A. Schulman (SLMNP) Inactive 10-Q4 Apr 172017 Q2 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Feb. 28, 2017	Mar. 31, 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	Feb. 28, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,487,059

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 568,678	$ 591,761	$ 1,168,678	$ 1,240,980
Cost of sales	479,492	501,937	978,477	1,046,227
Selling, general and administrative expenses	65,967	71,604	138,342	148,841
Restructuring expense	1,878	2,214	11,422	3,760
Operating income (loss)	21,341	16,006	40,437	42,152
Interest expense	13,107	13,790	26,271	27,408
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	1,081	950	1,643	1,679
Other (income) expense, net	674	(269)	(459)	(218)
Income (loss) before taxes	6,479	1,535	12,982	13,283
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	1,143	(487)	4,462	3,764
Net income (loss)	5,336	2,022	8,520	9,519
Noncontrolling interests	(306)	(430)	(547)	(834)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	5,030	1,592	7,973	8,685
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875	1,875	3,750	3,750
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ 3,155	$ (283)	$ 4,223	$ 4,935
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,394	29,292	29,378	29,257
Diluted	29,503	29,292	29,470	29,455
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Basic	$ 0.11	$ (0.01)	$ 0.14	$ 0.17
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Diluted	0.11	(0.01)	0.14	0.17
Cash dividends per common share	0.205	0.205	0.410	0.410
Cash dividends per share of convertible special stock	$ 15	$ 15	$ 30	$ 30

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 5,336	$ 2,022	$ 8,520	$ 9,519
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)		4,150	(9,243)	(11,166)	(20,019)
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax		610	150	1,204	1,165
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	4,760	(9,093)	(9,962)	(18,854)
Comprehensive income (loss)		10,096	(7,071)	(1,442)	(9,335)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		333	(224)	504	111
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ 9,763	$ (6,847)	$ (1,946)	$ (9,446)

[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		Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 47,861	$ 35,260
Restricted cash		1,623	8,143
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,411 at February 28, 2017 and $11,341 at August 31, 2016		380,791	376,786
Inventories		279,814	263,617
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		40,837	40,263
Assets held for sale		9,669	0
Total current assets		760,595	724,069
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements		29,798	32,957
Buildings and leasehold improvements		170,485	184,291
Machinery and equipment		434,993	447,932
Furniture and fixtures		32,720	34,457
Construction in progress		25,000	20,431
Gross property, plant and equipment		692,996	720,068
Accumulated depreciation		401,288	405,246
Net property, plant and equipment		291,708	314,822
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets		85,364	88,161
Goodwill		257,507	257,773
Intangible assets, net		344,622	362,614
Total assets		1,739,796	1,747,439
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		303,160	280,060
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable		5,783	8,985
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		41,039	47,569
Other accrued liabilities		66,844	67,704
Short-term debt		28,857	25,447
Total current liabilities		445,683	429,765
Long-term debt		921,312	919,349
Pension plans		138,574	145,108
Deferred income taxes		56,113	59,013
Other long-term liabilities		24,850	25,844
Total liabilities		1,586,532	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 - 48,553 shares at February 28, 2017 and 48,510 shares at August 31, 2016		48,553	48,510
Additional paid-in capital		277,165	275,115
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(130,640)	(120,721)
Retained earnings		211,205	219,039
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,066 shares at February 28, 2017 and 19,069 shares at August 31, 2016		(382,903)	(382,963)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity		143,669	159,269
Noncontrolling interests		9,595	9,091
Total equity		153,264	168,360
Total liabilities and equity		$ 1,739,796	$ 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	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 11,411	$ 11,341
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,553	48,510
Treasury stock, shares	19,066	19,069

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net income	$ 8,520	$ 9,519
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	22,215	25,053
Amortization	17,644	20,032
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	(4,493)	(2,360)
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	3,361	2,621
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(15,866)	10,822
Inventories	(24,670)	4,772
Accounts payable	40,363	(30,846)
Income taxes	(4,639)	(1,491)
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	(4,311)	(5,773)
Other assets and long-term liabilities	2,025	(1,712)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	40,149	30,637
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(24,505)	(20,365)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	478	843
Other investing activities	125	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(23,902)	(19,522)
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(3,750)	(3,750)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(12,057)	(12,043)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	5,153	4,275
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	238,543	45,655
Repayments of revolving credit facility	(173,895)	(29,900)
Repayments of other long-term debt and capital leases	(63,139)	(61,450)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	93	148
Redemptions of common stock	(620)	(900)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(9,672)	(57,965)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(494)	(3,144)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	6,081	(49,994)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	43,403	96,872
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	49,484	46,878
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 43,403	$ 96,872

General

General	6 Months Ended
General	Feb. 28, 2017
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 and six months ended February 28, 2017 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 . Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $1.6 million as of February 28, 2017 represents cash and cash equivalents held in an escrow account for the future cash settlement of a commitment to a local government. The cash will be paid over the next 16 months. Restricted cash of $8.1 million as of August 31, 2016 included proceeds from tax return refunds for certain Citadel acquisition entities for periods prior to the Company's ownership. These tax refunds were repaid to the seller during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Assets Held for Sale During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company began actively marketing for sale certain properties and machinery and equipment at recently closed plants in the U.S. and Europe. As a result of that decision, we have reclassified $9.7 million of net book value related to these properties along with certain machinery and equipment as assets held for sale in the balance sheet. We expect the sale of those assets to be completed within the next twelve months and have, accordingly, presented the held for sale assets as current. Proceeds from the sale of the assets will be used for general Corporate purposes. Based on the present real estate market and discussions with the Company's real estate adviser, no impairment of the recorded amounts has occurred as of February 28, 2017 . Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2017 presentation.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Feb. 28, 2017
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 (982 ) — 533 (32 ) 215 (266 ) Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ 53,049 $ 116,369 $ 12,461 $ 904 $ 74,724 $ 257,507 The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 357,341 $ (79,363 ) $ 277,978 $ 359,713 $ (67,207 ) $ 292,506 Developed technology 72,260 (15,981 ) 56,279 72,657 (13,864 ) 58,793 Registered trademarks and tradenames 17,514 (7,149 ) 10,365 18,097 (6,782 ) 11,315 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 447,115 $ (102,493 ) $ 344,622 $ 450,467 $ (87,853 ) $ 362,614 Amortization expense of intangible assets was $8.0 million and $16.0 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 , respectively, and $9.3 million and $18.6 million for the three and six months ended February 29, 2016 , respectively.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements	6 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements	Feb. 28, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 15,357 $ 10,333 Current portion of long-term debt 13,500 15,114 Short-term debt $ 28,857 $ 25,447 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 80,090 $ 17,279 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 172,500 177,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 299,811 341,407 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 3,389 3,727 Unamortized debt issuance costs (9,478 ) (10,242 ) Long-term debt $ 921,312 $ 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 initially 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, obligated the Company to complete an offer to exchange the Notes for a new issue of substantially identical exchange notes (the “Exchange Offer”) registered under the Securities Act. The interest rate on the Notes temporarily increased in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement during the period between November 16, 2016 to, but not including, the date of the completion of the Exchange Offer on March 21, 2017. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer. 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 February 28, 2017 . The Company prepaid $56.0 million on its term debt, in addition to normal required payments of $6.8 million , during the six months ended February 28, 2017 .

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	6 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement	Feb. 28, 2017
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: February 28, 2017 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 $ 2,558 $ — $ 2,558 $ — $ 487 $ — $ 487 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 1,865 $ — $ 1,865 $ — $ 951 $ — $ 951 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate debt $ 397,031 $ — $ 397,031 $ — $ 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 $165.1 million and $115.9 million as of February 28, 2017 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 February 28, 2017 and August 31, 2016 . Long-term fixed-rate debt as of February 28, 2017 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 February 28, 2017 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	6 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Feb. 28, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES The effective tax rate was 17.6% and 34.4% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 , respectively, and (36.0)% and 28.8% for the three and six months ended February 29, 2016 , respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 as compared with the same periods last year was driven primarily by an increase in uncertain tax positions as well as a benefit recorded in the prior period from the extension of certain expired tax provisions. 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 our overall foreign rate being less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate partially offset by an increase in the amount of uncertain tax positions recorded. As of February 28, 2017 , the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $4.4 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 February 28, 2017 , the Company had $1.3 million of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits. The Company’s statute of limitations is open in various jurisdictions as follows: Germany - from 2005 onward, France - from 2010 onward, U.S. - from 2013 onward, Belgium - from 2014 onward, other foreign jurisdictions - from 2011 onward. The increase in uncertain tax positions during the six months ended February 28, 2017 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	6 Months Ended
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	Feb. 28, 2017
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 Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,344 $ 1,275 $ 2,739 $ 2,569 Interest cost 570 1,041 1,157 2,104 Expected return on plan assets (367 ) (485 ) (743 ) (989 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 961 712 1,958 1,436 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,508 $ 2,543 $ 5,111 $ 5,120 Other postretirement benefit plan: Service cost $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost 63 97 126 194 Prior service cost (credit) (135 ) (149 ) (271 ) (298 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (71 ) $ (51 ) $ (143 ) $ (102 )

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	Feb. 28, 2017
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) (9,919 ) 7,973 504 (1,442 ) Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $30.00 per share (3,750 ) (3,750 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.410 per share (12,057 ) (12,057 ) Issuance of treasury stock 33 60 93 Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures 63 (63 ) — Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings (20 ) (600 ) (620 ) Share-based compensation plans 2,680 2,680 Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ 120,289 $ 48,553 $ 277,165 $ (130,640 ) $ 211,205 $ (382,903 ) $ 9,595 $ 153,264 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 February 28, 2017 or August 31, 2016 .

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Feb. 28, 2017
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 November 30, 2016 $ (84,963 ) $ (50,410 ) $ (135,373 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 4,150 — 4,150 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 610 (2) 610 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 4,150 610 4,760 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to 27 — 27 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 4,123 610 4,733 Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 ) 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 (11,166 ) — (11,166 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,204 (2) 1,204 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (11,166 ) 1,204 (9,962 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (43 ) — (43 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (11,123 ) 1,204 (9,919 ) Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ (60,269 ) $ (32,883 ) $ (93,152 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (9,243 ) — (9,243 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 150 (2) 150 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (9,243 ) 150 (9,093 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (654 ) — (654 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (8,589 ) 150 (8,439 ) Balance as of February 29, 2016 $ (68,858 ) $ (32,733 ) $ (101,591 ) 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 (20,019 ) — (20,019 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,165 (2) 1,165 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (20,019 ) 1,165 (18,854 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (723 ) — (723 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (19,296 ) 1,165 (18,131 ) Balance as of February 29, 2016 $ (68,858 ) $ (32,733 ) $ (101,591 ) (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	6 Months Ended
Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	Feb. 28, 2017
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 six months ended February 28, 2017, the Company granted 234,620 and 227,220 shares of time-based and performance-based awards, respectively, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $29.47 and $32.55 per share, respectively. Vesting of the ultimate number of shares underlying a portion of these performance-based awards, if any, will be dependent upon the Company's return on invested capital ("ROIC") while vesting for the remaining performance-based awards, if any, will be dependent upon the Company's cumulative earnings per share ("Cumulative EPS"), both over a three-year performance period. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, 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 in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company also granted non-employee directors a total of 16,317 shares of unrestricted common stock in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Additionally, in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company granted 173,200 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $32.55 and a weighted average fair value of $10.41 . The fair value of the stock options was estimated using a Black Scholes model using the following assumptions: Expected term: 6.5 years Risk-free rate: 2.22% Volatility: 39.1% Dividend yield: 2.52% 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 Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 446 $ 842 $ 1,347 $ 1,267 Stock options 68 — 68 — Unrestricted awards 531 564 1,253 564 Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,045 $ 1,406 $ 2,668 $ 1,831 Total unrecognized compensation cost, including a provision for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements as of February 28, 2017 was $10.1 million . This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. As of February 28, 2017 , there were 259,011 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company's 2010 Rewards Plan and 703,521 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	6 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Feb. 28, 2017
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 net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 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 and six months ended February 28, 2017 , 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 Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,394 29,292 29,378 29,257 Incremental shares from equity awards 109 — 92 198 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — — Diluted 29,503 29,292 29,470 29,455 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 excludes 94,298 and 88,225 shares, respectively, related to equity awards, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three and six months ended February 29, 2016 excludes 165,141 and 6,638 shares, respectively, related to equity awards, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
Segment Information	Feb. 28, 2017
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 Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) EMEA $ 276,902 $ 290,330 $ 572,974 $ 618,426 USCAN 151,918 170,817 308,336 349,099 LATAM 39,662 38,158 81,878 83,361 APAC 48,914 45,063 99,651 90,755 EC 51,282 47,393 105,839 99,339 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 568,678 $ 591,761 $ 1,168,678 $ 1,240,980 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) EMEA $ 39,130 $ 38,953 $ 83,788 $ 86,637 USCAN 20,060 27,241 44,576 57,535 LATAM 9,595 8,466 19,012 18,171 APAC 8,908 8,199 18,034 16,073 EC 12,831 10,987 26,799 24,195 Total segment gross profit 90,524 93,846 192,209 202,611 Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (1,338 ) (2,504 ) (1,865 ) (4,381 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations — (1,970 ) (57 ) (2,099 ) Lucent costs (1) — 452 (86 ) (1,378 ) Total gross profit $ 89,186 $ 89,824 $ 190,201 $ 194,753 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) before taxes: Three months ended Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) EMEA $ 16,527 $ 15,612 $ 36,295 $ 35,765 USCAN 5,447 10,427 13,943 22,590 LATAM 5,459 4,229 10,894 9,833 APAC 4,901 4,670 9,914 8,977 EC 4,111 1,450 9,222 5,552 Total segment operating income 36,445 36,388 80,268 82,717 Corporate (9,065 ) (7,684 ) (17,881 ) (16,172 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations — (4,261 ) (605 ) (6,127 ) Restructuring and related costs (2) (4,970 ) (5,769 ) (18,243 ) (10,439 ) Accelerated depreciation (467 ) (2,057 ) (823 ) (3,510 ) Lucent costs (1) (596 ) (611 ) (1,405 ) (4,317 ) Asset impairment — — (678 ) — CEO transition costs (6 ) — (196 ) — Operating income (loss) 21,341 16,006 40,437 42,152 Interest expense (13,107 ) (13,790 ) (26,271 ) (27,408 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (1,081 ) (950 ) (1,643 ) (1,679 ) Other income (expense), net (674 ) 269 459 218 Income (loss) before taxes $ 6,479 $ 1,535 $ 12,982 $ 13,283 (1) Refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in cost of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs. In addition, in the three and six months ended February 29, 2016, 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 and six months ended February 28, 2017 of $3.1 million and $6.8 million , respectively, and for the three and six months ended February 29, 2016 of $3.6 million and $6.7 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 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 51,282 9 % $ 47,393 8 % Custom Concentrates and Services 259,586 46 268,459 45 Performance Materials 257,810 45 275,909 47 Total consolidated net sales $ 568,678 100 % $ 591,761 100 % Six months ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 105,839 9 % $ 99,339 8 % Custom Concentrates and Services 535,505 46 564,296 45 Performance Materials 527,334 45 577,345 47 Total consolidated net sales $ 1,168,678 100 % $ 1,240,980 100 %

Restructuring

Restructuring	6 Months Ended
Restructuring	Feb. 28, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	RESTRUCTURING Fiscal 2017 Restructuring Plans USCAN Plan During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company approved plans to close its plant in Fontana, California and shift production to other U.S. facilities. The Company plans to reduce headcount by approximately 10 as a result of this plan. The Company recorded $0.5 million of pre-tax employee-related costs during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 . The Company expects to incur approximately $1.5 million of pre-tax employee-related costs and other charges during the remainder of fiscal 2017 for this plan and has a balance of $0.4 million accrued for this plan as of February 28, 2017 . Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2017 as the plan is completed. 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 simplified the management structure and processes of the product families and allowed the Company to refocus on the priority of sales growth. The Company has eliminated approximately 60 positions during fiscal 2017, primarily in EMEA and USCAN. The Company recorded $6.3 million of pre-tax employee-related costs during the six months ended February 28, 2017 , a majority of which was recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. As of February 28, 2017 , the company has a balance of $2.5 million accrued for this plan. The Company does not expect any additional charges related to this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2017 as the plan is completed. EMEA Plans During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company announced plans to close its plant in L'Arbresle, France and shift production to other EMEA facilities. The Company plans to reduce headcount by approximately 20 as a result of this plan. The Company recorded $1.4 million of pre-tax employee-related costs during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 . The Company expects to incur minimal charges during the remainder of fiscal 2017 for this plan and has a balance of $1.3 million accrued for this plan as of February 28, 2017 . Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2018 as the plan is completed. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company approved plans to further streamline EMEA operations and back-office functions. The Company reduced headcount in EMEA by approximately 30 as a result of this plan. During the six months ended February 28, 2017 , the Company recorded $1.8 million of pre-tax employee-related costs, the majority of which was recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. As of February 28, 2017 , the Company has a balance of $0.6 million accrued for this plan. The Company anticipates recording approximately $1.0 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 Total Restructuring Costs (In thousands) Accrual balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 3,542 $ 402 $ 3,944 Fiscal 2017 charges 10,718 704 11,422 Fiscal 2017 payments (7,980 ) (857 ) (8,837 ) Translation (134 ) (8 ) (142 ) Accrual balance as of February 28, 2017 $ 6,146 $ 241 $ 6,387 Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended Six months ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 (In thousands) EMEA $ 830 $ 759 $ 8,844 $ 1,970 USCAN 813 490 2,280 724 LATAM — 94 59 164 APAC 88 — 92 31 EC 147 871 147 871 Total restructuring expense $ 1,878 $ 2,214 $ 11,422 $ 3,760

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Feb. 28, 2017
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. In addition, the Engineered Plastics business, which is now part of the Performance Materials product family, did not meet volume and revenue expectations in fiscal 2016 and the product had lower margins than planned due primarily to the remediation and changes in business practices undertaken to address the Lucent quality matter. The deterioration of results due to the aforementioned factors and economic conditions soon after the acquisition resulted in the impairment of the acquired goodwill during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. For a discussion of the goodwill and intangible asset impairments, 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 recalls or claims 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 February 28, 2017 , 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. The Company also submitted written claim notices pursuant to a $3.8 million 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”). In January 2017, the Court denied the defendants motion to dismiss seventeen of twenty claims. The Court's ruling sustained claims for breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, civil conspiracy and violations of blue sky laws in Illinois, Ohio, California and Indiana. On February 16, 2017, the Court entered a stipulated order establishing an equitable lien over all pre-closing tax refunds payable by the Company to Citadel Plastics under the stock purchase agreement until resolution of litigation. The funds currently subject to the equitable lien are $7.5 million . 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	6 Months Ended
Accounting Pronouncements	Feb. 28, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Accounting Standards Adopted In The Current Period In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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 early adopted this standard effective December 1, 2016. The Company has $1.6 million and $8.1 million of restricted cash on its consolidated balance sheet as of February 28, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , respectively, whose cash flow statement classification changed to align with the new guidance. In April 2015, and as subsequently updated, the 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 March 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring that an employer report the pension service cost component in the same line items as compensation costs, but report all other components of net periodic pension cost in a line below operating income. This amendment is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company had pension service cost of $2.7 million and $2.6 million during the six months ended February 28, 2017 and six months ended February 29, 2016, respectively. Total net periodic pension cost was $5.1 million during the six months ended February 28, 2017 and six months ended February 29, 2016. 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 new revenue standard may be applied using either of the following transition methods: (1) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (2) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting the standard recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). The Company preliminarily expects to use the modified retrospective method. However, the Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the standard, and the planned adoption method is subject to change. Currently, the Company is in the process of reviewing historical sales contracts to analyze the impact that the adoption of the standard may have, if any, on the 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	6 Months Ended
Consolidating Financial Information	Feb. 28, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION Certain of our subsidiaries have guaranteed our obligations under the $375.0 million outstanding principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due June 2023 (the "Notes"). The following presents the condensed consolidating financial information separately for: (i) A. Schulman Inc. (“Parent”), the issuer of the guaranteed obligations; (ii) Guarantor subsidiaries (“Guarantors”), on a combined basis, as specified in the indentures related to the Company’s obligations under the Notes; (iii) Non-guarantor subsidiaries (“Non-Guarantors”), on a combined basis; (iv) Eliminations representing adjustments to (a) eliminate intercompany transactions between or among Parent, Guarantors and Non-Guarantors and (b) eliminate the investments in our subsidiaries; (v) A. Schulman, Inc. and Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (“Consolidated”). Each Guarantor is 100% owned by Parent for each period presented. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by each Guarantor. The guarantees of the Guarantors are subject to release in limited circumstances only upon the occurrence of certain customary conditions. Each entity in the consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, except for the use by Parent and Guarantors of the equity method of accounting to reflect ownership interests in subsidiaries which are eliminated upon consolidation. Changes in intercompany receivables and payables related to operations, such as intercompany sales or service charges, are included in cash flows from operating activities. Intercompany transactions reported as investing or financing activities include the sale of the capital stock of various subsidiaries, loans and other capital transactions between members of the consolidated group. Certain Non-Guarantors are limited in their ability to remit funds to it by means of dividends, advances or loans due to required foreign government and/or currency exchange board approvals or limitations in credit agreements or other debt instruments of those subsidiaries. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 870 $ — $ 46,991 $ — $ 47,861 Restricted cash — — 1,623 — 1,623 Accounts receivable, net 41,538 56,885 282,368 — 380,791 Accounts receivable, intercompany 29,366 3,744 25,209 (58,319 ) — Inventories 38,118 48,118 193,578 — 279,814 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,437 2,876 28,524 — 40,837 Assets held for sale 2,933 5,067 1,669 — 9,669 Total current assets 122,262 116,690 579,962 (58,319 ) 760,595 Net property, plant and equipment 46,779 70,993 173,936 — 291,708 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 83,430 4,045 61,348 (63,459 ) 85,364 Intercompany loans receivable 2,593 33,491 — (36,084 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 829,061 243,005 — (1,072,066 ) — Goodwill 26,862 110,289 120,356 — 257,507 Intangible assets, net 28,966 195,729 119,927 — 344,622 Total assets $ 1,139,953 $ 774,242 $ 1,055,529 $ (1,229,928 ) $ 1,739,796 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 42,013 $ 47,427 $ 213,720 $ — $ 303,160 Accounts payable, intercompany 12,564 29,979 15,776 (58,319 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 174 5,609 — 5,783 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 11,347 6,855 22,837 — 41,039 Other accrued liabilities 19,110 5,823 41,911 — 66,844 Short-term debt 13,674 28 15,155 — 28,857 Total current liabilities 98,708 90,286 315,008 (58,319 ) 445,683 Long-term debt 881,103 63 40,146 — 921,312 Intercompany debt — — 36,084 (36,084 ) — Pension plans 2,382 1,374 134,818 — 138,574 Deferred income taxes — 72,148 47,424 (63,459 ) 56,113 Other long-term liabilities 14,091 1,040 9,719 — 24,850 Total liabilities 996,284 164,911 583,199 (157,862 ) 1,586,532 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,553 — — — 48,553 Other equity (25,173 ) 609,331 462,735 (1,072,066 ) (25,173 ) Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 143,669 609,331 462,735 (1,072,066 ) 143,669 Noncontrolling interests — — 9,595 — 9,595 Total equity 143,669 609,331 472,330 (1,072,066 ) 153,264 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,139,953 $ 774,242 $ 1,055,529 $ (1,229,928 ) $ 1,739,796 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 February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 78,095 $ 98,650 $ 403,859 $ (11,926 ) $ 568,678 Cost of sales 64,938 90,179 336,301 (11,926 ) 479,492 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,357 14,549 42,061 — 65,967 Restructuring expense 674 277 927 — 1,878 Operating income (loss) 3,126 (6,355 ) 24,570 — 21,341 Interest expense 12,056 21 1,291 (261 ) 13,107 Intercompany charges 6 — 3,043 (3,049 ) — Intercompany income (1,915 ) (1,127 ) (7 ) 3,049 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,056 (2 ) 27 — 1,081 Other (income) expense, net (94 ) (274 ) 781 261 674 (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (8,808 ) (2,047 ) — 10,855 — Income (loss) before taxes 825 (2,926 ) 19,435 (10,855 ) 6,479 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (4,205 ) 530 4,818 — 1,143 Net income (loss) 5,030 (3,456 ) 14,617 (10,855 ) 5,336 Noncontrolling interests — — (306 ) — (306 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,030 (3,456 ) 14,311 (10,855 ) 5,030 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 3,155 $ (3,456 ) $ 14,311 $ (10,855 ) $ 3,155 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 9,763 $ (1,876 ) $ 19,354 $ (17,145 ) $ 10,096 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 333 — 333 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 9,763 $ (1,876 ) $ 19,021 $ (17,145 ) $ 9,763 Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended February 29, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 79,214 $ 112,022 $ 412,236 $ (11,711 ) $ 591,761 Cost of sales 65,289 100,036 348,323 (11,711 ) 501,937 Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,135 16,160 43,309 — 71,604 Restructuring expense 339 1,022 853 — 2,214 Operating income (loss) 1,451 (5,196 ) 19,751 — 16,006 Interest expense 12,063 — 2,151 (424 ) 13,790 Intercompany charges 6 28 3,223 (3,257 ) — Intercompany income (2,161 ) (1,095 ) (1 ) 3,257 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 696 (125 ) 379 — 950 Other (income) expense, net 135 (381 ) (447 ) 424 (269 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (9,520 ) 1,602 — 7,918 — Income (loss) before taxes 232 (5,225 ) 14,446 (7,918 ) 1,535 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (1,360 ) 276 597 — (487 ) Net income (loss) 1,592 (5,501 ) 13,849 (7,918 ) 2,022 Noncontrolling interests — — (430 ) — (430 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 1,592 (5,501 ) 13,419 (7,918 ) 1,592 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ (283 ) $ (5,501 ) $ 13,419 $ (7,918 ) $ (283 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ (6,847 ) $ (5,836 ) $ 5,094 $ 518 $ (7,071 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (224 ) — (224 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (6,847 ) $ (5,836 ) $ 5,318 $ 518 $ (6,847 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Six months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 154,270 $ 201,605 $ 835,880 $ (23,077 ) $ 1,168,678 Cost of sales 128,021 181,068 692,465 (23,077 ) 978,477 Selling, general and administrative expenses 21,915 29,436 86,991 — 138,342 Restructuring expense 1,758 557 9,107 — 11,422 Operating income (loss) 2,576 (9,456 ) 47,317 — 40,437 Interest expense 23,983 26 2,783 (521 ) 26,271 Intercompany charges 8 — 4,896 (4,904 ) — Intercompany income (2,459 ) (2,431 ) (14 ) 4,904 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 2,008 (5 ) (360 ) — 1,643 Other (income) expense, net (349 ) (563 ) (68 ) 521 (459 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (17,935 ) (3,191 ) — 21,126 — Income (loss) before taxes (2,680 ) (3,292 ) 40,080 (21,126 ) 12,982 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (10,653 ) (5,897 ) 21,012 — 4,462 Net income (loss) 7,973 2,605 19,068 (21,126 ) 8,520 Noncontrolling interests — — (547 ) — (547 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 7,973 2,605 18,521 (21,126 ) 7,973 Convertible special stock dividends 3,750 — — — 3,750 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 4,223 $ 2,605 $ 18,521 $ (21,126 ) $ 4,223 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (1,946 ) $ 2,340 $ 9,142 $ (10,978 ) $ (1,442 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 504 — 504 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (1,946 ) $ 2,340 $ 8,638 $ (10,978 ) $ (1,946 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Six months ended February 29, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 160,401 $ 231,930 $ 872,317 $ (23,668 ) $ 1,240,980 Cost of sales 132,424 203,447 734,024 (23,668 ) 1,046,227 Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,925 33,546 90,370 — 148,841 Restructuring expense 573 1,022 2,165 — 3,760 Operating income (loss) 2,479 (6,085 ) 45,758 — 42,152 Interest expense 23,915 5 4,430 (942 ) 27,408 Intercompany charges 12 65 5,833 (5,910 ) — Intercompany income (3,613 ) (2,295 ) (2 ) 5,910 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 735 (117 ) 1,061 — 1,679 Other (income) expense, net (51 ) (343 ) (766 ) 942 (218 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (28,627 ) 1,168 — 27,459 — Income (loss) before taxes 10,108 (4,568 ) 35,202 (27,459 ) 13,283 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes 1,423 395 1,946 — 3,764 Net income (loss) 8,685 (4,963 ) 33,256 (27,459 ) 9,519 Noncontrolling interests — — (834 ) — (834 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 8,685 (4,963 ) 32,422 (27,459 ) 8,685 Convertible special stock dividends 3,750 — — — 3,750 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 4,935 $ (4,963 ) $ 32,422 $ (27,459 ) $ 4,935 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (9,446 ) $ (5,830 ) $ 14,008 $ (8,067 ) $ (9,335 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 111 — 111 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (9,446 ) $ (5,830 ) $ 13,897 $ (8,067 ) $ (9,446 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Six months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 34,634 $ 2,977 $ 41,635 $ (39,097 ) $ 40,149 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (7,557 ) (3,074 ) (13,874 ) — (24,505 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 121 — 357 — 478 Other investing activities — 125 — — 125 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (7,436 ) (2,949 ) (13,517 ) — (23,902 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (12,057 ) — — — (12,057 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (39,097 ) 39,097 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 5,153 — 5,153 Borrowings on long-term debt 107,800 — 130,743 — 238,543 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (122,194 ) (28 ) (114,812 ) — (237,034 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 93 — — — 93 Redemptions of common stock (620 ) — — — (620 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (30,728 ) (28 ) (18,013 ) 39,097 (9,672 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (494 ) — (494 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (3,530 ) — 9,611 — 6,081 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 4,400 — 39,003 — 43,403 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 870 $ — $ 48,614 $ — $ 49,484 Cash and cash equivalents $ 870 $ — $ 46,991 $ — $ 47,861 Restricted cash — — 1,623 — 1,623 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 870 $ — $ 48,614 $ — $ 49,484 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Six months ended February 29, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 1,551 $ 3,636 $ 26,206 $ (756 ) $ 30,637 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (6,217 ) (3,936 ) (10,212 ) — (20,365 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 18 300 525 — 843 Intercompany investments (140 ) — — 140 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (6,339 ) (3,636 ) (9,687 ) 140 (19,522 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (12,043 ) — — — (12,043 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (756 ) 756 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 4,275 — 4,275 Borrowings on long-term debt 41,300 — 4,355 — 45,655 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (36,739 ) — (54,611 ) — (91,350 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 11,081 — (11,081 ) — — Issuances of stock, common and treasury 148 — — — 148 Redemptions of common stock (900 ) — — — (900 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — — 140 (140 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (903 ) — (57,678 ) 616 (57,965 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (3,144 ) — (3,144 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (5,691 ) — (44,303 ) — (49,994 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 7,090 — 89,782 — 96,872 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,399 $ — $ 45,479 $ — $ 46,878

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	6 Months Ended
General (Policies)	Feb. 28, 2017
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 and six months ended February 28, 2017 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 . Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $1.6 million as of February 28, 2017 represents cash and cash equivalents held in an escrow account for the future cash settlement of a commitment to a local government. The cash will be paid over the next 16 months. Restricted cash of $8.1 million as of August 31, 2016 included proceeds from tax return refunds for certain Citadel acquisition entities for periods prior to the Company's ownership. These tax refunds were repaid to the seller during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Assets Held for Sale During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company began actively marketing for sale certain properties and machinery and equipment at recently closed plants in the U.S. and Europe. As a result of that decision, we have reclassified $9.7 million of net book value related to these properties along with certain machinery and equipment as assets held for sale in the balance sheet. We expect the sale of those assets to be completed within the next twelve months and have, accordingly, presented the held for sale assets as current. Proceeds from the sale of the assets will be used for general Corporate purposes. Based on the present real estate market and discussions with the Company's real estate adviser, no impairment of the recorded amounts has occurred as of February 28, 2017 .

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2017
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 (982 ) — 533 (32 ) 215 (266 ) Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ 53,049 $ 116,369 $ 12,461 $ 904 $ 74,724 $ 257,507
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 357,341 $ (79,363 ) $ 277,978 $ 359,713 $ (67,207 ) $ 292,506 Developed technology 72,260 (15,981 ) 56,279 72,657 (13,864 ) 58,793 Registered trademarks and tradenames 17,514 (7,149 ) 10,365 18,097 (6,782 ) 11,315 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 447,115 $ (102,493 ) $ 344,622 $ 450,467 $ (87,853 ) $ 362,614

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr24

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Schedule of Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 15,357 $ 10,333 Current portion of long-term debt 13,500 15,114 Short-term debt $ 28,857 $ 25,447 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 80,090 $ 17,279 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 172,500 177,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 299,811 341,407 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 3,389 3,727 Unamortized debt issuance costs (9,478 ) (10,242 ) Long-term debt $ 921,312 $ 919,349

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2017
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: February 28, 2017 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 $ 2,558 $ — $ 2,558 $ — $ 487 $ — $ 487 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 1,865 $ — $ 1,865 $ — $ 951 $ — $ 951 $ — Liabilities not recorded at fair value: Long-term fixed-rate debt $ 397,031 $ — $ 397,031 $ — $ 378,750 $ — $ 378,750 $ —

Pension and Postretirement Be26

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2017
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 Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,344 $ 1,275 $ 2,739 $ 2,569 Interest cost 570 1,041 1,157 2,104 Expected return on plan assets (367 ) (485 ) (743 ) (989 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 961 712 1,958 1,436 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,508 $ 2,543 $ 5,111 $ 5,120 Other postretirement benefit plan: Service cost $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost 63 97 126 194 Prior service cost (credit) (135 ) (149 ) (271 ) (298 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit) $ (71 ) $ (51 ) $ (143 ) $ (102 )

Consolidated Statement of Sto27

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2017
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) (9,919 ) 7,973 504 (1,442 ) Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $30.00 per share (3,750 ) (3,750 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.410 per share (12,057 ) (12,057 ) Issuance of treasury stock 33 60 93 Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures 63 (63 ) — Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings (20 ) (600 ) (620 ) Share-based compensation plans 2,680 2,680 Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ 120,289 $ 48,553 $ 277,165 $ (130,640 ) $ 211,205 $ (382,903 ) $ 9,595 $ 153,264

Reclassification Out of Accumul

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
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 November 30, 2016 $ (84,963 ) $ (50,410 ) $ (135,373 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 4,150 — 4,150 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 610 (2) 610 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 4,150 610 4,760 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to 27 — 27 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 4,123 610 4,733 Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 ) 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 (11,166 ) — (11,166 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,204 (2) 1,204 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (11,166 ) 1,204 (9,962 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (43 ) — (43 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (11,123 ) 1,204 (9,919 ) Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ (60,269 ) $ (32,883 ) $ (93,152 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (9,243 ) — (9,243 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 150 (2) 150 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (9,243 ) 150 (9,093 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (654 ) — (654 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (8,589 ) 150 (8,439 ) Balance as of February 29, 2016 $ (68,858 ) $ (32,733 ) $ (101,591 ) 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 (20,019 ) — (20,019 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,165 (2) 1,165 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (20,019 ) 1,165 (18,854 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (723 ) — (723 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (19,296 ) 1,165 (18,131 ) Balance as of February 29, 2016 $ (68,858 ) $ (32,733 ) $ (101,591 )

Share-Based Incentive Compens29

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
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 Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 446 $ 842 $ 1,347 $ 1,267 Stock options 68 — 68 — Unrestricted awards 531 564 1,253 564 Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,045 $ 1,406 $ 2,668 $ 1,831

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2017
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 Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,394 29,292 29,378 29,257 Incremental shares from equity awards 109 — 92 198 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — — Diluted 29,503 29,292 29,470 29,455

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2017
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 Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) EMEA $ 276,902 $ 290,330 $ 572,974 $ 618,426 USCAN 151,918 170,817 308,336 349,099 LATAM 39,662 38,158 81,878 83,361 APAC 48,914 45,063 99,651 90,755 EC 51,282 47,393 105,839 99,339 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 568,678 $ 591,761 $ 1,168,678 $ 1,240,980 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) EMEA $ 39,130 $ 38,953 $ 83,788 $ 86,637 USCAN 20,060 27,241 44,576 57,535 LATAM 9,595 8,466 19,012 18,171 APAC 8,908 8,199 18,034 16,073 EC 12,831 10,987 26,799 24,195 Total segment gross profit 90,524 93,846 192,209 202,611 Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (1,338 ) (2,504 ) (1,865 ) (4,381 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations — (1,970 ) (57 ) (2,099 ) Lucent costs (1) — 452 (86 ) (1,378 ) Total gross profit $ 89,186 $ 89,824 $ 190,201 $ 194,753 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) before taxes: Three months ended Six months ended February 28, February 29, February 28, February 29, (In thousands) EMEA $ 16,527 $ 15,612 $ 36,295 $ 35,765 USCAN 5,447 10,427 13,943 22,590 LATAM 5,459 4,229 10,894 9,833 APAC 4,901 4,670 9,914 8,977 EC 4,111 1,450 9,222 5,552 Total segment operating income 36,445 36,388 80,268 82,717 Corporate (9,065 ) (7,684 ) (17,881 ) (16,172 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations — (4,261 ) (605 ) (6,127 ) Restructuring and related costs (2) (4,970 ) (5,769 ) (18,243 ) (10,439 ) Accelerated depreciation (467 ) (2,057 ) (823 ) (3,510 ) Lucent costs (1) (596 ) (611 ) (1,405 ) (4,317 ) Asset impairment — — (678 ) — CEO transition costs (6 ) — (196 ) — Operating income (loss) 21,341 16,006 40,437 42,152 Interest expense (13,107 ) (13,790 ) (26,271 ) (27,408 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (1,081 ) (950 ) (1,643 ) (1,679 ) Other income (expense), net (674 ) 269 459 218 Income (loss) before taxes $ 6,479 $ 1,535 $ 12,982 $ 13,283
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	Three months ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 51,282 9 % $ 47,393 8 % Custom Concentrates and Services 259,586 46 268,459 45 Performance Materials 257,810 45 275,909 47 Total consolidated net sales $ 568,678 100 % $ 591,761 100 % Six months ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 105,839 9 % $ 99,339 8 % Custom Concentrates and Services 535,505 46 564,296 45 Performance Materials 527,334 45 577,345 47 Total consolidated net sales $ 1,168,678 100 % $ 1,240,980 100 %

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Restructuring (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2017
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 Total Restructuring Costs (In thousands) Accrual balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 3,542 $ 402 $ 3,944 Fiscal 2017 charges 10,718 704 11,422 Fiscal 2017 payments (7,980 ) (857 ) (8,837 ) Translation (134 ) (8 ) (142 ) Accrual balance as of February 28, 2017 $ 6,146 $ 241 $ 6,387
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 Six months ended February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2017 February 29, 2016 (In thousands) EMEA $ 830 $ 759 $ 8,844 $ 1,970 USCAN 813 490 2,280 724 LATAM — 94 59 164 APAC 88 — 92 31 EC 147 871 147 871 Total restructuring expense $ 1,878 $ 2,214 $ 11,422 $ 3,760

Consolidating Financial Infor33

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	Feb. 28, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 870 $ — $ 46,991 $ — $ 47,861 Restricted cash — — 1,623 — 1,623 Accounts receivable, net 41,538 56,885 282,368 — 380,791 Accounts receivable, intercompany 29,366 3,744 25,209 (58,319 ) — Inventories 38,118 48,118 193,578 — 279,814 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,437 2,876 28,524 — 40,837 Assets held for sale 2,933 5,067 1,669 — 9,669 Total current assets 122,262 116,690 579,962 (58,319 ) 760,595 Net property, plant and equipment 46,779 70,993 173,936 — 291,708 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 83,430 4,045 61,348 (63,459 ) 85,364 Intercompany loans receivable 2,593 33,491 — (36,084 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 829,061 243,005 — (1,072,066 ) — Goodwill 26,862 110,289 120,356 — 257,507 Intangible assets, net 28,966 195,729 119,927 — 344,622 Total assets $ 1,139,953 $ 774,242 $ 1,055,529 $ (1,229,928 ) $ 1,739,796 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 42,013 $ 47,427 $ 213,720 $ — $ 303,160 Accounts payable, intercompany 12,564 29,979 15,776 (58,319 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 174 5,609 — 5,783 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 11,347 6,855 22,837 — 41,039 Other accrued liabilities 19,110 5,823 41,911 — 66,844 Short-term debt 13,674 28 15,155 — 28,857 Total current liabilities 98,708 90,286 315,008 (58,319 ) 445,683 Long-term debt 881,103 63 40,146 — 921,312 Intercompany debt — — 36,084 (36,084 ) — Pension plans 2,382 1,374 134,818 — 138,574 Deferred income taxes — 72,148 47,424 (63,459 ) 56,113 Other long-term liabilities 14,091 1,040 9,719 — 24,850 Total liabilities 996,284 164,911 583,199 (157,862 ) 1,586,532 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,553 — — — 48,553 Other equity (25,173 ) 609,331 462,735 (1,072,066 ) (25,173 ) Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 143,669 609,331 462,735 (1,072,066 ) 143,669 Noncontrolling interests — — 9,595 — 9,595 Total equity 143,669 609,331 472,330 (1,072,066 ) 153,264 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,139,953 $ 774,242 $ 1,055,529 $ (1,229,928 ) $ 1,739,796 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 February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 78,095 $ 98,650 $ 403,859 $ (11,926 ) $ 568,678 Cost of sales 64,938 90,179 336,301 (11,926 ) 479,492 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,357 14,549 42,061 — 65,967 Restructuring expense 674 277 927 — 1,878 Operating income (loss) 3,126 (6,355 ) 24,570 — 21,341 Interest expense 12,056 21 1,291 (261 ) 13,107 Intercompany charges 6 — 3,043 (3,049 ) — Intercompany income (1,915 ) (1,127 ) (7 ) 3,049 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,056 (2 ) 27 — 1,081 Other (income) expense, net (94 ) (274 ) 781 261 674 (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (8,808 ) (2,047 ) — 10,855 — Income (loss) before taxes 825 (2,926 ) 19,435 (10,855 ) 6,479 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (4,205 ) 530 4,818 — 1,143 Net income (loss) 5,030 (3,456 ) 14,617 (10,855 ) 5,336 Noncontrolling interests — — (306 ) — (306 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,030 (3,456 ) 14,311 (10,855 ) 5,030 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 3,155 $ (3,456 ) $ 14,311 $ (10,855 ) $ 3,155 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 9,763 $ (1,876 ) $ 19,354 $ (17,145 ) $ 10,096 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 333 — 333 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 9,763 $ (1,876 ) $ 19,021 $ (17,145 ) $ 9,763 Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended February 29, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 79,214 $ 112,022 $ 412,236 $ (11,711 ) $ 591,761 Cost of sales 65,289 100,036 348,323 (11,711 ) 501,937 Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,135 16,160 43,309 — 71,604 Restructuring expense 339 1,022 853 — 2,214 Operating income (loss) 1,451 (5,196 ) 19,751 — 16,006 Interest expense 12,063 — 2,151 (424 ) 13,790 Intercompany charges 6 28 3,223 (3,257 ) — Intercompany income (2,161 ) (1,095 ) (1 ) 3,257 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 696 (125 ) 379 — 950 Other (income) expense, net 135 (381 ) (447 ) 424 (269 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (9,520 ) 1,602 — 7,918 — Income (loss) before taxes 232 (5,225 ) 14,446 (7,918 ) 1,535 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (1,360 ) 276 597 — (487 ) Net income (loss) 1,592 (5,501 ) 13,849 (7,918 ) 2,022 Noncontrolling interests — — (430 ) — (430 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 1,592 (5,501 ) 13,419 (7,918 ) 1,592 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ (283 ) $ (5,501 ) $ 13,419 $ (7,918 ) $ (283 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ (6,847 ) $ (5,836 ) $ 5,094 $ 518 $ (7,071 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (224 ) — (224 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (6,847 ) $ (5,836 ) $ 5,318 $ 518 $ (6,847 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Six months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 154,270 $ 201,605 $ 835,880 $ (23,077 ) $ 1,168,678 Cost of sales 128,021 181,068 692,465 (23,077 ) 978,477 Selling, general and administrative expenses 21,915 29,436 86,991 — 138,342 Restructuring expense 1,758 557 9,107 — 11,422 Operating income (loss) 2,576 (9,456 ) 47,317 — 40,437 Interest expense 23,983 26 2,783 (521 ) 26,271 Intercompany charges 8 — 4,896 (4,904 ) — Intercompany income (2,459 ) (2,431 ) (14 ) 4,904 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 2,008 (5 ) (360 ) — 1,643 Other (income) expense, net (349 ) (563 ) (68 ) 521 (459 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (17,935 ) (3,191 ) — 21,126 — Income (loss) before taxes (2,680 ) (3,292 ) 40,080 (21,126 ) 12,982 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (10,653 ) (5,897 ) 21,012 — 4,462 Net income (loss) 7,973 2,605 19,068 (21,126 ) 8,520 Noncontrolling interests — — (547 ) — (547 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 7,973 2,605 18,521 (21,126 ) 7,973 Convertible special stock dividends 3,750 — — — 3,750 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 4,223 $ 2,605 $ 18,521 $ (21,126 ) $ 4,223 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (1,946 ) $ 2,340 $ 9,142 $ (10,978 ) $ (1,442 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 504 — 504 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (1,946 ) $ 2,340 $ 8,638 $ (10,978 ) $ (1,946 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Six months ended February 29, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 160,401 $ 231,930 $ 872,317 $ (23,668 ) $ 1,240,980 Cost of sales 132,424 203,447 734,024 (23,668 ) 1,046,227 Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,925 33,546 90,370 — 148,841 Restructuring expense 573 1,022 2,165 — 3,760 Operating income (loss) 2,479 (6,085 ) 45,758 — 42,152 Interest expense 23,915 5 4,430 (942 ) 27,408 Intercompany charges 12 65 5,833 (5,910 ) — Intercompany income (3,613 ) (2,295 ) (2 ) 5,910 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 735 (117 ) 1,061 — 1,679 Other (income) expense, net (51 ) (343 ) (766 ) 942 (218 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (28,627 ) 1,168 — 27,459 — Income (loss) before taxes 10,108 (4,568 ) 35,202 (27,459 ) 13,283 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes 1,423 395 1,946 — 3,764 Net income (loss) 8,685 (4,963 ) 33,256 (27,459 ) 9,519 Noncontrolling interests — — (834 ) — (834 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 8,685 (4,963 ) 32,422 (27,459 ) 8,685 Convertible special stock dividends 3,750 — — — 3,750 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 4,935 $ (4,963 ) $ 32,422 $ (27,459 ) $ 4,935 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (9,446 ) $ (5,830 ) $ 14,008 $ (8,067 ) $ (9,335 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 111 — 111 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (9,446 ) $ (5,830 ) $ 13,897 $ (8,067 ) $ (9,446 )
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Six months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 34,634 $ 2,977 $ 41,635 $ (39,097 ) $ 40,149 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (7,557 ) (3,074 ) (13,874 ) — (24,505 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 121 — 357 — 478 Other investing activities — 125 — — 125 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (7,436 ) (2,949 ) (13,517 ) — (23,902 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (12,057 ) — — — (12,057 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (39,097 ) 39,097 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 5,153 — 5,153 Borrowings on long-term debt 107,800 — 130,743 — 238,543 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (122,194 ) (28 ) (114,812 ) — (237,034 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 93 — — — 93 Redemptions of common stock (620 ) — — — (620 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (30,728 ) (28 ) (18,013 ) 39,097 (9,672 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (494 ) — (494 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (3,530 ) — 9,611 — 6,081 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 4,400 — 39,003 — 43,403 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 870 $ — $ 48,614 $ — $ 49,484 Cash and cash equivalents $ 870 $ — $ 46,991 $ — $ 47,861 Restricted cash — — 1,623 — 1,623 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 870 $ — $ 48,614 $ — $ 49,484 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Six months ended February 29, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 1,551 $ 3,636 $ 26,206 $ (756 ) $ 30,637 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (6,217 ) (3,936 ) (10,212 ) — (20,365 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 18 300 525 — 843 Intercompany investments (140 ) — — 140 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (6,339 ) (3,636 ) (9,687 ) 140 (19,522 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (12,043 ) — — — (12,043 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (756 ) 756 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 4,275 — 4,275 Borrowings on long-term debt 41,300 — 4,355 — 45,655 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (36,739 ) — (54,611 ) — (91,350 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 11,081 — (11,081 ) — — Issuances of stock, common and treasury 148 — — — 148 Redemptions of common stock (900 ) — — — (900 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — — 140 (140 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (903 ) — (57,678 ) 616 (57,965 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (3,144 ) — (3,144 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (5,691 ) — (44,303 ) — (49,994 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 7,090 — 89,782 — 96,872 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,399 $ — $ 45,479 $ — $ 46,878

General (Details)

General (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016
General [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 1,623	$ 8,143	$ 0
Assets held for sale	$ 9,669	$ 0

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	$ 257,773
Translation	(266)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	257,507
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	54,031
Translation	(982)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	53,049
USCAN [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	116,369
Translation	0
Balance as of February 28, 2017	116,369
LATAM [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	11,928
Translation	533
Balance as of February 28, 2017	12,461
APAC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	936
Translation	(32)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	904
EC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016	74,509
Translation	215
Balance as of February 28, 2017	$ 74,724

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 447,115		$ 447,115		$ 450,467
Accumulated Amortization	(102,493)		(102,493)		(87,853)
Net Carrying Amount	344,622		344,622		362,614
Amortization of Intangible Assets	8,000	$ 9,300	16,000	$ 18,600
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	357,341		357,341		359,713
Accumulated Amortization	(79,363)		(79,363)		(67,207)
Net Carrying Amount	277,978		277,978		292,506
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	72,260		72,260		72,657
Accumulated Amortization	(15,981)		(15,981)		(13,864)
Net Carrying Amount	56,279		56,279		58,793
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	17,514		17,514		18,097
Accumulated Amortization	(7,149)		(7,149)		(6,782)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 10,365		$ 10,365		$ 11,315

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr37

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	May 26, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other, due within one year	$ 15,357,000	$ 10,333,000
Current portion of long-term debt	13,500,000	15,114,000
Short-term debt	28,857,000	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	3,389,000	3,727,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(9,478,000)	(10,242,000)
Long-term debt	921,312,000	919,349,000
Repayments of Debt	6,800,000
2015 Revolver, due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020	80,090,000	17,279,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loans	172,500,000	177,500,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loans	299,811,000	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 ($)	6 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	May 26, 2015
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$ 2,558,000	$ 487,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	1,865,000	951,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	397,031,000	378,750,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	165,100,000	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	2,558,000	487,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	1,865,000	951,000
Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
Long-term fixed-rate debt	397,031,000	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		6 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes percentage	17.60%	(36.00%)	34.40%	28.80%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 4.4		$ 4.4
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	3.4		3.4
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	1.3		1.3
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	$ 1		$ 1

Pension and Postretirement Be40

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,344	$ 1,275	$ 2,739	$ 2,569
Interest cost	570	1,041	1,157	2,104
Expected return on plan assets	(367)	(485)	(743)	(989)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	961	712	1,958	1,436
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	2,508	2,543	5,111	5,120
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1	1	2	2
Interest cost	63	97	126	194
Prior service cost (credit)	(135)	(149)	(271)	(298)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$ (71)	$ (51)	$ (143)	$ (102)

Consolidated Statement of Sto41

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016			$ 168,360
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 10,096	$ (7,071)	(1,442)	$ (9,335)
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $30.00 per share	(1,875)	$ (1,875)	(3,750)	$ (3,750)
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.410 per share			(12,057)
Issuance of treasury stock			93
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures			0
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(620)
Share-based compensation plans			2,680
Balance as of February 28, 2017	153,264		153,264
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 February 28, 2017	120,289		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			63
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(20)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	48,553		48,553
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016			275,115
Issuance of treasury stock			33
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures			(63)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(600)
Share-based compensation plans			2,680
Balance as of February 28, 2017	277,165		277,165
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016			(120,721)
Comprehensive income (loss)			(9,919)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	(130,640)		(130,640)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016			219,039
Comprehensive income (loss)			7,973
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $30.00 per share			(3,750)
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.410 per share			(12,057)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	211,205		211,205
Treasury Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016			(382,963)
Issuance of treasury stock			60
Balance as of February 28, 2017	(382,903)		(382,903)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2016			9,091
Comprehensive income (loss)			504
Balance as of February 28, 2017	$ 9,595		$ 9,595

Reclassification Out of Accum42

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (135,373)	$ (93,152)	$ (120,721)	$ (83,460)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	4,150	(9,243)	(11,166)	(20,019)
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	610	150	1,204	1,165
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	4,760	(9,093)	(9,962)	(18,854)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	27	(654)	(43)	(723)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	4,733	(8,439)	(9,919)	(18,131)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(130,640)	(101,591)	(130,640)	(101,591)
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]	(84,963)	(60,269)	(69,717)	(49,562)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	4,150	(9,243)	(11,166)	(20,019)
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	4,150	(9,243)	(11,166)	(20,019)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	27	(654)	(43)	(723)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	4,123	(8,589)	(11,123)	(19,296)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(80,840)	(68,858)	(80,840)	(68,858)
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]	(50,410)	(32,883)	(51,004)	(33,898)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1],[2]	610	150	1,204	1,165
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	610	150	1,204	1,165
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	0	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	610	150	1,204	1,165
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (49,800)	$ (32,733)	$ (49,800)	$ (32,733)

[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			6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	173,200
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 32.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.41
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 1,045		$ 1,406	$ 2,668	$ 1,831
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	10,100			$ 10,100
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition				1 year 11 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				234,620
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$ 29.47
Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period				227,220
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$ 32.55
CEO Transition 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		25,000
Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 446		842	$ 1,347	1,267
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	6 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	2.22%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	39.10%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	2.52%
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 68		0	68	0
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, Period Increase (Decrease)	16,317
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 531		$ 564	$ 1,253	$ 564
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	259,011			259,011
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	703,521			703,521

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,394,000	29,292,000	29,378,000	29,257,000
Diluted	29,503,000	29,292,000	29,470,000	29,455,000
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	94,298	165,141	88,225	6,638
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from dilutive securities	109,000	0	92,000	198,000
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	0	0

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 568,678	$ 591,761	$ 1,168,678	$ 1,240,980
Total gross profit		89,186	89,824	190,201	194,753
Operating income (loss)		21,341	16,006	40,437	42,152
Interest expense		(13,107)	(13,790)	(26,271)	(27,408)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)		(1,081)	(950)	(1,643)	(1,679)
Other income (expense), net		(674)	269	459	218
Income (loss) before taxes		6,479	1,535	12,982	13,283
Restructuring Related Costs		$ 3,100	$ 3,600	$ 6,800	$ 6,700
Net sales, percentage		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs		$ (1,338)	$ (2,504)	$ (1,865)	$ (4,381)
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in gross profit		0	(1,970)	(57)	(2,099)
Lucent costs in gross profit	[1]	0	452	(86)	(1,378)
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in operating income		0	(4,261)	(605)	(6,127)
Restructuring and related costs		(4,970)	(5,769)	(18,243)	(10,439)
Accelerated depreciation		(467)	(2,057)	(823)	(3,510)
Lucent costs in operating income	[1]	(596)	(611)	(1,405)	(4,317)
Asset impairment		0	0	(678)	0
CEO transition costs		(6)	0	(196)	0
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit		90,524	93,846	192,209	202,611
Operating income (loss)		36,445	36,388	80,268	82,717
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate		(9,065)	(7,684)	(17,881)	(16,172)
EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 51,282	$ 47,393	$ 105,839	$ 99,339
Net sales, percentage		9.00%	8.00%	9.00%	8.00%
Custom Concentrates and Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 259,586	$ 268,459	$ 535,505	$ 564,296
Net sales, percentage		46.00%	45.00%	46.00%	45.00%
Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 257,810	$ 275,909	$ 527,334	$ 577,345
Net sales, percentage		45.00%	47.00%	45.00%	47.00%
EMEA Segment [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 276,902	$ 290,330	$ 572,974	$ 618,426
Total segment gross profit		39,130	38,953	83,788	86,637
Total segment operating income		16,527	15,612	36,295	35,765
USCAN Segment [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		151,918	170,817	308,336	349,099
Total segment gross profit		20,060	27,241	44,576	57,535
Total segment operating income		5,447	10,427	13,943	22,590
LATAM Segment [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		39,662	38,158	81,878	83,361
Total segment gross profit		9,595	8,466	19,012	18,171
Total segment operating income		5,459	4,229	10,894	9,833
APAC [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		48,914	45,063	99,651	90,755
Total segment gross profit		8,908	8,199	18,034	16,073
Total segment operating income		4,901	4,670	9,914	8,977
EC [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit		12,831	10,987	26,799	24,195
Total segment operating income		$ 4,111	$ 1,450	$ 9,222	$ 5,552

[1]	(1) Refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in cost of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs. In addition, in the three and six months ended February 29, 2016, 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		6 Months Ended
Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	$ 1,878	$ 2,214	$ 11,422	$ 3,760
Restructuring reserve	6,387		6,387		$ 3,944
Fiscal 2017 payments			(8,837)
Translation			(142)
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	830	759	8,844	1,970
USCAN [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	813	490	2,280	724
LATAM [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	0	94	59	164
APAC [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	88	0	92	31
EC [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	147	$ 871	147	$ 871
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense			10,718
Restructuring reserve	6,146		6,146		3,542
Fiscal 2017 payments			(7,980)
Translation			(134)
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense			704
Restructuring reserve	241		241		$ 402
Fiscal 2017 payments			(857)
Translation			(8)
Fontana Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	500
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	1,500		1,500
Restructuring reserve	400		$ 400
Restructuring and related cost, expected number of positions eliminated			10
Global Product Family Simplification Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated			60
Restructuring expense			$ 6,300
Restructuring reserve	2,500		2,500
L'Arbresle Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense	1,400
Restructuring reserve	1,300		$ 1,300
Restructuring and related cost, expected number of positions eliminated			20
EMEA FY2017 Manufacturing for Success Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated			30
Restructuring expense			$ 1,800
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	1,000		1,000
Restructuring reserve	$ 600		$ 600

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Citadel Acquisition [Member] $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Escrow Deposit	$ 31
Written claim notice on representations and warranties insurance policy	3.8
Lien on seller's bank account	$ 7.5

Accounting Pronouncements (Deta

Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 1,623	$ 8,143	$ 0
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 9,478	$ 10,242

Consolidating Financial Infor49

Consolidating Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2017	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 Infor50

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 47,861	$ 35,260	$ 46,878	$ 96,872
Restricted cash	1,623	8,143	0
Accounts receivable, net	380,791	376,786
Accounts receivable, intercompany	0	0
Inventories	279,814	263,617
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40,837	40,263
Assets held for sale	9,669	0
Total current assets	760,595	724,069
Net property, plant and equipment	291,708	314,822
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	85,364	88,161
Intercompany loans receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	257,507	257,773
Intangible assets, net	344,622	362,614
Total assets	1,739,796	1,747,439
Accounts payable	303,160	280,060
Accounts payable, intercompany	0	0
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	5,783	8,985
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	41,039	47,569
Other accrued liabilities	66,844	67,704
Short-term debt	28,857	25,447
Total current liabilities	445,683	429,765
Long-term debt	921,312	919,349
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	138,574	145,108
Deferred income taxes	56,113	59,013
Other long-term liabilities	24,850	25,844
Total liabilities	1,586,532	1,579,079
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,553	48,510
Other equity	(25,173)	(9,530)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	143,669	159,269
Noncontrolling interests	9,595	9,091
Total equity	153,264	168,360
Total liabilities and equity	1,739,796	1,747,439
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	870	0	1,399	7,090
Restricted cash	0	4,400
Accounts receivable, net	41,538	40,017
Accounts receivable, intercompany	29,366	16,245
Inventories	38,118	33,702
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,437	6,874
Assets held for sale	2,933
Total current assets	122,262	101,238
Net property, plant and equipment	46,779	52,653
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	83,430	74,463
Intercompany loans receivable	2,593	2,593
Investment in subsidiaries	829,061	871,441
Goodwill	26,862	36,533
Intangible assets, net	28,966	30,316
Total assets	1,139,953	1,169,237
Accounts payable	42,013	36,671
Accounts payable, intercompany	12,564	17,886
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	0	1,242
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	11,347	10,326
Other accrued liabilities	19,110	17,684
Short-term debt	13,674	13,626
Total current liabilities	98,708	97,435
Long-term debt	881,103	894,441
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	2,382	2,444
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	14,091	15,648
Total liabilities	996,284	1,009,968
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,553	48,510
Other equity	(25,173)	(9,530)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	143,669	159,269
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	143,669	159,269
Total liabilities and equity	1,139,953	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	56,885	56,995
Accounts receivable, intercompany	3,744	9,906
Inventories	48,118	41,895
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,876	4,006
Assets held for sale	5,067
Total current assets	116,690	112,802
Net property, plant and equipment	70,993	77,800
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	4,045	4,205
Intercompany loans receivable	33,491	33,015
Investment in subsidiaries	243,005	245,202
Goodwill	110,289	110,289
Intangible assets, net	195,729	204,026
Total assets	774,242	787,339
Accounts payable	47,427	36,157
Accounts payable, intercompany	29,979	20,050
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	174	100
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	6,855	5,980
Other accrued liabilities	5,823	14,195
Short-term debt	28	0
Total current liabilities	90,286	76,482
Long-term debt	63	0
Intercompany debt	0	200
Pension plans	1,374	1,450
Deferred income taxes	72,148	77,507
Other long-term liabilities	1,040	1,037
Total liabilities	164,911	156,676
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	609,331	630,663
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	609,331	630,663
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	609,331	630,663
Total liabilities and equity	774,242	787,339
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	46,991	35,260	45,479	89,782
Restricted cash	1,623	3,743
Accounts receivable, net	282,368	279,774
Accounts receivable, intercompany	25,209	26,839
Inventories	193,578	188,020
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,524	29,383
Assets held for sale	1,669
Total current assets	579,962	563,019
Net property, plant and equipment	173,936	184,369
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	61,348	66,038
Intercompany loans receivable	0	200
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	120,356	110,951
Intangible assets, net	119,927	128,272
Total assets	1,055,529	1,052,849
Accounts payable	213,720	207,232
Accounts payable, intercompany	15,776	15,054
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	5,609	7,643
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	22,837	31,263
Other accrued liabilities	41,911	35,825
Short-term debt	15,155	11,821
Total current liabilities	315,008	308,838
Long-term debt	40,146	24,908
Intercompany debt	36,084	35,608
Pension plans	134,818	141,214
Deferred income taxes	47,424	38,051
Other long-term liabilities	9,719	9,159
Total liabilities	583,199	557,778
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	462,735	485,980
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	462,735	485,980
Noncontrolling interests	9,595	9,091
Total equity	472,330	495,071
Total liabilities and equity	1,055,529	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	(58,319)	(52,990)
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Assets held for sale	0
Total current assets	(58,319)	(52,990)
Net property, plant and equipment	0	0
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	(63,459)	(56,545)
Intercompany loans receivable	(36,084)	(35,808)
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,072,066)	(1,116,643)
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Total assets	(1,229,928)	(1,261,986)
Accounts payable	0	0
Accounts payable, intercompany	(58,319)	(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	(58,319)	(52,990)
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany debt	(36,084)	(35,808)
Pension plans	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(63,459)	(56,545)
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	(157,862)	(145,343)
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	(1,072,066)	(1,116,643)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	(1,072,066)	(1,116,643)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	(1,072,066)	(1,116,643)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (1,229,928)	$ (1,261,986)

Consolidating Financial Infor51

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 568,678	$ 591,761	$ 1,168,678	$ 1,240,980
Cost of sales	479,492	501,937	978,477	1,046,227
Selling, general and administrative expenses	65,967	71,604	138,342	148,841
Restructuring expense	1,878	2,214	11,422	3,760
Operating income (loss)	21,341	16,006	40,437	42,152
Interest expense	13,107	13,790	26,271	27,408
Intercompany charges	0	0	0	0
Intercompany income	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	1,081	950	1,643	1,679
Other (income) expense, net	674	(269)	(459)	(218)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	6,479	1,535	12,982	13,283
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	1,143	(487)	4,462	3,764
Net income (loss)	5,336	2,022	8,520	9,519
Noncontrolling interests	(306)	(430)	(547)	(834)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	5,030	1,592	7,973	8,685
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875	1,875	3,750	3,750
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	3,155	(283)	4,223	4,935
Comprehensive income (loss)	10,096	(7,071)	(1,442)	(9,335)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	333	(224)	504	111
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	9,763	(6,847)	(1,946)	(9,446)
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	78,095	79,214	154,270	160,401
Cost of sales	64,938	65,289	128,021	132,424
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,357	12,135	21,915	24,925
Restructuring expense	674	339	1,758	573
Operating income (loss)	3,126	1,451	2,576	2,479
Interest expense	12,056	12,063	23,983	23,915
Intercompany charges	6	6	8	12
Intercompany income	(1,915)	(2,161)	(2,459)	(3,613)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	1,056	696	2,008	735
Other (income) expense, net	(94)	135	(349)	(51)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	(8,808)	(9,520)	(17,935)	(28,627)
Income (loss) before taxes	825	232	(2,680)	10,108
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	(4,205)	(1,360)	(10,653)	1,423
Net income (loss)	5,030	1,592	7,973	8,685
Noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	5,030	1,592	7,973	8,685
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875	1,875	3,750	3,750
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	3,155	(283)	4,223	4,935
Comprehensive income (loss)	9,763	(6,847)	(1,946)	(9,446)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	9,763	(6,847)	(1,946)	(9,446)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	98,650	112,022	201,605	231,930
Cost of sales	90,179	100,036	181,068	203,447
Selling, general and administrative expenses	14,549	16,160	29,436	33,546
Restructuring expense	277	1,022	557	1,022
Operating income (loss)	(6,355)	(5,196)	(9,456)	(6,085)
Interest expense	21	0	26	5
Intercompany charges	0	28	0	65
Intercompany income	(1,127)	(1,095)	(2,431)	(2,295)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	(2)	(125)	(5)	(117)
Other (income) expense, net	(274)	(381)	(563)	(343)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	(2,047)	1,602	(3,191)	1,168
Income (loss) before taxes	(2,926)	(5,225)	(3,292)	(4,568)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	530	276	(5,897)	395
Net income (loss)	(3,456)	(5,501)	2,605	(4,963)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(3,456)	(5,501)	2,605	(4,963)
Convertible special stock dividends	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	(3,456)	(5,501)	2,605	(4,963)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(1,876)	(5,836)	2,340	(5,830)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(1,876)	(5,836)	2,340	(5,830)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	403,859	412,236	835,880	872,317
Cost of sales	336,301	348,323	692,465	734,024
Selling, general and administrative expenses	42,061	43,309	86,991	90,370
Restructuring expense	927	853	9,107	2,165
Operating income (loss)	24,570	19,751	47,317	45,758
Interest expense	1,291	2,151	2,783	4,430
Intercompany charges	3,043	3,223	4,896	5,833
Intercompany income	(7)	(1)	(14)	(2)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	27	379	(360)	1,061
Other (income) expense, net	781	(447)	(68)	(766)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	19,435	14,446	40,080	35,202
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	4,818	597	21,012	1,946
Net income (loss)	14,617	13,849	19,068	33,256
Noncontrolling interests	(306)	(430)	(547)	(834)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	14,311	13,419	18,521	32,422
Convertible special stock dividends	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	14,311	13,419	18,521	32,422
Comprehensive income (loss)	19,354	5,094	9,142	14,008
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	333	(224)	504	111
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	19,021	5,318	8,638	13,897
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	(11,926)	(11,711)	(23,077)	(23,668)
Cost of sales	(11,926)	(11,711)	(23,077)	(23,668)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	0	0	0
Restructuring expense	0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(261)	(424)	(521)	(942)
Intercompany charges	(3,049)	(3,257)	(4,904)	(5,910)
Intercompany income	3,049	3,257	4,904	5,910
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	0	0	0	0
Other (income) expense, net	261	424	521	942
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	10,855	7,918	21,126	27,459
Income (loss) before taxes	(10,855)	(7,918)	(21,126)	(27,459)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	(10,855)	(7,918)	(21,126)	(27,459)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(10,855)	(7,918)	(21,126)	(27,459)
Convertible special stock dividends	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	(10,855)	(7,918)	(21,126)	(27,459)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(17,145)	518	(10,978)	(8,067)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$ (17,145)	$ 518	$ (10,978)	$ (8,067)

Consolidating Financial Infor52

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	$ 40,149	$ 30,637
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(24,505)	(20,365)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	478	843
Intercompany investments		0
Other investing activities	125	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(23,902)	(19,522)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(12,057)	(12,043)
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	3,750	3,750
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	5,153	4,275
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	238,543	45,655
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	237,034	91,350
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	93	148
Redemptions of common stock	(620)	(900)
Intercompany equity contributions received		0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(9,672)	(57,965)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(494)	(3,144)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	6,081	(49,994)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	35,260	96,872
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	43,403	96,872
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	49,484	46,878
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	47,861	46,878
Restricted cash			$ 1,623	$ 8,143	$ 0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	43,403	96,872	49,484	43,403	$ 46,878
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	34,634	1,551
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(7,557)	(6,217)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	121	18
Intercompany investments		(140)
Other investing activities	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(7,436)	(6,339)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(12,057)	(12,043)
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	3,750	3,750
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	107,800	41,300
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	122,194	36,739
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		11,081
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	93	148
Redemptions of common stock	(620)	(900)
Intercompany equity contributions received		0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(30,728)	(903)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(3,530)	(5,691)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	7,090
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	4,400
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	870
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	870	1,399
Restricted cash			0	4,400
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	4,400		870	4,400
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	2,977	3,636
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(3,074)	(3,936)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	300
Intercompany investments		0
Other investing activities	125
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(2,949)	(3,636)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	0	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	28	0
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Intercompany equity contributions received		0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(28)	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Restricted cash			0	0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	0		0	0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	41,635	26,206
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(13,874)	(10,212)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	357	525
Intercompany investments		0
Other investing activities	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(13,517)	(9,687)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	(39,097)	(756)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	5,153	4,275
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	130,743	4,355
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	114,812	54,611
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		(11,081)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Intercompany equity contributions received		140
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(18,013)	(57,678)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(494)	(3,144)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	9,611	(44,303)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	35,260	89,782
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	39,003
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	48,614
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	46,991	45,479
Restricted cash			1,623	3,743
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	39,003		48,614	39,003
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
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	39,097	756
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	0	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	0	0
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	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, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	$ 0
Restricted cash			0	0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0