 $ (1,784,163 ) $ 2,351,711
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 322,515 $ 461,295 $ 1,759,401 $ (47,206 ) $ 2,496,005 Cost of sales 262,334 404,004 1,475,953 (47,206 ) 2,095,085 Selling, general and administrative expenses 42,608 69,139 184,978 — 296,725 Restructuring expense 3,885 2,094 5,789 — 11,768 Asset impairment 31,512 236,871 133,284 — 401,667 Operating income (loss) (17,824 ) (250,813 ) (40,603 ) — (309,240 ) Interest expense 48,361 5 7,840 (1,658 ) 54,548 Intercompany charges 29 16 12,944 (12,989 ) — Intercompany income (8,337 ) (4,637 ) (15 ) 12,989 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 3,519 (135 ) 107 — 3,491 Other (income) expense, net (163 ) (1,056 ) (1,213 ) 1,658 (774 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments 316,066 122,371 — (438,437 ) — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (377,299 ) (367,377 ) (60,266 ) 438,437 (366,505 ) Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (20,178 ) (23,707 ) 35,245 — (8,640 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations (357,121 ) (343,670 ) (95,511 ) 438,437 (357,865 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 1,579 282 — 1,861 Net income (loss) (357,121 ) (342,091 ) (95,229 ) 438,437 (356,004 ) Noncontrolling interests — — (1,118 ) — (1,118 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (357,121 ) (342,091 ) (96,347 ) 438,437 (357,122 ) Convertible special stock dividends 7,500 — — — 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ (364,621 ) $ (342,091 ) $ (96,347 ) $ 438,437 $ (364,622 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ (394,383 ) $ (340,609 ) $ (133,350 ) $ 474,401 $ (393,941 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 442 — 442 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (394,383 ) $ (340,609 ) $ (133,792 ) $ 474,401 $ (394,383 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 394,116 $ 218,081 $ 1,818,184 $ (38,156 ) $ 2,392,225 Cost of sales 329,324 189,439 1,550,608 (38,156 ) 2,031,215 Selling, general and administrative expenses 57,711 37,391 181,142 — 276,244 Restructuring expense 2,367 290 11,681 — 14,338 Operating income (loss) 4,714 (9,039 ) 74,753 — 70,428 Interest expense 18,352 2 5,734 (1,475 ) 22,613 Bridge financing fees 18,750 — — — 18,750 Intercompany charges 14 38 7,379 (7,431 ) — Intercompany income (6,201 ) (1,225 ) (5 ) 7,431 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,819 (172 ) 1,716 — 3,363 Other (income) expense, net (1,436 ) (563 ) (914 ) 1,475 (1,438 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (37,382 ) 9,424 — 27,958 — Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — (1,290 ) — (1,290 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 10,798 (16,543 ) 62,133 (27,958 ) 28,430 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (15,831 ) (2,704 ) 19,034 — 499 Income (loss) from continuing operations 26,629 (13,839 ) 43,099 (27,958 ) 27,931 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (133 ) — (133 ) Net income (loss) 26,629 (13,839 ) 42,966 (27,958 ) 27,798 Noncontrolling interests — — (1,169 ) — (1,169 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 26,629 (13,839 ) 41,797 (27,958 ) 26,629 Convertible special stock dividends 2,438 — — — 2,438 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 24,191 $ (13,839 ) $ 41,797 $ (27,958 ) $ 24,191 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (40,140 ) $ (25,698 ) $ (28,731 ) $ 55,420 $ (39,149 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 991 — 991 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (40,140 ) $ (25,698 ) $ (29,722 ) $ 55,420 $ (40,140 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 353,762 $ 87,788 $ 2,037,236 $ (31,788 ) $ 2,446,998 Cost of sales 301,618 77,828 1,769,332 (31,788 ) 2,116,990 Selling, general and administrative expenses 43,304 13,645 185,751 — 242,700 Restructuring expense 691 64 4,128 — 4,883 Asset impairment — — 104 — 104 Operating income (loss) 8,149 (3,749 ) 77,921 — 82,321 Interest expense 5,039 — 4,693 (1,229 ) 8,503 Intercompany charges — — 6,747 (6,747 ) — Intercompany income (6,747 ) — — 6,747 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,738 — 468 — 2,206 Other (income) expense, net (1,006 ) (59 ) (884 ) 1,229 (720 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (47,543 ) 7,910 — 39,633 — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 56,668 (11,600 ) 66,897 (39,633 ) 72,332 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes 475 651 17,416 — 18,542 Income (loss) from continuing operations 56,193 (12,251 ) 49,481 (39,633 ) 53,790 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 3,202 — 3,202 Net income (loss) 56,193 (12,251 ) 52,683 (39,633 ) 56,992 Noncontrolling interests — — (799 ) — (799 ) Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 56,193 $ (12,251 ) $ 51,884 $ (39,633 ) $ 56,193 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 38,820 $ (10,596 ) $ 36,415 $ (25,107 ) $ 39,532 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 712 — 712 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 38,820 $ (10,596 ) $ 35,703 $ (25,107 ) $ 38,820
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 31,297 $ 7,650 $ 109,936 $ (756 ) $ 148,127 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (9,877 ) (7,882 ) (33,479 ) — (51,238 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 300 232 834 — 1,366 Intercompany investments (140 ) — — 140 — Restricted cash (4,400 ) — (3,743 ) — (8,143 ) Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (14,117 ) (7,650 ) (36,388 ) 140 (58,015 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,029 ) — — — (24,029 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (7,500 ) — — — (7,500 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (756 ) 756 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 2,945 — 2,945 Borrowings on long-term debt 164,500 — 79,731 — 244,231 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (167,441 ) — (194,561 ) — (362,002 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 11,081 — (11,081 ) — — Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 258 — — — 258 Redemptions of common stock (1,139 ) — — — (1,139 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — — 140 (140 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (24,270 ) — (123,582 ) 616 (147,236 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (4,488 ) — (4,488 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (7,090 ) — (54,522 ) — (61,612 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 7,090 — 89,782 — 96,872 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ — $ — $ 35,260 $ — $ 35,260 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 125,104 $ 3,159 $ 51,102 $ (119,195 ) $ 60,170 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (6,818 ) (2,467 ) (33,302 ) — (42,587 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 293 23 1,669 — 1,985 Investment in equity investees — — (12,456 ) — (12,456 ) Business acquisitions, net of cash (801,560 ) — (6,698 ) — (808,258 ) Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (808,085 ) (2,444 ) (50,787 ) — (861,316 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,024 ) — — — (24,024 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,813 ) — — — (1,813 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (119,195 ) 119,195 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt (11,617 ) — 2,858 — (8,759 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 1,095,000 — 335,513 — 1,430,513 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (469,400 ) — (244,317 ) — (713,717 ) Payment of debt issuance costs (15,007 ) — — — (15,007 ) Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions) — — (1,750 ) — (1,750 ) Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation 506 — — — 506 Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 289 — — — 289 Issuances of convertible special stock, net 120,289 — — — 120,289 Redemptions of common stock (4,999 ) — — — (4,999 ) Purchases of treasury stock (3,335 ) — — — (3,335 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 685,889 — (26,891 ) 119,195 778,193 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (15,668 ) — (15,668 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,908 715 (42,244 ) — (38,621 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 4,182 (715 ) 132,026 — 135,493 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 7,090 $ — $ 89,782 $ — $ 96,872 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 36,003 $ (157 ) $ 94,370 $ (17,074 ) $ 113,142 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (6,919 ) (565 ) (27,605 ) — (35,089 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 564 191 5,249 — 6,004 Intercompany investments (27,252 ) (13,000 ) — 40,252 — Business acquisitions, net of cash (138,325 ) — (68,300 ) — (206,625 ) Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (171,932 ) (13,374 ) (90,656 ) 40,252 (235,710 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (23,665 ) — — — (23,665 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (17,074 ) 17,074 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt 15,114 — (1,340 ) — 13,774 Borrowings on long-term debt 660,350 — 135,395 — 795,745 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (518,499 ) — (135,395 ) — (653,894 ) Payment of debt issuance costs (1,782 ) — — — (1,782 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 3,000 — (3,000 ) — — Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions) — — 600 — 600 Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 487 — — — 487 Redemptions of common stock (361 ) — — — (361 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — 13,000 27,252 (40,252 ) — Purchases of treasury stock (1,116 ) — — — (1,116 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 133,528 13,000 6,438 (23,178 ) 129,788 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (5,781 ) — (5,781 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,401 ) (531 ) 4,371 — 1,439 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 6,583 (184 ) 127,655 — 134,054 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 4,182 $ (715 ) $ 132,026 $ — $ 135,493

Quarterly Financial Highlight52

Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Year Ended Nov 30, Feb 29, May 31, Aug 31, Aug 31, Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 649,219 $ 591,761 $ 650,439 $ 604,586 $ 2,496,005 Gross profit $ 104,929 $ 89,824 $ 109,474 $ 96,693 $ 400,920 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 7,477 $ 1,841 $ 17,556 $ (384,739 ) $ (357,865 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 20 181 82 1,578 1,861 Net income (loss) 7,497 2,022 17,638 (383,161 ) (356,004 ) Noncontrolling interests (404 ) (430 ) (241 ) (43 ) (1,118 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 7,093 1,592 17,397 (383,204 ) (357,122 ) Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 1,875 1,875 1,875 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 5,218 $ (283 ) $ 15,522 $ (385,079 ) $ (364,622 ) Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.18 ) $ (12.51 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 0.01 — 0.06 0.07 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.12 ) $ (12.44 ) Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.18 ) $ (12.51 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 0.01 — 0.06 0.07 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.12 ) $ (12.44 ) Certain items included in income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows: Accelerated depreciation (b) $ 1,047 $ 1,578 $ 1,043 $ 1,221 $ 4,889 Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (c) 1,344 3,239 1,208 1,020 6,811 Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees (d) 79 126 129 131 465 Restructuring and related costs (e) 3,576 4,653 7,630 6,254 22,113 CEO transition costs (f) — — — 2,634 2,634 Lucent costs (g) 2,669 560 1,566 832 5,627 Asset impairments (h) — — — 311,292 311,292 Total $ 8,715 $ 10,156 $ 11,576 $ 323,384 $ 353,831 (a) The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding. (b) Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments. Please refer to Note 14, Segment Information, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (c) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations primarily include professional, legal, IT and other expenses associated with successful and unsuccessful full or partial acquisition and divestiture/dissolution transactions, as well as certain employee-related expenses such as travel, bonuses and post-acquisition severance separate from a formal restructuring plan. (d) Write-off of deferred financing costs related to the €108.6 million prepayment of the Euro Term Loan B. (e) Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs, and professional fees related to the reorganization of the Company’s legal entity structure and facility operations. Refer to Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (f) CEO transition costs represent charges for deferred compensation granted to Bernard Rzepka. (g) Lucent costs primarily represent legal and investigation costs related to resolving the Lucent matter, product manufacturing costs for reworking existing Lucent inventory, obsolete Lucent inventory reserve costs, and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations. (h) Asset Impairments primarily relate to the write down of goodwill, intangible assets and information technology assets. Please refer to Note 19, Asset Impairment, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. Quarter Ended Year Ended Nov 30, Feb 28, May 31, Aug 31, Aug 31, Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 615,053 $ 542,295 $ 560,858 $ 674,019 $ 2,392,225 Gross profit $ 86,844 $ 78,074 $ 90,757 $ 105,335 $ 361,010 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 13,388 $ (503 ) $ (8,968 ) $ 24,014 $ 27,931 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (10 ) (58 ) (18 ) (47 ) (133 ) Net income (loss) 13,378 (561 ) (8,986 ) 23,967 27,798 Noncontrolling interests (220 ) (327 ) (343 ) (279 ) (1,169 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 13,158 $ (888 ) $ (9,329 ) $ 23,688 $ 26,629 Convertible special stock dividends — — (563 ) (1,875 ) (2,438 ) Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 13,158 $ (888 ) $ (9,892 ) $ 21,813 $ 24,191 Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (i) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ (0.34 ) $ 0.75 $ 0.83 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — — — Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ (0.34 ) $ 0.75 $ 0.83 Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (i) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ (0.34 ) $ 0.75 $ 0.83 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — (0.01 ) (0.01 ) Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.45 $ (0.03 ) $ (0.34 ) $ 0.74 $ 0.82 Certain items included in income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows: Accelerated depreciation (j) $ — $ 298 $ 29 $ 53 $ 380 Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (k) 976 3,135 3,561 9,200 16,872 Acquisition related interest expense (l) — — 19,134 1,190 20,324 Restructuring and related costs (m) 4,096 3,260 4,793 6,927 19,076 CEO transition costs (n) — 6,167 — — 6,167 Inventory step-up (o) 239 — — 2,631 2,870 Gain on early extinguishment of debt (p) — (863 ) — — (863 ) Total $ 5,311 $ 11,997 $ 27,517 $ 20,001 $ 64,826 (i) The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding. (j) Relates to accelerated depreciation in the U.S., France and Brazil. (k) Costs related to acquisitions include professional, legal and other expenses associated with the Citadel acquisition, along with other potential acquisitions. (l) Primarily relates to bridge financing fees and the write-off of deferred debt costs of $18.8 million and $1.5 million , respectively. Refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (m) Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs, and professional fees related to the reorganization of the Company’s legal entity structure and facility operations. (n) CEO transition costs represent a charge for the modification and accelerated vesting upon retirement of the outstanding equity compensation awards granted to Joseph M. Gingo in 2013 and 2014. Refer to Note 11, Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (o) Inventory step-up relates to the fiscal 2015 acquisition noted above. (p) Represents a pre-tax net gain on the early extinguishment of debt. Refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.

Valuation and Qualifying Acco53

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II Balance at beginning of period Charges to cost and expenses Net write-offs Other Translation adjustment Balance at close of period (In thousands) Valuation allowance — deferred tax assets Year Ended August 31, 2016 $ 23,859 $ 4,240 $ — $ 990 $ — $ 29,089 Year Ended August 31, 2015 $ 21,716 $ (2,759 ) $ — $ 4,902 $ — $ 23,859 Year Ended August 31, 2014 $ 23,252 $ (1,536 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 21,716 In connection with the acquisition of Citadel during the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company reversed its valuation allowance in the amount of $12.3 million on most of its federal deferred tax assets. This reversal was due to deferred tax liabilities recorded as part of the Citadel acquisition. This valuation allowance reversal was offset by increases in the valuation allowances relating to foreign and domestic state and local net operating losses, including $4.9 million primarily related to the Citadel opening balance sheet. Schedule II Balance at beginning of period Charges to cost and expenses Net write-offs Other Translation adjustment Balance at close of period (In thousands) Valuation allowance — deferred tax assets Year Ended August 31, 2016 $ 23,859 $ 4,240 $ — $ 990 $ — $ 29,089 Year Ended August 31, 2015 $ 21,716 $ (2,759 ) $ — $ 4,902 $ — $ 23,859 Year Ended August 31, 2014 $ 23,252 $ (1,536 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 21,716

Business and Summary of Signi54

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	Aug. 31, 2016
BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Number of employees	4,800
Number of manufacturing facilities	54
Alta Plastica S.A. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest partner	37.00%
P.T. Prima Polycon Indah [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest partner	35.00%

Business and Summary of Signi55

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$ 8.8	$ 4.4	$ 4.4
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Business and Summary of Signi56

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	9 years
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	20 years
Developed Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	10 years
Developed Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	20 years
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	3 years
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	25 years

Business Acquisitions (Details)

Business Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($)	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Jun. 01, 2015	Sep. 02, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 02, 2013	Sep. 02, 2013
Business Acquisitions
Goodwill	$ 202,299,000	$ 257,773,000				$ 623,583,000				$ 202,299,000	$ 257,773,000	$ 623,583,000	$ 202,299,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount														$ 0
Net sales		604,586,000	$ 650,439,000	$ 591,761,000	$ 649,219,000	674,019,000	$ 560,858,000	$ 542,295,000	$ 615,053,000		2,496,005,000	2,392,225,000	2,446,998,000
Income before taxes											(366,505,000)	28,430,000	72,332,000
Net income attributable to A. Schulman Inc.		$ (383,204,000)	$ 17,397,000	$ 1,592,000	$ 7,093,000	23,688,000	(9,329,000)	$ (888,000)	$ 13,158,000		(357,122,000)	26,629,000	56,193,000
Acquisition related costs											8,800,000	17,300,000	6,000,000
Bridge financing fees											$ 0	18,750,000	0
Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Accounts receivable														71,767,000
Inventories														40,942,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets														14,556,000
Property, plant and equipment														78,112,000
Intangible assets														325,000,000
Other long-term assets														3,606,000
Total assets acquired														533,983,000
Accounts payable														28,854,000
Accrued liabilities														19,853,000
Deferred income taxes, long-term														111,507,000
Other long-term liabilities														3,121,000
Total liabilities assumed														163,335,000
Identifiable net assets acquired														370,648,000
Goodwill														430,912,000
Net assets acquired														801,560,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life		14 years 1 month 6 days
Gross contractual amount of acquired receivables														72,100,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount														0
Net sales						116,659,000
Income before taxes						4,999,000
Net income attributable to A. Schulman Inc.						4,304,000
Inventory step up adjustments before taxes						$ 2,700,000
Net sales												2,769,560,000	2,877,891,000
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders												$ 23,870,000	$ (1,516,000)
Net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted												$ 0.81	$ (0.05)
Acquisition related costs												$ 14,100,000
Specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisitions
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 liabilities																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
Net assets acquired																91,000,000
Gross contractual amount of acquired receivables																$ 28,000,000
Net sales	25,351,000
Income before taxes	1,644,000
Net income attributable to A. Schulman Inc.	1,475,000
Inventory step up adjustments before taxes	600,000
Net sales													$ 2,580,646,000
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders													$ 65,639,000
Net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted													$ 2.24
Additional costs from fixed and intangible assets from business combination	$ 600,000
ThePerriteGroup [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Net assets acquired																			$ 51,300,000
Network Polymers, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Net assets acquired																		$ 49,200,000
Prime Colorants [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Net assets acquired																	$ 15,100,000
Compco Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Net assets acquired															$ 6,700,000
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Intangible assets														230,500,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life		14 years
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life										13 years 7 months
Developed Technology [Member] | Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Intangible assets														75,300,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life		16 years 3 months 19 days
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member] | Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Intangible assets														$ 19,200,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life		8 years 1 month 6 days
Bridge Loan [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Bridge financing fees							$ 18,750,000

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun58

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS [Abstract]
Balance	$ 10,777	$ 10,844	$ 10,434
Provision	2,097	1,956	907
Write-offs, net of recoveries	1,445	973	491
Translation effect	(88)	(1,050)	(6)
Balance	$ 11,341	$ 10,777	$ 10,844

Goodwill and Intangible Asset59

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014	Jun. 01, 2015
Goodwill
Goodwill	$ 623,583,000		$ 202,299,000
Acquisitions	(479,000)	[1]	432,834,000
Impairment	(360,708,000)		0		$ 0
Translation	(4,623,000)		(11,550,000)
Goodwill	257,773,000		623,583,000		202,299,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount						$ 0
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill	75,714,000		85,957,000
Acquisitions	0		(111,000)	[1]
Impairment	(16,752,000)
Translation	(4,931,000)		(10,132,000)
Goodwill	54,031,000		75,714,000		85,957,000
USCAN [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill	285,791,000		102,735,000
Acquisitions	(2,633,000)	[1]	183,056,000
Impairment	(166,789,000)
Translation	0		0
Goodwill	116,369,000		285,791,000		102,735,000
LATAM [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill	11,695,000		12,944,000
Acquisitions	0		0
Impairment	0
Translation	233,000		(1,249,000)
Goodwill	11,928,000		11,695,000		12,944,000
APAC [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill	901,000		663,000
Acquisitions	0		407,000
Impairment	0
Translation	35,000		(169,000)
Goodwill	936,000		901,000		663,000
EC [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill	249,482,000		0
Acquisitions	2,154,000	[1]	249,482,000
Impairment	(177,167,000)
Translation	40,000		0
Goodwill	$ 74,509,000		$ 249,482,000		$ 0
[1]	Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocations, primarily due to inventory and deferred tax adjustments.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset60

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 450,467	$ 491,675
Accumulated Amortization	(87,853)	(57,138)
Net Carrying Amount	362,614	434,537
Intangible assets amortization expense	$ 36,100	19,400	$ 13,000
Weighted-average useful life of finite-lived intangible assets	12 years 9 months 25 days
Finite-lived intangible asset impairment	$ 34,471	0	$ 0
2,017	31,877
2,018	30,693
2,019	30,288
2,020	30,107
2,021	28,758
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	359,713	360,193
Accumulated Amortization	(67,207)	(40,447)
Net Carrying Amount	292,506	319,746
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	72,657	93,518
Accumulated Amortization	(13,864)	(9,398)
Net Carrying Amount	58,793	84,120
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	18,097	37,964
Accumulated Amortization	(6,782)	(7,293)
Net Carrying Amount	11,315	$ 30,671
EC [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset impairment	7,600
USCAN [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset impairment	$ 26,900

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr61

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	May 31, 2022	May 31, 2021	May 31, 2020	May 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2015EUR (€)	May 26, 2015USD ($)
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Notes payable and other, due within one year							$ 10,333		$ 5,584
Current portion of long-term debt							15,114		15,126
Short-term debt							$ 25,447		$ 20,710
Short-term weighted average interest rate							7.58%		6.75%
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023							$ 375,000		$ 375,000					$ 375,000
Capital leases and other long-term debt							3,727		250
Long-term debt							929,591		1,045,349
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs							0		15,007	$ 1,782
Maximum borrowing capacity							337,953		334,921
DomesticPledgeofSubsidiaryCapitalStocktosupportRevolvingFacilityandSeniorNote												100.00%	100.00%
ForeignPledgeofSubsidiaryCapitalStocktosupportRevolvingFacilityandSeniorNote												65.00%	65.00%
ForeignPledgeofSubsidiaryCapitalStocktosupportForeignObligations												100.00%	100.00%
Bridge Loan											$ 425,000
Bridge financing fees							0		18,750	0
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt							0		1,290	$ 0
Available borrowing capacity							307,079		324,573
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding							26,600		8,900
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount							4,300		1,400
2,017							25,447
2,018							16,114
2,019							21,067
2,020							175,778
2,021							6,002
2022 and thereafter							710,630
Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity							37,953		34,921
Available borrowing capacity							27,959		25,999
2015 Revolver, due 2020 [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity							300,000		300,000			$ 300,000
Available borrowing capacity							279,120		298,574
2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity												1,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity												250,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Bridge Loan											$ 875,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Fixed interest rate on long-term debt														6.875%
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs									11,300
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			100.00%	101.719%	103.438%	105.156%
2015 Revolver, due 2020 [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020							17,279		0
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Term Loan A and Term Loan B							177,500		187,500
Maximum borrowing capacity												200,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Term Loan A and Term Loan B							$ 341,407		344,781
Maximum borrowing capacity												$ 350,000
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis							0.0075	0.0075
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B Euro [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Term Loan A and Term Loan B							$ 14,678		$ 137,818
Maximum borrowing capacity | €													€ 145
Repayments of Debt | €								€ 108.6
Bridge Loan [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Bridge financing fees	$ 18,750
Euro Notes [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		$ 42,800
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt		1,300
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives Recorded in Earnings, Net		3,900
Long-term debt, early termination fees		2,500
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost		$ 100

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	May 26, 2015
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$ 487,000	$ 1,818,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	951,000	1,576,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	378,750,000	374,229,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	115,900,000	161,500,000
Fair Value Hedges, Net	0	0
Senior Notes carrying value	375,000,000	375,000,000	$ 375,000,000
Fair Value, Transfers Between Levels, Amount	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	0	0
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	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	487,000	1,818,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	951,000	1,576,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	378,750,000	374,229,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	0	0
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	0	0
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Current taxes:
U.S.	$ (433,199)	$ (43,770)	$ (2,426)
Foreign	66,694	72,200	74,758
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(366,505)	28,430	72,332
U.S.	813	1,674	435
Foreign	28,466	18,078	19,794
Total current tax expense (benefit)	29,279	19,752	20,229
Deferred taxes:
U.S.	(34,069)	(19,985)	589
Foreign	(3,850)	732	(2,276)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	(37,919)	(19,253)	(1,687)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	(8,640)	499	18,542
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$ (128,277)	$ 9,951	$ 25,316
Statutory U.S. tax rate percentage	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign rate differential	$ 10,069	$ (692)	$ (13,602)
Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory tax rate percentage	(2.70%)	(2.40%)	(18.80%)
Valuation allowance charges (reversals)	$ 863	$ (12,279)	$ 0
Valuation allowance charges percentage	(0.20%)	(43.20%)	0.00%
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	$ 106,503	$ 0	$ 0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Percent	(29.10%)	0.00%	0.00%
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	$ 482	$ (1,030)	$ (121)
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions percentage	(0.10%)	(3.60%)	(0.20%)
Other	$ (146)	$ (756)	$ (960)
Other percentage	0.00%	(2.70%)	(1.30%)
Total income tax expense (benefit) percentage	2.40%	1.80%	25.70%
Pensions	$ 28,400	$ 20,431
Inventory reserves	2,176	1,635
Bad debt reserves	1,680	1,674
Accruals	7,844	8,479
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	6,255	6,094
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	21,967	15,999
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	5,442	4,952
Alternative minimum tax carryforwards	2,289	3,330
Interest carryforwards	2,713	2,733
U.S. net operating loss carryforwards	33,059	17,309
Other	13,498	15,305
Gross deferred tax assets	125,323	97,941
Valuation allowance	(29,089)	(23,859)
Total deferred tax assets	96,234	74,082
Property, plant and equipment	(16,194)	(16,783)
Intangibles	(89,919)	(122,485)
Unremitted foreign earnings	(9,003)	0
Other	(3,925)	(9,208)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(119,041)	(148,476)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(22,807)	(74,394)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	28,300
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration	21,900
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	12,300
State and Local net operating loss carryforwards	4,800
Unrealized stock compensation attributes reducing foreign tax credit carryforward	2,600
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	2,300
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current		14,800
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	36,200	27,500
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Current		1,100
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	2,100
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	1,100
Unrecognized tax benefits	2,031	3,845	$ 4,986
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(53)	(259)	(576)
Increases related to prior year tax positions	275	509	0
Increases related to current year tax positions	826	61	512
Settlements	0	(376)	(38)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(71)	(1,192)	(1,040)
Foreign currency impact	(15)	(557)	1
Unrecognized tax benefits	2,993	2,031	3,845
Undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries	488,300
Tax Credit Carryforward to Expire in 2019 [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	2,300
Tax Credit Carryforward to Expire in 2025 [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	5,400
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Operating loss carryforwards	81,600
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Operating loss carryforwards	68,100
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	2,600
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Operating loss carryforwards	153,100
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	4,100
Foreign losses with no tax benefit [Member]
Deferred taxes:
U.S. non-deductible transaction costs	$ 1,866	$ 3,956	$ 4,899
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit percentage	(0.50%)	14.00%	6.80%
U.S. Losses with no tax benefit [Member]
Deferred taxes:
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,010
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit percentage	0.00%	0.00%	4.20%
U.S. non-deductible transaction costs [Member]
Deferred taxes:
U.S. non-deductible transaction costs	$ 0	$ 1,349	$ 0
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit percentage	0.00%	4.70%	0.00%

Pension and Postretirement Be64

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 50,066	$ 44,325
Fair value of plan assets		50,066	$ 44,325
Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI:
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments		$ 0	$ 0	$ 214
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Rate of compensation increase		2.10%	2.40%	2.40%
Return on pension plan assets		4.50%	4.70%	5.20%
Rate of compensation increase		2.40%	2.40%	2.40%
Projected health care cost trend rate		6.50%	6.80%	7.50%
Ultimate health care rate		5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year ultimate health care trend rate is achieved		2,023	2,023	2,019
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components		$ 38
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components		(33)
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation		972
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation		$ (846)
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		100.00%	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations		100.00%	100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized		$ 3,900	$ 4,200	$ 3,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,822	12,623
Fair value of plan assets		6,822	12,623
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13,389	13,164
Fair value of plan assets		13,389	13,164
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	29,855	18,538	18,566
Actual return on assets		11,539	177
Translation adjustment		(3,086)	(321)
Fair value of plan assets		29,855	18,538	18,566
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net		2,864	116
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	10,940	12,432
Fair value of plan assets		$ 10,940	$ 12,432
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		22.00%	28.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations		20.00%	20.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,615	$ 6,887
Fair value of plan assets		1,615	$ 6,887
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	9,325	5,545
Fair value of plan assets		9,325	5,545
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,969	12,076
Fair value of plan assets		$ 8,969	$ 12,076
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		18.00%	27.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations		9.00%	11.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,905	$ 4,457
Fair value of plan assets		4,905	$ 4,457
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,064	7,619
Fair value of plan assets		4,064	7,619
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	29,855	18,183
Fair value of plan assets		$ 29,855	$ 18,183
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		59.00%	41.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations		70.00%	62.00%
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	$ 0
Fair value of plan assets		0	$ 0
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	29,855	18,183
Fair value of plan assets		29,855	18,183
Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	302	1,279
Fair value of plan assets		$ 302	$ 1,279
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		1.00%	3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations		1.00%	7.00%
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	302	$ 1,279
Fair value of plan assets		302	$ 1,279
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	355
Fair value of plan assets		0	355
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	355
Fair value of plan assets		$ 0	$ 355
Real Estate [Member]
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		0.00%	1.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations		0.00%	0.00%
German United Kingdom Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Underfunded		$ (132,200)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	198,385	165,205	$ 173,983
Service cost		(5,051)	(4,609)	(3,795)
Interest cost		(4,198)	(4,362)	(5,413)
Participant contributions		(155)	(203)
Actuarial gains (losses)		(36,159)	(7,453)
Settlement (gains) losses		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments		1,369	0
Benefits paid		4,597	4,002
Business combinations		0	(1,806)
Plan amendments		0	(110)
Translation adjustment		6,417	23,319
Benefit obligation		198,385	165,205	173,983
Fair value of plan assets	50,066	44,325	40,904
Actual return on assets		8,365	6,030
Employer contributions		5,658	5,662
Translation adjustment		(3,840)	(4,472)
Fair value of plan assets		50,066	44,325	40,904
Underfunded		(148,319)	(120,880)
Classification of net amount recognized:
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		(3,211)	(2,991)
Long-term liabilities		(145,108)	(117,889)
Net amount recognized		(148,319)	(120,880)
Amounts recognized in AOCI:
Net actuarial (gain) loss		73,922	50,612
Net prior service cost (credit)		132	351
Net amount recognized in AOCI		74,054	50,963
Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI:
Net actuarial (gain) loss		28,358	3,432
Prior service cost (credit)		0	110
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain		(2,843)	(2,884)
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		(32)	(144)
Settlement/curtailment gains (losses)		(68)	0
Translation adjustment		(2,324)	(7,613)
Total change in AOCI		23,091	(7,099)
Expected return on plan assets		(1,934)	(1,799)	(1,819)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		32	144	24
Recognized losses due to plan settlements		0	0	214
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments		68	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)		2,843	2,884	1,373
Total net periodic benefit cost		10,258	10,200	$ 9,000
Net actuarial loss (gain)		4,024
Prior service cost (credit)		10
Total		4,034
Accumulated benefit obligation		183,298	149,536
Projected benefit obligation		198,385	165,205
Accumulated benefit obligation		183,298	149,536
Fair value of plan assets		50,066	44,325
Projected benefit obligation		0	0
Accumulated benefit obligation		0	0
Fair value of plan assets		$ 0	$ 0
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate		1.50%	2.60%	2.80%
Discount rate on pension plans		2.60%	2.80%	4.00%
Decrease in expected service and interest cost next fiscal year due to change in discount rate methodology	700
2,017		$ 4,604
2,018		4,142
2,019		4,502
2,020		4,715
2,021		5,010
Years 2022 — 2026		30,795
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	10,491	10,137	$ 12,191
Service cost		(3)	(3)	$ (5)
Interest cost		(390)	(440)	(491)
Participant contributions		(47)	(59)
Actuarial gains (losses)		(755)	1,705
Settlement (gains) losses		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments		0	0
Benefits paid		841	851
Business combinations		0	0
Plan amendments		0	0
Translation adjustment		0	0
Benefit obligation		10,491	10,137	12,191
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	0
Actual return on assets		0	0
Employer contributions		794	792
Translation adjustment		0	0
Fair value of plan assets		0	0	0
Underfunded		(10,491)	(10,137)
Classification of net amount recognized:
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		(805)	(780)
Long-term liabilities		(9,686)	(9,357)
Net amount recognized		(10,491)	(10,137)
Amounts recognized in AOCI:
Net actuarial (gain) loss		(974)	(1,785)
Net prior service cost (credit)		(899)	(1,440)
Net amount recognized in AOCI		(1,873)	(3,225)
Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI:
Net actuarial (gain) loss		755	(1,705)
Prior service cost (credit)		0	0
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain		56	0
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		541	541
Settlement/curtailment gains (losses)		0	0
Translation adjustment		0	0
Total change in AOCI		1,352	(1,164)
Expected return on plan assets		0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(597)	(541)	(541)
Recognized losses due to plan settlements		0	0	0
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments		0	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)		0	0	(18)
Total net periodic benefit cost		(204)	(98)	$ (63)
Net actuarial loss (gain)		0
Prior service cost (credit)		(541)
Total		(541)
Accumulated benefit obligation		10,491	10,137
Projected benefit obligation		10,491	10,137
Accumulated benefit obligation		$ 10,491	$ 10,137
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate		3.10%	4.00%	3.80%
Discount rate on pension plans		4.00%	3.80%	4.50%
Decrease in expected service and interest cost next fiscal year due to change in discount rate methodology	$ 100
2,017		$ 817
2,018		793
2,019		805
2,020		768
2,021		726
Years 2022 — 2026		$ 3,347
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Return on pension plan assets	3.10%
Rate of compensation increase	2.10%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 5,700
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Discount rate on pension plans	1.50%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 800
Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :
Discount rate on pension plans	3.10%

Convertible Special Stock (Deta

Convertible Special Stock (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	May 04, 2015
Convertible Special Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized					1,000,000
Convertible Special Stock, Dividend Rate					6.00%
Gross proceeds from issuance of convertible special stock	$ 125,000,000
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Issued					125,000
Convertible special stock, no par value		$ 120,289,000	$ 120,289,000
Convertible Special Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share					$ 1,000
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock		$ 7,500,000	$ 1,813,000	$ 0
Convertible Special Stock, Voting Rights		0.6667
Convertible Special Stock, Aggregate Value Outstanding		$ 125,000,000
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Outstanding		125,000
Convertible Special Stock, Conversion Rate					19.1113
Convertible Special Stock, Initial Conversion Price					$ 52.33
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Converted to Common Shares		0
Convertible Special Stock, Redemption Terms		1.5
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Convertible Special Stock [Line Items]
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs	$ 4,700,000

Accumulated Other Comprehensi66

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (83,460)		$ (16,691)	$ 682
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	[1]	(39,658)		(68,374)	(17,171)
Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax	[1]	1,721		1,427	(289)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(37,937)		(66,947)	(17,460)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(676)		(178)	(87)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	(37,261)		(66,769)	(17,373)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(120,721)		(83,460)	(16,691)
Tax on increase projected benefit obligation		7,912		(1,682)	8,718
Tax on amounts reclassified to earnings		(624)		(1,061)	(456)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax		0		7,076	0
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1],[2]	(49,562)		22,786	17,712
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	[1],[2]	(20,831)		(72,526)	5,872
Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax	[1],[2]	0	[3]	0	(885)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1],[2]	(20,831)		(72,526)	4,987
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1],[2]	(676)		(178)	(87)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1],[2]	(20,155)		(72,348)	5,074
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1],[2]	(69,717)		(49,562)	22,786
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1],[4]	(33,898)		(39,477)	(17,030)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	[1],[4]	(18,827)		4,152	(23,043)
Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax	[1],[4],[5]	1,721		1,427	596
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1],[4]	(17,106)		5,579	(22,447)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1],[4]	0		0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1],[4]	(17,106)		5,579	(22,447)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1],[4]	$ (51,004)		$ (33,898)	$ (39,477)
[1]	All amounts presented are net of tax.
[2]	The tax amounts on the foreign currency loss relate to a note denominated in euros which was repaid in fiscal 2015.
[3]	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 20, Discontinued Operations, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details.
[4]	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details.
[5]	Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs. Fiscal 2016 includes a curtailment gain of $68, and fiscal 2014 includes settlement charges of $214. There were no curtailments or settlements recognized in fiscal 2015.

Share-based incentive compens67

Share-based incentive compensation plans (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	42.00%	29.00%	31.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.48%	0.55%	1.03%
Correlation	41.00%	38.00%	53.00%
Stock options outstanding	1,667
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$ 19.20
Stock options granted	0	0	0
Stock options exercised	(1,667)
Stock options exercised, weighted average exercise price	$ 19.20
Stock options forfeited and expired	0
Stock options forfeited and expired, weighted average exercise price	$ 0
Stock options outstanding	0	1,667
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$ 0	$ 19.20
Stock options exercisable	0
Stock options exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$ 0
Stock options exercised, intrinsic value	$ 100	$ 100	$ 200
Total unrecognized compensation cost of nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements	$ 2,200
Total unrecognized compensation costs of nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements, recognition period	1 year 6 months 25 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Flow Effect, Cash Used to Settle Awards	$ 800	1,400
Employee stock purchase plan, percent of fair market value	85.00%
Employee stock purchase plan, discount rate	15.00%
Stock-based compensation	$ 1,443	10,869	7,902
CEO Transition Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	0	6,167	0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	879	4,071	7,105
Board of Directors Unrestricted Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 564	$ 631	$ 797
Time Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards outstanding	96,930
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value	$ 31.51
Granted	57,350
Awards granted, weighted average fair market value	$ 22.95	$ 33.90	$ 34.42
Vested	(37,837)
Awards vested, weighted average fair market value	$ 28.47
Forfeited	(12,792)
Awards forfeited, weighted average fair market value	$ 29.24
Awards outstanding	103,651	96,930
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value	$ 28.16	$ 31.51
Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards outstanding	575,957
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value	$ 31.78
Granted	339,510
Awards granted, weighted average fair market value	$ 22.93	$ 33.90	$ 34.42
Vested	(108,596)
Awards vested, weighted average fair market value	$ 29.91
Forfeited	(165,864)
Awards forfeited, weighted average fair market value	$ 29.74
Awards outstanding	641,007	575,957
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value	$ 27.93	$ 31.78
Non-employee Director Unrestricted Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted	24,624	18,810
Earn Dividends [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards outstanding	300,785
Monte Carlo Simulation [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards outstanding	61,641
Fair Value Based on Closing Price of Common Stock on Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards outstanding	579,366
2014 Equity incentive plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	2,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,531,680
2006 Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	971,627
2010 Rewards Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	395,987

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,300,000	29,149,000	29,061,000
Incremental shares from equity awards	0	334,000	301,000
Diluted	29,300,000	29,483,000	29,362,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	745,000	0	0
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from equity awards	0	0	0
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,388,913	772,502

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Total rental expense	$ 22,400	$ 18,100	$ 16,600
2,017	14,254
2,018	10,715
2,019	6,723
2,020	4,047
2,021	2,520
2022 and thereafter	12,067
Total minimum rental commitments	$ 50,326

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016		May 31, 2016		Feb. 29, 2016		Nov. 30, 2015		Aug. 31, 2015		May 31, 2015		Feb. 28, 2015		Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 604,586		$ 650,439		$ 591,761		$ 649,219		$ 674,019		$ 560,858		$ 542,295		$ 615,053		$ 2,496,005		$ 2,392,225		$ 2,446,998
Total gross profit		96,693		109,474		89,824		104,929		105,335		90,757		78,074		86,844		400,920		361,010		330,008
Accelerated depreciation		(1,221)	[1]	(1,043)	[1]	(1,578)	[1]	(1,047)	[1]	(53)	[2]	(29)	[2]	(298)	[2]	0	[2]	(4,889)	[1]	(380)	[2]
CEO transition costs		(2,634)	[3]	$ 0	[3]	$ 0	[3]	$ 0	[3]	0	[4]	$ 0	[4]	$ (6,167)	[4]	$ 0	[4]	(2,634)	[3]	(6,167)	[4]
Asset impairment																		401,667		0		104
Operating income (loss)																		(309,240)		70,428		82,321
Interest expense																		(54,548)		(22,613)		(8,503)
Bridge financing fees																		0		(18,750)		0
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)																		(3,491)		(3,363)		(2,206)
Other income (expense), net																		774		1,438		720
Gain on early extinguishment of debt																		0		1,290		0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes																		(366,505)		28,430		72,332
Identifiable assets		1,757,681								2,351,711								1,757,681		2,351,711		1,512,484
Depreciation and amortization expense																		89,264		59,240		47,904
Capital expenditures																		51,238		42,587		35,089
Long lived assets		314,822								314,494								$ 314,822		$ 314,494		$ 253,921
Net sales, percentage																		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Custom Performance Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 181,738		$ 191,453		$ 188,221
Net sales, percentage																		7.00%		8.00%		8.00%
EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 206,112		$ 57,133		$ 0
Net sales, percentage																		8.00%		2.00%		0.00%
Masterbatch Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 700,939		$ 741,354		$ 766,788
Net sales, percentage																		28.00%		31.00%		31.00%
Engineered Plastics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 886,573		$ 787,258		$ 753,728
Net sales, percentage																		36.00%		33.00%		31.00%
Specialty Powders [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 258,137		$ 294,228		$ 350,510
Net sales, percentage																		10.00%		12.00%		14.00%
Distribution Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 262,506		$ 320,799		$ 387,751
Net sales, percentage																		11.00%		14.00%		16.00%
Germany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 415,965		$ 432,822		$ 548,454
Long lived assets		25,716								27,224								25,716		27,224		22,716
FRANCE
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		170,304		195,507		238,029
Long lived assets		26,450								18,472								26,450		18,472		22,758
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		807,673		632,906		457,225
Long lived assets		149,098								159,394								149,098		159,394		95,349
Other International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		1,102,063		1,130,990		1,203,290
Long lived assets		113,558								109,404								113,558		109,404		113,098
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment gross profit																		413,345		366,155		332,552
Segment operating income																		176,744		151,942		132,023
Operating Segments [Member] | EMEA Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		1,239,963		1,339,355		1,577,867
Segment gross profit																		178,376		189,860		206,268
Segment operating income																		76,576		78,313		80,690
Identifiable assets		594,599								701,263								594,599		701,263		809,670
Depreciation and amortization expense																		22,646		21,730		21,832
Capital expenditures																		17,763		21,321		13,199
Operating Segments [Member] | USCAN Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		691,369		610,493		475,050
Segment gross profit																		115,329		100,550		73,278
Segment operating income																		47,062		40,713		30,418
Identifiable assets		609,828								873,814								609,828		873,814		458,109
Depreciation and amortization expense																		39,139		24,197		16,522
Capital expenditures																		17,447		10,332		12,235
Operating Segments [Member] | LATAM Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		171,650		177,463		198,313
Segment gross profit																		36,886		31,971		26,239
Segment operating income																		20,268		13,061		8,388
Identifiable assets		86,105								96,210								86,105		96,210		111,126
Depreciation and amortization expense																		3,822		3,255		4,128
Capital expenditures																		5,514		3,597		4,380
Operating Segments [Member] | APAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		186,911		207,781		195,768
Segment gross profit																		32,293		29,238		26,767
Segment operating income																		17,953		14,401		12,527
Identifiable assets		131,356								126,965								131,356		126,965		133,579
Depreciation and amortization expense																		5,409		5,424		5,422
Capital expenditures																		9,322		6,895		5,275
Operating Segments [Member] | EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		206,112		57,133		0
Segment gross profit																		50,461		14,536		0
Segment operating income																		14,885		5,454		0
Identifiable assets		$ 335,793								$ 553,459								335,793		553,459		0
Depreciation and amortization expense																		18,248		4,634		0
Capital expenditures																		1,192		442		0
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate																		(30,797)		(31,238)		(32,170)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventory step-up																		0		(3,082)		(1,468)
Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs																		(7,571)		(1,796)		(1,042)
Costs related to acquisitions																		(2,769)		(267)		(34)
Lucent costs (1)	[5]																	(2,085)		0		0
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations																		(8,789)		(17,208)		(6,021)
Restructuring and related costs																		27,762		23,411		9,832
Accelerated depreciation																		(6,309)		(408)		(107)
CEO transition costs																		(3,399)		(6,167)		0
Asset impairment																		401,667		0		104
Lucent costs (1)	[5]																	$ (7,261)		$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments.
[2]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the U.S., France and Brazil.
[3]	CEO transition costs represent charges for deferred compensation granted to Bernard Rzepka.
[4]	CEO transition costs represent a charge for the modification and accelerated vesting upon retirement of the outstanding equity compensation awards granted to Joseph M. Gingo in 2013 and 2014. Refer to Note 11, Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[5]	Refer to Note 17, Contingencies and Claims, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in costs of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Additional Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations.

Research and Development (Detai

Research and Development (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Research and Development [Abstract]
Research and Development Expense	$ 19.8	$ 17.8	$ 16.9

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)		May 31, 2016USD ($)	[1]	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	[1]	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	[1]	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)		May 31, 2015USD ($)	[2]	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	[2]	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)	[2]	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013
Restructuring
Restructuring costs																	$ 11,768,000		$ 14,338,000		$ 4,883,000
Accelerated depreciation(b)	$ 1,221,000	[1]	$ 1,043,000		$ 1,578,000		$ 1,047,000		$ 53,000	[2]	$ 29,000		$ 298,000		$ 0		4,889,000	[1]	380,000	[2]
Accrual	3,944,000								5,383,000								3,944,000		5,383,000		1,812,000
Restructuring charges paid																	(13,161,000)		(10,207,000)
Translation																	(46,000)		(560,000)
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring costs																	4,568,000		10,073,000		1,000,000
USCAN [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring costs																	5,107,000		3,229,000		754,000
LATAM [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring costs																	417,000		990,000		3,053,000
APAC [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring costs																	312,000		46,000		76,000
EC [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring costs																	1,364,000		0		0
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring costs																	9,009,000		12,711,000
Accrual	4,452,000								5,786,000								4,452,000		5,786,000		1,745,000
Restructuring charges paid																	(10,343,000)		(8,670,000)
Translation																	0		0
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring costs																	2,759,000		1,627,000
Accrual	402,000								461,000								402,000		461,000		371,000
Restructuring charges paid																	(2,818,000)		(1,537,000)
Translation																	0		0
Translation Effect on Restructuring Reserve [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring costs																	0		0
Accrual	(910,000)								(864,000)								(910,000)		(864,000)		(304,000)
Restructuring charges paid																	0		0
Translation																	$ (46,000)		$ (560,000)
Global Headcount Reduction Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																	60
Restructuring costs																	$ 4,000,000
Accrual	700,000																$ 700,000
USCAN Shared Service Center Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated																	25
Restructuring Related Cost Number Of Additional Positions																	15
Restructuring costs																	$ 700,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	1,000,000																1,000,000
Accrual	600,000																$ 600,000
EP Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																	25
Restructuring costs																	$ 400,000
Accelerated depreciation(b)																	$ 4,800,000
EC SG&A Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																	10
Restructuring costs																	$ 1,200,000
EMEA Operations and Back-Office Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																			40
Restructuring costs																	$ 200,000		$ 5,900,000
SSC Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated																	40
Restructuring costs																	$ 1,200,000		2,300,000
Accrual	700,000																$ 700,000
France Asset Footprint Reduction Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated																	20
Restructuring Related Cost Number Of Additional Positions																	15
Restructuring costs																	$ 2,300,000		$ 700,000
Accrual	1,500,000																1,500,000
Stryker Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																			70
Restructuring costs																	500,000		$ 1,300,000
Accrual	0																0
North American SG&A Reduction Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																			15
Restructuring costs																			$ 700,000
Accrual	0																$ 0
North American Efficiency Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																	25
Restructuring costs																	$ 300,000		$ 1,200,000
Accrual	0																0
Contagem Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																			20
Restructuring costs																			$ 500,000
Accrual	0																0
Americas Reorganization Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																						85
Restructuring costs																					700,000
Accrual									0										0
Brazil Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																						55
Restructuring Related Cost Number Of Additional Positions																						35
Restructuring costs																					3,100,000
Accelerated depreciation(b)																					$ 100,000
Accrual									$ 0										$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	500,000																500,000
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	$ 1,000,000																$ 1,000,000
[1]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments.
[2]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the U.S., France and Brazil.

Contingencies and Claims Contin

Contingencies and Claims Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Jun. 01, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total Lucent matter costs	$ 11,998
Citadel [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]
Inventory rework, remediation actions, and investigative costs	5,423
Recurring additional costs to produce product to customer specifications	4,737
Total Lucent remediation costs	10,160
Litigation related costs	$ 1,838

Share Repurchase Program (Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			33 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Apr. 03, 2014
Share Repurchase Program
Number of treasury stock shares acquired	0	109,000	40,000
Total cost of repurchased common stock		$ 3,335	$ 1,116
April 2014 Repurchase Plan [Member]
Share Repurchase Program
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount					$ 55,000
Number of treasury stock shares acquired		109,422
Treasury stock shares acquired, average cost per share		$ 30.46
Total cost of repurchased common stock		$ 3,300
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 51,700
April 2011 Repurchase Plan [Member]
Share Repurchase Program
Number of treasury stock shares acquired			40,327	2,192,612
Treasury stock shares acquired, average cost per share			$ 27.68	$ 20.33
Total cost of repurchased common stock			$ 1,100

Asset Impairment (Details)

Asset Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment	$ 360,708	$ 0	$ 0
Finite-lived intangible asset impairment	34,471	0	0
Information technology asset impairment	6,488	0	0
Other	0	0	104
Total	$ 401,667	$ 0	$ 104

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets									$ 1,366	$ 1,985	$ 6,004
Net sales									0	0	1,372
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 1,578	$ 82	$ 181	$ 20	$ (47)	$ (18)	$ (58)	$ (10)	1,861	(133)	3,202
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations									0	$ 0	3,365
Australia rotational molding [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets											3,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation									$ 1,600
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations											$ 3,400

Consolidating Financial Infor77

Consolidating Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	May 26, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023	$ 375,000	$ 375,000	$ 375,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate			6.875%

Consolidating Financial Infor78

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 35,260	$ 96,872	$ 135,493	$ 134,054
Restricted cash	8,143	0
Accounts receivable, net	376,786	413,943
Accounts receivable, intercompany	0	0
Inventories	263,617	317,328
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40,263	60,205
Total current assets	724,069	888,348
Net property, plant and equipment	314,822	314,494	253,921
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	98,403	90,749
Intercompany loans receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	257,773	623,583	202,299
Intangible assets, net	362,614	434,537
Total assets	1,757,681	2,351,711	1,512,484
Accounts payable	280,060	305,385
Accounts payable, intercompany	0	0
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	8,985	4,205
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	47,569	56,192
Other accrued liabilities	67,704	70,824
Short-term debt	25,447	20,710
Total current liabilities	429,765	457,316
Long-term debt	929,591	1,045,349
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	145,108	117,889
Deferred income taxes	59,013	115,537
Other long-term liabilities	25,844	22,885
Total liabilities	1,589,321	1,758,976
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,510	48,369
Other equity	(9,530)	415,428
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	159,269	584,086
Noncontrolling interests	9,091	8,649
Total equity	168,360	592,735	536,451	514,744
Total liabilities and equity	1,757,681	2,351,711
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	7,090	4,182	6,583
Restricted cash	4,400
Accounts receivable, net	40,017	49,398
Accounts receivable, intercompany	16,245	57,570
Inventories	33,702	47,082
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,874	12,629
Total current assets	101,238	173,769
Net property, plant and equipment	52,653	55,151
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	84,705	27,182
Intercompany loans receivable	2,593	19,604
Investment in subsidiaries	871,441	1,268,607
Goodwill	36,533	61,558
Intangible assets, net	30,316	33,135
Total assets	1,179,479	1,639,006
Accounts payable	36,671	40,940
Accounts payable, intercompany	17,886	31,365
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	1,242	444
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	10,326	15,235
Other accrued liabilities	17,684	17,318
Short-term debt	13,626	13,561
Total current liabilities	97,435	118,863
Long-term debt	904,683	907,499
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	2,444	2,377
Deferred income taxes	0	13,553
Other long-term liabilities	15,648	12,628
Total liabilities	1,020,210	1,054,920
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,510	48,369
Other equity	(9,530)	415,428
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	159,269	584,086
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	159,269	584,086
Total liabilities and equity	1,179,479	1,639,006
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	(715)	(184)
Restricted cash	0
Accounts receivable, net	56,995	68,425
Accounts receivable, intercompany	9,906	43,064
Inventories	41,895	48,998
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,006	13,067
Total current assets	112,802	173,554
Net property, plant and equipment	77,800	83,907
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	4,205	4,288
Intercompany loans receivable	33,015	28,144
Investment in subsidiaries	245,202	355,138
Goodwill	110,289	313,130
Intangible assets, net	204,026	257,636
Total assets	787,339	1,215,797
Accounts payable	36,157	38,641
Accounts payable, intercompany	20,050	72,613
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	100	0
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	5,980	5,693
Other accrued liabilities	14,195	14,544
Short-term debt	0	0
Total current liabilities	76,482	131,491
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany debt	200	200
Pension plans	1,450	1,470
Deferred income taxes	77,507	56,721
Other long-term liabilities	1,037	1,032
Total liabilities	156,676	190,914
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	630,663	1,024,883
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	630,663	1,024,883
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	630,663	1,024,883
Total liabilities and equity	787,339	1,215,797
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	35,260	89,782	132,026	127,655
Restricted cash	3,743
Accounts receivable, net	279,774	296,120
Accounts receivable, intercompany	26,839	11,836
Inventories	188,020	221,248
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	29,383	34,509
Total current assets	563,019	653,495
Net property, plant and equipment	184,369	175,436
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	66,038	59,279
Intercompany loans receivable	200	200
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	110,951	248,895
Intangible assets, net	128,272	143,766
Total assets	1,052,849	1,281,071
Accounts payable	207,232	225,804
Accounts payable, intercompany	15,054	8,492
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	7,643	3,761
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	31,263	35,264
Other accrued liabilities	35,825	38,962
Short-term debt	11,821	7,149
Total current liabilities	308,838	319,432
Long-term debt	24,908	137,850
Intercompany debt	35,608	47,748
Pension plans	141,214	114,042
Deferred income taxes	38,051	45,263
Other long-term liabilities	9,159	9,225
Total liabilities	557,778	673,560
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	485,980	598,862
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	485,980	598,862
Noncontrolling interests	9,091	8,649
Total equity	495,071	607,511
Total liabilities and equity	1,052,849	1,281,071
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted cash	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Accounts receivable, intercompany	(52,990)	(112,470)
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	(52,990)	(112,470)
Net property, plant and equipment	0	0
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	(56,545)	0
Intercompany loans receivable	(35,808)	(47,948)
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,116,643)	(1,623,745)
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Total assets	(1,261,986)	(1,784,163)
Accounts payable	0	0
Accounts payable, intercompany	(52,990)	(112,470)
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	0	0
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	0	0
Other accrued liabilities	0	0
Short-term debt	0	0
Total current liabilities	(52,990)	(112,470)
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany debt	(35,808)	(47,948)
Pension plans	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(56,545)	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	(145,343)	(160,418)
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	(1,116,643)	(1,623,745)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	(1,116,643)	(1,623,745)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	(1,116,643)	(1,623,745)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (1,261,986)	$ (1,784,163)

Consolidating Financial Infor79

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 604,586	$ 650,439	$ 591,761	$ 649,219	$ 674,019	$ 560,858	$ 542,295	$ 615,053	$ 2,496,005	$ 2,392,225	$ 2,446,998
Cost of sales									2,095,085	2,031,215	2,116,990
Selling, general and administrative expenses									296,725	276,244	242,700
Restructuring expense									11,768	14,338	4,883
Asset impairment									401,667	0	104
Operating income (loss)									(309,240)	70,428	82,321
Interest expense									54,548	22,613	8,503
Intercompany charges									0	0	0
Intercompany income									0	0	0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									3,491	3,363	2,206
Other (income) expense, net									(774)	(1,438)	(720)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									(366,505)	28,430	72,332
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									(8,640)	499	18,542
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(384,739)	17,556	1,841	7,477	24,014	(8,968)	(503)	13,388	(357,865)	27,931	53,790
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,578	82	181	20	(47)	(18)	(58)	(10)	1,861	(133)	3,202
Net income (loss)	(383,161)	17,638	2,022	7,497	23,967	(8,986)	(561)	13,378	(356,004)	27,798	56,992
Noncontrolling interests	(43)	(241)	(430)	(404)	(279)	(343)	(327)	(220)	(1,118)	(1,169)	(799)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(383,204)	17,397	1,592	7,093	23,688	(9,329)	(888)	13,158	(357,122)	26,629	56,193
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875	1,875	1,875	1,875	1,875	563	0	0	7,500	2,438	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ (385,079)	$ 15,522	$ (283)	$ 5,218	$ 21,813	$ (9,892)	$ (888)	$ 13,158	(364,622)	24,191	56,193
Comprehensive income (loss)									(393,941)	(39,149)	39,532
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									442	991	712
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(394,383)	(40,140)	38,820
Bridge financing fees									0	18,750	0
Gain on early extinguishment of debt									0	(1,290)	0
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									322,515	394,116	353,762
Cost of sales									262,334	329,324	301,618
Selling, general and administrative expenses									42,608	57,711	43,304
Restructuring expense									3,885	2,367	691
Asset impairment									31,512		0
Operating income (loss)									(17,824)	4,714	8,149
Interest expense									48,361	18,352	5,039
Intercompany charges									29	14	0
Intercompany income									(8,337)	(6,201)	(6,747)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									3,519	1,819	1,738
Other (income) expense, net									(163)	(1,436)	(1,006)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									316,066	(37,382)	(47,543)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									(377,299)	10,798	56,668
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									(20,178)	(15,831)	475
Income (loss) from continuing operations									(357,121)	26,629	56,193
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									(357,121)	26,629	56,193
Noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(357,121)	26,629
Convertible special stock dividends									7,500	2,438
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders									(364,621)	24,191	56,193
Comprehensive income (loss)									(394,383)	(40,140)	38,820
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(394,383)	(40,140)	38,820
Bridge financing fees										18,750
Gain on early extinguishment of debt										0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									461,295	218,081	87,788
Cost of sales									404,004	189,439	77,828
Selling, general and administrative expenses									69,139	37,391	13,645
Restructuring expense									2,094	290	64
Asset impairment									236,871		0
Operating income (loss)									(250,813)	(9,039)	(3,749)
Interest expense									5	2	0
Intercompany charges									16	38	0
Intercompany income									(4,637)	(1,225)	0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									(135)	(172)	0
Other (income) expense, net									(1,056)	(563)	(59)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									122,371	9,424	7,910
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									(367,377)	(16,543)	(11,600)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									(23,707)	(2,704)	651
Income (loss) from continuing operations									(343,670)	(13,839)	(12,251)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									1,579	0	0
Net income (loss)									(342,091)	(13,839)	(12,251)
Noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(342,091)	(13,839)
Convertible special stock dividends									0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders									(342,091)	(13,839)	(12,251)
Comprehensive income (loss)									(340,609)	(25,698)	(10,596)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(340,609)	(25,698)	(10,596)
Bridge financing fees										0
Gain on early extinguishment of debt										0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									1,759,401	1,818,184	2,037,236
Cost of sales									1,475,953	1,550,608	1,769,332
Selling, general and administrative expenses									184,978	181,142	185,751
Restructuring expense									5,789	11,681	4,128
Asset impairment									133,284		104
Operating income (loss)									(40,603)	74,753	77,921
Interest expense									7,840	5,734	4,693
Intercompany charges									12,944	7,379	6,747
Intercompany income									(15)	(5)	0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									107	1,716	468
Other (income) expense, net									(1,213)	(914)	(884)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									(60,266)	62,133	66,897
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									35,245	19,034	17,416
Income (loss) from continuing operations									(95,511)	43,099	49,481
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									282	(133)	3,202
Net income (loss)									(95,229)	42,966	52,683
Noncontrolling interests									(1,118)	(1,169)	(799)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(96,347)	41,797
Convertible special stock dividends									0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders									(96,347)	41,797	51,884
Comprehensive income (loss)									(133,350)	(28,731)	36,415
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									442	991	712
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(133,792)	(29,722)	35,703
Bridge financing fees										0
Gain on early extinguishment of debt										(1,290)
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									(47,206)	(38,156)	(31,788)
Cost of sales									(47,206)	(38,156)	(31,788)
Selling, general and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Restructuring expense									0	0	0
Asset impairment									0		0
Operating income (loss)									0	0	0
Interest expense									(1,658)	(1,475)	(1,229)
Intercompany charges									(12,989)	(7,431)	(6,747)
Intercompany income									12,989	7,431	6,747
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									0	0	0
Other (income) expense, net									1,658	1,475	1,229
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									(438,437)	27,958	39,633
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									438,437	(27,958)	(39,633)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations									438,437	(27,958)	(39,633)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									438,437	(27,958)	(39,633)
Noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									438,437	(27,958)
Convertible special stock dividends									0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders									438,437	(27,958)	(39,633)
Comprehensive income (loss)									474,401	55,420	(25,107)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									$ 474,401	55,420	$ (25,107)
Bridge financing fees										0
Gain on early extinguishment of debt										$ 0

Consolidating Financial Infor80

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities									$ 148,127	$ 60,170	$ 113,142
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment									(51,238)	(42,587)	(35,089)
Proceeds from the sale of assets									1,366	1,985	6,004
Investment in equity investees									0	(12,456)	0
Intercompany investments									0		0
Restricted cash									(8,143)	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash									0	(808,258)	(206,625)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities									(58,015)	(861,316)	(235,710)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders									(24,029)	(24,024)	(23,665)
Cash Dividends Paid on Convertible Special Stock	$ 1,875	$ 1,875	$ 1,875	$ 1,875	$ 1,875	$ 563	$ 0	$ 0	7,500	2,438	0
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock									7,500	1,813	0
Intercompany dividends paid									0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt									2,945	(8,759)	13,774
Borrowings on long-term debt									244,231	1,430,513	795,745
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion									(362,002)	(713,717)	(653,894)
Payment of debt issuance costs									0	(15,007)	(1,782)
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)									0	(1,750)	600
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation									0	506	0
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury									258	289	487
Issuances of convertible special stock, net									0	120,289	0
Redemptions of common stock									(1,139)	(4,999)	(361)
Intercompany equity contributions received									0		0
Purchases of treasury stock									0	(3,335)	(1,116)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities									(147,236)	778,193	129,788
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash									(4,488)	(15,668)	(5,781)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									(61,612)	(38,621)	1,439
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				96,872				135,493	96,872	135,493	134,054
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	35,260				96,872				35,260	96,872	135,493
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities									31,297	125,104	36,003
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment									(9,877)	(6,818)	(6,919)
Proceeds from the sale of assets									300	293	564
Investment in equity investees										0
Intercompany investments									(140)		(27,252)
Restricted cash									(4,400)
Business acquisitions, net of cash										(801,560)	(138,325)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities									(14,117)	(808,085)	(171,932)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders									(24,029)	(24,024)	(23,665)
Cash Dividends Paid on Convertible Special Stock									7,500	2,438
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock										1,813
Intercompany dividends paid									0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt									0	(11,617)	15,114
Borrowings on long-term debt									164,500	1,095,000	660,350
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion									(167,441)	(469,400)	(518,499)
Payment of debt issuance costs										(15,007)	(1,782)
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)										0	0
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation										506
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury									258	289	487
Issuances of convertible special stock, net										120,289
Redemptions of common stock									(1,139)	(4,999)	(361)
Intercompany equity contributions received									0		0
Purchases of treasury stock										(3,335)	(1,116)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities									(24,270)	685,889	133,528
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash									0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									(7,090)	2,908	(2,401)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				7,090				4,182	7,090	4,182	6,583
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	0				7,090				0	7,090	4,182
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities									7,650	3,159	(157)
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment									(7,882)	(2,467)	(565)
Proceeds from the sale of assets									232	23	191
Investment in equity investees										0
Intercompany investments									0		(13,000)
Restricted cash									0
Business acquisitions, net of cash										0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities									(7,650)	(2,444)	(13,374)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders									0	0	0
Cash Dividends Paid on Convertible Special Stock									0	0
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock										0
Intercompany dividends paid									0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt									0	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt									0	0	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion									0	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs										0	0
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)										0	0
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation										0
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury									0	0	0
Issuances of convertible special stock, net										0
Redemptions of common stock									0	0	0
Intercompany equity contributions received									0		13,000
Purchases of treasury stock										0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities									0	0	13,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash									0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									0	715	(531)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				0				(715)	0	(715)	(184)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	0				0				0	0	(715)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities									109,936	51,102	94,370
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment									(33,479)	(33,302)	(27,605)
Proceeds from the sale of assets									834	1,669	5,249
Investment in equity investees										(12,456)
Intercompany investments									0		0
Restricted cash									(3,743)
Business acquisitions, net of cash										(6,698)	(68,300)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities									(36,388)	(50,787)	(90,656)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders									0	0	0
Cash Dividends Paid on Convertible Special Stock									0	0
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock										0
Intercompany dividends paid									(756)	(119,195)	(17,074)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt									2,945	2,858	(1,340)
Borrowings on long-term debt									79,731	335,513	135,395
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion									(194,561)	(244,317)	(135,395)
Payment of debt issuance costs										0	0
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)										(1,750)	600
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation										0
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury									0	0	0
Issuances of convertible special stock, net										0
Redemptions of common stock									0	0	0
Intercompany equity contributions received									140		27,252
Purchases of treasury stock										0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities									(123,582)	(26,891)	6,438
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash									(4,488)	(15,668)	(5,781)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									(54,522)	(42,244)	4,371
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				89,782				132,026	89,782	132,026	127,655
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	35,260				89,782				35,260	89,782	132,026
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)									0		0
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)									11,081		3,000
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)									0		0
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)									(11,081)		(3,000)
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities									(756)	(119,195)	(17,074)
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment									0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets									0	0	0
Investment in equity investees										0
Intercompany investments									140		40,252
Restricted cash									0
Business acquisitions, net of cash										0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities									140	0	40,252
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders									0	0	0
Cash Dividends Paid on Convertible Special Stock									0	0
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock										0
Intercompany dividends paid									756	119,195	17,074
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt									0	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt									0	0	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion									0	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs										0	0
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)										0	0
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation										0
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury									0	0	0
Issuances of convertible special stock, net										0
Redemptions of common stock									0	0	0
Intercompany equity contributions received									(140)		(40,252)
Purchases of treasury stock										0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities									616	119,195	(23,178)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash									0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				$ 0				$ 0	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 0				$ 0				0	$ 0	0
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)									$ 0		$ 0

Quarterly Financial Highlight81

Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, € in Millions		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares		May 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares		Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)$ / shares		Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares		May 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares		Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)$ / shares		Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / shares		Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares		Aug. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares		Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 604,586		$ 650,439		$ 591,761		$ 649,219		$ 674,019		$ 560,858		$ 542,295		$ 615,053		$ 2,496,005			$ 2,392,225		$ 2,446,998
Gross profit		96,693		109,474		89,824		104,929		105,335		90,757		78,074		86,844		400,920			361,010		330,008
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(384,739)		17,556		1,841		7,477		24,014		(8,968)		(503)		13,388		(357,865)			27,931		53,790
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		1,578		82		181		20		(47)		(18)		(58)		(10)		1,861			(133)		3,202
Net income (loss)		(383,161)		17,638		2,022		7,497		23,967		(8,986)		(561)		13,378		(356,004)			27,798		56,992
Noncontrolling interests		(43)		(241)		(430)		(404)		(279)		(343)		(327)		(220)		(1,118)			(1,169)		(799)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		(383,204)		17,397		1,592		7,093		23,688		(9,329)		(888)		13,158		(357,122)			26,629		56,193
Convertible special stock dividends		1,875		1,875		1,875		1,875		1,875		563		0		0		7,500			2,438		0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders		$ (385,079)		$ 15,522		$ (283)		$ 5,218		$ 21,813		$ (9,892)		$ (888)		$ 13,158		$ (364,622)			$ 24,191		$ 56,193
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ / shares		$ (13.18)	[1]	$ 0.53	[1]	$ (0.02)	[1]	$ 0.18	[1]	$ 0.75	[2]	$ (0.34)	[2]	$ (0.03)	[2]	$ 0.45	[2]	$ (12.51)	[1]		$ 0.83	[2]	$ 1.82
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | $ / shares		0.06	[1]	0	[1]	0.01	[1]	0	[1]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0.07	[1]		0	[2]	0.11
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders | $ / shares		(13.12)	[1]	0.53	[1]	(0.01)	[1]	0.18	[1]	0.75	[2]	(0.34)	[2]	(0.03)	[2]	0.45	[2]	(12.44)	[1]		0.83	[2]	1.93
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ / shares		(13.18)	[1]	0.53	[1]	(0.02)	[1]	0.18	[1]	0.75	[2]	(0.34)	[2]	(0.03)	[2]	0.45	[2]	(12.51)	[1]		0.83	[2]	1.80
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | $ / shares		0.06	[1]	0	[1]	0.01	[1]	0	[1]	(0.01)	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0.07	[1]		(0.01)	[2]	0.11
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders | $ / shares		$ (13.12)	[1]	$ 0.53	[1]	$ (0.01)	[1]	$ 0.18	[1]	$ 0.74	[2]	$ (0.34)	[2]	$ (0.03)	[2]	$ 0.45	[2]	$ (12.44)	[1]		$ 0.82	[2]	$ 1.91
Certain items included in income from continuing operations, net of tax
Accelerated depreciation(b)		$ 1,221	[3]	$ 1,043	[3]	$ 1,578	[3]	$ 1,047	[3]	$ 53	[4]	$ 29	[4]	$ 298	[4]	$ 0	[4]	$ 4,889	[3]		$ 380	[4]
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations(c)		1,020	[5]	1,208	[5]	3,239	[5]	1,344	[5]	9,200	[6]	3,561	[6]	3,135	[6]	976	[6]	6,811	[5]		16,872	[6]
Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees(d)	[7]	131		129		126		79										465			1,500
Restructuring and related costs(e)		6,254	[8]	7,630	[8]	4,653	[8]	3,576	[8]	6,927	[9]	4,793	[9]	3,260	[9]	4,096	[9]	22,113	[8]		19,076	[9]
CEO transition costs(f)		2,634	[10]	0	[10]	0	[10]	0	[10]	0	[11]	0	[11]	6,167	[11]	0	[11]	2,634	[10]		6,167	[11]
Lucent costs(g)	[12]	832		1,566		560		2,669										5,627
Asset impairments (h)	[13]	311,292		0		0		0										311,292
Acquisition related interest expense(l)	[14]									1,190		19,134		0		0					20,324
Inventory step-up(o)	[15]									2,631		0		0		239					2,870
Gain on early extinguishment of debt(p)	[16]									0		0		863		0					863
Total		$ 323,384		$ 11,576		$ 10,156		$ 8,715		$ 20,001		$ 27,517		$ 11,997		$ 5,311		$ 353,831			$ 64,826
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B Euro [Member]
Certain items included in income from continuing operations, net of tax
Repayments of Debt | €																				€ 108.6
[1]	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.
[2]	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.
[3]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments.
[4]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the U.S., France and Brazil.
[5]	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations primarily include professional, legal, IT and other expenses associated with successful and unsuccessful full or partial acquisition and divestiture/dissolution transactions,
[6]	Costs related to acquisitions include professional, legal and other expenses associated with the Citadel acquisition, along with other potential acquisitions.
[7]	Write-off of deferred financing costs related to the €108.6 million prepayment of the Euro Term Loan B.
[8]	Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs, and professional fees related to the reorganization of the Company’s legal entity structure and facility operations. Refer to Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[9]	Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs, and professional fees related to the reorganization of the Company’s legal entity structure and facility operations.
[10]	CEO transition costs represent charges for deferred compensation granted to Bernard Rzepka.
[11]	CEO transition costs represent a charge for the modification and accelerated vesting upon retirement of the outstanding equity compensation awards granted to Joseph M. Gingo in 2013 and 2014. Refer to Note 11, Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[12]	Lucent costs primarily represent legal and investigation costs related to resolving the Lucent matter, product manufacturing costs for reworking existing Lucent inventory, obsolete Lucent inventory reserve costs, and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations.
[13]	Asset Impairments primarily relate to the write down of goodwill, intangible assets and information technology assets. Please refer to Note 19, Asset Impairment, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[14]	Primarily relates to bridge financing fees and the write-off of deferred debt costs of $18.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[15]	Inventory step-up relates to the fiscal 2015 acquisition noted above.
[16]	Represents a pre-tax net gain on the early extinguishment of debt. Refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.

Valuation and Qualifying Acco82

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$ 23,859	$ 21,716	$ 23,252
Charges to cost and expenses	4,240	(2,759)	(1,536)
Net write-offs	0	0	0
Other	990	4,902	0
Translation adjustment	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$ 29,089	23,859	$ 21,716
Citadel [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Charges to cost and expenses		$ 12,300