A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-Q 9 Jan 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Jan. 05, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87,565
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Nov. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,458,567

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 600,000	$ 649,219
Cost of sales	498,985	544,290
Selling, general and administrative expenses	72,374	77,237
Restructuring expense	9,544	1,546
Operating income (loss)	19,097	26,146
Interest expense	13,164	13,618
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	562	729
Other (income) expense, net	(1,132)	51
Income (loss) before taxes	6,503	11,748
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	3,319	4,251
Net income (loss)	3,184	7,497
Noncontrolling interests	(241)	(404)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	2,943	7,093
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875	1,875
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ 1,068	$ 5,218
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,363	29,223
Diluted	29,477	29,462
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Basic	$ 0.04	$ 0.18
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Diluted	0.04	0.18
Cash dividends per common share	0.205	0.205
Cash dividends per share of convertible special stock	$ 15	$ 15

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 3,184	$ 7,497
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)		(15,316)	(10,776)
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax		594	1,015
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(14,722)	(9,761)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(11,538)	(2,264)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		171	335
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ (11,709)	$ (2,599)
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 39,285	$ 35,260
Restricted cash		8,256	8,143
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,106 at November 30, 2016 and $11,341 at August 31, 2016		376,138	376,786
Inventories		275,663	263,617
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		44,516	40,263
Total current assets		743,858	724,069
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements		32,423	32,957
Buildings and leasehold improvements		179,274	184,291
Machinery and equipment		435,993	447,932
Furniture and fixtures		33,615	34,457
Construction in progress		23,095	20,431
Gross property, plant and equipment		704,400	720,068
Accumulated depreciation		401,151	405,246
Net property, plant and equipment		303,249	314,822
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets		84,995	88,161
Goodwill		256,878	257,773
Intangible assets, net		352,046	362,614
Total assets		1,741,026	1,747,439
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		281,056	280,060
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable		6,707	8,985
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		52,517	47,569
Other accrued liabilities		87,113	67,704
Short-term debt		37,659	25,447
Total current liabilities		465,052	429,765
Long-term debt		904,352	919,349
Pension plans		139,108	145,108
Deferred income taxes		57,636	59,013
Other long-term liabilities		24,599	25,844
Total liabilities		1,590,747	1,579,079
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 - 48,526 shares at November 30, 2016 and 48,510 shares at August 31, 2016		48,526	48,510
Additional paid-in capital		276,456	275,115
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(135,373)	(120,721)
Retained earnings		214,047	219,039
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,067 shares at November 30, 2016 and 19,069 shares at August 31, 2016		(382,928)	(382,963)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity		141,017	159,269
Noncontrolling interests		9,262	9,091
Total equity		150,279	168,360
Total liabilities and equity		$ 1,741,026	$ 1,747,439
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (U5

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 11,106	$ 11,341
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,526	48,510
Treasury stock, shares	19,067	19,069

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net income	$ 3,184	$ 7,497
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	11,172	12,013
Amortization	8,817	10,039
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	(2,429)	1,306
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	1,893	1,217
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(12,947)	7,345
Inventories	(21,639)	(8,671)
Accounts payable	16,404	377
Income taxes	(2,723)	1,432
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	27,623	18,614
Other assets and long-term liabilities	(3,046)	(11,144)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	26,309	40,025
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(12,972)	(7,402)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	375	361
Other investing activities	12	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(12,585)	(7,041)
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(1,875)	(1,875)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(6,060)	(6,024)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	14,546	1,926
Borrowings on long-term debt	133,985	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(149,301)	(24,946)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	51	90
Redemptions of common stock	(229)	0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(8,883)	(30,829)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(816)	(3,465)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,025	(1,310)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	35,260	96,872
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 39,285	$ 95,562

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
General [Abstract]
GENERAL	GENERAL The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The fiscal year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2017 . The accounting policies for the periods presented are the same as described in Note 1 – Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2017 presentation. 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 November 30, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 39,285 $ — $ 39,285 Restricted cash 679 — 7,577 — 8,256 Accounts receivable, net 39,686 59,328 277,124 — 376,138 Accounts receivable, intercompany 21,624 1,615 21,907 (45,146 ) — Inventories 37,592 45,259 192,812 — 275,663 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,232 3,585 31,699 — 44,516 Total current assets 108,813 109,787 570,404 (45,146 ) 743,858 Net property, plant and equipment 51,246 77,031 174,972 — 303,249 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 80,405 3,680 62,724 (61,814 ) 84,995 Intercompany loans receivable 2,593 33,253 200 (36,046 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 812,429 242,811 — (1,055,240 ) — Goodwill 36,533 110,289 110,056 — 256,878 Intangible assets, net 29,643 199,877 122,526 — 352,046 Total assets $ 1,121,662 $ 776,728 $ 1,040,882 $ (1,198,246 ) $ 1,741,026 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 41,905 $ 39,322 $ 199,829 $ — $ 281,056 Accounts payable, intercompany 8,724 20,693 15,729 (45,146 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable 47 163 6,497 — 6,707 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 12,594 6,581 33,342 — 52,517 Other accrued liabilities 27,686 15,534 43,893 — 87,113 Short-term debt 13,674 — 23,985 — 37,659 Total current liabilities 104,630 82,293 323,275 (45,146 ) 465,052 Long-term debt 859,022 91 45,239 — 904,352 Intercompany debt — 200 35,846 (36,046 ) — Pension plans 2,412 1,412 135,284 — 139,108 Deferred income taxes — 71,847 47,603 (61,814 ) 57,636 Other long-term liabilities 14,581 1,039 8,979 — 24,599 Total liabilities 980,645 156,882 596,226 (143,006 ) 1,590,747 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,526 — — — 48,526 Other equity (27,798 ) 619,846 435,394 (1,055,240 ) (27,798 ) Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 141,017 619,846 435,394 (1,055,240 ) 141,017 Noncontrolling interests — — 9,262 — 9,262 Total equity 141,017 619,846 444,656 (1,055,240 ) 150,279 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,121,662 $ 776,728 $ 1,040,882 $ (1,198,246 ) $ 1,741,026 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 74,463 4,205 66,038 (56,545 ) 88,161 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 $ 1,169,237 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,747,439 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 894,441 — 24,908 — 919,349 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 1,009,968 156,676 557,778 (145,343 ) 1,579,079 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 $ 1,169,237 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,747,439 Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended November 30, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 76,175 $ 102,955 $ 432,021 $ (11,151 ) $ 600,000 Cost of sales 63,083 90,889 356,164 (11,151 ) 498,985 Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,558 14,887 44,929 — 72,374 Restructuring expense 1,084 280 8,180 — 9,544 Operating income (loss) (550 ) (3,101 ) 22,748 — 19,097 Interest expense 11,927 5 1,492 (260 ) 13,164 Intercompany charges 2 — 1,853 (1,855 ) — Intercompany income (544 ) (1,306 ) (5 ) 1,855 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 952 (3 ) (387 ) — 562 Other (income) expense, net (255 ) (289 ) (848 ) 260 (1,132 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (9,127 ) (1,144 ) — 10,271 — Income (loss) before taxes (3,505 ) (364 ) 20,643 (10,271 ) 6,503 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (6,448 ) (6,427 ) 16,194 — 3,319 Net income (loss) 2,943 6,063 4,449 (10,271 ) 3,184 Noncontrolling interests — — (241 ) — (241 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 2,943 6,063 4,208 (10,271 ) 2,943 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 1,068 $ 6,063 $ 4,208 $ (10,271 ) $ 1,068 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (11,709 ) $ 4,216 $ (10,212 ) $ 6,167 $ (11,538 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 171 — 171 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (11,709 ) $ 4,216 $ (10,383 ) $ 6,167 $ (11,709 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended November 30, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 81,187 $ 119,908 $ 460,081 $ (11,957 ) $ 649,219 Cost of sales 67,135 103,411 385,701 (11,957 ) 544,290 Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,790 17,386 47,061 — 77,237 Restructuring expense 234 — 1,312 — 1,546 Operating income (loss) 1,028 (889 ) 26,007 — 26,146 Interest expense 11,852 7 2,279 (520 ) 13,618 Intercompany charges 6 37 2,610 (2,653 ) — Intercompany income (1,452 ) (1,200 ) (1 ) 2,653 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 39 8 682 — 729 Other (income) expense, net (186 ) 36 (319 ) 520 51 (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (19,107 ) (434 ) — 19,541 — Income (loss) before taxes 9,876 657 20,756 (19,541 ) 11,748 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes 2,783 119 1,349 — 4,251 Net income (loss) 7,093 538 19,407 (19,541 ) 7,497 Noncontrolling interests — — (404 ) — (404 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 7,093 538 19,003 (19,541 ) 7,093 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 5,218 $ 538 $ 19,003 $ (19,541 ) $ 5,218 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (2,599 ) $ 6 $ 8,914 $ (8,585 ) $ (2,264 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 335 — 335 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (2,599 ) $ 6 $ 8,579 $ (8,585 ) $ (2,599 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Three months ended November 30, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 49,707 $ 876 $ 14,823 $ (39,097 ) $ 26,309 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (5,530 ) (1,001 ) (6,441 ) — (12,972 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 111 — 264 — 375 Other investing activities — 125 (113 ) — 12 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (5,419 ) (876 ) (6,290 ) — (12,585 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (6,060 ) — — — (6,060 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,875 ) — — — (1,875 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (39,097 ) 39,097 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 14,546 — 14,546 Borrowings on long-term debt 39,100 — 94,885 — 133,985 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (75,275 ) — (74,026 ) — (149,301 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 51 — — — 51 Redemptions of common stock (229 ) — — — (229 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (44,288 ) — (3,692 ) 39,097 (8,883 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (816 ) — (816 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents — — 4,025 — 4,025 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — — 35,260 — 35,260 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ — $ — $ 39,285 $ — $ 39,285 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Three months ended November 30, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 12,587 $ 1,753 $ 26,441 $ (756 ) $ 40,025 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (1,296 ) (1,872 ) (4,234 ) — (7,402 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets — 119 242 — 361 Intercompany investments (140 ) — — 140 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (1,436 ) (1,753 ) (3,992 ) 140 (7,041 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (6,024 ) — — — (6,024 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,875 ) — — — (1,875 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (756 ) 756 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 1,926 — 1,926 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (3,398 ) — (21,548 ) — (24,946 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 5,000 — (5,000 ) — — Issuances of stock, common and treasury 90 — — — 90 Intercompany equity contributions received — — 140 (140 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (6,207 ) — (25,238 ) 616 (30,829 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (3,465 ) — (3,465 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 4,944 — (6,254 ) — (1,310 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 7,090 — 89,782 — 96,872 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 12,034 $ — $ 83,528 $ — $ 95,562

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The changes in the Company's carrying value of goodwill are as follows: EMEA USCAN LATAM APAC EC Total (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 54,031 $ 116,369 $ 11,928 $ 936 $ 74,509 $ 257,773 Translation (869 ) — (104 ) (48 ) 126 (895 ) Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ 53,162 $ 116,369 $ 11,824 $ 888 $ 74,635 $ 256,878 The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 356,760 $ (72,662 ) $ 284,098 $ 359,713 $ (67,207 ) $ 292,506 Developed technology 72,135 (14,835 ) 57,300 72,657 (13,864 ) 58,793 Registered trademarks and tradenames 17,485 (6,837 ) 10,648 18,097 (6,782 ) 11,315 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 446,380 $ (94,334 ) $ 352,046 $ 450,467 $ (87,853 ) $ 362,614 Amortization expense of intangible assets was $8.0 million for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and $9.3 million for the three months ended November 30, 2015 .

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 24,159 $ 10,333 Current portion of long-term debt 13,500 15,114 Short-term debt $ 37,659 $ 25,447 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 59,808 $ 17,279 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 175,000 177,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 300,660 341,407 Euro Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 — 14,678 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 3,633 3,727 Unamortized debt issuance costs (9,749 ) (10,242 ) Long-term debt $ 904,352 $ 919,349 On May 26, 2015, the Company issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”) in a private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). In connection with the sale of the Notes, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the representatives of the initial purchasers of the Notes (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) that, among other things, provides for the consummation by the Company of an offer to exchange the Notes for a new issue of substantially identical exchange notes (the “Exchange Offer”) within 540 days of issuance, or November 16, 2016, in a transaction registered under the Securities Act. The Registration Rights Agreement provides for certain increases to the interest rate on the Notes in the event that the Exchange Offer is not consummated prior to November 16, 2016. As of November 30, 2016, the Company had not consummated the Exchange Offer. The Company filed a registration statement for the Exchange Offer shortly after the filing of the fiscal 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, but the Company must complete the SEC review process before such registration statement is declared effective. For a detailed discussion of the Company's long-term debt and credit arrangements, refer to Note 5 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants as of November 30, 2016 . The Company prepaid $56.0 million on its term debt, in addition to normal required payments of $3.4 million , during the three months ended November 30, 2016 .

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value: November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Assets recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 2,668 $ — $ 2,668 $ — $ 487 $ — $ 487 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 3,368 $ — $ 3,368 $ — $ 951 $ — $ 951 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate debt $ 385,313 $ — $ 385,313 $ — $ 378,750 $ — $ 378,750 $ — 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 $134.6 million and $115.9 million as of November 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016 , respectively. The amount of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding as of the end of the period is indicative of the exposure of current balances and the forecasted change in exposures for the following quarter. Any gains or losses associated with these contracts as well as the offsetting gains or losses from the underlying assets or liabilities are included in the foreign currency transaction (gains) losses line in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts is recognized in other current assets or other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets based on the net settlement value. The foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into with creditworthy financial institutions, generally have a term of three months or less, and the Company does not hold or issue foreign exchange forward contracts for trading purposes. There were no foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedging instruments as of November 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016 . Long-term fixed-rate debt as of November 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016 represents the Senior Notes, due 2023, recorded at cost and presented at fair value for disclosure purposes. The Level 2 fair value of the Company's fixed-rate debt was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities. As of November 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016 , the carrying value of the Company's long-term fixed-rate debt recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $375.0 million . For a discussion of the Company’s fair value measurement policies under the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 1 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during fiscal 2017 , and transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy, if any, are recognized at the end of each quarter. There were no transfers between levels during the period presented. Additionally, the Company remeasures certain assets to fair value, using Level 3 measurements, as a result of the occurrence of triggering events. There were no significant assets or liabilities that were remeasured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the period presented.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES The effective tax rate was 51.0% for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 36.2% for the three months ended November 30, 2015 . The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended November 30, 2016 as compared with the same period last year was driven primarily by an increase in uncertain tax positions. We record quarterly taxes based on overall estimated annual effective tax rates. The difference between our effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate in the current year is primarily attributable to an increase in the amount of uncertain tax positions recorded partially offset by our overall foreign rate being less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate. As of November 30, 2016 , the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $4.5 million . If recognized, $3.4 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company's effective tax rate. The Company reports interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of November 30, 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 increase in uncertain tax positions during the three months ended November 30, 2016 relates to various ongoing examinations in the EMEA region. In connection with these examinations, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could change by approximately $1.0 million in the next 12 months.

Pension and Postretirement Bene

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,395 $ 1,294 Interest cost 587 1,063 Expected return on plan assets (376 ) (504 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 997 724 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,603 $ 2,577 Other postretirement benefit plan: Service cost $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 63 97 Prior service cost (credit) (136 ) (149 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (72 ) $ (51 )

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows: Convertible Special Stock Common Stock ($1 par value) Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Non-controlling Interests Total Equity (In thousands, except per share data) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 120,289 $ 48,510 $ 275,115 $ (120,721 ) $ 219,039 $ (382,963 ) $ 9,091 $ 168,360 Comprehensive income (loss) (14,652 ) 2,943 171 (11,538 ) Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $15.00 per share (1,875 ) (1,875 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.205 per share (6,060 ) (6,060 ) Issuance of treasury stock 16 35 51 Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures 24 (24 ) — Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings (8 ) (221 ) (229 ) Amortization of restricted stock 1,570 1,570 Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ 120,289 $ 48,526 $ 276,456 $ (135,373 ) $ 214,047 $ (382,928 ) $ 9,262 $ 150,279 For a detailed discussion of the Company's convertible special stock, refer to Note 9 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . There have been no fundamental changes in the Company's convertible special stock as of November 30, 2016 or August 31, 2016 .

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block]	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (1) : Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ (69,717 ) $ (51,004 ) $ (120,721 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (15,316 ) — (15,316 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 594 (2) 594 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (15,316 ) 594 (14,722 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (70 ) — (70 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (15,246 ) 594 (14,652 ) Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ (84,963 ) $ (50,410 ) $ (135,373 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ (49,562 ) $ (33,898 ) $ (83,460 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (10,776 ) — (10,776 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,015 (2) 1,015 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (10,776 ) 1,015 (9,761 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (69 ) — (69 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (10,707 ) 1,015 (9,692 ) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ (60,269 ) $ (32,883 ) $ (93,152 ) (1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits. (2) Amounts represent amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs and are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 6 of this Form 10-Q for further details.

Share-Based Incentive Compensat

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company granted 192,700 shares of time-based restricted stock awards, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $28.80 per share. Additionally, the Company granted 25,000 shares of unrestricted common stock to Joseph M. Gingo related to the terms and conditions of his new employment agreement as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 901 $ 425 Unrestricted awards 722 — Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,623 $ 425 Total unrecognized compensation cost, including a provision for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements as of November 30, 2016 was $5.5 million . This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years. As of November 30, 2016 , there were 704,578 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, 395,987 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company's 2010 Rewards Plan and 1,573,164 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company's 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. For further discussion of the Company's share-based incentive compensation plans, refer to Note 11 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 stockholders. The difference between basic and diluted weighted-average shares results from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, calculated using the treasury stock method, and the inclusion of the convertible special stock dividends, calculated using the if-converted method. The Company computes income available to common stockholders by deducting dividends accumulated on the convertible special stock from income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss). The convertible special stock does not impact the denominator of basic EPS. The dilutive effect of convertible special stock is reflected in diluted EPS by application of the if-converted method. In applying the if-converted method, conversion shall not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted EPS if the effect would be anti-dilutive. The convertible special stock is anti-dilutive whenever the amount of the dividend declared in or accumulated for the current period per share on conversion exceeds basic EPS. For the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 , the accumulated dividend per share on conversion exceeded basic EPS, therefore the 2,388,913 shares related to the convertible special stock were considered anti-dilutive. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,363 29,223 Incremental shares from equity awards 114 239 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — Diluted 29,477 29,462 There were no anti-dilutive shares related to equity awards for the three months ended November 30, 2016 . Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three months ended November 30, 2015 exclude 8,661 shares related to equity awards, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company considers its operating structure and the types of information subject to regular review by its President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), to identify reportable segments. The CODM makes decisions, assesses performance and allocates resources by the following current reportable segments: Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), United States & Canada (“USCAN”), Latin America (“LATAM”), Asia Pacific (“APAC”), and Engineered Composites ("EC"). The CODM uses net sales to unaffiliated customers, segment gross profit and segment operating income in order to make decisions, assess performance and allocate resources to each segment. Segment operating income does not include items such as 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: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 296,072 $ 328,096 USCAN 156,418 178,282 LATAM 42,216 45,203 APAC 50,737 45,692 EC 54,557 51,946 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 600,000 $ 649,219 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 44,658 $ 47,684 USCAN 24,516 30,294 LATAM 9,417 9,705 APAC 9,126 7,874 EC 13,968 13,208 Total segment gross profit 101,685 108,765 Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (528 ) (1,877 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (57 ) (129 ) Lucent costs (1) (85 ) (1,830 ) Total gross profit $ 101,015 $ 104,929 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) before taxes: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 19,768 $ 20,153 USCAN 8,496 12,163 LATAM 5,435 5,604 APAC 5,013 4,307 EC 5,111 4,102 Total segment operating income 43,823 46,329 Corporate (8,816 ) (8,488 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (605 ) (1,866 ) Restructuring and related costs (2) (13,273 ) (4,670 ) Accelerated depreciation (356 ) (1,453 ) Lucent costs (1) (809 ) (3,706 ) Asset impairment (678 ) — CEO transition costs (189 ) — Operating income (loss) 19,097 26,146 Interest expense (13,164 ) (13,618 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (562 ) (729 ) Other income (expense), net 1,132 (51 ) Income (loss) before taxes $ 6,503 $ 11,748 (1) Refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in cost of sales in the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. In the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015, additional Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs. In the three months ended November 30, 2015, Lucent costs in SG&A also include dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations. (2) Restructuring related costs for the three months ended November 30, 2016 and November 30, 2015 of $3.7 million and $3.1 million , respectively, primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s statements of operations, are costs associated with professional fees for outside strategic consultants regarding actions to improve the profitability of the organization and efficiency of its operations, and costs associated with reorganizations of the legal entity structure of the Company. Restructuring expenses included in restructuring expense in the Company’s statements of operations include costs permitted under ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Obligations, such as severance costs, outplacement services and contract termination costs. Globally, the Company operates in three product families: Engineered Composites, Custom Concentrates and Services, and Performance Materials. The amount and percentage of consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 54,557 9 % $ 51,946 8 % Custom Concentrates and Services 275,921 46 295,837 46 Performance Materials 269,522 45 301,436 46 Total consolidated net sales $ 600,000 100 % $ 649,219 100 %

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	RESTRUCTURING Fiscal 2017 Restructuring Plans Global Product Family Simplification Plan During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company announced plans to reduce middle management and consolidate the number of product families from six to three. This action will simplify the management structure and processes of the product families while also allowing the Company to refocus on the priority of sales growth. The Company anticipates eliminating approximately 60 positions during fiscal 2017, primarily in EMEA and USCAN. The Company recorded $7.0 million of pre-tax employee-related costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and has a balance of $6.8 million accrued for this plan. The Company anticipates recording between $2.0 million and $3.0 million of additional pre-tax employee-related charges through fiscal 2017. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2017 as the plan is completed. EMEA Plan In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company approved plans to further streamline EMEA operations and back-office functions. The Company plans to reduce headcount in EMEA by approximately 30 as a result of this plan. The Company recorded $2.1 million of pre-tax employee-related costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and has a balance of $2.0 million accrued for this plan. The Company anticipates recording between $2.0 million to $3.0 million of additional pre-tax employee-related charges during the remainder of fiscal 2017 for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2017 as the plan is completed. For discussion of the Company's previous restructuring plans, refer to Note 16 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . 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, 2016 $ 4,452 $ 402 $ (910 ) $ 3,944 Fiscal 2017 charges 9,330 214 — 9,544 Fiscal 2017 payments (1,620 ) (226 ) — (1,846 ) Translation — — (234 ) (234 ) Accrual balance as of November 30, 2016 $ 12,162 $ 390 $ (1,144 ) $ 11,408 Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 8,014 $ 1,211 USCAN 1,467 234 LATAM 59 70 APAC 4 31 Total restructuring expense $ 9,544 $ 1,546

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In the normal course of business, the Company is at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought may be substantial. Although the Company is not able to predict the outcome of such legal actions, after reviewing all pending and threatened legal actions with counsel and based on information currently available, management believes that the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company. However, it is possible, that the ultimate resolution of such matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the results of operations in a particular future period as the time and amount of any resolution of such legal actions and its relationship to the future results of operations are not currently known. Reserves are established for legal claims only when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, it is not considered probable that a liability has been incurred or it is not possible to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case no reserve would be recognized until that time. There were no material changes to the Company’s future contractual obligations as previously reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . 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, including its indirect wholly owned subsidiary Lucent Polymers, Inc. In August 2015, the Company discovered discrepancies between laboratory data and certifications provided by Lucent to customers and also discovered inaccuracies in materials and information provided by Lucent employees to an independent certification organization. The Company took immediate decisive actions following its initial discoveries, including, but not limited to, remediation measures, notifications to affected customers, and notification to Underwriter Laboratories. The Company also commenced an internal investigation, which revealed that the discrepancies and inaccuracies initially identified were due to practices at Lucent under its prior ownership. 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 impairment of certain finite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. For a discussion of the intangible asset impairment, refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. 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. 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 November 30, 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 (the “Citadel Complaint”), as well as certain funds affiliated with the sellers and other former executives of Citadel and Lucent (the “Citadel 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 attorneys’ fees for bringing suit. In November 2016, the Company, through its Matrixx subsidiary, filed a separate Complaint in the Delaware Chancery Court against River Associates (the “River Complaint”), as well as certain funds affiliated with the sellers and other former executives of Lucent (the “River Defendants”). In general, the River Complaint alleges similar theories (except securities violations) and seeks similar relief (except rescission) as the Citadel Complaint.

Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Accounting Standards Adopted In The Current Period In April 2015, and as subsequently updated, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting guidance that requires entities to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a deduction from the carrying amounts of that debt liability. Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with line of credit arrangements will continue to be presented as an asset. Previous guidance classified all debt issuance costs as an asset. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has adopted this standard effective September 1, 2016 and applied it retrospectively. The amount of debt issuance costs related to term notes retrospectively reclassified from the deferred charges and other noncurrent assets line to the long-term debt line in the consolidated balance sheet was $10.2 million at August 31, 2016. In August 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance regarding how a company considers its ability to continue as a going concern, regardless of the Company's performance or financial position. In connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period, an entity's management should evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The Company has adopted this standard effective September 1, 2016 and noted no additional disclosures. Accounting Standards Issued, To Be Adopted By The Company In Future Periods In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash would be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This amendment is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has $8.3 million and $8.1 million of restricted cash on its consolidated balance sheet as of November 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016 , respectively, whose cash flow statement classification will change to align with the new guidance upon adoption of the accounting standard update. The Company is currently evaluating its plans regarding 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 and plans to adopt this standard September 1, 2019. 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 2017 had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Consolidating Financial Informa

Consolidating Financial Information (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	GENERAL The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The fiscal year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2017 . The accounting policies for the periods presented are the same as described in Note 1 – Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2017 presentation. 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 November 30, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 39,285 $ — $ 39,285 Restricted cash 679 — 7,577 — 8,256 Accounts receivable, net 39,686 59,328 277,124 — 376,138 Accounts receivable, intercompany 21,624 1,615 21,907 (45,146 ) — Inventories 37,592 45,259 192,812 — 275,663 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,232 3,585 31,699 — 44,516 Total current assets 108,813 109,787 570,404 (45,146 ) 743,858 Net property, plant and equipment 51,246 77,031 174,972 — 303,249 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 80,405 3,680 62,724 (61,814 ) 84,995 Intercompany loans receivable 2,593 33,253 200 (36,046 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 812,429 242,811 — (1,055,240 ) — Goodwill 36,533 110,289 110,056 — 256,878 Intangible assets, net 29,643 199,877 122,526 — 352,046 Total assets $ 1,121,662 $ 776,728 $ 1,040,882 $ (1,198,246 ) $ 1,741,026 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 41,905 $ 39,322 $ 199,829 $ — $ 281,056 Accounts payable, intercompany 8,724 20,693 15,729 (45,146 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable 47 163 6,497 — 6,707 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 12,594 6,581 33,342 — 52,517 Other accrued liabilities 27,686 15,534 43,893 — 87,113 Short-term debt 13,674 — 23,985 — 37,659 Total current liabilities 104,630 82,293 323,275 (45,146 ) 465,052 Long-term debt 859,022 91 45,239 — 904,352 Intercompany debt — 200 35,846 (36,046 ) — Pension plans 2,412 1,412 135,284 — 139,108 Deferred income taxes — 71,847 47,603 (61,814 ) 57,636 Other long-term liabilities 14,581 1,039 8,979 — 24,599 Total liabilities 980,645 156,882 596,226 (143,006 ) 1,590,747 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,526 — — — 48,526 Other equity (27,798 ) 619,846 435,394 (1,055,240 ) (27,798 ) Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 141,017 619,846 435,394 (1,055,240 ) 141,017 Noncontrolling interests — — 9,262 — 9,262 Total equity 141,017 619,846 444,656 (1,055,240 ) 150,279 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,121,662 $ 776,728 $ 1,040,882 $ (1,198,246 ) $ 1,741,026 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 74,463 4,205 66,038 (56,545 ) 88,161 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 $ 1,169,237 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,747,439 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 894,441 — 24,908 — 919,349 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 1,009,968 156,676 557,778 (145,343 ) 1,579,079 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 $ 1,169,237 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,747,439 Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended November 30, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 76,175 $ 102,955 $ 432,021 $ (11,151 ) $ 600,000 Cost of sales 63,083 90,889 356,164 (11,151 ) 498,985 Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,558 14,887 44,929 — 72,374 Restructuring expense 1,084 280 8,180 — 9,544 Operating income (loss) (550 ) (3,101 ) 22,748 — 19,097 Interest expense 11,927 5 1,492 (260 ) 13,164 Intercompany charges 2 — 1,853 (1,855 ) — Intercompany income (544 ) (1,306 ) (5 ) 1,855 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 952 (3 ) (387 ) — 562 Other (income) expense, net (255 ) (289 ) (848 ) 260 (1,132 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (9,127 ) (1,144 ) — 10,271 — Income (loss) before taxes (3,505 ) (364 ) 20,643 (10,271 ) 6,503 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (6,448 ) (6,427 ) 16,194 — 3,319 Net income (loss) 2,943 6,063 4,449 (10,271 ) 3,184 Noncontrolling interests — — (241 ) — (241 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 2,943 6,063 4,208 (10,271 ) 2,943 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 1,068 $ 6,063 $ 4,208 $ (10,271 ) $ 1,068 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (11,709 ) $ 4,216 $ (10,212 ) $ 6,167 $ (11,538 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 171 — 171 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (11,709 ) $ 4,216 $ (10,383 ) $ 6,167 $ (11,709 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended November 30, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 81,187 $ 119,908 $ 460,081 $ (11,957 ) $ 649,219 Cost of sales 67,135 103,411 385,701 (11,957 ) 544,290 Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,790 17,386 47,061 — 77,237 Restructuring expense 234 — 1,312 — 1,546 Operating income (loss) 1,028 (889 ) 26,007 — 26,146 Interest expense 11,852 7 2,279 (520 ) 13,618 Intercompany charges 6 37 2,610 (2,653 ) — Intercompany income (1,452 ) (1,200 ) (1 ) 2,653 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 39 8 682 — 729 Other (income) expense, net (186 ) 36 (319 ) 520 51 (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (19,107 ) (434 ) — 19,541 — Income (loss) before taxes 9,876 657 20,756 (19,541 ) 11,748 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes 2,783 119 1,349 — 4,251 Net income (loss) 7,093 538 19,407 (19,541 ) 7,497 Noncontrolling interests — — (404 ) — (404 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 7,093 538 19,003 (19,541 ) 7,093 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 5,218 $ 538 $ 19,003 $ (19,541 ) $ 5,218 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (2,599 ) $ 6 $ 8,914 $ (8,585 ) $ (2,264 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 335 — 335 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (2,599 ) $ 6 $ 8,579 $ (8,585 ) $ (2,599 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Three months ended November 30, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 49,707 $ 876 $ 14,823 $ (39,097 ) $ 26,309 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (5,530 ) (1,001 ) (6,441 ) — (12,972 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 111 — 264 — 375 Other investing activities — 125 (113 ) — 12 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (5,419 ) (876 ) (6,290 ) — (12,585 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (6,060 ) — — — (6,060 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,875 ) — — — (1,875 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (39,097 ) 39,097 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 14,546 — 14,546 Borrowings on long-term debt 39,100 — 94,885 — 133,985 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (75,275 ) — (74,026 ) — (149,301 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 51 — — — 51 Redemptions of common stock (229 ) — — — (229 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (44,288 ) — (3,692 ) 39,097 (8,883 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (816 ) — (816 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents — — 4,025 — 4,025 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — — 35,260 — 35,260 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ — $ — $ 39,285 $ — $ 39,285 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Three months ended November 30, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 12,587 $ 1,753 $ 26,441 $ (756 ) $ 40,025 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (1,296 ) (1,872 ) (4,234 ) — (7,402 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets — 119 242 — 361 Intercompany investments (140 ) — — 140 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (1,436 ) (1,753 ) (3,992 ) 140 (7,041 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (6,024 ) — — — (6,024 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,875 ) — — — (1,875 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (756 ) 756 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 1,926 — 1,926 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (3,398 ) — (21,548 ) — (24,946 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 5,000 — (5,000 ) — — Issuances of stock, common and treasury 90 — — — 90 Intercompany equity contributions received — — 140 (140 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (6,207 ) — (25,238 ) 616 (30,829 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (3,465 ) — (3,465 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 4,944 — (6,254 ) — (1,310 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 7,090 — 89,782 — 96,872 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 12,034 $ — $ 83,528 $ — $ 95,562

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
General [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The fiscal year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2017 . The accounting policies for the periods presented are the same as described in Note 1 – Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 .

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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, 2016 $ 54,031 $ 116,369 $ 11,928 $ 936 $ 74,509 $ 257,773 Translation (869 ) — (104 ) (48 ) 126 (895 ) Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ 53,162 $ 116,369 $ 11,824 $ 888 $ 74,635 $ 256,878
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 356,760 $ (72,662 ) $ 284,098 $ 359,713 $ (67,207 ) $ 292,506 Developed technology 72,135 (14,835 ) 57,300 72,657 (13,864 ) 58,793 Registered trademarks and tradenames 17,485 (6,837 ) 10,648 18,097 (6,782 ) 11,315 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 446,380 $ (94,334 ) $ 352,046 $ 450,467 $ (87,853 ) $ 362,614

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr24

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Schedule of Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 24,159 $ 10,333 Current portion of long-term debt 13,500 15,114 Short-term debt $ 37,659 $ 25,447 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 59,808 $ 17,279 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 175,000 177,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 300,660 341,407 Euro Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 — 14,678 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 3,633 3,727 Unamortized debt issuance costs (9,749 ) (10,242 ) Long-term debt $ 904,352 $ 919,349

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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: November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Assets recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 2,668 $ — $ 2,668 $ — $ 487 $ — $ 487 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 3,368 $ — $ 3,368 $ — $ 951 $ — $ 951 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate debt $ 385,313 $ — $ 385,313 $ — $ 378,750 $ — $ 378,750 $ —

Pension and Postretirement Be26

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,395 $ 1,294 Interest cost 587 1,063 Expected return on plan assets (376 ) (504 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 997 724 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,603 $ 2,577 Other postretirement benefit plan: Service cost $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 63 97 Prior service cost (credit) (136 ) (149 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (72 ) $ (51 )

Consolidated Statement of Sto27

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows: Convertible Special Stock Common Stock ($1 par value) Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Non-controlling Interests Total Equity (In thousands, except per share data) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 120,289 $ 48,510 $ 275,115 $ (120,721 ) $ 219,039 $ (382,963 ) $ 9,091 $ 168,360 Comprehensive income (loss) (14,652 ) 2,943 171 (11,538 ) Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $15.00 per share (1,875 ) (1,875 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.205 per share (6,060 ) (6,060 ) Issuance of treasury stock 16 35 51 Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures 24 (24 ) — Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings (8 ) (221 ) (229 ) Amortization of restricted stock 1,570 1,570 Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ 120,289 $ 48,526 $ 276,456 $ (135,373 ) $ 214,047 $ (382,928 ) $ 9,262 $ 150,279

Reclassification Out of Accumul

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (1) : Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ (69,717 ) $ (51,004 ) $ (120,721 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (15,316 ) — (15,316 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 594 (2) 594 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (15,316 ) 594 (14,722 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (70 ) — (70 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (15,246 ) 594 (14,652 ) Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ (84,963 ) $ (50,410 ) $ (135,373 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ (49,562 ) $ (33,898 ) $ (83,460 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (10,776 ) — (10,776 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,015 (2) 1,015 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (10,776 ) 1,015 (9,761 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (69 ) — (69 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (10,707 ) 1,015 (9,692 ) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ (60,269 ) $ (32,883 ) $ (93,152 )

Share-Based Incentive Compens29

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 901 $ 425 Unrestricted awards 722 — Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,623 $ 425

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,363 29,223 Incremental shares from equity awards 114 239 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — Diluted 29,477 29,462

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 296,072 $ 328,096 USCAN 156,418 178,282 LATAM 42,216 45,203 APAC 50,737 45,692 EC 54,557 51,946 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 600,000 $ 649,219 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 44,658 $ 47,684 USCAN 24,516 30,294 LATAM 9,417 9,705 APAC 9,126 7,874 EC 13,968 13,208 Total segment gross profit 101,685 108,765 Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (528 ) (1,877 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (57 ) (129 ) Lucent costs (1) (85 ) (1,830 ) Total gross profit $ 101,015 $ 104,929 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) before taxes: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 19,768 $ 20,153 USCAN 8,496 12,163 LATAM 5,435 5,604 APAC 5,013 4,307 EC 5,111 4,102 Total segment operating income 43,823 46,329 Corporate (8,816 ) (8,488 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (605 ) (1,866 ) Restructuring and related costs (2) (13,273 ) (4,670 ) Accelerated depreciation (356 ) (1,453 ) Lucent costs (1) (809 ) (3,706 ) Asset impairment (678 ) — CEO transition costs (189 ) — Operating income (loss) 19,097 26,146 Interest expense (13,164 ) (13,618 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (562 ) (729 ) Other income (expense), net 1,132 (51 ) Income (loss) before taxes $ 6,503 $ 11,748
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 54,557 9 % $ 51,946 8 % Custom Concentrates and Services 275,921 46 295,837 46 Performance Materials 269,522 45 301,436 46 Total consolidated net sales $ 600,000 100 % $ 649,219 100 %

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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, 2016 $ 4,452 $ 402 $ (910 ) $ 3,944 Fiscal 2017 charges 9,330 214 — 9,544 Fiscal 2017 payments (1,620 ) (226 ) — (1,846 ) Translation — — (234 ) (234 ) Accrual balance as of November 30, 2016 $ 12,162 $ 390 $ (1,144 ) $ 11,408
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment [Table Text Block]	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended November 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 8,014 $ 1,211 USCAN 1,467 234 LATAM 59 70 APAC 4 31 Total restructuring expense $ 9,544 $ 1,546

Consolidating Financial Infor33

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet November 30, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 39,285 $ — $ 39,285 Restricted cash 679 — 7,577 — 8,256 Accounts receivable, net 39,686 59,328 277,124 — 376,138 Accounts receivable, intercompany 21,624 1,615 21,907 (45,146 ) — Inventories 37,592 45,259 192,812 — 275,663 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,232 3,585 31,699 — 44,516 Total current assets 108,813 109,787 570,404 (45,146 ) 743,858 Net property, plant and equipment 51,246 77,031 174,972 — 303,249 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 80,405 3,680 62,724 (61,814 ) 84,995 Intercompany loans receivable 2,593 33,253 200 (36,046 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 812,429 242,811 — (1,055,240 ) — Goodwill 36,533 110,289 110,056 — 256,878 Intangible assets, net 29,643 199,877 122,526 — 352,046 Total assets $ 1,121,662 $ 776,728 $ 1,040,882 $ (1,198,246 ) $ 1,741,026 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 41,905 $ 39,322 $ 199,829 $ — $ 281,056 Accounts payable, intercompany 8,724 20,693 15,729 (45,146 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable 47 163 6,497 — 6,707 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 12,594 6,581 33,342 — 52,517 Other accrued liabilities 27,686 15,534 43,893 — 87,113 Short-term debt 13,674 — 23,985 — 37,659 Total current liabilities 104,630 82,293 323,275 (45,146 ) 465,052 Long-term debt 859,022 91 45,239 — 904,352 Intercompany debt — 200 35,846 (36,046 ) — Pension plans 2,412 1,412 135,284 — 139,108 Deferred income taxes — 71,847 47,603 (61,814 ) 57,636 Other long-term liabilities 14,581 1,039 8,979 — 24,599 Total liabilities 980,645 156,882 596,226 (143,006 ) 1,590,747 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,526 — — — 48,526 Other equity (27,798 ) 619,846 435,394 (1,055,240 ) (27,798 ) Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 141,017 619,846 435,394 (1,055,240 ) 141,017 Noncontrolling interests — — 9,262 — 9,262 Total equity 141,017 619,846 444,656 (1,055,240 ) 150,279 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,121,662 $ 776,728 $ 1,040,882 $ (1,198,246 ) $ 1,741,026 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 74,463 4,205 66,038 (56,545 ) 88,161 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 $ 1,169,237 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,747,439 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 894,441 — 24,908 — 919,349 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 1,009,968 156,676 557,778 (145,343 ) 1,579,079 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 $ 1,169,237 $ 787,339 $ 1,052,849 $ (1,261,986 ) $ 1,747,439
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended November 30, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 76,175 $ 102,955 $ 432,021 $ (11,151 ) $ 600,000 Cost of sales 63,083 90,889 356,164 (11,151 ) 498,985 Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,558 14,887 44,929 — 72,374 Restructuring expense 1,084 280 8,180 — 9,544 Operating income (loss) (550 ) (3,101 ) 22,748 — 19,097 Interest expense 11,927 5 1,492 (260 ) 13,164 Intercompany charges 2 — 1,853 (1,855 ) — Intercompany income (544 ) (1,306 ) (5 ) 1,855 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 952 (3 ) (387 ) — 562 Other (income) expense, net (255 ) (289 ) (848 ) 260 (1,132 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (9,127 ) (1,144 ) — 10,271 — Income (loss) before taxes (3,505 ) (364 ) 20,643 (10,271 ) 6,503 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (6,448 ) (6,427 ) 16,194 — 3,319 Net income (loss) 2,943 6,063 4,449 (10,271 ) 3,184 Noncontrolling interests — — (241 ) — (241 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 2,943 6,063 4,208 (10,271 ) 2,943 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 1,068 $ 6,063 $ 4,208 $ (10,271 ) $ 1,068 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (11,709 ) $ 4,216 $ (10,212 ) $ 6,167 $ (11,538 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 171 — 171 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (11,709 ) $ 4,216 $ (10,383 ) $ 6,167 $ (11,709 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended November 30, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 81,187 $ 119,908 $ 460,081 $ (11,957 ) $ 649,219 Cost of sales 67,135 103,411 385,701 (11,957 ) 544,290 Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,790 17,386 47,061 — 77,237 Restructuring expense 234 — 1,312 — 1,546 Operating income (loss) 1,028 (889 ) 26,007 — 26,146 Interest expense 11,852 7 2,279 (520 ) 13,618 Intercompany charges 6 37 2,610 (2,653 ) — Intercompany income (1,452 ) (1,200 ) (1 ) 2,653 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 39 8 682 — 729 Other (income) expense, net (186 ) 36 (319 ) 520 51 (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (19,107 ) (434 ) — 19,541 — Income (loss) before taxes 9,876 657 20,756 (19,541 ) 11,748 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes 2,783 119 1,349 — 4,251 Net income (loss) 7,093 538 19,407 (19,541 ) 7,497 Noncontrolling interests — — (404 ) — (404 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 7,093 538 19,003 (19,541 ) 7,093 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 5,218 $ 538 $ 19,003 $ (19,541 ) $ 5,218 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (2,599 ) $ 6 $ 8,914 $ (8,585 ) $ (2,264 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 335 — 335 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (2,599 ) $ 6 $ 8,579 $ (8,585 ) $ (2,599 )
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Three months ended November 30, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 49,707 $ 876 $ 14,823 $ (39,097 ) $ 26,309 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (5,530 ) (1,001 ) (6,441 ) — (12,972 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 111 — 264 — 375 Other investing activities — 125 (113 ) — 12 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (5,419 ) (876 ) (6,290 ) — (12,585 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (6,060 ) — — — (6,060 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,875 ) — — — (1,875 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (39,097 ) 39,097 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 14,546 — 14,546 Borrowings on long-term debt 39,100 — 94,885 — 133,985 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (75,275 ) — (74,026 ) — (149,301 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 51 — — — 51 Redemptions of common stock (229 ) — — — (229 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (44,288 ) — (3,692 ) 39,097 (8,883 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (816 ) — (816 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents — — 4,025 — 4,025 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — — 35,260 — 35,260 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ — $ — $ 39,285 $ — $ 39,285 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Three months ended November 30, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 12,587 $ 1,753 $ 26,441 $ (756 ) $ 40,025 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (1,296 ) (1,872 ) (4,234 ) — (7,402 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets — 119 242 — 361 Intercompany investments (140 ) — — 140 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (1,436 ) (1,753 ) (3,992 ) 140 (7,041 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (6,024 ) — — — (6,024 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,875 ) — — — (1,875 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (756 ) 756 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 1,926 — 1,926 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (3,398 ) — (21,548 ) — (24,946 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 5,000 — (5,000 ) — — Issuances of stock, common and treasury 90 — — — 90 Intercompany equity contributions received — — 140 (140 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (6,207 ) — (25,238 ) 616 (30,829 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (3,465 ) — (3,465 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 4,944 — (6,254 ) — (1,310 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 7,090 — 89,782 — 96,872 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 12,034 $ — $ 83,528 $ — $ 95,562

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	$ 257,773
Translation	(895)
Balance as of November 30, 2016	256,878
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	54,031
Translation	(869)
Balance as of November 30, 2016	53,162
USCAN [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	116,369
Translation	0
Balance as of November 30, 2016	116,369
LATAM [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	11,928
Translation	(104)
Balance as of November 30, 2016	11,824
APAC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	936
Translation	(48)
Balance as of November 30, 2016	888
EC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	74,509
Translation	126
Balance as of November 30, 2016	$ 74,635

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2016
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 446,380		$ 450,467
Accumulated Amortization	(94,334)		(87,853)
Net Carrying Amount	352,046		362,614
Amortization of Intangible Assets	8,000	$ 9,300
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	356,760		359,713
Accumulated Amortization	(72,662)		(67,207)
Net Carrying Amount	284,098		292,506
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	72,135		72,657
Accumulated Amortization	(14,835)		(13,864)
Net Carrying Amount	57,300		58,793
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	17,485		18,097
Accumulated Amortization	(6,837)		(6,782)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 10,648		$ 11,315

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr36

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 26, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other, due within one year	$ 24,159,000	$ 10,333,000
Current portion of long-term debt	13,500,000	15,114,000
Short-term debt	37,659,000	25,447,000
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023	375,000,000	375,000,000	$ 375,000,000
Capital leases and other long-term debt	3,633,000	3,727,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(9,749,000)	(10,242,000)
Long-term debt	904,352,000	919,349,000
Repayments of Debt	3,400,000
2015 Revolver, due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020	59,808,000	17,279,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loans	175,000,000	177,500,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loans	300,660,000	341,407,000
Repayments of Debt	56,000,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B Euro [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loans	$ 0	$ 14,678,000

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 26, 2015
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$ 2,668,000	$ 487,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,368,000	951,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	385,313,000	378,750,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	134,600,000	115,900,000
Fair Value Hedges, Net	0	0
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023	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	2,668,000	487,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,368,000	951,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	385,313,000	378,750,000
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 Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes percentage	51.00%	36.20%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 4.5
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	3.4
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	1.1
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	$ 1

Pension and Postretirement Be39

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,395	$ 1,294
Interest cost	587	1,063
Expected return on plan assets	(376)	(504)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	997	724
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	2,603	2,577
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1	1
Interest cost	63	97
Prior service cost (credit)	(136)	(149)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$ (72)	$ (51)

Consolidated Statement of Sto40

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	$ 168,360
Comprehensive income (loss)	(11,538)	$ (2,264)
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $15.00 per share	(1,875)	$ (1,875)
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.205 per share	(6,060)
Issuance of treasury stock	51
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(229)
Amortization of restricted stock	1,570
Balance as of November 30, 2016	150,279
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	120,289
Balance as of November 30, 2016	120,289
Common Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	48,510
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	24
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(8)
Balance as of November 30, 2016	48,526
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	275,115
Issuance of treasury stock	16
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	(24)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(221)
Amortization of restricted stock	1,570
Balance as of November 30, 2016	276,456
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	(120,721)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(14,652)
Balance as of November 30, 2016	(135,373)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	219,039
Comprehensive income (loss)	2,943
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $15.00 per share	(1,875)
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.205 per share	(6,060)
Balance as of November 30, 2016	214,047
Treasury Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	(382,963)
Issuance of treasury stock	35
Balance as of November 30, 2016	(382,928)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	9,091
Comprehensive income (loss)	171
Balance as of November 30, 2016	$ 9,262

Reclassification Out of Accum41

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (120,721)	$ (83,460)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	(15,316)	(10,776)
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	594	1,015
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(14,722)	(9,761)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(70)	(69)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	(14,652)	(9,692)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(135,373)	(93,152)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(69,717)	(49,562)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	(15,316)	(10,776)
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(15,316)	(10,776)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(70)	(69)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	(15,246)	(10,707)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(84,963)	(60,269)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(51,004)	(33,898)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	0	0
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1],[2]	594	1,015
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	594	1,015
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	594	1,015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (50,410)	$ (32,883)
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
[2]	(2) Amounts represent amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs and are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 6 of this Form 10-Q for further details.

Share-Based Incentive Compansat

Share-Based Incentive Compansation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 1,623	$ 425
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 5,500
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 4 months
Time Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	192,700
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 28.80
Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 901	425
Unrestricted awards
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	25,000
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 722	$ 0
2006 Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	704,578
2010 Rewards Plan [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	395,987
2014 Equity incentive plan [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,573,164

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,363,000	29,223,000
Diluted	29,477,000	29,462,000
Equity Award [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	0	8,661
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from dilutive securities	114,000	239,000
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	2,388,913	2,388,913
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from dilutive securities	0	0

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016		Nov. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 600,000		$ 649,219
Total gross profit	101,015		104,929
Operating income (loss)	19,097		26,146
Interest expense	(13,164)		(13,618)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(562)		(729)
Other income (expense), net	1,132		(51)
Income (loss) before taxes	6,503		11,748
Restructuring Related Costs	$ 3,700		$ 3,100
Net sales, percentage	100.00%		100.00%
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs	$ (528)		$ (1,877)
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in gross profit	(57)		(129)
Lucent costs in gross profit	(85)	[1]	(1,830)
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in operating income	(605)		(1,866)
Restructuring and related costs	(13,273)		(4,670)
Accelerated depreciation	(356)		(1,453)
Lucent costs in operating income	(809)	[1]	(3,706)
Asset impairment	(678)		0
CEO transition costs	(189)		0
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit	101,685		108,765
Operating income (loss)	43,823		46,329
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate	(8,816)		(8,488)
EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 54,557		$ 51,946
Net sales, percentage	9.00%		8.00%
Custom Concentrates and Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 275,921		$ 295,837
Net sales, percentage	46.00%		46.00%
Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 269,522		$ 301,436
Net sales, percentage	45.00%		46.00%
EMEA Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 296,072		$ 328,096
Total segment gross profit	44,658		47,684
Total segment operating income	19,768		20,153
USCAN Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	156,418		178,282
Total segment gross profit	24,516		30,294
Total segment operating income	8,496		12,163
LATAM Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	42,216		45,203
Total segment gross profit	9,417		9,705
Total segment operating income	5,435		5,604
APAC [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	50,737		45,692
Total segment gross profit	9,126		7,874
Total segment operating income	5,013		4,307
EC [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit	13,968		13,208
Total segment operating income	$ 5,111		$ 4,102
[1]	(1) Refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in cost of sales in the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. In the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015, additional Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs. In the three months ended November 30, 2015, Lucent costs in SG&A also include dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations.

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	$ 9,544	$ 1,546
Restructuring reserve	11,408		$ 3,944
Fiscal 2017 payments	(1,846)
Translation	(234)
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	8,014	1,211
USCAN [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	1,467	234
LATAM [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	59	70
APAC [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	4	$ 31
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	9,330
Restructuring reserve	12,162		4,452
Fiscal 2017 payments	(1,620)
Translation	0
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	214
Restructuring reserve	390		402
Fiscal 2017 payments	(226)
Translation	0
Translation Effect on Restructuring Reserve [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	0
Restructuring reserve	(1,144)		$ (910)
Fiscal 2017 payments	0
Translation	$ (234)
Global Product Family Simplification Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and related cost, expected number of positions eliminated	60
Restructuring expense	$ 7,000
Restructuring reserve	$ 6,800
EMEA FY2017 Manufacturing for Success Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and related cost, expected number of positions eliminated	30
Restructuring expense	$ 2,100
Restructuring reserve	2,000
Minimum [Member] | Global Product Family Simplification Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	2,000
Minimum [Member] | EMEA FY2017 Manufacturing for Success Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	2,000
Maximum [Member] | Global Product Family Simplification Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	3,000
Maximum [Member] | EMEA FY2017 Manufacturing for Success Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	$ 3,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)
Citadel Acquisition [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Escrow Deposit	$ 31

Accounting Pronouncements Accou

Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 9,749	$ 10,242
Restricted cash	$ 8,256	$ 8,143

Consolidating Financial Infor48

Consolidating Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	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 Infor49

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 39,285	$ 35,260	$ 95,562	$ 96,872
Restricted cash	8,256	8,143
Accounts receivable, net	376,138	376,786
Accounts receivable, intercompany	0	0
Inventories	275,663	263,617
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	44,516	40,263
Total current assets	743,858	724,069
Net property, plant and equipment	303,249	314,822
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	84,995	88,161
Intercompany loans receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	256,878	257,773
Intangible assets, net	352,046	362,614
Total assets	1,741,026	1,747,439
Accounts payable	281,056	280,060
Accounts payable, intercompany	0	0
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	6,707	8,985
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	52,517	47,569
Other accrued liabilities	87,113	67,704
Short-term debt	37,659	25,447
Total current liabilities	465,052	429,765
Long-term debt	904,352	919,349
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	139,108	145,108
Deferred income taxes	57,636	59,013
Other long-term liabilities	24,599	25,844
Total liabilities	1,590,747	1,579,079
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,526	48,510
Other equity	(27,798)	(9,530)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	141,017	159,269
Noncontrolling interests	9,262	9,091
Total equity	150,279	168,360
Total liabilities and equity	1,741,026	1,747,439
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	12,034	7,090
Restricted cash	679	4,400
Accounts receivable, net	39,686	40,017
Accounts receivable, intercompany	21,624	16,245
Inventories	37,592	33,702
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,232	6,874
Total current assets	108,813	101,238
Net property, plant and equipment	51,246	52,653
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	80,405	74,463
Intercompany loans receivable	2,593	2,593
Investment in subsidiaries	812,429	871,441
Goodwill	36,533	36,533
Intangible assets, net	29,643	30,316
Total assets	1,121,662	1,169,237
Accounts payable	41,905	36,671
Accounts payable, intercompany	8,724	17,886
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	47	1,242
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	12,594	10,326
Other accrued liabilities	27,686	17,684
Short-term debt	13,674	13,626
Total current liabilities	104,630	97,435
Long-term debt	859,022	894,441
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	2,412	2,444
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	14,581	15,648
Total liabilities	980,645	1,009,968
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,526	48,510
Other equity	(27,798)	(9,530)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	141,017	159,269
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	141,017	159,269
Total liabilities and equity	1,121,662	1,169,237
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	59,328	56,995
Accounts receivable, intercompany	1,615	9,906
Inventories	45,259	41,895
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,585	4,006
Total current assets	109,787	112,802
Net property, plant and equipment	77,031	77,800
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	3,680	4,205
Intercompany loans receivable	33,253	33,015
Investment in subsidiaries	242,811	245,202
Goodwill	110,289	110,289
Intangible assets, net	199,877	204,026
Total assets	776,728	787,339
Accounts payable	39,322	36,157
Accounts payable, intercompany	20,693	20,050
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	163	100
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	6,581	5,980
Other accrued liabilities	15,534	14,195
Short-term debt	0	0
Total current liabilities	82,293	76,482
Long-term debt	91	0
Intercompany debt	200	200
Pension plans	1,412	1,450
Deferred income taxes	71,847	77,507
Other long-term liabilities	1,039	1,037
Total liabilities	156,882	156,676
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	619,846	630,663
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	619,846	630,663
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	619,846	630,663
Total liabilities and equity	776,728	787,339
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	39,285	35,260	83,528	89,782
Restricted cash	7,577	3,743
Accounts receivable, net	277,124	279,774
Accounts receivable, intercompany	21,907	26,839
Inventories	192,812	188,020
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	31,699	29,383
Total current assets	570,404	563,019
Net property, plant and equipment	174,972	184,369
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	62,724	66,038
Intercompany loans receivable	200	200
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	110,056	110,951
Intangible assets, net	122,526	128,272
Total assets	1,040,882	1,052,849
Accounts payable	199,829	207,232
Accounts payable, intercompany	15,729	15,054
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	6,497	7,643
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	33,342	31,263
Other accrued liabilities	43,893	35,825
Short-term debt	23,985	11,821
Total current liabilities	323,275	308,838
Long-term debt	45,239	24,908
Intercompany debt	35,846	35,608
Pension plans	135,284	141,214
Deferred income taxes	47,603	38,051
Other long-term liabilities	8,979	9,159
Total liabilities	596,226	557,778
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	435,394	485,980
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	435,394	485,980
Noncontrolling interests	9,262	9,091
Total equity	444,656	495,071
Total liabilities and equity	1,040,882	1,052,849
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Accounts receivable, intercompany	(45,146)	(52,990)
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	(45,146)	(52,990)
Net property, plant and equipment	0	0
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	(61,814)	(56,545)
Intercompany loans receivable	(36,046)	(35,808)
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,055,240)	(1,116,643)
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Total assets	(1,198,246)	(1,261,986)
Accounts payable	0	0
Accounts payable, intercompany	(45,146)	(52,990)
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	(45,146)	(52,990)
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany debt	(36,046)	(35,808)
Pension plans	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(61,814)	(56,545)
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	(143,006)	(145,343)
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	(1,055,240)	(1,116,643)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	(1,055,240)	(1,116,643)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	(1,055,240)	(1,116,643)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (1,198,246)	$ (1,261,986)

Consolidating Financial Infor50

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 600,000	$ 649,219
Cost of sales	498,985	544,290
Selling, general and administrative expenses	72,374	77,237
Restructuring expense	9,544	1,546
Operating income (loss)	19,097	26,146
Interest expense	13,164	13,618
Intercompany charges	0	0
Intercompany income	0	0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	562	729
Other (income) expense, net	(1,132)	51
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	6,503	11,748
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	3,319	4,251
Net income (loss)	3,184	7,497
Noncontrolling interests	(241)	(404)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	2,943	7,093
Convertible special stock dividends	(1,875)	(1,875)
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	1,068	5,218
Comprehensive income (loss)	(11,538)	(2,264)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	171	335
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(11,709)	(2,599)
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	76,175	81,187
Cost of sales	63,083	67,135
Selling, general and administrative expenses	12,558	12,790
Restructuring expense	1,084	234
Operating income (loss)	(550)	1,028
Interest expense	11,927	11,852
Intercompany charges	2	6
Intercompany income	(544)	(1,452)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	952	39
Other (income) expense, net	(255)	(186)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	(9,127)	(19,107)
Income (loss) before taxes	(3,505)	9,876
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	(6,448)	2,783
Net income (loss)	2,943	7,093
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	2,943	7,093
Convertible special stock dividends	(1,875)	(1,875)
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	1,068	5,218
Comprehensive income (loss)	(11,709)	(2,599)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(11,709)	(2,599)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	102,955	119,908
Cost of sales	90,889	103,411
Selling, general and administrative expenses	14,887	17,386
Restructuring expense	280	0
Operating income (loss)	(3,101)	(889)
Interest expense	5	7
Intercompany charges	0	37
Intercompany income	(1,306)	(1,200)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	(3)	8
Other (income) expense, net	(289)	36
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	(1,144)	(434)
Income (loss) before taxes	(364)	657
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	(6,427)	119
Net income (loss)	6,063	538
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	6,063	538
Convertible special stock dividends	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	6,063	538
Comprehensive income (loss)	4,216	6
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	4,216	6
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	432,021	460,081
Cost of sales	356,164	385,701
Selling, general and administrative expenses	44,929	47,061
Restructuring expense	8,180	1,312
Operating income (loss)	22,748	26,007
Interest expense	1,492	2,279
Intercompany charges	1,853	2,610
Intercompany income	(5)	(1)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	(387)	682
Other (income) expense, net	(848)	(319)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	20,643	20,756
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	16,194	1,349
Net income (loss)	4,449	19,407
Noncontrolling interests	(241)	(404)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	4,208	19,003
Convertible special stock dividends	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	4,208	19,003
Comprehensive income (loss)	(10,212)	8,914
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	171	335
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(10,383)	8,579
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	(11,151)	(11,957)
Cost of sales	(11,151)	(11,957)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	0
Restructuring expense	0	0
Operating income (loss)	0	0
Interest expense	(260)	(520)
Intercompany charges	(1,855)	(2,653)
Intercompany income	1,855	2,653
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	0	0
Other (income) expense, net	260	520
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	10,271	19,541
Income (loss) before taxes	(10,271)	(19,541)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	0	0
Net income (loss)	(10,271)	(19,541)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(10,271)	(19,541)
Convertible special stock dividends	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	(10,271)	(19,541)
Comprehensive income (loss)	6,167	(8,585)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$ 6,167	$ (8,585)

Consolidating Financial Infor51

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	$ 26,309	$ 40,025
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(12,972)	(7,402)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	375	361
Intercompany investments		0
Other investing activities	12	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(12,585)	(7,041)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(6,060)	(6,024)
Convertible special stock dividends	(1,875)	(1,875)
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	14,546	1,926
Borrowings on long-term debt	133,985	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(149,301)	(24,946)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	51	90
Redemptions of common stock	(229)	0
Intercompany equity contributions received		0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(8,883)	(30,829)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(816)	(3,465)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,025	(1,310)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	35,260	96,872
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	39,285	95,562
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	49,707	12,587
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(5,530)	(1,296)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	111	0
Intercompany investments		(140)
Other investing activities	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(5,419)	(1,436)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(6,060)	(6,024)
Convertible special stock dividends	(1,875)	(1,875)
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt	39,100
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(75,275)	(3,398)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	51	90
Redemptions of common stock	(229)
Intercompany equity contributions received		0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(44,288)	(6,207)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	4,944
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	7,090
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	12,034
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	876	1,753
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(1,001)	(1,872)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	119
Intercompany investments		0
Other investing activities	125
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(876)	(1,753)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Convertible special stock dividends	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	0	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0
Intercompany equity contributions received		0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	14,823	26,441
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(6,441)	(4,234)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	264	242
Intercompany investments		0
Other investing activities	(113)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(6,290)	(3,992)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Convertible special stock dividends	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	(39,097)	(756)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	14,546	1,926
Borrowings on long-term debt	94,885
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(74,026)	(21,548)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0
Intercompany equity contributions received		140
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(3,692)	(25,238)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(816)	(3,465)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,025	(6,254)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	35,260	89,782
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	39,285	83,528
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	(39,097)	(756)
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0
Intercompany investments		140
Other investing activities	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	0	140
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Convertible special stock dividends	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	39,097	756
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	0	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0
Intercompany equity contributions received		(140)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	39,097	616
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 0	0
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		0
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		5,000
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		0
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		(5,000)
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		$ 0