A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-K 25 Oct 17 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Oct. 20, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87,565
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,499,905
Entity Public Float			$ 953

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017		Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,461,124		$ 2,496,005		$ 2,392,225
Cost of sales	2,081,361		2,095,085		2,031,215
Selling, general and administrative expenses	277,365		296,725		276,244
Restructuring expense	13,520		11,768		14,338
Asset impairment	1,053		401,667		0
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses	2,029		0		0
Operating income (loss)	85,796		(309,240)		70,428
Interest expense	53,195		54,548		22,613
Bridge financing fees	0		0		18,750
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	1,781		3,491		3,363
Other (income) expense, net	(1,513)		(774)		(1,438)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	0		0		(1,290)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	32,333		(366,505)		28,430
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	(1,840)		(8,640)		499
Income (loss) from continuing operations	34,173		(357,865)		27,931
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0		1,861		(133)
Net income (loss)	34,173		(356,004)		27,798
Noncontrolling interests	(1,147)		(1,118)		(1,169)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	33,026		(357,122)		26,629
Convertible special stock dividends	7,500		7,500		2,438
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ 25,526		$ (364,622)		$ 24,191
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,401		29,300		29,149
Diluted	29,515		29,300		29,483
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholder
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.87	[1]	$ (12.51)	[1]	$ 0.83
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	[1]	0.07	[1]	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	0.87	[1]	(12.44)	[1]	0.83
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	0.86	[1]	(12.51)	[1]	0.83
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	[1]	0.07	[1]	(0.01)
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	0.86	[1]	(12.44)	[1]	0.82
Cash dividends per common share	0.82		0.82		0.82
Cash dividends per share of convertible special stock	$ 60		$ 60		$ 14.50
[1]	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 34,173	$ (356,004)	$ 27,798
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax of $0 in 2017, $0 in 2016 and $7,076 in 2015		17,355	(20,831)	(72,526)
Net change in net actuarial gains (losses), net of tax of $(6,300) in 2017, $7,288 in 2016 and $(2,743) in 2015		15,192	(16,597)	6,086
Net change in prior service (costs) credits, net of tax of $0 for all periods presented		(520)	(509)	(507)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	32,027	(37,937)	(66,947)
Comprehensive income (loss)		66,200	(393,941)	(39,149)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		976	442	991
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ 65,224	$ (394,383)	$ (40,140)
[1]	All amounts presented are net of tax.

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,076
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax	(6,300)	7,288	(2,743)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 53,251	$ 35,260
Restricted cash		768	8,143
Accounts receivable, net		408,439	376,786
Inventories		276,459	263,617
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		36,712	40,263
Assets held for sale		5,676	0
Total current assets		781,305	724,069
Other assets:
Net property, plant and equipment		298,703	314,822
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets		77,847	88,161
Goodwill		263,735	257,773
Intangible assets, net		332,190	362,614
Total assets		1,753,780	1,747,439
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		318,820	280,060
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable		4,900	8,985
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		46,951	47,569
Other accrued liabilities		61,761	67,704
Short-term debt		32,013	25,447
Total current liabilities		464,445	429,765
Long-term debt		885,178	919,349
Pension plans		135,691	145,108
Deferred income taxes		37,699	59,013
Other long-term liabilities		23,735	25,844
Total liabilities		1,546,748	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 - 48,529 shares in 2017 and 48,510 shares in 2016		48,529	48,510
Additional paid-in capital		279,207	275,115
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(88,523)	(120,721)
Retained earnings		220,357	219,039
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,063 shares in 2017 and 19,069 shares in 2016		(382,841)	(382,963)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity		197,018	159,269
Noncontrolling interests		10,014	9,091
Total equity		207,032	168,360
Total liabilities and equity		$ 1,753,780	$ 1,747,439
[1]	All amounts presented are net of tax.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,529	48,510
Treasury stock shares	19,063	19,069

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]	Common Stock ($1 par value) [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	$ 536,451	$ 0	$ 48,185	$ 268,545	$ (16,691)	$ 606,898	$ (379,894)	$ 9,408
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)	(39,149)				(66,769)	26,629		991
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(1,750)							(1,750)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(24,024)					(24,024)
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(1,813)					(1,813)
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,335)						(3,335)
Issuance of treasury stock	225			117			108
Stock options exercised	64		3	61
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0		331	(331)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(4,999)		(150)	(4,849)
Amortization of restricted stock	10,270			10,270
Tax windfall (shortfall) related to share-based incentive compensation	506			506
Issuance of convertible special stock, net of issuance costs	120,289	120,289
Balance at Aug. 31, 2015	592,735	120,289	48,369	274,319	(83,460)	607,690	(383,121)	8,649
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)	(393,941)				(37,261)	(357,122)		442
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(24,029)					(24,029)
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(7,500)					(7,500)
Issuance of treasury stock	225			67			158
Stock options exercised	33		2	31
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0		190	(190)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(1,139)		(51)	(1,088)
Amortization of restricted stock	2,278			2,278
Tax windfall (shortfall) related to share-based incentive compensation	(302)			(302)
Balance at Aug. 31, 2016	168,360	120,289	48,510	275,115	(120,721)	219,039	(382,963)	9,091
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)	66,200				32,198	33,026		976
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(53)							(53)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(24,208)					(24,208)
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(7,500)					(7,500)
Issuance of treasury stock	191			69			122
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0		41	(41)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	(711)		(22)	(689)
Amortization of restricted stock	4,753			4,753
Balance at Aug. 31, 2017	$ 207,032	$ 120,289	$ 48,529	$ 279,207	$ (88,523)	$ 220,357	$ (382,841)	$ 10,014

Consolidated Statements of Sto8

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Stock Transactions, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.82	$ 0.82	$ 0.82
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 60	$ 60	$ 14.50
Number of treasury stock shares acquired			109

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net income (loss)	$ 34,173	$ (356,004)	$ 27,798
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	43,768	49,925	37,257
Amortization	35,038	39,339	21,983
Deferred tax provision	(21,970)	(37,919)	(19,253)
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	9,520	3,516	7,560
Restricted stock compensation - CEO transition costs, net of cash	0	0	4,789
Asset impairment	1,053	401,667	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(19,077)	28,227	(2,395)
Inventories	(3,911)	44,627	(17,382)
Accounts payable	33,806	(27,465)	(8,139)
Income taxes	(2,793)	12,549	(3,342)
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation	0	0	(506)
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	(9,360)	(9,319)	18,359
Other assets and long-term liabilities	4,471	(1,016)	(6,559)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	104,718	148,127	60,170
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(36,866)	(51,238)	(42,587)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	4,401	1,366	1,985
Distributions from (investments in) equity investees	250	0	(12,456)
Business acquisitions, net of cash	0	0	(808,258)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(32,215)	(49,872)	(861,316)
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(24,208)	(24,029)	(24,024)
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(7,500)	(7,500)	(1,813)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	6,328	2,945	(8,759)
Borrowings on long-term debt	392,593	244,231	1,430,513
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(429,187)	(362,002)	(713,717)
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0	(15,007)
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(53)	0	(1,750)
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation	0	0	506
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury	191	258	289
Issuances of convertible special stock, net	0	0	120,289
Redemptions of common stock	(711)	(1,139)	(4,999)
Purchases of treasury stock	0	0	(3,335)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(62,547)	(147,236)	778,193
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	660	(4,488)	(15,668)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	10,616	(53,469)	(38,621)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	43,403	96,872	135,493
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	54,019	43,403	96,872
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	49,044	54,432	11,187
Income taxes	$ 20,932	$ 22,392	$ 22,651

Business and Summary of Signifi

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) is an international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins. The Company’s customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, custom services, and sports, home & leisure. The Company employs approximately 4,900 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities in the United States & Canada ("USCAN"), Latin America ("LATAM"), Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), Asia Pacific (“APAC”) and Engineered Composites ("EC") segments. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Noncontrolling interests represent a 37% equity position of Alta Plastica S.A. in an Argentinean venture with the Company and a 35% equity position of P.T. Prima Polycon Indah in an Indonesian joint venture with the Company. The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are generally recorded using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each reporting period end. Income statement accounts are translated each month at the average rate of exchange during the month. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity include translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period. Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates include the value of purchase consideration, valuation of accounts receivables, inventories, goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets, contingencies, and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefits, share-based incentive compensation, and restructuring, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors. Management monitors any factors which may have an impact and adjusts such estimates and assumptions when required. Changes in those estimates are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of change. Revenue Recognition The Company’s accounting policy regarding revenue recognition is to recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of a sales agreement, the delivery of goods has occurred where both title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of related billings is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized. Cost of Sales Cost of sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing, distribution and tolling of product, as well as related labor, depreciation and overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished products. Cost of sales also includes freight, packaging and warehousing. Convertible Special Stock Convertible special stock is recorded as an equity instrument as it is not mandatorily redeemable and has more equity-like characteristics. The Company monitors for any potential conversions or fundamental changes as defined in the agreement that would impact the valuation of the convertible special stock. In the event of a conversion or fundamental change, the valuation would be updated based on the valuation on that date. Share-based Incentive Compensation The Company accounts for share-based incentive compensation expense based on the fair value of the awards granted in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The fair value of awards with service and performance conditions is based on quoted market prices of the Company’s stock on the respective grant date. The fair value of awards that include market conditions for vesting is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The Monte Carlo valuation model requires assumptions based on management’s judgment regarding the volatility of the Company’s stock, the correlation between the Company’s stock price and that of its peer companies and the expected rates of interest. The Company uses historical data, corresponding to the vesting period, to determine all of the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo valuation model. The expected volatility assumption is based on daily stock price historical volatility. The correlation between the Company’s stock price and each of the peer companies is determined based on historical daily stock prices of the Company and each of the peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on zero coupon treasury bond rates corresponding to the expected life of the awards. As of August 31, 2017, there were no market-based awards outstanding. Awards that are expected to settle through the issuance of the Company’s common stock are accounted for as equity-classified awards and related compensation expense is recognized based on grant date fair value over the related service period. Awards that may be settled in cash, at the election of the recipient, are accounted for as liability-classified awards. The fair value of such awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period and expense is recognized over the requisite service period. The Company uses an estimate of expected forfeitures in the recognition of all share-based incentive compensation expense that is based on historical experience. Refer to Note 11, Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on share-based incentive compensation. Restructuring The Company records restructuring costs related to the actions implemented to reduce excess and high-cost manufacturing capacity and to reduce associate headcount. Employee-related costs include severance, supplemental unemployment compensation and benefits, medical benefits, pension curtailments and settlements, and other termination benefits. For ongoing benefit arrangements, a liability is recognized when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These conditions are generally met when the restructuring plan is approved by management. For one-time benefit arrangements, a liability is incurred and accrued at the date the plan is communicated to employees, unless they will be retained beyond a minimum retention period. In this case, the liability is estimated at the date the plan is communicated to employees and is accrued ratably over the future service period. Other costs generally include non-cancelable lease costs, contract terminations, and relocation costs. A liability for these costs is recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. Restructuring charges related to accelerated depreciation and asset impairments are recorded separately within the consolidated statements of operations. Refer to Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on restructuring charges. Asset Impairment Long-lived assets, except goodwill, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such asset groups. If such asset groups are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Income Taxes The Company recognizes income taxes during the period in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income. Accordingly, deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. No taxes are provided on certain foreign earnings which are permanently reinvested. Accruals for uncertain tax positions are provided for in accordance with accounting rules related to uncertainty in income taxes. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. Refer to Note 7, Income Taxes, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on income taxes. Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are diversified with numerous financial institutions which management believes to have acceptable credit ratings. These cash equivalents are primarily money-market funds and short-term time deposits. The money-market funds are rated primarily A or higher by third parties. Management monitors the placement of its cash given the current credit market. The recorded amount of these cash equivalents approximates fair value. Investments with maturities between three and twelve months are considered to be short-term investments. As of August 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company did not hold any short-term investments. Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $0.8 million as of August 31, 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 12 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 and $7.5 million of these refunds repaid to the seller are subject to an equitable lien related to the Lucent Matter. Refer to Note 17, Contingencies and Claims , of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amount shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows: August 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,251 $ 35,260 $ 96,872 $ 135,493 Restricted cash 768 8,143 — — Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows $ 54,019 $ 43,403 $ 96,872 $ 135,493 Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Management records an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on the current and projected credit quality of the Company’s customers, customer payment history and other factors that affect collectability. Changes in these factors or changes in economic circumstances could result in changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts on a periodic basis. Trade accounts receivables are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when the Company determines it is probable the account receivable will not be collected. Trade accounts receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, reflect the net realizable value of receivables, and approximate fair value. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet exposure related to its customers. Refer to Note 3, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the allowance for doubtful accounts. Inventories Inventories are recorded at lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average cost or first-in, first-out method. The Company generally does not distinguish between raw materials and finished goods because numerous products that can be sold as finished goods are also used as raw materials in the production of other inventory items. Management establishes an estimated excess and obsolete inventory reserve based on historical experience and amounts expected to be realized for slow-moving and obsolete inventory. Assets Held for Sale During 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 of August 31, 2017 , the Company has $5.7 million of assets held for sale classified on the consolidated balance sheet that represents the net book value of these properties along with certain machinery and equipment. 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 and depreciation has ceased. 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 August 31, 2017 . Subsequent to August 31, 2017, the Company sold two properties, previously classified as held for sale, received cash proceeds of $6.1 million and recognized a gain of $3.1 million . Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation The components of net property, plant and equipment at August 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: August 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Property, plant and equipment, at cost: Land and improvements $ 31,933 $ 32,957 Buildings and leasehold improvements 186,785 184,291 Machinery and equipment 471,978 447,932 Furniture and fixtures 34,628 34,457 Construction in progress 17,860 20,431 Gross property, plant and equipment 743,184 720,068 Accumulated depreciation 444,481 405,246 Net property, plant and equipment $ 298,703 $ 314,822 Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. The cost of significant betterments and improvements are capitalized in the property accounts. Capital expenditures for each fiscal year exclude liabilities that are included in accounts payable of $1.9 million , $8.8 million and $4.4 million as of August 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. It is the Company’s policy to depreciate the cost of property, plant and equipment over the estimated useful lives of the assets, and for leasehold improvements over the shorter of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives used in the computation of depreciation are as follows: Buildings and leasehold improvements 7 to 40 years Machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Estimated useful lives are reviewed when certain events occur or operating conditions change and when appropriate, changes are made prospectively. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of is eliminated from the related accounts. Gains or losses are recognized in other (income) expense when sales or disposals occur. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Purchase Accounting, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Business combinations are accounted for at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company generally uses valuation specialists to perform appraisals and assist in the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These valuations require management to make estimates and assumptions. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of June 1 for all reporting units. If circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value, the Company would test goodwill for impairment during interim periods between annual tests. Management uses judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative or quantitative fair value measurement approach. Qualitative trends and factors considered in the Company's analysis included overall economic conditions, access to capital markets, industry projections, competitive environment, forecasted operating results, business strategy, stock price and market capitalization, and other relevant qualitative trends and factors. The fair value used in the quantitative analysis is established using an equal weighting of the income and market approaches. The impairment test incorporates our judgment and estimates of future cash flows, future growth rates, terminal value amounts, allocations of certain assets, liabilities and cash flows among reporting units, and the applicable weighted-average cost of capital used to discount those estimated cash flows. The estimates and projections used in the estimate of fair value are consistent with our current budget and long-range plans, including anticipated changes in market conditions, industry trends, growth rates, and planned capital expenditures, among other considerations. These valuation methodologies use estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the determination of appropriate market comparables, projected future cash flows (including timing and profitability), discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rate, and projected future economic and market conditions. Other intangible assets with finite useful lives, which consist primarily of registered trademarks and tradenames, customer related intangibles, and developed technology, are amortized over their estimated useful lives on either a straight-line or double-declining basis, reflective of the pattern of economic benefits consumed. The estimated useful lives for each major category of intangible assets with finite useful lives are: Customer related intangibles 9 to 20 years Developed technology 10 to 20 years Registered trademarks and tradenames 3 to 25 years Refer to Note 2, Business Acquisitions, and Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on acquisitions, goodwill and other intangible assets. Retirement Plans The Company has defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans covering certain employees in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The pension and postretirement benefit accounting reflects the recognition of future benefit costs over the employee’s approximate period of employment based on the terms of the plans and the investment and funding decisions made by the Company. Generally, the defined benefit pension plans accrue the current and prior service costs annually and funding is not required for all plans. Refer to Note 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on retirement plans. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company accounts for its derivative instruments in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance which requires all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are adjusted to their fair market value through the consolidated statement of operations. Gains or losses on foreign exchange forward contracts that relate to specific transactions are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations offsetting the underlying foreign currency gains or losses. Currently, the Company does not designate any of these contracts as hedges. Refer to Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on derivative instruments and hedging activities. Fair Value Measurement Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. This framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows: • Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3: Unobservable inputs which reflect an entity’s own assumptions. Refer to Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on fair value measurements. New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Adopted In The Current Period In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standard update removing step two from the goodwill impairment test. If a reporting unit fails the quantitative impairment test, impairment expense is immediately recorded as the difference between the reporting unit's fair value and carrying value. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and is applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this standard effective March 1, 2017. In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash would be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This amendment is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this standard effective December 1, 2016. The Company has $0.8 million and $8.1 million of restricted cash on its consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2017 and 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 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 adopted this standard effective September 1, 2016. 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 $5.8 million and $5.1 million during the twelve months ended August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Total net periodic pension cost was $12.7 million and $10.3 million during the twelve months ended August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company plans to adopt this standard on September 1, 2018. 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 adoption is permitted. The Company anticipates maintaining its current policy to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine stock-based compensation expense and does not expect the adoption of the standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company will adopt this standard on September 1, 2017. 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 adoption is permitted. The Company regularly enters into operating leases which previously did not require recognition on the balance sheet. The Company has developed its project plan, is currently evaluating the effects this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and plans to adopt this standard on 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. 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 documenting the impact of the guidance on our current accounting policies and practices in order to identify material differences, if any, that would result from applying the new requirements to our revenue contracts. We continue to make progress on our revenue recognition review and are also in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, on changes to our business processes, systems, and controls to support recognition and disclosure requirements under the new guidance. 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.

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions [Text Block]	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Citadel On June 1, 2015, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Citadel, a privately held portfolio company of certain private equity firms, for $801.6 million . Citadel was a plastics materials science business that produced engineered composites and engineered plastics for specialty product applications spanning multiple industries including mobility, industrial & construction, consumer, electrical, energy and healthcare & safety. The acquisition was intended to expand the Company's presence, especially in the North America engineered plastics markets as well as balance the global geographic footprint, and give the Company a second growth platform with its added-value specialty engineered composites business. The acquisition was intended to enhance the Company's existing portfolio and presented attractive expansion opportunities in other fast-growing sectors such as aerospace, medical, LED lighting and oil & gas. Refer to Note 17, Contingencies and Claims, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details on the Company's ongoing litigation against the defendants related to the Citadel acquisition. The information included herein has been prepared based on the allocation of the purchase price using estimates of the fair value and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed which were determined with the assistance of independent valuations using discounted cash flow and comparative market multiple approaches, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. The following table presents the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Citadel acquisition at the date of acquisition: As of June 1, 2015 (In thousands) Accounts receivable $ 71,767 Inventories 40,942 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,556 Property, plant and equipment 78,112 Intangible assets 325,000 Other long-term assets 3,606 Total assets acquired $ 533,983 Accounts payable $ 28,854 Accrued liabilities 19,853 Deferred income taxes, long-term 111,507 Other long-term liabilities 3,121 Total liabilities assumed $ 163,335 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 370,648 Goodwill 430,912 Net assets acquired $ 801,560 The Company recorded acquired intangible assets of $325.0 million , with an estimated weighted-average useful life of 14.1 years. These intangible assets include customer related intangibles of $230.5 million , developed technology of $75.3 million , and trademarks and trade names of $19.2 million , with estimated weighted-average useful lives of 14.0 years, 16.3 years and 8.1 years, respectively. In addition, the estimated fair value of accounts receivable acquired was $71.8 million with the gross contractual amount being $72.1 million . Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the acquisition, and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The amount allocated to goodwill associated with the Citadel acquisition is primarily the result of anticipated synergies resulting from the consolidation and centralization of manufacturing and global purchasing activities, insurance savings, and elimination of duplicate corporate administrative costs and the previously discussed market expansion. The Company allocated goodwill to its USCAN Engineered Plastics reporting unit, which is now part of the Performance Materials reporting unit, and to its global Engineered Composites reporting unit. Except for certain pre-acquisition tax-deductible goodwill, none of the goodwill associated with this transaction is deductible for income tax purposes. Certain goodwill and intangible assets from the Citadel acquisition were subsequently impaired during fiscal 2016. Refer to Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details. Net sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from the Citadel acquisition are included in fiscal 2017 and 2016 results. Amounts included in the Company’s results in fiscal 2015 are as follows: June 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 (In thousands) Net sales $ 116,659 Income before taxes 4,999 Net income attributable to A. Schulman Inc. 4,304 Income before taxes for the Citadel acquisition from June 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 includes $2.7 million of pretax purchase accounting inventory step-up charges. A. Schulman's fiscal year ends on August 31 while Citadel's fiscal year ended on December 31. The pro forma information in the table below for the year ended August 31, 2015 includes A. Schulman's twelve months ended August 31, 2015 and Citadel's nine months ended March 31, 2015. The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Citadel acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2013: For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,769,560 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 23,870 Net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.81 The unaudited pro forma information has been adjusted with respect to certain aspects of the acquisition to reflect the following: • Citadel acquired The Composites Group (“TCG”) in November of 2014. For purposes of the pro forma information disclosed above, the TCG acquisition was included as if the acquisition date was as of September 1, 2013. • Additional depreciation and amortization expenses that would have been recognized assuming fair value adjustments to the existing Citadel assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including intangible assets, fixed assets and expense associated with the fair value step-up of inventory acquired. • Increased interest expense due to additional borrowings to fund the acquisition. • Adjustment of valuation allowances associated with U.S. deferred tax assets. • To push back acquisition-related costs of $14.1 million to September 1, 2013. These costs were included in the Company’s results of operations for the year ended August 31, 2015. • To push back costs associated with the Bridge Financing of $18.8 million to September 1, 2013. These costs were expensed during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the planned integration of the acquired business. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed as of September 1, 2013, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the Company. Other Business Acquisitions The following table summarizes the Company's other business acquisition for the periods presented: Transaction Description Date of Transaction Purchase Consideration (In millions) Segment Compco Pty. Ltd. September 2, 2014 $6.7 APAC A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia The Company incurred $0.6 million , $8.8 million and $17.3 million of acquisition and integration related costs, primarily included in selling, general & administrative expenses, during fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Text Block]	ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS The change in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows: For the Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 11,341 $ 10,777 $ 10,844 Provision 2,062 2,097 1,956 Write-offs, net of recoveries (2,801 ) (1,445 ) (973 ) Translation effect 569 (88 ) (1,050 ) Ending balance $ 11,171 $ 11,341 $ 10,777

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Text Block]	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The changes in the Company’s carrying value of goodwill are as follows: EMEA USCAN LATAM APAC EC Total (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 75,714 $ 285,791 $ 11,695 $ 901 $ 249,482 $ 623,583 Acquisitions (1) — (2,633 ) — — 2,154 (479 ) Impairment (16,752 ) (166,789 ) — — (177,167 ) (360,708 ) Translation (4,931 ) — 233 35 40 (4,623 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 54,031 116,369 11,928 936 74,509 257,773 Translation 4,149 — 1,600 (2 ) 215 5,962 Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 58,180 $ 116,369 $ 13,528 $ 934 $ 74,724 $ 263,735 (1) Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocations, primarily due to inventory and deferred tax adjustments. The decrease in goodwill during fiscal 2016 is primarily due to goodwill impairment of $360.7 million , which also represents total accumulated impairment expense recognized to-date, and is included in asset impairment charges in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. During 2016, the EMEA Specialty Powers ("SP") reporting unit, which is now part of the EMEA Custom Concentrates & Services ("CCS") reporting unit, the USCAN Engineered Plastics ("EP") reporting unit, which is now part of the USCAN Performance Materials ("PM") reporting unit, and the EC reporting unit did not meet volume and revenue expectations. Additionally, the reporting units associated with the Citadel acquisition had lower margins than planned due, in part, to remediation and changes in business practices undertaken to address the Lucent quality matter (USCAN PM), as well as the impact of the current oil and gas market (EC). The Company completed its annual impairment review of goodwill as of June 1, 2017 and noted no impairment. Based on the quantitative fair value measurements performed, the Company concluded that the fair value of the USCAN PM reporting unit exceeded its carrying values by 5%. The Company is not aware of any triggers which would require a goodwill impairment test as of August 31, 2017 . The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: As of August 31, 2017 As of August 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 359,227 $ (91,910 ) $ 267,317 $ 359,713 $ (67,207 ) $ 292,506 Developed technology 73,171 (18,574 ) 54,597 72,657 (13,864 ) 58,793 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,347 (8,071 ) 10,276 18,097 (6,782 ) 11,315 Total finite-lived $ 450,745 $ (118,555 ) $ 332,190 $ 450,467 $ (87,853 ) $ 362,614 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $31.7 million , $36.1 million and $19.4 million for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The weighted-average useful life of our finite-lived intangible assets as of August 31, 2017 is 12.0 years. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company discontinued the use of certain tradenames and developed technology associated with the Citadel acquisition. While the Company initially concluded there was value to these assets at the time of the acquisition in June 2015, while performing the ASC 360 test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company determined that there was no value for these intangible assets and recorded intangible asset impairment of $34.5 million . This determination was based on the abandonment of the majority of the Citadel tradenames following the acquisition integration in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 primarily as a result of the Lucent matter. The developed technology impairment was a result of the Lucent matter, as significant changes were required to thermoplastic formulations subsequent to the acquisition. The company impaired intangible assets of $7.6 million in the EC segment and $26.9 million in the USCAN segment which are included in asset impairment charges in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows: Estimated Future Amortization Expense (In thousands) Year ended August 31, 2018 $ 30,917 2019 30,514 2020 30,334 2021 28,924 2022 27,066

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: As of August 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 17,263 $ 10,333 Current portion of long-term debt 14,750 15,114 Short-term debt $ 32,013 $ 25,447 Short-term weighted average interest rate 6.20 % 7.58 % Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 51,250 $ 17,279 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 166,250 177,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 298,115 341,407 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 3,276 3,727 Unamortized debt issuance costs (8,713 ) (10,242 ) Long-term debt $ 885,178 $ 919,349 Senior Notes On May 26, 2015, the Company issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). The Notes were sold on May 26, 2015 in a private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") for 540 days from issuance. During fiscal 2015, the Company capitalized $11.3 million in debt issuance costs related to the Notes. 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 17, 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. The Notes mature on June 1, 2023 and are senior unsecured obligations of the Company that are guaranteed on a senior basis by the material domestic guarantors under the Credit Facility (as defined below). The Notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability, in certain circumstances, of the Company to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or other restricted payments, incur liens on assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate with another company, and transfer or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of August 31, 2017 . The Company has the option to redeem these Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 1, 2018 at redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date of 105.156% , 103.438% , 101.719% and 100% during the 12-month periods commencing on June 1, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and thereafter, respectively. Prior to June 1, 2018, the Company may redeem these Notes, in whole or in part, and pay the applicable premium that includes the redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. 2015 Credit Agreement On June 1, 2015, the Company and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated Credit Agreement for approximately $1 billion with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as global agent, the lenders named in the Credit Agreement and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint bookrunners and joint lead arrangers (the "Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement provides for: • a multi-currency revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to $300 million (the “Revolving Facility"); • a $200 million term loan A facility (the "Term Loan A Facility") with quarterly payments due until maturity; • a $350 million U.S. term loan B facility (the "U.S. Term Loan B Facility") with quarterly payments due until maturity; • a €145 million term loan B facility (the "Euro Term Loan B Facility") with quarterly payments due until maturity; and • an expansion feature allowing the Company to incur additional revolving loans and/or term loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $250 million plus additional amounts that are subject to certain terms and conditions (the "Incremental Facility" and, together with the Revolving Facility, the Term Loan A Facility, the U.S. Term Loan B Facility and the Euro Term Loan B Facility, the "Credit Facility"). The Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility each mature on June 1, 2020, and the U.S. Term Loan B Facility and Euro Term Loan B Facility each mature on June 1, 2022. In addition to the required Term Loan quarterly payments due until maturity, the Company repaid $56.0 million of term debt in fiscal 2017. As of August 31, 2017, the Euro Term Loan B Facility has been repaid in full. The Credit Facility is jointly and severally guaranteed by certain material domestic subsidiaries of the Company (the "Guarantors”). Payment and performance under the Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all tangible property of the Company and each Guarantor, including a pledge of 100% of the stock of certain domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the stock of certain foreign subsidiaries subject to materiality and customary exceptions. Foreign obligations are secured by a pledge of 100% of the stock of the foreign borrower and other pledged foreign subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company and its subsidiaries' ability to incur indebtedness and grant liens other than certain types of permitted indebtedness and permitted liens. In addition, the Company is required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and cannot exceed a maximum net debt leverage ratio for the Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility. In October 2017, the Company amended the Credit Agreement and increased the net leverage ratio covenant to provide the Company additional financial flexibility to execute on its growth strategy. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of August 31, 2017 and does not believe a subsequent covenant violation is reasonably possible at this time. Interest rates under the Credit Agreement are based on ABR or LIBOR (depending on the borrowing currency) plus a spread determined by the Company's total leverage ratio. Borrowings under the U.S. Term Loan B Facility and Euro Term Loan B Facility are subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.75% . When market LIBOR rates are lower than the 0.75% floor, the interest rate on the Term Loan B Facilities is based on the LIBOR floor plus a spread. The Company is also required to pay a facility fee on the commitments for the unused portion of the Revolving Facility. Additionally, the Revolving Facility provides for a portion of the funds to be made available as a short-term swing-line loan. Additional Debt During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company obtained commitments for a senior unsecured bridge loan of $425.0 million and a senior secured credit facility of $875.0 million (together, the "Bridge Financing") to finance the Citadel acquisition in the event permanent financing was not available in time to close the Citadel acquisition. The Company did not draw on the Bridge Financing due to the successful issuance of the Notes and the Convertible Special Stock (refer to Note 9, Convertible Special Stock, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) and the execution of the Credit Agreement. The Company incurred and expensed financing fees of $18.8 million on the Bridge Financing during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Upon finalizing the Citadel acquisition and related financings on June 1, 2015, the Bridge Financing was terminated and no longer available to the Company. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company prepaid the entire principal balance of €42.8 million of its Euro Notes along with accrued interest. The Company recognized a net gain of $1.3 million on the early extinguishment of debt consisting of a gain of $3.9 million on a related foreign currency swap, partially offset by early termination fees of $2.5 million and a write-off of $0.1 million of deferred financing fees. The table below summarizes the Company’s available funds: As of August 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Existing capacity: Revolving Facility, due June 2020 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Foreign short-term lines of credit 30,890 37,953 Total capacity from credit lines $ 330,890 $ 337,953 Availability: Revolving Facility, due June 2020 $ 242,040 $ 279,120 Foreign short-term lines of credit 14,660 27,959 Total available funds from credit lines $ 256,700 $ 307,079 Total available funds from credit lines represents the total capacity from credit lines less outstanding borrowings of $67.4 million and $26.6 million as of August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and issued letters of credit of $6.8 million and $4.3 million as of August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Aggregate maturities of debt, including capital lease obligations, subsequent to August 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2018 $ 32,013 2019 19,582 2020 207,798 2021 3,728 2022 288,293 2023 and thereafter 375,000 Less: unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs (9,223 ) Total debt 917,191

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value: August 31, 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 $ 286 $ — $ 286 $ — $ 487 $ — $ 487 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 268 $ — $ 268 $ — $ 951 $ — $ 951 $ — The Company's cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. The carrying value of the Company's variable-rate debt approximates fair value. The fair value of the Company’s long-term fixed-rate Senior Notes, based on quoted market prices, was $389.5 million as of August 31, 2017 . The fair value of the Company's long-term fixed-rate Senior Notes, estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities, was $378.8 million as of August 31, 2016 . The carrying value of this debt was $375.0 million as of August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. 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 aggregate notional amount of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding was $92.7 million and $115.9 million as of August 31, 2017 and 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 August 31, 2017 and 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. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, for the purpose of impairment evaluation, the Company measured the implied fair value of the Company's goodwill and long-lived assets within the EMEA SP reporting unit, which is now part of the EMEA CCS reporting unit, the USCAN EP reporting unit, which is now part of the USCAN PM reporting unit, and the EC reporting unit. We utilized income and market approaches to determine the fair value of these Level 3 assets. For more information, refer to Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. There were no other significant assets or liabilities that were remeasured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of August 31, 2017 and 2016 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) U.S. $ (32,930 ) $ (433,199 ) $ (43,770 ) Foreign 65,263 66,694 72,200 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 32,333 $ (366,505 ) $ 28,430 The provisions for U.S. and foreign income taxes consist of the following: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Current taxes: U.S. $ (1,561 ) $ 813 $ 1,674 Foreign 21,691 28,466 18,078 Total current tax expense (benefit) 20,130 29,279 19,752 Deferred taxes: U.S. (18,552 ) (34,069 ) (19,985 ) Foreign (3,418 ) (3,850 ) 732 Total deferred tax expense (benefit) (21,970 ) (37,919 ) (19,253 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,840 ) $ (8,640 ) $ 499 A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates of (5.7)% in 2017 , 2.4% in 2016 , and 1.8% in 2015 is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Amount % of Pretax Income Amount % of Pretax Income Amount % of Pretax Income (In thousands, except for %s) U.S. statutory federal income tax rate $ 11,317 35.0 % $ (128,277 ) 35.0 % $ 9,951 35.0 % Foreign rate differential, net of U.S. tax on certain foreign current year earnings 2,213 6.8 10,069 (2.7 ) (692 ) (2.4 ) Foreign losses with no tax benefit 1,026 3.2 1,866 (0.5 ) 3,956 14.0 Worthless stock deduction (14,735 ) (45.6 ) — — — — U.S. non-deductible transaction costs — — — — 1,349 4.7 State taxes, net of federal benefit (3,894 ) (12.0 ) 2,564 (0.7 ) (202 ) (0.7 ) Valuation allowance charges (reversals) — — 863 (0.2 ) (12,279 ) (43.2 ) Non-deductible goodwill impairment — — 106,503 (29.1 ) — — Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax 1,724 5.3 482 (0.1 ) (1,030 ) (3.6 ) Other 509 1.6 (2,710 ) 0.7 (554 ) (2.0 ) Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes $ (1,840 ) (5.7 )% $ (8,640 ) 2.4 % $ 499 1.8 % Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) consist of the following: As of August 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Pensions $ 23,585 $ 28,400 Inventory reserves 3,503 2,176 Bad debt reserves 2,071 1,680 Accruals 6,509 7,844 Postretirement benefits other than pensions 6,599 6,255 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 23,305 21,967 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 5,442 5,442 Alternative minimum tax carryforwards 1,493 2,289 Interest carryforwards 6,039 2,713 U.S. net operating loss carryforwards 35,288 33,059 Other 11,299 13,498 Gross deferred tax assets 125,133 125,323 Valuation allowance (33,648 ) (29,089 ) Total deferred tax assets 91,485 96,234 Property, plant and equipment (12,039 ) (16,194 ) Intangibles (80,991 ) (89,919 ) Unremitted foreign earnings — (9,003 ) Other (4,529 ) (3,925 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (97,559 ) (119,041 ) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (6,074 ) $ (22,807 ) The effective tax rate for the year ended August 31, 2017 was less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate primarily because of a worthless stock tax deduction relating to the Company's investment in an insolvent foreign subsidiary. The fiscal 2017 effective tax rate benefit represents a U.S. tax deduction for prior accounting losses for which no tax benefit has previously been allowed. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has a U.S. federal net operating loss carryforward of $83.5 million which will begin to expire in 2035, resulting in a deferred tax asset of $29.3 million . In connection with the acquisition of Citadel during the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company reversed its valuation allowance on most of its federal deferred tax assets. This reversal was due to deferred tax liabilities recorded as part of the Citadel acquisition. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $76.7 million resulting in a deferred tax asset of $23.3 million . These foreign net operating loss carryforwards are primarily from countries with unlimited carryforward periods, but include $4.9 million of carryforwards subject to expiration in years 2020 to 2025. A valuation allowance totaling $15.1 million has been recorded against this deferred tax asset where recovery of the carryforward is uncertain. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has domestic state and local net operating loss carryforwards of $166.9 million resulting in a deferred tax asset of $6.0 million partially offset by a valuation allowance of $4.3 million . These net operating loss carryforwards expire in years 2018 to 2037. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has $2.3 million in foreign tax credit carryforwards that will expire in 2019 and $5.4 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards that will expire in 2025. The foreign tax credit carryforwards have been offset by a full valuation allowance. The amount of foreign tax credit carryforwards and U.S. net operating loss carryforwards shown in the table above for fiscal 2017 has been reduced by unrealized stock compensation attributes of $2.6 million . As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has $1.5 million of alternative minimum tax carryforwards which have an unlimited carryforward period. Deferred charges included $31.6 million and $36.2 million from the tax effect of temporary differences at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $4.2 million . If recognized $3.3 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company elects to report interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. At August 31, 2017 , the Company had $1.4 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 2015 onward, other foreign jurisdictions - from 2011 onward. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits is expected to change in the next 12 months; however, the change is not expected to have a significant impact on the financial position of the Company. A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 2,993 $ 2,031 $ 3,845 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (194 ) (53 ) (259 ) Increases related to prior year tax positions 1,661 275 509 Increases related to current year tax positions 489 826 61 Settlements (945 ) — (376 ) Lapse of statute of limitations — (71 ) (1,192 ) Foreign currency impact 223 (15 ) (557 ) Ending balance $ 4,227 $ 2,993 $ 2,031 As of August 31, 2017 , no taxes have been provided on the undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries amounting to $515.9 million because the Company intends to permanently reinvest these earnings. Quantification of the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings is not practicable.

Pension and Postretirement Bene

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The Company has defined benefit pension plans that cover employees primarily in its foreign subsidiaries, and other postretirement benefit plans that primarily include health care and life insurance plans in the U.S. Benefits for the defined benefit pension plans are based primarily on years of service and qualifying compensation during the final years of employment. The measurement date for all plans is August 31. Postretirement health care and life insurance benefits are provided to certain U.S. employees that have met certain age and length of service requirements while working for the Company. The U.S. postretirement health care and life insurance ("OPEB") plan is closed to new participants and is an unfunded plan. Components of the plan obligations and assets, the recorded liability and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ (198,385 ) $ (165,205 ) $ (10,491 ) $ (10,137 ) Service cost (5,816 ) (5,051 ) (3 ) (3 ) Interest cost (2,348 ) (4,198 ) (249 ) (390 ) Participant contributions (55 ) (155 ) (42 ) (47 ) Actuarial gains (losses) 18,499 (36,159 ) (208 ) (755 ) Settlements 7,171 — — — Curtailments 318 1,369 — — Benefits paid 4,289 4,597 921 841 Plan amendments 10 — — — Translation adjustment (8,341 ) 6,417 — — Benefit obligation at end of year $ (184,658 ) $ (198,385 ) $ (10,072 ) $ (10,491 ) Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 50,066 $ 44,325 $ — $ — Actual return on assets 264 8,365 — — Employer contributions 5,124 5,658 879 794 Participant contributions 55 155 42 47 Settlements (7,075 ) — — — — — Benefits paid (4,289 ) (4,597 ) (921 ) (841 ) Translation adjustment 1,396 (3,840 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 45,541 $ 50,066 $ — $ — Underfunded $ (139,117 ) $ (148,319 ) $ (10,072 ) $ (10,491 ) Classification of net amount recognized: Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits $ (3,426 ) $ (3,211 ) $ (819 ) $ (805 ) Long-term liabilities (135,691 ) (145,108 ) (9,253 ) (9,686 ) Net amount recognized $ (139,117 ) $ (148,319 ) $ (10,072 ) $ (10,491 ) Amounts recognized in AOCI: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ 52,249 $ 73,922 $ (766 ) $ (974 ) Net prior service cost (credit) 118 132 (357 ) (899 ) Net amount recognized in AOCI $ 52,367 $ 74,054 $ (1,123 ) $ (1,873 ) Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ (17,577 ) $ 28,358 $ 208 $ 755 Prior service cost (credit) (11 ) — — — Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain (3,962 ) (2,843 ) — 56 Amortization of prior service (cost) credit (11 ) (32 ) 542 541 Settlement/curtailment gains (losses) (2,052 ) (68 ) — — Translation adjustment 1,926 (2,324 ) — — Total change in AOCI $ (21,687 ) $ 23,091 $ 750 $ 1,352 The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Year Ended August 31, Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Service cost $ 5,816 $ 5,051 $ 4,609 $ 3 $ 3 $ 3 Interest cost 2,348 4,198 4,362 249 390 440 Expected return on plan assets (1,502 ) (1,934 ) (1,799 ) — — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 11 32 144 (542 ) (597 ) (541 ) Recognized (gains) losses due to plan settlements 2,258 — — — — — Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments (229 ) 68 — — — — Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) 3,985 2,843 2,884 — — — Total net periodic benefit cost $ 12,687 $ 10,258 $ 10,200 $ (290 ) $ (204 ) $ (98 ) Amounts expected to be amortized from AOCI and included in total net periodic benefit cost during the year ended August 31, 2018 , are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 2,791 $ — Prior service cost (credit) 11 (241 ) Total $ 2,802 $ (241 ) Selected information regarding the Company’s pension and OPEB plans is as follows: As of August 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Pension Plans: All plans: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 184,151 $ 183,298 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 184,658 $ 198,385 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 171,300 $ 183,298 Fair value of plan assets $ 45,541 $ 50,066 Plans with projected benefit obligations less than plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ — $ — Accumulated benefit obligation $ — $ — Fair value of plan assets $ — $ — OPEB Plan: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,072 $ 10,491 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 10,072 $ 10,491 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,072 $ 10,491 The underfunded position of the pension plans is primarily related to the Company’s German and United Kingdom pension plans. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company’s German and United Kingdom pension plans are underfunded by $124.0 million . In Germany, there are no statutory requirements for funding while in the United Kingdom there are certain statutory minimum funding requirements. Pension Benefits Assumptions used to determine pension obligations and expense follow: Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate 2.1 % 1.5 % 2.6 % Rate of compensation increase 2.1 % 2.1 % 2.4 % Assumptions used to determine expense 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation 1.5 % 2.6 % 2.8 % Discount rate used to determine service cost 1.6 % 2.6 % 2.8 % Discount rate used to determine interest cost 1.2 % 2.6 % 2.8 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 3.1 % 4.5 % 4.7 % Rate of compensation increase 2.1 % 2.4 % 2.4 % The expected long-term rate of return on pension assets was determined for each country and reflects long-term historical data taking into account each plan's target asset allocation. The discount rates were determined using appropriate bond data for each country. Other Postretirement Benefits Assumptions used to determine other postretirement benefits obligations and expense follow: Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate 3.4 % 3.1 % 4.0 % Assumptions used to determine expense 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation 3.1 % 4.0 % 3.8 % Discount rate used to determine service cost 2.9 % 4.0 % 3.8 % Discount rate used to determine interest cost 2.5 % 4.0 % 3.8 % Initial health care cost trend rate 6.3 % 6.5 % 6.8 % Ultimate health care cost trend rate 5.0 % 5.0 % 5.0 % Year ultimate health care trend rate is achieved 2023 2023 2023 The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, annually, or as needed for interim remeasurements, reviews and selects the discount rates to be used in connection with its defined benefit pension plans. The discount rates used by the Company are based on the yields of various corporate bond indices with actual maturity dates that approximate the estimated benefit payment streams of the related pension plans. For countries in which there are no deep corporate bond markets, discount rates used by the Company are based on yields of various government bond indices with varying maturity dates. The discount rates are also reviewed in comparison with current benchmark indices, economic market conditions and the movement in the benchmark yield since the previous fiscal year. The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, annually, or as needed for interim remeasurements, reviews and selects the discount rate to be used in connection with its postretirement obligation. When selecting the discount rate the Company uses a model that considers the demographics of the participants and the resulting expected benefit payment stream over the participants’ lifetime. For fiscal 2018 , the Company, in consultation with its actuaries, has selected assumptions used to determine expense yielding a weighted-average discount rate of 2.1% to determine benefit obligation, 2.4% to determine service cost, 1.7% to determine interest cost, expected long-term return on plan assets of 3.4% and rate of compensation increase of 1.8% for its defined benefit pension plans. For its postretirement benefit plan, the Company, in consultation with its actuaries, has selected assumptions used to determine expense yielding a weighted-average discount rate of 3.4% to determine benefit obligation, 3.3% to determine service cost, and 2.8% to determine interest cost for fiscal 2018 . Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the OPEB plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of August 31, 2017 : One-Percentage - Point Increase One-Percentage - Point Decrease (In thousands) Effect on aggregate of service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 24 $ (21 ) Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 865 $ (753 ) The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocation and target allocation, by asset category are as follows: Plan Assets Target Allocation As of August 31, As of August 31, Asset Category 2017 2016 2017 2016 Equity securities 29 % 22 % 27 % 20 % Debt securities 18 % 18 % 6 % 9 % Fixed insurance contracts 50 % 59 % 64 % 70 % Cash 1 % 1 % 1 % 1 % Real Estate 2 % — % 2 % — % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % The Company’s principal objective is to ensure that sufficient funds are available to provide benefits as and when required under the terms of the plans. The Company utilizes investments that provide benefits and maximizes the long-term investment performance of the plans without taking on undue risk while complying with various legal funding requirements. The Company, through its investment advisors, has developed detailed asset and liability models to aid in implementing optimal asset allocation strategies. The equity securities are invested in equity indexed funds, which minimizes concentration risk while offering market returns. The debt securities are invested in a long-term bond indexed fund which provides a stable low risk return. The fixed insurance contracts allow the Company to closely match a portion of the liability to the expected payout of benefit with little risk. The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, analyzes current market trends, the current plan performance and expected market performance of both the equity and bond markets to arrive at the expected return on each asset category over the long term. The Company’s plan assets which are invested in equity and debt securities are valued utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. In consultation with the Company's actuaries, plan assets invested in fixed insurance contracts are valued utilizing Level 3 inputs primarily based on the present value of discounted future cash flows taking into account the estimated future benefits of a profit sharing arrangement with an insurance company. The Company believes there is not a significant concentration of risk within its plan assets. The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets, all of which are for foreign plans, are as follows: As of August 31, 2017 As of August 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Equity securities $ 13,149 $ 7,550 $ 5,599 $ — $ 10,940 $ 1,615 $ 9,325 $ — Debt securities 8,133 5,844 2,289 — 8,969 4,905 4,064 — Fixed insurance contracts 23,002 — — 23,002 29,855 — — 29,855 Cash 442 442 — — 302 302 — — Other 815 — — 815 — — — — Total $ 45,541 $ 13,836 $ 7,888 $ 23,817 $ 50,066 $ 6,822 $ 13,389 $ 29,855 The change in fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets classified as Level 3, all of which are for foreign plans, is as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of fiscal year $ 29,855 $ 18,538 Actual return on plan assets (14,315 ) 11,539 Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net 3,322 2,864 Foreign currency translation 4,955 (3,086 ) Balance, end of fiscal year $ 23,817 $ 29,855 The Company expects to contribute $5.8 million for its pension obligations and $0.8 million to its other postretirement plan in fiscal 2018 . The benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are as follows: Year Ended August 31, Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits (In thousands) 2018 $ 4,869 $ 833 2019 4,694 854 2020 5,154 823 2021 5,336 772 2022 5,446 775 Years 2023 — 2027 34,260 3,374 The Company maintains several defined contribution plans that cover domestic and foreign employees. The plan in which each employee is eligible to participate depends upon the subsidiary for which the employee works. Certain plans have eligibility requirements related to age and period of service with the Company. Certain plans have salary deferral features that enable participating employees to contribute up to a certain percentage of their earnings, subject to statutory limits and certain foreign plans require the Company to match employee contributions in cash. Employee contributions to the Company’s U.S. 401(k) plans have matching features whereas the Company will match a participant’s contribution up to a pre-approved amount of the participant’s annual salary. The total expense for defined contribution plans was $4.1 million , $3.9 million and $4.2 million in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Convertible Special Stock

Convertible Special Stock	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Convertible Special Stock [Abstract]
Convertible Special Stock [Text Block]	CONVERTIBLE SPECIAL STOCK The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 1,000,000 shares of special stock. The Board of Directors may designate these shares of special stock with special designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions prior to issuance. On May 4, 2015, the Company filed with the Delaware Secretary of State a Certificate of Designation, Preferences, Rights and Limitations (the "Certificate of Designation") for the purpose of amending its Restated Certificate of Incorporation to fix the designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights of 125,000 shares of the Company’s 6.00% Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Special Stock, without par value (the “Convertible Special Stock”). On May 4, 2015, the Company received gross cash proceeds of $125.0 million from the sale of 125,000 shares of Convertible Special Stock. As of August 31, 2017 , the $120.3 million amount recorded in the Convertible Special Stock line in the balance sheet is net of issuance costs of $4.7 million . The Certificate of Designation for the Convertible Special Stock provides that: Ranking. The Convertible Special Stock, with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions upon the Company’s liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, will rank: • senior to the Company’s common stock and to all of the Company’s other capital stock issued in the future, unless the terms of that stock expressly provide that it ranks senior to, or on parity with, the Convertible Special Stock; • on parity with any of the Company’s capital stock issued in the future, the terms of which expressly provide that it will rank on parity with the Convertible Special Stock; and • junior to all of the Company’s capital stock issued in the future, the terms of which expressly provide that such stock will rank senior to the Convertible Special Stock. Dividends. Holders of Convertible Special Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 6.00% per annum on the $1,000 liquidation preference per share of the Convertible Special Stock. When declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, dividends will be payable quarterly in arrears on each dividend payment date. Dividends may be paid in cash or, where freely transferable by any non-affiliate recipient thereof, in common stock of the Company or a combination thereof, and are payable on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2015. The Company paid $7.5 million , $7.5 million , and $1.8 million of convertible special stock dividends during fiscal 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 respectively and currently intends to pay future dividends in cash. Voting Rights. Except as required by Delaware law, and subject to the following limitations, holders of the Convertible Special Stock will have no voting rights. If dividends are in arrears and unpaid for six or more quarterly periods, until such arrearage is paid in full, the holders of the Convertible Special Stock will be entitled (voting on an as-converted basis, together with the holders of the Company’s common stock) at the next regular or special meeting of the Company’s stockholders, to vote on matters presented to the Company’s stockholders for a vote at such meeting. Furthermore, so long as any shares of Convertible Special Stock remain outstanding, the Company may not, without the affirmative consent of the holders of at least 66.67% of the shares of the Convertible Special Stock outstanding at the time, voting together as a single class with all series of parity stock with similar voting rights, take certain actions altering or preempting the rights of the holders of the Convertible Special Stock, as described in the Certificate of Designation. Liquidation. In the event of any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of Convertible Special Stock shall be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders, a liquidation preference per share of Convertible Special Stock equal to $1,000 ( $125.0 million in aggregate for the 125,000 shares outstanding as of August 31, 2017 ) plus accumulated dividends to the date fixed for liquidation, winding-up or dissolution in the order described within Ranking above. Redemption. The Convertible Special Stock has no maturity date, is not redeemable by the Company at any time and will remain outstanding unless converted by the holders or mandatorily converted by the Company as described below. Optional Conversion by Holders. Each share of Convertible Special Stock is convertible, at the holder’s option at any time, into shares of common stock at the initial conversion rate of approximately 19.1113 shares of common stock of the Company (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $52.33 per share) to one share of Convertible Special Stock. The conversion rate is subject to specified adjustments as set forth in the Certificate of Designation. There have been no conversions as of August 31, 2017 . If the Company undergoes a fundamental change, as defined in the Certificate of Designation, and a holder converts its shares of Convertible Special Stock at any time beginning at the opening of business on the trading day immediately following the effective date of such fundamental change and ending at the close of business on the 30th trading day immediately following such effective date, the holder will receive, for each share of Convertible Special Stock surrendered for conversion, a number of shares of common stock of the Company as set forth in the Certificate of Designations. There have been no fundamental changes as of August 31, 2017 . Optional Conversion by the Company. On or after May 1, 2020, the Company may, at its option, give notice of its election to cause all outstanding shares of Convertible Special Stock to be automatically converted into shares of common stock of the Company at the conversion rate then in effect, if the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds 150% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in a period of 30 consecutive trading days.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (1) : Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) (4) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (2) Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2014 $ 22,786 $ (39,477 ) $ (16,691 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $7,076 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and ($1,682) related to pension and other retiree benefits (72,526 ) 4,152 (68,374 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($456) — 1,427 (3) 1,427 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (72,526 ) 5,579 (66,947 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (178 ) — (178 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (72,348 ) 5,579 (66,769 ) Balance as of August 31, 2015 (49,562 ) (33,898 ) (83,460 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $0 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and $7,912 related to pension and other retiree benefits (20,831 ) (18,827 ) (39,658 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($1,061) — 1,721 (3) 1,721 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (20,831 ) (17,106 ) (37,937 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (676 ) — (676 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (20,155 ) (17,106 ) (37,261 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 (69,717 ) (51,004 ) (120,721 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $0 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and ($4,634) related to pension and other retiree benefits 17,355 10,855 28,210 Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($1,667) — 3,817 (3) 3,817 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 17,355 14,672 32,027 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (171 ) — (171 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 17,526 14,672 32,198 Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ (52,191 ) $ (36,332 ) $ (88,523 ) (1) All amounts presented are net of tax. (2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. (3) Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs. Fiscal 2017 includes a curtailment gain of $229 and settlement charges of $2,281, and fiscal 2016 includes a curtailment charge of $68. There were no curtailments or settlements recognized in fiscal 2015. (4) The tax amounts on the foreign currency loss relate to a note denominated in euros which was repaid in fiscal 2015.

Share-based incentive compensat

Share-based incentive compensation plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans [Text Block]	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS On December 9, 2010, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the A. Schulman, Inc. 2010 Value Creation Rewards Plan (“2010 Rewards Plan”). On December 12, 2014, upon approval by its stockholders and Board of Directors, the Company adopted the A. Schulman, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan ("2014 Equity Incentive Plan"). The 2014 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of various share-based incentive compensation awards and unless terminated earlier, will continue until December 12, 2024. A total of 2,000,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. It has been the Company’s practice to issue new shares of common stock upon stock option exercise and the vesting of awards under these plans. As of August 31, 2017 , there were 259,904 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company’s 2010 Rewards Plan, and 707,269 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. The restricted stock awards outstanding under these plans have service vesting periods of three years following the date of grant. Also, certain of these awards have performance vesting conditions. The following table summarizes the activity of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards: Awards Outstanding Weighted-Average Fair Market Value (per share) Time- Based Performance- Based Time- Based Performance- Based Outstanding at August 31, 2016 86,715 585,492 $ 27.94 $ 27.77 Granted 234,620 227,220 $ 29.54 $ 32.55 Vested (22,992 ) (25,007 ) $ 31.86 $ 34.42 Forfeited (36,113 ) (179,504 ) $ 26.89 $ 31.84 Outstanding at August 31, 2017 262,230 608,201 $ 29.17 $ 28.82 Time-based awards are valued at the fair market value on the date of grant, have voting rights and earn dividends throughout the vesting period which are subject to the same vesting terms as the underlying restricted stock awards. The weighted-average grant date fair value of time-based awards granted during the years ended August 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were $29.54 , $22.95 and $33.90 , respectively. Performance-based awards vest based on market or performance conditions and do not have voting rights. Included in the outstanding performance-based awards as of August 31, 2017 are 304,101 performance-based awards which earn dividends throughout the vesting period, and the remaining performance-based awards which do not earn dividends. Earned dividends are subject to the same vesting terms as the underlying performance-based awards. The fair value of the 608,201 performance-based awards in the table above is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. Vesting of the ultimate number of shares underlying a portion of these performance-based awards, if any, will be dependent upon the Company's return on invested capital ("ROIC") while vesting for the remaining performance-based awards, if any, will be dependent upon the Company's cumulative earnings per share ("Cumulative EPS"), both over a three-year performance period. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the performance-based awards granted in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were $32.55 , $22.93 and $33.90 per share, respectively. A summary of stock option activity is as follows: Outstanding Shares Under Option Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at August 31, 2016 — $ — Granted 173,200 $ 32.55 Exercised — $ — Forfeited and expired (1,200 ) $ 32.55 Outstanding at August 31, 2017 172,000 $ 32.55 Exercisable at August 31, 2017 — $ — The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. There were no stock options exercised for the year ended August 31, 2017 . The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 was not material. In 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 with the following assumptions: Expected term: 6.5 years Risk-free rate: 2.22% Volatility: 39.1% Dividend yield: 2.52% The Company did no t grant stock options in fiscal 2016 or 2015 . Total unrecognized compensation cost, including a provision for estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested share-based incentive compensation arrangements as of August 31, 2017 was $6.9 million . This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years . As of August 31, 2017 , the weighted average remaining term for outstanding stock options was 9.36 years . The Company made $0.8 million in cash payments for cash-settled restricted stock units and cash-based awards during both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 . During fiscal 2017 and 2016 , the Company granted non-employee directors 16,317 shares and 24,624 shares of unrestricted common stock, respectively. The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) whereby employees may purchase Company stock through a payroll deduction plan. Purchases are made from the plan and credited to each participant’s account at the end of each calendar quarter (the “Investment Date”). The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the fair market value on the Investment Date. The plan is compensatory and the 15% discount is expensed ratably over the three month offering period. All employees, including officers, are eligible to participate in this plan. An employee whose stock ownership of the Company exceeds five percent of the outstanding common stock is not eligible to participate in this plan. The Company recorded minimal expense related to the ESPP during fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . It is the Company’s current practice to use treasury shares for the share settlement on the Investment Date. The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 3,538 $ 879 $ 4,071 Stock options 328 — — Unrestricted awards 1,253 564 631 CEO transition costs — — 6,167 Total share-based incentive compensation $ 5,119 $ 1,443 $ 10,869 CEO transition costs represent a one-time charge for the modification and accelerated vesting upon retirement of the outstanding equity compensation awards granted to Joseph M. Gingo in 2013 and 2014.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 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 shareholders. The difference between basic and diluted weighted-average shares results from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, calculated using the treasury stock method, and the inclusion of the convertible special stock dividends, calculated using the if-converted method. The Company computes income available to common stockholders by deducting dividends accumulated on the convertible special stock from income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss). The convertible special stock does not impact the denominator of basic EPS. The dilutive effect of convertible special stock is reflected in diluted EPS by application of the if-converted method. In applying the if-converted method, conversion shall not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted EPS if the effect would be anti-dilutive. The convertible special stock is anti-dilutive whenever the amount of the dividend declared in or accumulated for the current period per share on conversion exceeds basic EPS. For fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 the accumulated dividend per share on conversion exceeds basic EPS, therefore the respective 2,388,913 , 2,388,913 , and 772,502 shares related to the convertible special stock were considered anti-dilutive. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,401 29,300 29,149 Incremental shares from equity awards 114 — 334 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — Diluted 29,515 29,300 29,483 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for fiscal 2017 and 2016 excludes approximately 110,000 and 745,000 shares related to equity awards which are potentially dilutive in future periods, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. During fiscal 2015 , there were no anti-dilutive shares related to equity awards that were excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases [Text Block]	LEASES The Company leases certain equipment, buildings, vehicles and computer equipment. Total rental expense was $23.4 million in 2017 , $22.4 million in 2016 and $18.1 million in 2015 . The approximate future minimum rental commitments for non-cancelable operating leases, excluding obligations for taxes and insurance, are as follows: Year Ended August 31, Minimum Rental Commitments (In thousands) 2018 $ 17,155 2019 11,769 2020 7,107 2021 4,318 2022 3,296 2023 and thereafter 12,901 Total minimum rental commitments $ 56,546

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information [Text Block]	SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company considers its operating structure and the types of information subject to regular review by its President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), to identify reportable segments. The CODM makes decisions, assesses performance and allocates resources by the following reportable segments: EMEA, USCAN, LATAM, APAC, and EC. The CODM uses net sales to unaffiliated customers, segment gross profit and segment operating income in order to make decisions, assess performance and allocate resources to each segment. Segment operating income does not include items such as interest income or expense, other income or expense, foreign currency transaction gains or losses, restructuring and related costs including accelerated depreciation, asset impairments, or costs and inventory step-up charges related to business acquisitions. Corporate expenses include the compensation of certain personnel, certain audit expenses, Board of Directors related costs, certain insurance costs, costs associated with being a publicly traded entity and other miscellaneous legal and professional fees. The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 1,208,818 $ 1,239,963 $ 1,339,355 USCAN 640,441 691,369 610,493 LATAM 179,352 171,650 177,463 APAC 208,507 186,911 207,781 EC 224,006 206,112 57,133 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 2,461,124 $ 2,496,005 $ 2,392,225 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated sales and revenues for the years ended August 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 161,184 $ 178,376 $ 189,860 USCAN 91,768 115,329 100,550 LATAM 38,565 36,886 31,971 APAC 35,587 32,293 29,238 EC 56,003 50,461 14,536 Total segment gross profit 383,107 413,345 366,155 Inventory step-up — — (3,082 ) Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (1) (3,097 ) (7,571 ) (1,796 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (57 ) (2,769 ) (267 ) Lucent costs (2) (190 ) (2,085 ) — Total gross profit $ 379,763 $ 400,920 $ 361,010 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 67,831 $ 76,576 $ 78,313 USCAN 29,080 47,062 40,713 LATAM 23,096 20,268 13,061 APAC 19,330 17,953 14,401 EC 20,700 14,885 5,454 Total segment operating income 160,037 176,744 151,942 Corporate (33,542 ) (30,797 ) (31,238 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (605 ) (8,789 ) (17,208 ) Restructuring and related costs (1) (28,960 ) (27,762 ) (23,411 ) Accelerated depreciation (1,890 ) (6,309 ) (408 ) CEO transition costs (196 ) (3,399 ) (6,167 ) Asset impairment (1,053 ) (401,667 ) — Curtailment and settlement gains (losses) (2,029 ) — — Lucent costs (2) (5,966 ) (7,261 ) — Inventory step-up — — (3,082 ) Operating income (loss) 85,796 (309,240 ) 70,428 Interest expense (53,195 ) (54,548 ) (22,613 ) Bridge financing fees — — (18,750 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (1,781 ) (3,491 ) (3,363 ) Other income (expense), net 1,513 774 1,438 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — 1,290 Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ 32,333 $ (366,505 ) $ 28,430 (1) Restructuring related costs of $15.5 million , $16.0 million , and $9.1 million for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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, improve efficiency of its operations or comply with new legislation, and costs associated with reorganizations of the legal entity structure of the Company. Restructuring expenses for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 of $13.5 million , $11.8 million , and $14.3 million respectively, 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. (2) Refer to Note 17, Contingencies and Claims, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in costs of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs. In addition, in the year ended August 31, 2016, Lucent costs in SG&A also include dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations. The following table summarizes identifiable assets by segment: As of August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Identifiable assets: EMEA $ 611,364 $ 594,599 $ 701,263 USCAN 564,464 599,586 861,985 LATAM 107,468 86,105 96,210 APAC 146,455 131,356 126,965 EC 324,029 335,793 553,459 Total identifiable assets $ 1,753,780 $ 1,747,439 $ 2,339,882 The following tables summarize depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures by segment: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Depreciation and amortization expense: EMEA $ 21,203 $ 22,646 $ 21,730 USCAN 31,714 39,139 24,197 LATAM 3,681 3,822 3,255 APAC 5,167 5,409 5,424 EC 17,041 18,248 4,634 Total depreciation and amortization expense $ 78,806 $ 89,264 $ 59,240 Capital expenditures: EMEA $ 12,053 $ 17,763 $ 21,321 USCAN 12,259 17,447 10,332 LATAM 4,264 5,514 3,597 APAC 4,258 9,322 6,895 EC 4,032 1,192 442 Total capital expenditures $ 36,866 $ 51,238 $ 42,587 Below is a summary of net sales by point of origin and long-lived assets by location: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales: United States $ 772,434 $ 807,673 $ 632,906 Germany 404,081 415,965 432,822 France 163,544 170,304 195,507 Other international 1,121,065 1,102,063 1,130,990 Total net sales $ 2,461,124 $ 2,496,005 $ 2,392,225 As of August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Long lived assets: United States $ 131,326 $ 149,098 $ 159,394 Germany 25,177 25,716 27,224 France 28,530 26,450 18,472 Other international 113,670 113,558 109,404 Total long lived assets $ 298,703 $ 314,822 $ 314,494 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: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands, except for %’s) Engineered Composites $ 224,006 9 % $ 206,112 8 % $ 57,133 2 % Custom Concentrates and Services 1,134,305 46 1,140,814 46 1,227,035 51 Performance Materials 1,102,813 45 1,149,079 46 1,108,057 47 Total consolidated net sales $ 2,461,124 100 % $ 2,496,005 100 % $ 2,392,225 100 %

Research and Development

Research and Development	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Research and Development [Abstract]
Research and Development [Text Block]	RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Research and development expenditures were $19.8 million in fiscal 2017 and 2016, and $17.8 million in fiscal 2015. The Company continues to invest in research and development activities as management believes it is important to the future of the Company.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring [Text Block]	RESTRUCTURING Fiscal 2017 Restructuring Plans USCAN Plan During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company approved plans to close its facility in Fontana, California and shift production to other U.S. facilities. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 10 as a result of this plan upon the closure of the facility in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company recorded $0.7 million of pre-tax employee-related costs during fiscal 2017. The Company does not expect to incur any additional charges, make any additional cash payments, and has no balance accrued for this plan as of August 31, 2017 as the plan is considered complete. 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 eliminated approximately 60 positions during fiscal 2017, primarily in EMEA and USCAN. The Company recorded $6.6 million of pre-tax employee-related costs during fiscal 2017. As of August 31, 2017 , the company has a balance of $0.9 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 2018 as the plan is completed. EMEA Plans During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company announced plans to close its facility in L'Arbresle, France and shift production to other EMEA facilities. The Company reduced headcount in fiscal 2017 by approximately 20 as a result of this plan. The Company recorded $1.6 million of pre-tax employee-related costs during fiscal 2017. The Company does not expect any additional charges related to this plan and has a balance of $0.9 million accrued for this plan as of August 31, 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 fiscal 2017, the Company recorded $1.6 million of pre-tax employee-related costs. The Company does not expect any additional charges related to this plan and has a balance of $0.3 million accrued for this plan as of August 31, 2017 . Cash payments related to this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2018 as the plan is completed. Fiscal 2016 Restructuring Plans Global Headcount Reduction Plan In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company approved a plan for a global headcount reduction to drive further efficiency and cost savings in the organization, primarily in the USCAN segment and Corporate location. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 60 as a result of this plan. The Company recorded minimal and $4.0 million of pre-tax employee-related and other charges during fiscal 2017 and 2016. The Company has no balance accrued for this plan as of August 31, 2017 . The Company does not expect any additional charges or payments related to this plan as the plan is considered complete. USCAN Plans In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company announced plans to create an Accounting and Shared Service Center of Excellence ("U.S. SSC") in Fairlawn, Ohio that will be responsible for back office processes for all U.S. and Canada operations (USCAN and EC segments). The Company reduced headcount by approximately 25 throughout the U.S. through fiscal 2017, partially offset by the addition of approximately 15 associates at the U.S. SSC. The Company recorded $0.9 million and $0.7 million of pre-tax employee-related and other costs during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has a balance of $0.5 million accrued for the employee-related costs related to this plan. The Company anticipates recording less than $1.0 million of additional pre-tax employee-related charges through fiscal 2018. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2018 as the plan is completed. In fiscal 2016, as part of the Company’s previously announced Citadel acquisition integration strategy and a careful evaluation of capacity utilization and manufacturing capabilities, the Company closed three manufacturing facilities in Evansville, Indiana and consolidated production into other existing facilities in the area. The Company recorded $0.4 million of pre-tax employee-related and other charges and $4.8 million of accelerated depreciation costs during fiscal 2016. Additionally, the Company recorded approximately $0.5 million of pretax machinery and equipment accelerated depreciation during fiscal 2017. The Company has no balance accrued for this plan as of August 31, 2017 , and does not expect any additional charges or payments related to this plan as the plan is considered complete. EC Plan In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company approved plans to optimize the Engineered Composites segment administrative functions and reduced headcount by approximately 10 in fiscal 2016. The Company recorded $1.2 million of pre-tax employee-related restructuring expense during fiscal 2016. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has no balance accrued for this plan. The Company does not expect any additional charges or cash payments related to this plan as the plan is considered complete. Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Plans EMEA Plans In October 2014, the Company announced actions to optimize the back-office and support functions in EMEA. The Company reduced headcount in EMEA by approximately 40 during fiscal 2015. The Company recorded pretax employee-related and other charges of $0.2 million and $5.9 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has no balance accrued and does not expect any additional charges or payments for this plan. In May 2015, the Company announced plans to relocate its EMEA Shared Service Center from Londerzeel, Belgium to Poznan, Poland as part of the Company’s ongoing cost control initiatives. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 40 employees in Belgium during fiscal 2016, offset by headcount additions in Poland. The Company recorded pretax employee-related and other charges of $1.2 million and $2.3 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has no balance accrued for this plan and does not expect any additional charges or payments in fiscal 2018. In August 2015, the Company approved plans to integrate the existing Paris, Montereau, and Beaucaire, France facilities into one new facility in St. Germain-Laval. As a result of this consolidation, the Company reduced headcount by approximately 20 in fiscal 2016, partially offset by the addition of approximately 15 associates at the Company's new facility. The Company recognized $0.3 million , $2.3 million , and $0.7 million in pre-tax employee-related and other charges in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company expects to incur minimal charges related to pretax employee-related costs in fiscal 2018. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has a balance of $0.5 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2018 as the plan is completed. USCAN Plans In November 2014, the Company evaluated its North American production facility footprint and closed a plant within its CCS product family in fiscal 2015, shifted production to other North American facilities, and reduced headcount by approximately 70 . The Company recorded pretax employee-related and other charges of $0.5 million and $1.3 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has no balance accrued for this plan. The Company does not expect any additional charges or cash payments related to this plan as the plan is considered complete. In November 2014, the Company announced plans to reduce headcount primarily in North America selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") functions as part of its ongoing effort to drive further synergies from recent acquisitions. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 15 and recorded pretax employee-related costs of $0.7 million during fiscal 2015. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has no balance accrued for this plan. The Company does not expect any additional charges or payments associated with this plan, as the plan is considered complete. In August 2015, the Company approved additional plans to improve manufacturing and SG&A efficiency throughout the USCAN segment. As a result of this restructuring, the Company reduced headcount by approximately 25 . The Company recognized $0.3 million and $1.2 million in pre-tax employee-related and other charges during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company has no balance accrued for this plan. The Company does not expect any additional charges or payments associated with this plan, as the plan is considered complete. LATAM Plan In February 2015, the Company initiated plans to close its facility in Contagem, Brazil and shifted the production to its facility in Sumare, Brazil. The Company reduced headcount by approximately 20 during fiscal 2015. The Company recorded pretax employee-related costs of $0.5 million during fiscal 2015. As of August 31, 2017 , the Company expects no further charges or payments and has no remaining accrual related to this plan as the plan is considered complete. Consolidated Restructuring Summary 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, 2015 4,922 461 5,383 Fiscal 2016 charges 9,009 2,759 11,768 Fiscal 2016 payments (10,343 ) (2,818 ) (13,161 ) Translation (46 ) — (46 ) Accrual balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 3,542 $ 402 $ 3,944 Fiscal 2017 charges 11,653 1,867 13,520 Fiscal 2017 payments (12,559 ) (2,236 ) (14,795 ) Translation 352 57 409 Accrual balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 2,988 $ 90 $ 3,078 Restructuring costs are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 10,218 $ 4,568 $ 10,073 USCAN 2,702 5,107 3,229 LATAM 59 417 990 APAC 388 312 46 EC 153 1,364 — Total $ 13,520 $ 11,768 $ 14,338

Contingencies and Claims

Contingencies and Claims	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and Claims [Text Block]	CONTINGENCIES AND CLAIMS In the normal course of business, the Company is at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought may be substantial. Although the Company is not able to predict the outcome of such legal actions, after reviewing all pending and threatened legal actions with counsel and based on information currently available, management believes that the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, 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 not possible to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case no reserve would be recognized until that time. Lucent Matter As previously reported by the Company in its filings with the SEC, on June 1, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Citadel and its subsidiaries, 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 Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details. 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 August 31, 2017 , approximately $31.0 million remained in such indemnity escrow. As Lucent was effectively acquired by Citadel in December 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 Holdings, LLC (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 paid by the Company to Citadel Plastics Holdings, LLC under the stock purchase agreement until resolution of litigation. The funds are 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) and the River Defendants filed a similar motion to dismiss as in the Citadel litigation. On August 23, 2017, the Court ruled on River Defendants’ Motions to Dismiss and Motions for Summary Judgment. The Court dismissed certain claims pertaining to one Defendant and all other motions to dismiss parties or claims were denied. In addition, the Court ruled against the Citadel Defendants’ Motions to (in effect) combine the Citadel Holdings litigation with the River litigation. Therefore, the River litigation will proceed as a separate lawsuit on a schedule months behind the Citadel Holdings Litigation. There are ongoing parallel investigations being undertaken by the United States Attorneys' Office for the Southern District of Indiana ("USAO") and the SEC that we understand relate to the allegations made by the Company in the Citadel Complaint arising out of the Company's acquisition of Citadel (including Citadel's subsidiary, Lucent). On September 6, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indianapolis division, notified the Company's counsel that the Company was a potential victim of a crime. We are cooperating fully with the USAO and the SEC in their investigations.

Share Repurchase Program

Share Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program [Text Block]	SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM On April 3, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program under which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to $55 million of its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and other conditions (the “Program”). The Company repurchased 109,422 shares of common stock under the Program in fiscal 2015 at an average price of $30.46 per share for a total cost of $3.3 million . As a result of the financing related to the Citadel acquisition on June 1, 2015, the Company's strategic focus shifted towards repaying debt and the Board indefinitely suspended the 10b5-1 plan. No shares were repurchased during fiscal 2016 or 2017. This program expired on April 2, 2017 and was not renewed.

Asset Impairment

Asset Impairment	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	ASSET IMPAIRMENT The following table summarizes the Company's asset impairment activity for the periods presented: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Goodwill impairment $ — $ 360,708 $ — Finite-lived intangible asset impairment — 34,471 — Information technology asset impairment 1,053 6,488 — Total $ 1,053 $ 401,667 $ — During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charges of $1.1 million and $6.5 million , respectively, related to certain software licenses that were discontinued. During fiscal 2016, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of $360.7 million and intangible asset impairment of $34.5 million . Refer to Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations [Text Block]	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS The Company completed the sale of all of the fixed and intangible assets of its rotational compounding business in Australia for $3.0 million on September 3, 2013. The operating results for this business were previously included in the Company's Custom Concentrates and Services product family within the APAC segment. The following summarizes select financial information included in net earnings from discontinued operations related to the Australia business: Year ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales $ — $ — $ — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ — $ 1,861 $ (133 ) Fiscal 2016 includes a tax benefit of $1.6 million related to a worthless stock deduction relating to the discontinued business entity. Income taxes were minimal for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2015.

Consolidating Financial Informa

Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 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 Parent by means of dividends, advances or loans due to required foreign government and/or currency exchange board approvals or limitations in credit agreements or other debt instruments of those subsidiaries. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 615 $ — $ 52,636 $ — $ 53,251 Restricted cash — — 768 — 768 Accounts receivable, net 47,683 61,311 299,445 — 408,439 Accounts receivable, intercompany 33,294 15,077 26,188 (74,559 ) — Inventories 34,432 40,097 201,930 — 276,459 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,557 2,326 26,829 — 36,712 Assets held for sale 2,764 2,912 — — 5,676 Total current assets 126,345 121,723 607,796 (74,559 ) 781,305 Net property, plant and equipment 44,961 69,260 184,482 — 298,703 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 95,294 4,201 59,599 (81,247 ) 77,847 Intercompany loans receivable 2,593 31,432 — (34,025 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 841,645 244,408 — (1,086,053 ) — Goodwill 26,862 110,289 126,584 — 263,735 Intangible assets, net 27,630 187,533 117,027 — 332,190 Total assets $ 1,165,330 $ 768,846 $ 1,095,488 $ (1,275,884 ) $ 1,753,780 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 36,211 $ 41,830 $ 240,779 $ — $ 318,820 Accounts payable, intercompany 17,788 43,118 13,653 (74,559 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 597 4,303 — 4,900 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 6,970 6,826 33,155 — 46,951 Other accrued liabilities 18,989 7,083 35,689 — 61,761 Short-term debt 14,912 29 17,072 — 32,013 Total current liabilities 94,870 99,483 344,651 (74,559 ) 464,445 Long-term debt 858,446 41 26,691 — 885,178 Intercompany debt — — 34,025 (34,025 ) — Pension plans 2,266 1,308 132,117 — 135,691 Deferred income taxes — 71,584 47,362 (81,247 ) 37,699 Other long-term liabilities 12,730 1,067 9,938 — 23,735 Total liabilities 968,312 173,483 594,784 (189,831 ) 1,546,748 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,529 — — — 48,529 Other equity 28,200 595,363 490,690 (1,086,053 ) 28,200 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 197,018 595,363 490,690 (1,086,053 ) 197,018 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,014 — 10,014 Total equity 197,018 595,363 500,704 (1,086,053 ) 207,032 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,165,330 $ 768,846 $ 1,095,488 $ (1,275,884 ) $ 1,753,780 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 Year Ended August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 324,526 $ 420,378 $ 1,761,311 $ (45,091 ) $ 2,461,124 Cost of sales 263,918 381,043 1,481,491 (45,091 ) 2,081,361 Selling, general and administrative expenses 45,246 60,364 171,755 — 277,365 Restructuring expense 2,180 563 10,777 — 13,520 Asset impairment 1,053 — — — 1,053 Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses — — 2,029 — 2,029 Operating income (loss) 12,129 (21,592 ) 95,259 — 85,796 Interest expense 49,322 29 4,860 (1,016 ) 53,195 Intercompany charges 164 244 15,066 (15,474 ) — Intercompany income (10,189 ) (5,095 ) (190 ) 15,474 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses (380 ) 22 2,139 — 1,781 Other (income) expense, net 861 (1,263 ) (2,127 ) 1,016 (1,513 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (35,995 ) (7,679 ) — 43,674 — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 8,346 (7,850 ) 75,511 (43,674 ) 32,333 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (24,680 ) (5,997 ) 28,837 — (1,840 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations 33,026 (1,853 ) 46,674 (43,674 ) 34,173 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — — — Net income (loss) 33,026 (1,853 ) 46,674 (43,674 ) 34,173 Noncontrolling interests — — (1,147 ) — (1,147 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 33,026 (1,853 ) 45,527 (43,674 ) 33,026 Convertible special stock dividends 7,500 — — — 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 25,526 $ (1,853 ) $ 45,527 $ (43,674 ) $ 25,526 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 65,224 $ (1,674 ) $ 79,344 $ (76,694 ) $ 66,200 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 976 — 976 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 65,224 $ (1,674 ) $ 78,368 $ (76,694 ) $ 65,224 Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 322,515 $ 461,295 $ 1,759,401 $ (47,206 ) $ 2,496,005 Cost of sales 262,334 404,004 1,475,953 (47,206 ) 2,095,085 Selling, general and administrative expenses 42,608 69,139 184,978 — 296,725 Restructuring expense 3,885 2,094 5,789 — 11,768 Asset impairment 31,512 236,871 133,284 — 401,667 Operating income (loss) (17,824 ) (250,813 ) (40,603 ) — (309,240 ) Interest expense 48,361 5 7,840 (1,658 ) 54,548 Intercompany charges 29 16 12,944 (12,989 ) — Intercompany income (8,337 ) (4,637 ) (15 ) 12,989 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 3,519 (135 ) 107 — 3,491 Other (income) expense, net (163 ) (1,056 ) (1,213 ) 1,658 (774 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments 316,066 122,371 — (438,437 ) — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (377,299 ) (367,377 ) (60,266 ) 438,437 (366,505 ) Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (20,178 ) (23,707 ) 35,245 — (8,640 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations (357,121 ) (343,670 ) (95,511 ) 438,437 (357,865 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 1,579 282 — 1,861 Net income (loss) (357,121 ) (342,091 ) (95,229 ) 438,437 (356,004 ) Noncontrolling interests — — (1,118 ) — (1,118 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (357,121 ) (342,091 ) (96,347 ) 438,437 (357,122 ) Convertible special stock dividends 7,500 — — — 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ (364,621 ) $ (342,091 ) $ (96,347 ) $ 438,437 $ (364,622 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ (394,383 ) $ (340,609 ) $ (133,350 ) $ 474,401 $ (393,941 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 442 — 442 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (394,383 ) $ (340,609 ) $ (133,792 ) $ 474,401 $ (394,383 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 394,116 $ 218,081 $ 1,818,184 $ (38,156 ) $ 2,392,225 Cost of sales 329,324 189,439 1,550,608 (38,156 ) 2,031,215 Selling, general and administrative expenses 57,711 37,391 181,142 — 276,244 Restructuring expense 2,367 290 11,681 — 14,338 Operating income (loss) 4,714 (9,039 ) 74,753 — 70,428 Interest expense 18,352 2 5,734 (1,475 ) 22,613 Bridge financing fees 18,750 — — — 18,750 Intercompany charges 14 38 7,379 (7,431 ) — Intercompany income (6,201 ) (1,225 ) (5 ) 7,431 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,819 (172 ) 1,716 — 3,363 Other (income) expense, net (1,436 ) (563 ) (914 ) 1,475 (1,438 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (37,382 ) 9,424 — 27,958 — Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — (1,290 ) — (1,290 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 10,798 (16,543 ) 62,133 (27,958 ) 28,430 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (15,831 ) (2,704 ) 19,034 — 499 Income (loss) from continuing operations 26,629 (13,839 ) 43,099 (27,958 ) 27,931 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (133 ) — (133 ) Net income (loss) 26,629 (13,839 ) 42,966 (27,958 ) 27,798 Noncontrolling interests — — (1,169 ) — (1,169 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 26,629 (13,839 ) 41,797 (27,958 ) 26,629 Convertible special stock dividends 2,438 — — — 2,438 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 24,191 $ (13,839 ) $ 41,797 $ (27,958 ) $ 24,191 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (40,140 ) $ (25,698 ) $ (28,731 ) $ 55,420 $ (39,149 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 991 — 991 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (40,140 ) $ (25,698 ) $ (29,722 ) $ 55,420 $ (40,140 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 72,906 $ 4,874 $ 107,774 $ (80,836 ) $ 104,718 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (7,653 ) (6,204 ) (23,009 ) — (36,866 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 167 2,314 1,920 — 4,401 Distributions from equity investees — 250 — — 250 Intercompany investments (228 ) (1,166 ) — 1,394 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (7,714 ) (4,806 ) (21,089 ) 1,394 (32,215 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,208 ) — — — (24,208 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (7,500 ) — — — (7,500 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (80,836 ) 80,836 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 6,328 — 6,328 Borrowings on long-term debt 213,100 — 179,493 — 392,593 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (249,849 ) (68 ) (179,270 ) — (429,187 ) Noncontrolling interests' distributions — — (53 ) — (53 ) Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 191 — — — 191 Redemptions of common stock (711 ) — — — (711 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — — 1,394 (1,394 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (68,977 ) (68 ) (72,944 ) 79,442 (62,547 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 660 — 660 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (3,785 ) — 14,401 — 10,616 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 4,400 — 39,003 — 43,403 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year $ 615 $ — $ 53,404 $ — $ 54,019 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 31,297 $ 7,650 $ 109,936 $ (756 ) $ 148,127 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (9,877 ) (7,882 ) (33,479 ) — (51,238 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 300 232 834 — 1,366 Intercompany investments (140 ) — — 140 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (9,717 ) (7,650 ) (32,645 ) 140 (49,872 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,029 ) — — — (24,029 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (7,500 ) — — — (7,500 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (756 ) 756 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 2,945 — 2,945 Borrowings on long-term debt 164,500 — 79,731 — 244,231 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (167,441 ) — (194,561 ) — (362,002 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 11,081 — (11,081 ) — — Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 258 — — — 258 Redemptions of common stock (1,139 ) — — — (1,139 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — — 140 (140 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (24,270 ) — (123,582 ) 616 (147,236 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (4,488 ) — (4,488 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (2,690 ) — (50,779 ) — (53,469 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 7,090 — 89,782 — 96,872 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year $ 4,400 $ — $ 39,003 $ — $ 43,403 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 125,104 $ 3,159 $ 51,102 $ (119,195 ) $ 60,170 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (6,818 ) (2,467 ) (33,302 ) — (42,587 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 293 23 1,669 — 1,985 Investment in equity investees — — (12,456 ) — (12,456 ) Business acquisitions, net of cash (801,560 ) — (6,698 ) — (808,258 ) Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (808,085 ) (2,444 ) (50,787 ) — (861,316 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,024 ) — — — (24,024 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,813 ) — — — (1,813 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (119,195 ) 119,195 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt (11,617 ) — 2,858 — (8,759 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 1,095,000 — 335,513 — 1,430,513 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (469,400 ) — (244,317 ) — (713,717 ) Payment of debt issuance costs (15,007 ) — — — (15,007 ) Noncontrolling interests' distributions — — (1,750 ) — (1,750 ) Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation 506 — — — 506 Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 289 — — — 289 Issuances of convertible special stock, net 120,289 — — — 120,289 Redemptions of common stock (4,999 ) — — — (4,999 ) Purchases of treasury stock (3,335 ) — — — (3,335 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 685,889 — (26,891 ) 119,195 778,193 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (15,668 ) — (15,668 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 2,908 715 (42,244 ) — (38,621 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 4,182 (715 ) 132,026 — 135,493 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year $ 7,090 $ — $ 89,782 $ — $ 96,872

Quarterly Financial Highlights

Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) [Text Block]	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED) Quarter Ended Year Ended Nov 30, Feb 28, May 31, Aug 31, Aug 31, Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 600,000 $ 568,678 $ 645,795 $ 646,651 $ 2,461,124 Gross profit $ 101,015 $ 89,186 $ 98,427 $ 91,135 $ 379,763 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 3,184 $ 5,336 $ 16,098 $ 9,555 $ 34,173 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — — — Net income (loss) 3,184 5,336 16,098 9,555 34,173 Noncontrolling interests (241 ) (306 ) (320 ) (280 ) (1,147 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 2,943 5,030 15,778 9,275 33,026 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 1,875 1,875 1,875 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 1,068 $ 3,155 $ 13,903 $ 7,400 $ 25,526 Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.04 $ 0.11 $ 0.47 $ 0.25 $ 0.87 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — — — Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.04 $ 0.11 $ 0.47 $ 0.25 $ 0.87 Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.04 $ 0.11 $ 0.47 $ 0.25 $ 0.86 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — — — Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.04 $ 0.11 $ 0.47 $ 0.25 $ 0.86 Certain items included in income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows: Accelerated depreciation (b) $ 260 $ 355 $ 188 $ 552 $ 1,355 Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (c) 442 — — — 442 Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees (d) 150 16 — — 166 Restructuring and related costs (e) 9,689 3,777 2,328 4,884 20,678 CEO transition costs (f) 138 4 — — 142 Lucent costs (g) 591 453 1,374 1,760 4,178 Curtailment and settlement losses (h) — — — 1,330 1,330 Gains on asset sales (i) — — (134 ) (693 ) (827 ) Asset impairments and other charges (j) 495 1,233 — 1,452 3,180 Total $ 11,765 $ 5,838 $ 3,756 $ 9,285 $ 30,644 Quarter Ended Year Ended Nov 30, Feb 29, May 31, Aug 31, Aug 31, Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 649,219 $ 591,761 $ 650,439 $ 604,586 $ 2,496,005 Gross profit $ 104,929 $ 89,824 $ 109,474 $ 96,693 $ 400,920 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 7,477 $ 1,841 $ 17,556 $ (384,739 ) $ (357,865 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 20 181 82 1,578 1,861 Net income (loss) 7,497 2,022 17,638 (383,161 ) (356,004 ) Noncontrolling interests (404 ) (430 ) (241 ) (43 ) (1,118 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 7,093 $ 1,592 $ 17,397 $ (383,204 ) $ (357,122 ) Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 1,875 1,875 1,875 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 5,218 $ (283 ) $ 15,522 $ (385,079 ) $ (364,622 ) Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.18 ) $ (12.51 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 0.01 — 0.06 0.07 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.12 ) $ (12.44 ) Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.18 ) $ (12.51 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 0.01 — 0.06 0.07 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.12 ) $ (12.44 ) Certain items included in income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows: Accelerated depreciation (k) $ 1,047 $ 1,578 $ 1,043 $ 1,221 $ 4,889 Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (c) 1,344 3,239 1,208 1,020 6,811 Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees (d) 79 126 129 131 465 Restructuring and related costs (e) 3,576 4,653 7,630 6,254 22,113 CEO transition costs (f) — — — 2,634 2,634 Lucent costs (g) 2,669 560 1,566 832 5,627 Asset impairments (l) — — — 311,292 311,292 Total $ 8,715 $ 10,156 $ 11,576 $ 323,384 $ 353,831 (a) The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding. (b) Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN, LATAM, and EMEA segments. Please refer to Note 14, Segment Information, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (c) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations primarily include professional, legal, IT and other expenses associated with successful and unsuccessful full or partial acquisition and divestiture/dissolution transactions, as well as certain employee-related expenses such as travel, bonuses and post-acquisition severance separate from a formal restructuring plan. (d) Write-off of deferred financing costs related to the early payments of Term Loan B. (e) Restructuring related costs 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, improve efficiency of its operations or comply with new legislation, 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 and related costs are costs associated with professional fees for outside strategic consultants regarding actions to improve the profitability, improve efficiency of its operations, comply with new legislation, and costs associated with reorganizations of the legal entity structure of the Company. Refer to Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (f) CEO transition costs represent charges related to the separation of the Company's previous CEO, Bernard Rzepka. (g) Lucent costs primarily represent legal and investigation costs related to resolving the Lucent matter, product manufacturing costs for reworking existing Lucent inventory, obsolete Lucent inventory reserve costs, and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations in fiscal 2016. (h) Curtailment and settlement losses represent losses on pension obligations in EMEA. (i) The gains on asset sales represent gains on the sale of assets in USCAN and EMEA that had previously been classified as held for sale. (j) Asset impairments and other charges primarily relate to the write down of information technology assets in the USCAN segment. Please refer to Note 19, Asset Impairment, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (k) Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments. (l) Asset impairments relate to the write down of goodwill, intangible assets and information technology assets. Refer to Note 19, Asset Impairment, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 10, 2017, the Company amended the Credit Agreement with its lenders. The amendment increased the net leverage ratio covenant beginning with the quarter ended November 30, 2017 to provide the Company additional financial flexibility to execute on its growth strategy. Step-downs reverting to existing levels begin with the quarter ended November 30, 2019. There were no other changes to the Credit Agreement's original terms. Refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details on the Credit Agreement. During the last week of fiscal 2017, Hurricane Harvey directly impacted three of our facilities in the Houston, Texas area. The Company currently believes there was minimal property damage; however, Hurricane Harvey temporarily impacted the availability and timing of raw material supply and product shipments to customers from these and other facilities. The Company is in the process of finalizing the financial impact and preparing claims to submit to our insurance provider in fiscal 2018.

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II Balance at beginning of period Charges to cost and expenses Net write-offs Other Translation adjustment Balance at close of period (In thousands) Valuation allowance — deferred tax assets Year Ended August 31, 2017 $ 29,089 $ 3,945 $ — $ 614 $ — $ 33,648 Year Ended August 31, 2016 $ 23,859 $ 4,240 $ — $ 990 $ — $ 29,089 Year Ended August 31, 2015 $ 21,716 $ (2,759 ) $ — $ 4,902 $ — $ 23,859 In connection with the acquisition of Citadel during the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company reversed its valuation allowance in the amount of $12.3 million on most of its federal deferred tax assets. This reversal was due to deferred tax liabilities recorded as part of the Citadel acquisition. This valuation allowance reversal was offset by increases in the valuation allowances relating to foreign and domestic state and local net operating losses, including $4.9 million primarily related to the Citadel opening balance sheet. Schedule II Balance at beginning of period Charges to cost and expenses Net write-offs Other Translation adjustment Balance at close of period (In thousands) Valuation allowance — deferred tax assets Year Ended August 31, 2017 $ 29,089 $ 3,945 $ — $ 614 $ — $ 33,648 Year Ended August 31, 2016 $ 23,859 $ 4,240 $ — $ 990 $ — $ 29,089 Year Ended August 31, 2015 $ 21,716 $ (2,759 ) $ — $ 4,902 $ — $ 23,859

Business and Summary of Signi34

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Noncontrolling interests represent a 37% equity position of Alta Plastica S.A. in an Argentinean venture with the Company and a 35% equity position of P.T. Prima Polycon Indah in an Indonesian joint venture with the Company.
Foreign Currency Translation	The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are generally recorded using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each reporting period end. Income statement accounts are translated each month at the average rate of exchange during the month. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity include translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates include the value of purchase consideration, valuation of accounts receivables, inventories, goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets, contingencies, and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefits, share-based incentive compensation, and restructuring, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors. Management monitors any factors which may have an impact and adjusts such estimates and assumptions when required. Changes in those estimates are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of change.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company’s accounting policy regarding revenue recognition is to recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of a sales agreement, the delivery of goods has occurred where both title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of related billings is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Cost of sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing, distribution and tolling of product, as well as related labor, depreciation and overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished products. Cost of sales also includes freight, packaging and warehousing.
Convertible Special Stock	Convertible Special Stock Convertible special stock is recorded as an equity instrument as it is not mandatorily redeemable and has more equity-like characteristics. The Company monitors for any potential conversions or fundamental changes as defined in the agreement that would impact the valuation of the convertible special stock. In the event of a conversion or fundamental change, the valuation would be updated based on the valuation on that date.
Stock-based Compensation	Share-based Incentive Compensation The Company accounts for share-based incentive compensation expense based on the fair value of the awards granted in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The fair value of awards with service and performance conditions is based on quoted market prices of the Company’s stock on the respective grant date. The fair value of awards that include market conditions for vesting is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The Monte Carlo valuation model requires assumptions based on management’s judgment regarding the volatility of the Company’s stock, the correlation between the Company’s stock price and that of its peer companies and the expected rates of interest. The Company uses historical data, corresponding to the vesting period, to determine all of the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo valuation model. The expected volatility assumption is based on daily stock price historical volatility. The correlation between the Company’s stock price and each of the peer companies is determined based on historical daily stock prices of the Company and each of the peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on zero coupon treasury bond rates corresponding to the expected life of the awards. As of August 31, 2017, there were no market-based awards outstanding. Awards that are expected to settle through the issuance of the Company’s common stock are accounted for as equity-classified awards and related compensation expense is recognized based on grant date fair value over the related service period. Awards that may be settled in cash, at the election of the recipient, are accounted for as liability-classified awards. The fair value of such awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period and expense is recognized over the requisite service period. The Company uses an estimate of expected forfeitures in the recognition of all share-based incentive compensation expense that is based on historical experience. Refer to Note 11, Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on share-based incentive compensation.
Restructuring	Restructuring The Company records restructuring costs related to the actions implemented to reduce excess and high-cost manufacturing capacity and to reduce associate headcount. Employee-related costs include severance, supplemental unemployment compensation and benefits, medical benefits, pension curtailments and settlements, and other termination benefits. For ongoing benefit arrangements, a liability is recognized when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These conditions are generally met when the restructuring plan is approved by management. For one-time benefit arrangements, a liability is incurred and accrued at the date the plan is communicated to employees, unless they will be retained beyond a minimum retention period. In this case, the liability is estimated at the date the plan is communicated to employees and is accrued ratably over the future service period. Other costs generally include non-cancelable lease costs, contract terminations, and relocation costs. A liability for these costs is recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. Restructuring charges related to accelerated depreciation and asset impairments are recorded separately within the consolidated statements of operations. Refer to Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on restructuring charges.
Asset Impairment	Asset Impairment Long-lived assets, except goodwill, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such asset groups. If such asset groups are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company recognizes income taxes during the period in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income. Accordingly, deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. No taxes are provided on certain foreign earnings which are permanently reinvested. Accruals for uncertain tax positions are provided for in accordance with accounting rules related to uncertainty in income taxes. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. Refer to Note 7, Income Taxes, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on income taxes.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are diversified with numerous financial institutions which management believes to have acceptable credit ratings. These cash equivalents are primarily money-market funds and short-term time deposits. The money-market funds are rated primarily A or higher by third parties. Management monitors the placement of its cash given the current credit market. The recorded amount of these cash equivalents approximates fair value. Investments with maturities between three and twelve months are considered to be short-term investments. As of August 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company did not hold any short-term investments. Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $0.8 million as of August 31, 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 12 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 and $7.5 million of these refunds repaid to the seller are subject to an equitable lien related to the Lucent Matter. Refer to Note 17, Contingencies and Claims , of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amount shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows: August 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,251 $ 35,260 $ 96,872 $ 135,493 Restricted cash 768 8,143 — — Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows $ 54,019 $ 43,403 $ 96,872 $ 135,493
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Management records an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on the current and projected credit quality of the Company’s customers, customer payment history and other factors that affect collectability. Changes in these factors or changes in economic circumstances could result in changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts on a periodic basis. Trade accounts receivables are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when the Company determines it is probable the account receivable will not be collected. Trade accounts receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, reflect the net realizable value of receivables, and approximate fair value. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet exposure related to its customers. Refer to Note 3, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are recorded at lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average cost or first-in, first-out method. The Company generally does not distinguish between raw materials and finished goods because numerous products that can be sold as finished goods are also used as raw materials in the production of other inventory items. Management establishes an estimated excess and obsolete inventory reserve based on historical experience and amounts expected to be realized for slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block]	Assets Held for Sale During 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 of August 31, 2017 , the Company has $5.7 million of assets held for sale classified on the consolidated balance sheet that represents the net book value of these properties along with certain machinery and equipment. 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 and depreciation has ceased. 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 August 31, 2017 .
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation The components of net property, plant and equipment at August 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: August 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Property, plant and equipment, at cost: Land and improvements $ 31,933 $ 32,957 Buildings and leasehold improvements 186,785 184,291 Machinery and equipment 471,978 447,932 Furniture and fixtures 34,628 34,457 Construction in progress 17,860 20,431 Gross property, plant and equipment 743,184 720,068 Accumulated depreciation 444,481 405,246 Net property, plant and equipment $ 298,703 $ 314,822 Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. The cost of significant betterments and improvements are capitalized in the property accounts. Capital expenditures for each fiscal year exclude liabilities that are included in accounts payable of $1.9 million , $8.8 million and $4.4 million as of August 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. It is the Company’s policy to depreciate the cost of property, plant and equipment over the estimated useful lives of the assets, and for leasehold improvements over the shorter of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives used in the computation of depreciation are as follows: Buildings and leasehold improvements 7 to 40 years Machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Estimated useful lives are reviewed when certain events occur or operating conditions change and when appropriate, changes are made prospectively. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of is eliminated from the related accounts. Gains or losses are recognized in other (income) expense when sales or disposals occur. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
Purchase Accounting, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Purchase Accounting, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Business combinations are accounted for at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company generally uses valuation specialists to perform appraisals and assist in the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These valuations require management to make estimates and assumptions. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of June 1 for all reporting units. If circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value, the Company would test goodwill for impairment during interim periods between annual tests. Management uses judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative or quantitative fair value measurement approach. Qualitative trends and factors considered in the Company's analysis included overall economic conditions, access to capital markets, industry projections, competitive environment, forecasted operating results, business strategy, stock price and market capitalization, and other relevant qualitative trends and factors. The fair value used in the quantitative analysis is established using an equal weighting of the income and market approaches. The impairment test incorporates our judgment and estimates of future cash flows, future growth rates, terminal value amounts, allocations of certain assets, liabilities and cash flows among reporting units, and the applicable weighted-average cost of capital used to discount those estimated cash flows. The estimates and projections used in the estimate of fair value are consistent with our current budget and long-range plans, including anticipated changes in market conditions, industry trends, growth rates, and planned capital expenditures, among other considerations. These valuation methodologies use estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the determination of appropriate market comparables, projected future cash flows (including timing and profitability), discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rate, and projected future economic and market conditions. Other intangible assets with finite useful lives, which consist primarily of registered trademarks and tradenames, customer related intangibles, and developed technology, are amortized over their estimated useful lives on either a straight-line or double-declining basis, reflective of the pattern of economic benefits consumed. The estimated useful lives for each major category of intangible assets with finite useful lives are: Customer related intangibles 9 to 20 years Developed technology 10 to 20 years Registered trademarks and tradenames 3 to 25 years Refer to Note 2, Business Acquisitions, and Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on acquisitions, goodwill and other intangible assets.
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans The Company has defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans covering certain employees in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The pension and postretirement benefit accounting reflects the recognition of future benefit costs over the employee’s approximate period of employment based on the terms of the plans and the investment and funding decisions made by the Company. Generally, the defined benefit pension plans accrue the current and prior service costs annually and funding is not required for all plans. Refer to Note 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on retirement plans.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company accounts for its derivative instruments in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance which requires all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are adjusted to their fair market value through the consolidated statement of operations. Gains or losses on foreign exchange forward contracts that relate to specific transactions are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations offsetting the underlying foreign currency gains or losses. Currently, the Company does not designate any of these contracts as hedges. Refer to Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on derivative instruments and hedging activities.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. This framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows: • Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3: Unobservable inputs which reflect an entity’s own assumptions. Refer to Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on fair value measurements.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Adopted In The Current Period In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standard update removing step two from the goodwill impairment test. If a reporting unit fails the quantitative impairment test, impairment expense is immediately recorded as the difference between the reporting unit's fair value and carrying value. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and is applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this standard effective March 1, 2017. In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash would be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This amendment is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this standard effective December 1, 2016. The Company has $0.8 million and $8.1 million of restricted cash on its consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2017 and 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 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 adopted this standard effective September 1, 2016. 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 $5.8 million and $5.1 million during the twelve months ended August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Total net periodic pension cost was $12.7 million and $10.3 million during the twelve months ended August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company plans to adopt this standard on September 1, 2018. 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 adoption is permitted. The Company anticipates maintaining its current policy to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine stock-based compensation expense and does not expect the adoption of the standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company will adopt this standard on September 1, 2017. 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 adoption is permitted. The Company regularly enters into operating leases which previously did not require recognition on the balance sheet. The Company has developed its project plan, is currently evaluating the effects this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and plans to adopt this standard on 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. 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 documenting the impact of the guidance on our current accounting policies and practices in order to identify material differences, if any, that would result from applying the new requirements to our revenue contracts. We continue to make progress on our revenue recognition review and are also in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, on changes to our business processes, systems, and controls to support recognition and disclosure requirements under the new guidance. 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.

Business and Summary of Signi35

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Schedule of PPE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	The components of net property, plant and equipment at August 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: August 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Property, plant and equipment, at cost: Land and improvements $ 31,933 $ 32,957 Buildings and leasehold improvements 186,785 184,291 Machinery and equipment 471,978 447,932 Furniture and fixtures 34,628 34,457 Construction in progress 17,860 20,431 Gross property, plant and equipment 743,184 720,068 Accumulated depreciation 444,481 405,246 Net property, plant and equipment $ 298,703 $ 314,822

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	As of June 1, 2015 (In thousands) Accounts receivable $ 71,767 Inventories 40,942 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,556 Property, plant and equipment 78,112 Intangible assets 325,000 Other long-term assets 3,606 Total assets acquired $ 533,983 Accounts payable $ 28,854 Accrued liabilities 19,853 Deferred income taxes, long-term 111,507 Other long-term liabilities 3,121 Total liabilities assumed $ 163,335 Identifiable net assets acquired $ 370,648 Goodwill 430,912 Net assets acquired $ 801,560
Results of Operations Since Acquisition Date [Table Text Block]	et sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from the Citadel acquisition are included in fiscal 2017 and 2016 results. Amounts included in the Company’s results in fiscal 2015 are as follows: June 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 (In thousands) Net sales $ 116,659 Income before taxes 4,999 Net income attributable to A. Schulman Inc. 4,304
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Citadel acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2013: For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,769,560 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 23,870 Net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted $ 0.81
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company's other business acquisition for the periods presented: Transaction Description Date of Transaction Purchase Consideration (In millions) Segment Compco Pty. Ltd. September 2, 2014 $6.7 APAC A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun37

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS [Abstract]
Schedule Of Changes In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	The change in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows: For the Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 11,341 $ 10,777 $ 10,844 Provision 2,062 2,097 1,956 Write-offs, net of recoveries (2,801 ) (1,445 ) (973 ) Translation effect 569 (88 ) (1,050 ) Ending balance $ 11,171 $ 11,341 $ 10,777

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 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, 2015 $ 75,714 $ 285,791 $ 11,695 $ 901 $ 249,482 $ 623,583 Acquisitions (1) — (2,633 ) — — 2,154 (479 ) Impairment (16,752 ) (166,789 ) — — (177,167 ) (360,708 ) Translation (4,931 ) — 233 35 40 (4,623 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 54,031 116,369 11,928 936 74,509 257,773 Translation 4,149 — 1,600 (2 ) 215 5,962 Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 58,180 $ 116,369 $ 13,528 $ 934 $ 74,724 $ 263,735
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: As of August 31, 2017 As of August 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 359,227 $ (91,910 ) $ 267,317 $ 359,713 $ (67,207 ) $ 292,506 Developed technology 73,171 (18,574 ) 54,597 72,657 (13,864 ) 58,793 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,347 (8,071 ) 10,276 18,097 (6,782 ) 11,315 Total finite-lived $ 450,745 $ (118,555 ) $ 332,190 $ 450,467 $ (87,853 ) $ 362,614
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows: Estimated Future Amortization Expense (In thousands) Year ended August 31, 2018 $ 30,917 2019 30,514 2020 30,334 2021 28,924 2022 27,066

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr39

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: As of August 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 17,263 $ 10,333 Current portion of long-term debt 14,750 15,114 Short-term debt $ 32,013 $ 25,447 Short-term weighted average interest rate 6.20 % 7.58 % Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 51,250 $ 17,279 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 166,250 177,500 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 298,115 341,407 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 3,276 3,727 Unamortized debt issuance costs (8,713 ) (10,242 ) Long-term debt $ 885,178 $ 919,349
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the Company’s available funds: As of August 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Existing capacity: Revolving Facility, due June 2020 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Foreign short-term lines of credit 30,890 37,953 Total capacity from credit lines $ 330,890 $ 337,953 Availability: Revolving Facility, due June 2020 $ 242,040 $ 279,120 Foreign short-term lines of credit 14,660 27,959 Total available funds from credit lines $ 256,700 $ 307,079
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Aggregate maturities of debt, including capital lease obligations, subsequent to August 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2018 $ 32,013 2019 19,582 2020 207,798 2021 3,728 2022 288,293 2023 and thereafter 375,000 Less: unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs (9,223 ) Total debt 917,191

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 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: August 31, 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 $ 286 $ — $ 286 $ — $ 487 $ — $ 487 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 268 $ — $ 268 $ — $ 951 $ — $ 951 $ —

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes	Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) U.S. $ (32,930 ) $ (433,199 ) $ (43,770 ) Foreign 65,263 66,694 72,200 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 32,333 $ (366,505 ) $ 28,430
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provisions for U.S. and foreign income taxes consist of the following: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Current taxes: U.S. $ (1,561 ) $ 813 $ 1,674 Foreign 21,691 28,466 18,078 Total current tax expense (benefit) 20,130 29,279 19,752 Deferred taxes: U.S. (18,552 ) (34,069 ) (19,985 ) Foreign (3,418 ) (3,850 ) 732 Total deferred tax expense (benefit) (21,970 ) (37,919 ) (19,253 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,840 ) $ (8,640 ) $ 499
Reconciliation of Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates of (5.7)% in 2017 , 2.4% in 2016 , and 1.8% in 2015 is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Amount % of Pretax Income Amount % of Pretax Income Amount % of Pretax Income (In thousands, except for %s) U.S. statutory federal income tax rate $ 11,317 35.0 % $ (128,277 ) 35.0 % $ 9,951 35.0 % Foreign rate differential, net of U.S. tax on certain foreign current year earnings 2,213 6.8 10,069 (2.7 ) (692 ) (2.4 ) Foreign losses with no tax benefit 1,026 3.2 1,866 (0.5 ) 3,956 14.0 Worthless stock deduction (14,735 ) (45.6 ) — — — — U.S. non-deductible transaction costs — — — — 1,349 4.7 State taxes, net of federal benefit (3,894 ) (12.0 ) 2,564 (0.7 ) (202 ) (0.7 ) Valuation allowance charges (reversals) — — 863 (0.2 ) (12,279 ) (43.2 ) Non-deductible goodwill impairment — — 106,503 (29.1 ) — — Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax 1,724 5.3 482 (0.1 ) (1,030 ) (3.6 ) Other 509 1.6 (2,710 ) 0.7 (554 ) (2.0 ) Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes $ (1,840 ) (5.7 )% $ (8,640 ) 2.4 % $ 499 1.8 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) consist of the following: As of August 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Pensions $ 23,585 $ 28,400 Inventory reserves 3,503 2,176 Bad debt reserves 2,071 1,680 Accruals 6,509 7,844 Postretirement benefits other than pensions 6,599 6,255 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 23,305 21,967 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 5,442 5,442 Alternative minimum tax carryforwards 1,493 2,289 Interest carryforwards 6,039 2,713 U.S. net operating loss carryforwards 35,288 33,059 Other 11,299 13,498 Gross deferred tax assets 125,133 125,323 Valuation allowance (33,648 ) (29,089 ) Total deferred tax assets 91,485 96,234 Property, plant and equipment (12,039 ) (16,194 ) Intangibles (80,991 ) (89,919 ) Unremitted foreign earnings — (9,003 ) Other (4,529 ) (3,925 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (97,559 ) (119,041 ) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (6,074 ) $ (22,807 )
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 2,993 $ 2,031 $ 3,845 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (194 ) (53 ) (259 ) Increases related to prior year tax positions 1,661 275 509 Increases related to current year tax positions 489 826 61 Settlements (945 ) — (376 ) Lapse of statute of limitations — (71 ) (1,192 ) Foreign currency impact 223 (15 ) (557 ) Ending balance $ 4,227 $ 2,993 $ 2,031

Pension and Postretirement Be42

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Components of the plan obligations and assets, the recorded liability and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ (198,385 ) $ (165,205 ) $ (10,491 ) $ (10,137 ) Service cost (5,816 ) (5,051 ) (3 ) (3 ) Interest cost (2,348 ) (4,198 ) (249 ) (390 ) Participant contributions (55 ) (155 ) (42 ) (47 ) Actuarial gains (losses) 18,499 (36,159 ) (208 ) (755 ) Settlements 7,171 — — — Curtailments 318 1,369 — — Benefits paid 4,289 4,597 921 841 Plan amendments 10 — — — Translation adjustment (8,341 ) 6,417 — — Benefit obligation at end of year $ (184,658 ) $ (198,385 ) $ (10,072 ) $ (10,491 ) Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 50,066 $ 44,325 $ — $ — Actual return on assets 264 8,365 — — Employer contributions 5,124 5,658 879 794 Participant contributions 55 155 42 47 Settlements (7,075 ) — — — — — Benefits paid (4,289 ) (4,597 ) (921 ) (841 ) Translation adjustment 1,396 (3,840 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 45,541 $ 50,066 $ — $ — Underfunded $ (139,117 ) $ (148,319 ) $ (10,072 ) $ (10,491 ) Classification of net amount recognized: Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits $ (3,426 ) $ (3,211 ) $ (819 ) $ (805 ) Long-term liabilities (135,691 ) (145,108 ) (9,253 ) (9,686 ) Net amount recognized $ (139,117 ) $ (148,319 ) $ (10,072 ) $ (10,491 ) Amounts recognized in AOCI: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ 52,249 $ 73,922 $ (766 ) $ (974 ) Net prior service cost (credit) 118 132 (357 ) (899 ) Net amount recognized in AOCI $ 52,367 $ 74,054 $ (1,123 ) $ (1,873 ) Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI: Net actuarial (gain) loss $ (17,577 ) $ 28,358 $ 208 $ 755 Prior service cost (credit) (11 ) — — — Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain (3,962 ) (2,843 ) — 56 Amortization of prior service (cost) credit (11 ) (32 ) 542 541 Settlement/curtailment gains (losses) (2,052 ) (68 ) — — Translation adjustment 1,926 (2,324 ) — — Total change in AOCI $ (21,687 ) $ 23,091 $ 750 $ 1,352
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Year Ended August 31, Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Service cost $ 5,816 $ 5,051 $ 4,609 $ 3 $ 3 $ 3 Interest cost 2,348 4,198 4,362 249 390 440 Expected return on plan assets (1,502 ) (1,934 ) (1,799 ) — — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 11 32 144 (542 ) (597 ) (541 ) Recognized (gains) losses due to plan settlements 2,258 — — — — — Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments (229 ) 68 — — — — Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) 3,985 2,843 2,884 — — — Total net periodic benefit cost $ 12,687 $ 10,258 $ 10,200 $ (290 ) $ (204 ) $ (98 )
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]	Amounts expected to be amortized from AOCI and included in total net periodic benefit cost during the year ended August 31, 2018 , are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 2,791 $ — Prior service cost (credit) 11 (241 ) Total $ 2,802 $ (241 )
Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	Selected information regarding the Company’s pension and OPEB plans is as follows: As of August 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Pension Plans: All plans: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 184,151 $ 183,298 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 184,658 $ 198,385 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 171,300 $ 183,298 Fair value of plan assets $ 45,541 $ 50,066 Plans with projected benefit obligations less than plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ — $ — Accumulated benefit obligation $ — $ — Fair value of plan assets $ — $ — OPEB Plan: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,072 $ 10,491 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 10,072 $ 10,491 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,072 $ 10,491
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits Assumptions used to determine pension obligations and expense follow: Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate 2.1 % 1.5 % 2.6 % Rate of compensation increase 2.1 % 2.1 % 2.4 % Assumptions used to determine expense 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation 1.5 % 2.6 % 2.8 % Discount rate used to determine service cost 1.6 % 2.6 % 2.8 % Discount rate used to determine interest cost 1.2 % 2.6 % 2.8 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 3.1 % 4.5 % 4.7 % Rate of compensation increase 2.1 % 2.4 % 2.4 % The expected long-term rate of return on pension assets was determined for each country and reflects long-term historical data taking into account each plan's target asset allocation. The discount rates were determined using appropriate bond data for each country. Other Postretirement Benefits Assumptions used to determine other postretirement benefits obligations and expense follow: Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate 3.4 % 3.1 % 4.0 % Assumptions used to determine expense 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation 3.1 % 4.0 % 3.8 % Discount rate used to determine service cost 2.9 % 4.0 % 3.8 % Discount rate used to determine interest cost 2.5 % 4.0 % 3.8 % Initial health care cost trend rate 6.3 % 6.5 % 6.8 % Ultimate health care cost trend rate 5.0 % 5.0 % 5.0 % Year ultimate health care trend rate is achieved 2023 2023 2023
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the OPEB plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of August 31, 2017 : One-Percentage - Point Increase One-Percentage - Point Decrease (In thousands) Effect on aggregate of service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 24 $ (21 ) Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 865 $ (753 )
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocation and target allocation, by asset category are as follows: Plan Assets Target Allocation As of August 31, As of August 31, Asset Category 2017 2016 2017 2016 Equity securities 29 % 22 % 27 % 20 % Debt securities 18 % 18 % 6 % 9 % Fixed insurance contracts 50 % 59 % 64 % 70 % Cash 1 % 1 % 1 % 1 % Real Estate 2 % — % 2 % — % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % The Company’s principal objective is to ensure that sufficient funds are available to provide benefits as and when required under the terms of the plans. The Company utilizes investments that provide benefits and maximizes the long-term investment performance of the plans without taking on undue risk while complying with various legal funding requirements. The Company, through its investment advisors, has developed detailed asset and liability models to aid in implementing optimal asset allocation strategies. The equity securities are invested in equity indexed funds, which minimizes concentration risk while offering market returns. The debt securities are invested in a long-term bond indexed fund which provides a stable low risk return. The fixed insurance contracts allow the Company to closely match a portion of the liability to the expected payout of benefit with little risk. The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, analyzes current market trends, the current plan performance and expected market performance of both the equity and bond markets to arrive at the expected return on each asset category over the long term. The Company’s plan assets which are invested in equity and debt securities are valued utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. In consultation with the Company's actuaries, plan assets invested in fixed insurance contracts are valued utilizing Level 3 inputs primarily based on the present value of discounted future cash flows taking into account the estimated future benefits of a profit sharing arrangement with an insurance company. The Company believes there is not a significant concentration of risk within its plan assets. The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets, all of which are for foreign plans, are as follows: As of August 31, 2017 As of August 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Equity securities $ 13,149 $ 7,550 $ 5,599 $ — $ 10,940 $ 1,615 $ 9,325 $ — Debt securities 8,133 5,844 2,289 — 8,969 4,905 4,064 — Fixed insurance contracts 23,002 — — 23,002 29,855 — — 29,855 Cash 442 442 — — 302 302 — — Other 815 — — 815 — — — — Total $ 45,541 $ 13,836 $ 7,888 $ 23,817 $ 50,066 $ 6,822 $ 13,389 $ 29,855
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The change in fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets classified as Level 3, all of which are for foreign plans, is as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of fiscal year $ 29,855 $ 18,538 Actual return on plan assets (14,315 ) 11,539 Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net 3,322 2,864 Foreign currency translation 4,955 (3,086 ) Balance, end of fiscal year $ 23,817 $ 29,855
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	The Company expects to contribute $5.8 million for its pension obligations and $0.8 million to its other postretirement plan in fiscal 2018 . The benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are as follows: Year Ended August 31, Pension Benefits OPEB Benefits (In thousands) 2018 $ 4,869 $ 833 2019 4,694 854 2020 5,154 823 2021 5,336 772 2022 5,446 775 Years 2023 — 2027 34,260 3,374

Accumulated Other Comprehensi43

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (1) : Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) (4) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (2) Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2014 $ 22,786 $ (39,477 ) $ (16,691 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $7,076 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and ($1,682) related to pension and other retiree benefits (72,526 ) 4,152 (68,374 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($456) — 1,427 (3) 1,427 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (72,526 ) 5,579 (66,947 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (178 ) — (178 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (72,348 ) 5,579 (66,769 ) Balance as of August 31, 2015 (49,562 ) (33,898 ) (83,460 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $0 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and $7,912 related to pension and other retiree benefits (20,831 ) (18,827 ) (39,658 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($1,061) — 1,721 (3) 1,721 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (20,831 ) (17,106 ) (37,937 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (676 ) — (676 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (20,155 ) (17,106 ) (37,261 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 (69,717 ) (51,004 ) (120,721 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $0 related to foreign currency translation gains (losses), and ($4,634) related to pension and other retiree benefits 17,355 10,855 28,210 Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($1,667) — 3,817 (3) 3,817 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 17,355 14,672 32,027 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (171 ) — (171 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 17,526 14,672 32,198 Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ (52,191 ) $ (36,332 ) $ (88,523 ) (1) All amounts presented are net of tax. (2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. (3) Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs. Fiscal 2017 includes a curtailment gain of $229 and settlement charges of $2,281, and fiscal 2016 includes a curtailment charge of $68. There were no curtailments or settlements recognized in fiscal 2015. (4) The tax amounts on the foreign currency loss relate to a note denominated in euros which was repaid in fiscal 2015.

Share-based incentive compens44

Share-based incentive compensation plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards: Awards Outstanding Weighted-Average Fair Market Value (per share) Time- Based Performance- Based Time- Based Performance- Based Outstanding at August 31, 2016 86,715 585,492 $ 27.94 $ 27.77 Granted 234,620 227,220 $ 29.54 $ 32.55 Vested (22,992 ) (25,007 ) $ 31.86 $ 34.42 Forfeited (36,113 ) (179,504 ) $ 26.89 $ 31.84 Outstanding at August 31, 2017 262,230 608,201 $ 29.17 $ 28.82
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of stock option activity is as follows: Outstanding Shares Under Option Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at August 31, 2016 — $ — Granted 173,200 $ 32.55 Exercised — $ — Forfeited and expired (1,200 ) $ 32.55 Outstanding at August 31, 2017 172,000 $ 32.55 Exercisable at August 31, 2017 — $ —
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 3,538 $ 879 $ 4,071 Stock options 328 — — Unrestricted awards 1,253 564 631 CEO transition costs — — 6,167 Total share-based incentive compensation $ 5,119 $ 1,443 $ 10,869

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 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: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,401 29,300 29,149 Incremental shares from equity awards 114 — 334 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — Diluted 29,515 29,300 29,483

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The approximate future minimum rental commitments for non-cancelable operating leases, excluding obligations for taxes and insurance, are as follows: Year Ended August 31, Minimum Rental Commitments (In thousands) 2018 $ 17,155 2019 11,769 2020 7,107 2021 4,318 2022 3,296 2023 and thereafter 12,901 Total minimum rental commitments $ 56,546

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 1,208,818 $ 1,239,963 $ 1,339,355 USCAN 640,441 691,369 610,493 LATAM 179,352 171,650 177,463 APAC 208,507 186,911 207,781 EC 224,006 206,112 57,133 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 2,461,124 $ 2,496,005 $ 2,392,225 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated sales and revenues for the years ended August 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 161,184 $ 178,376 $ 189,860 USCAN 91,768 115,329 100,550 LATAM 38,565 36,886 31,971 APAC 35,587 32,293 29,238 EC 56,003 50,461 14,536 Total segment gross profit 383,107 413,345 366,155 Inventory step-up — — (3,082 ) Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (1) (3,097 ) (7,571 ) (1,796 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (57 ) (2,769 ) (267 ) Lucent costs (2) (190 ) (2,085 ) — Total gross profit $ 379,763 $ 400,920 $ 361,010 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 67,831 $ 76,576 $ 78,313 USCAN 29,080 47,062 40,713 LATAM 23,096 20,268 13,061 APAC 19,330 17,953 14,401 EC 20,700 14,885 5,454 Total segment operating income 160,037 176,744 151,942 Corporate (33,542 ) (30,797 ) (31,238 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (605 ) (8,789 ) (17,208 ) Restructuring and related costs (1) (28,960 ) (27,762 ) (23,411 ) Accelerated depreciation (1,890 ) (6,309 ) (408 ) CEO transition costs (196 ) (3,399 ) (6,167 ) Asset impairment (1,053 ) (401,667 ) — Curtailment and settlement gains (losses) (2,029 ) — — Lucent costs (2) (5,966 ) (7,261 ) — Inventory step-up — — (3,082 ) Operating income (loss) 85,796 (309,240 ) 70,428 Interest expense (53,195 ) (54,548 ) (22,613 ) Bridge financing fees — — (18,750 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (1,781 ) (3,491 ) (3,363 ) Other income (expense), net 1,513 774 1,438 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — 1,290 Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ 32,333 $ (366,505 ) $ 28,430 (1) Restructuring related costs of $15.5 million , $16.0 million , and $9.1 million for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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, improve efficiency of its operations or comply with new legislation, and costs associated with reorganizations of the legal entity structure of the Company. Restructuring expenses for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 of $13.5 million , $11.8 million , and $14.3 million respectively, 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. (2) Refer to Note 17, Contingencies and Claims, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in costs of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs. In addition, in the year ended August 31, 2016, Lucent costs in SG&A also include dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations. The following table summarizes identifiable assets by segment: As of August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Identifiable assets: EMEA $ 611,364 $ 594,599 $ 701,263 USCAN 564,464 599,586 861,985 LATAM 107,468 86,105 96,210 APAC 146,455 131,356 126,965 EC 324,029 335,793 553,459 Total identifiable assets $ 1,753,780 $ 1,747,439 $ 2,339,882 The following tables summarize depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures by segment: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Depreciation and amortization expense: EMEA $ 21,203 $ 22,646 $ 21,730 USCAN 31,714 39,139 24,197 LATAM 3,681 3,822 3,255 APAC 5,167 5,409 5,424 EC 17,041 18,248 4,634 Total depreciation and amortization expense $ 78,806 $ 89,264 $ 59,240 Capital expenditures: EMEA $ 12,053 $ 17,763 $ 21,321 USCAN 12,259 17,447 10,332 LATAM 4,264 5,514 3,597 APAC 4,258 9,322 6,895 EC 4,032 1,192 442 Total capital expenditures $ 36,866 $ 51,238 $ 42,587
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	Below is a summary of net sales by point of origin and long-lived assets by location: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales: United States $ 772,434 $ 807,673 $ 632,906 Germany 404,081 415,965 432,822 France 163,544 170,304 195,507 Other international 1,121,065 1,102,063 1,130,990 Total net sales $ 2,461,124 $ 2,496,005 $ 2,392,225 As of August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Long lived assets: United States $ 131,326 $ 149,098 $ 159,394 Germany 25,177 25,716 27,224 France 28,530 26,450 18,472 Other international 113,670 113,558 109,404 Total long lived assets $ 298,703 $ 314,822 $ 314,494
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	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: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands, except for %’s) Engineered Composites $ 224,006 9 % $ 206,112 8 % $ 57,133 2 % Custom Concentrates and Services 1,134,305 46 1,140,814 46 1,227,035 51 Performance Materials 1,102,813 45 1,149,079 46 1,108,057 47 Total consolidated net sales $ 2,461,124 100 % $ 2,496,005 100 % $ 2,392,225 100 %

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 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, 2015 4,922 461 5,383 Fiscal 2016 charges 9,009 2,759 11,768 Fiscal 2016 payments (10,343 ) (2,818 ) (13,161 ) Translation (46 ) — (46 ) Accrual balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 3,542 $ 402 $ 3,944 Fiscal 2017 charges 11,653 1,867 13,520 Fiscal 2017 payments (12,559 ) (2,236 ) (14,795 ) Translation 352 57 409 Accrual balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 2,988 $ 90 $ 3,078
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment [Table Text Block]	Restructuring costs are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) EMEA $ 10,218 $ 4,568 $ 10,073 USCAN 2,702 5,107 3,229 LATAM 59 417 990 APAC 388 312 46 EC 153 1,364 — Total $ 13,520 $ 11,768 $ 14,338

Asset Impairment (Tables)

Asset Impairment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Schedule of Impairment by type [Table Text Block]	he following table summarizes the Company's asset impairment activity for the periods presented: Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Goodwill impairment $ — $ 360,708 $ — Finite-lived intangible asset impairment — 34,471 — Information technology asset impairment 1,053 6,488 — Total $ 1,053 $ 401,667 $ —

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following summarizes select financial information included in net earnings from discontinued operations related to the Australia business: Year ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales $ — $ — $ — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ — $ 1,861 $ (133 )

Consolidating Financial Infor51

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 615 $ — $ 52,636 $ — $ 53,251 Restricted cash — — 768 — 768 Accounts receivable, net 47,683 61,311 299,445 — 408,439 Accounts receivable, intercompany 33,294 15,077 26,188 (74,559 ) — Inventories 34,432 40,097 201,930 — 276,459 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,557 2,326 26,829 — 36,712 Assets held for sale 2,764 2,912 — — 5,676 Total current assets 126,345 121,723 607,796 (74,559 ) 781,305 Net property, plant and equipment 44,961 69,260 184,482 — 298,703 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 95,294 4,201 59,599 (81,247 ) 77,847 Intercompany loans receivable 2,593 31,432 — (34,025 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 841,645 244,408 — (1,086,053 ) — Goodwill 26,862 110,289 126,584 — 263,735 Intangible assets, net 27,630 187,533 117,027 — 332,190 Total assets $ 1,165,330 $ 768,846 $ 1,095,488 $ (1,275,884 ) $ 1,753,780 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 36,211 $ 41,830 $ 240,779 $ — $ 318,820 Accounts payable, intercompany 17,788 43,118 13,653 (74,559 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 597 4,303 — 4,900 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 6,970 6,826 33,155 — 46,951 Other accrued liabilities 18,989 7,083 35,689 — 61,761 Short-term debt 14,912 29 17,072 — 32,013 Total current liabilities 94,870 99,483 344,651 (74,559 ) 464,445 Long-term debt 858,446 41 26,691 — 885,178 Intercompany debt — — 34,025 (34,025 ) — Pension plans 2,266 1,308 132,117 — 135,691 Deferred income taxes — 71,584 47,362 (81,247 ) 37,699 Other long-term liabilities 12,730 1,067 9,938 — 23,735 Total liabilities 968,312 173,483 594,784 (189,831 ) 1,546,748 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,529 — — — 48,529 Other equity 28,200 595,363 490,690 (1,086,053 ) 28,200 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 197,018 595,363 490,690 (1,086,053 ) 197,018 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,014 — 10,014 Total equity 197,018 595,363 500,704 (1,086,053 ) 207,032 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,165,330 $ 768,846 $ 1,095,488 $ (1,275,884 ) $ 1,753,780 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 Year Ended August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 324,526 $ 420,378 $ 1,761,311 $ (45,091 ) $ 2,461,124 Cost of sales 263,918 381,043 1,481,491 (45,091 ) 2,081,361 Selling, general and administrative expenses 45,246 60,364 171,755 — 277,365 Restructuring expense 2,180 563 10,777 — 13,520 Asset impairment 1,053 — — — 1,053 Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses — — 2,029 — 2,029 Operating income (loss) 12,129 (21,592 ) 95,259 — 85,796 Interest expense 49,322 29 4,860 (1,016 ) 53,195 Intercompany charges 164 244 15,066 (15,474 ) — Intercompany income (10,189 ) (5,095 ) (190 ) 15,474 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses (380 ) 22 2,139 — 1,781 Other (income) expense, net 861 (1,263 ) (2,127 ) 1,016 (1,513 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (35,995 ) (7,679 ) — 43,674 — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 8,346 (7,850 ) 75,511 (43,674 ) 32,333 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (24,680 ) (5,997 ) 28,837 — (1,840 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations 33,026 (1,853 ) 46,674 (43,674 ) 34,173 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — — — Net income (loss) 33,026 (1,853 ) 46,674 (43,674 ) 34,173 Noncontrolling interests — — (1,147 ) — (1,147 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 33,026 (1,853 ) 45,527 (43,674 ) 33,026 Convertible special stock dividends 7,500 — — — 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 25,526 $ (1,853 ) $ 45,527 $ (43,674 ) $ 25,526 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 65,224 $ (1,674 ) $ 79,344 $ (76,694 ) $ 66,200 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 976 — 976 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 65,224 $ (1,674 ) $ 78,368 $ (76,694 ) $ 65,224 Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 322,515 $ 461,295 $ 1,759,401 $ (47,206 ) $ 2,496,005 Cost of sales 262,334 404,004 1,475,953 (47,206 ) 2,095,085 Selling, general and administrative expenses 42,608 69,139 184,978 — 296,725 Restructuring expense 3,885 2,094 5,789 — 11,768 Asset impairment 31,512 236,871 133,284 — 401,667 Operating income (loss) (17,824 ) (250,813 ) (40,603 ) — (309,240 ) Interest expense 48,361 5 7,840 (1,658 ) 54,548 Intercompany charges 29 16 12,944 (12,989 ) — Intercompany income (8,337 ) (4,637 ) (15 ) 12,989 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 3,519 (135 ) 107 — 3,491 Other (income) expense, net (163 ) (1,056 ) (1,213 ) 1,658 (774 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments 316,066 122,371 — (438,437 ) — Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (377,299 ) (367,377 ) (60,266 ) 438,437 (366,505 ) Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (20,178 ) (23,707 ) 35,245 — (8,640 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations (357,121 ) (343,670 ) (95,511 ) 438,437 (357,865 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 1,579 282 — 1,861 Net income (loss) (357,121 ) (342,091 ) (95,229 ) 438,437 (356,004 ) Noncontrolling interests — — (1,118 ) — (1,118 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (357,121 ) (342,091 ) (96,347 ) 438,437 (357,122 ) Convertible special stock dividends 7,500 — — — 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ (364,621 ) $ (342,091 ) $ (96,347 ) $ 438,437 $ (364,622 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ (394,383 ) $ (340,609 ) $ (133,350 ) $ 474,401 $ (393,941 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 442 — 442 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (394,383 ) $ (340,609 ) $ (133,792 ) $ 474,401 $ (394,383 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 394,116 $ 218,081 $ 1,818,184 $ (38,156 ) $ 2,392,225 Cost of sales 329,324 189,439 1,550,608 (38,156 ) 2,031,215 Selling, general and administrative expenses 57,711 37,391 181,142 — 276,244 Restructuring expense 2,367 290 11,681 — 14,338 Operating income (loss) 4,714 (9,039 ) 74,753 — 70,428 Interest expense 18,352 2 5,734 (1,475 ) 22,613 Bridge financing fees 18,750 — — — 18,750 Intercompany charges 14 38 7,379 (7,431 ) — Intercompany income (6,201 ) (1,225 ) (5 ) 7,431 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,819 (172 ) 1,716 — 3,363 Other (income) expense, net (1,436 ) (563 ) (914 ) 1,475 (1,438 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (37,382 ) 9,424 — 27,958 — Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — (1,290 ) — (1,290 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 10,798 (16,543 ) 62,133 (27,958 ) 28,430 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (15,831 ) (2,704 ) 19,034 — 499 Income (loss) from continuing operations 26,629 (13,839 ) 43,099 (27,958 ) 27,931 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (133 ) — (133 ) Net income (loss) 26,629 (13,839 ) 42,966 (27,958 ) 27,798 Noncontrolling interests — — (1,169 ) — (1,169 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 26,629 (13,839 ) 41,797 (27,958 ) 26,629 Convertible special stock dividends 2,438 — — — 2,438 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 24,191 $ (13,839 ) $ 41,797 $ (27,958 ) $ 24,191 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (40,140 ) $ (25,698 ) $ (28,731 ) $ 55,420 $ (39,149 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 991 — 991 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (40,140 ) $ (25,698 ) $ (29,722 ) $ 55,420 $ (40,140 )
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 72,906 $ 4,874 $ 107,774 $ (80,836 ) $ 104,718 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (7,653 ) (6,204 ) (23,009 ) — (36,866 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 167 2,314 1,920 — 4,401 Distributions from equity investees — 250 — — 250 Intercompany investments (228 ) (1,166 ) — 1,394 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (7,714 ) (4,806 ) (21,089 ) 1,394 (32,215 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,208 ) — — — (24,208 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (7,500 ) — — — (7,500 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (80,836 ) 80,836 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 6,328 — 6,328 Borrowings on long-term debt 213,100 — 179,493 — 392,593 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (249,849 ) (68 ) (179,270 ) — (429,187 ) Noncontrolling interests' distributions — — (53 ) — (53 ) Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 191 — — — 191 Redemptions of common stock (711 ) — — — (711 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — — 1,394 (1,394 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (68,977 ) (68 ) (72,944 ) 79,442 (62,547 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 660 — 660 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (3,785 ) — 14,401 — 10,616 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 4,400 — 39,003 — 43,403 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year $ 615 $ — $ 53,404 $ — $ 54,019 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 31,297 $ 7,650 $ 109,936 $ (756 ) $ 148,127 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (9,877 ) (7,882 ) (33,479 ) — (51,238 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 300 232 834 — 1,366 Intercompany investments (140 ) — — 140 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (9,717 ) (7,650 ) (32,645 ) 140 (49,872 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,029 ) — — — (24,029 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (7,500 ) — — — (7,500 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (756 ) 756 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 2,945 — 2,945 Borrowings on long-term debt 164,500 — 79,731 — 244,231 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (167,441 ) — (194,561 ) — (362,002 ) Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 11,081 — (11,081 ) — — Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 258 — — — 258 Redemptions of common stock (1,139 ) — — — (1,139 ) Intercompany equity contributions received — — 140 (140 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (24,270 ) — (123,582 ) 616 (147,236 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (4,488 ) — (4,488 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (2,690 ) — (50,779 ) — (53,469 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 7,090 — 89,782 — 96,872 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year $ 4,400 $ — $ 39,003 $ — $ 43,403 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating from continuing and discontinued operations: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 125,104 $ 3,159 $ 51,102 $ (119,195 ) $ 60,170 Investing from continuing and discontinued operations: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (6,818 ) (2,467 ) (33,302 ) — (42,587 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 293 23 1,669 — 1,985 Investment in equity investees — — (12,456 ) — (12,456 ) Business acquisitions, net of cash (801,560 ) — (6,698 ) — (808,258 ) Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (808,085 ) (2,444 ) (50,787 ) — (861,316 ) Financing from continuing and discontinued operations: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (24,024 ) — — — (24,024 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (1,813 ) — — — (1,813 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (119,195 ) 119,195 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt (11,617 ) — 2,858 — (8,759 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 1,095,000 — 335,513 — 1,430,513 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (469,400 ) — (244,317 ) — (713,717 ) Payment of debt issuance costs (15,007 ) — — — (15,007 ) Noncontrolling interests' distributions — — (1,750 ) — (1,750 ) Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation 506 — — — 506 Issuances of common stock, common and treasury 289 — — — 289 Issuances of convertible special stock, net 120,289 — — — 120,289 Redemptions of common stock (4,999 ) — — — (4,999 ) Purchases of treasury stock (3,335 ) — — — (3,335 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 685,889 — (26,891 ) 119,195 778,193 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (15,668 ) — (15,668 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 2,908 715 (42,244 ) — (38,621 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 4,182 (715 ) 132,026 — 135,493 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year $ 7,090 $ — $ 89,782 $ — $ 96,872

Quarterly Financial Highlight52

Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Year Ended Nov 30, Feb 28, May 31, Aug 31, Aug 31, Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 600,000 $ 568,678 $ 645,795 $ 646,651 $ 2,461,124 Gross profit $ 101,015 $ 89,186 $ 98,427 $ 91,135 $ 379,763 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 3,184 $ 5,336 $ 16,098 $ 9,555 $ 34,173 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — — — Net income (loss) 3,184 5,336 16,098 9,555 34,173 Noncontrolling interests (241 ) (306 ) (320 ) (280 ) (1,147 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 2,943 5,030 15,778 9,275 33,026 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 1,875 1,875 1,875 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 1,068 $ 3,155 $ 13,903 $ 7,400 $ 25,526 Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.04 $ 0.11 $ 0.47 $ 0.25 $ 0.87 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — — — Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.04 $ 0.11 $ 0.47 $ 0.25 $ 0.87 Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.04 $ 0.11 $ 0.47 $ 0.25 $ 0.86 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — — — — — Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.04 $ 0.11 $ 0.47 $ 0.25 $ 0.86 Certain items included in income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows: Accelerated depreciation (b) $ 260 $ 355 $ 188 $ 552 $ 1,355 Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (c) 442 — — — 442 Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees (d) 150 16 — — 166 Restructuring and related costs (e) 9,689 3,777 2,328 4,884 20,678 CEO transition costs (f) 138 4 — — 142 Lucent costs (g) 591 453 1,374 1,760 4,178 Curtailment and settlement losses (h) — — — 1,330 1,330 Gains on asset sales (i) — — (134 ) (693 ) (827 ) Asset impairments and other charges (j) 495 1,233 — 1,452 3,180 Total $ 11,765 $ 5,838 $ 3,756 $ 9,285 $ 30,644 Quarter Ended Year Ended Nov 30, Feb 29, May 31, Aug 31, Aug 31, Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 649,219 $ 591,761 $ 650,439 $ 604,586 $ 2,496,005 Gross profit $ 104,929 $ 89,824 $ 109,474 $ 96,693 $ 400,920 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 7,477 $ 1,841 $ 17,556 $ (384,739 ) $ (357,865 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 20 181 82 1,578 1,861 Net income (loss) 7,497 2,022 17,638 (383,161 ) (356,004 ) Noncontrolling interests (404 ) (430 ) (241 ) (43 ) (1,118 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 7,093 $ 1,592 $ 17,397 $ (383,204 ) $ (357,122 ) Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 1,875 1,875 1,875 7,500 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 5,218 $ (283 ) $ 15,522 $ (385,079 ) $ (364,622 ) Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.18 ) $ (12.51 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 0.01 — 0.06 0.07 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.12 ) $ (12.44 ) Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders (a) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.18 ) $ (12.51 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 0.01 — 0.06 0.07 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.53 $ (13.12 ) $ (12.44 ) Certain items included in income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows: Accelerated depreciation (k) $ 1,047 $ 1,578 $ 1,043 $ 1,221 $ 4,889 Costs related to acquisitions and integrations (c) 1,344 3,239 1,208 1,020 6,811 Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees (d) 79 126 129 131 465 Restructuring and related costs (e) 3,576 4,653 7,630 6,254 22,113 CEO transition costs (f) — — — 2,634 2,634 Lucent costs (g) 2,669 560 1,566 832 5,627 Asset impairments (l) — — — 311,292 311,292 Total $ 8,715 $ 10,156 $ 11,576 $ 323,384 $ 353,831 (a) The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding. (b) Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN, LATAM, and EMEA segments. Please refer to Note 14, Segment Information, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (c) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations primarily include professional, legal, IT and other expenses associated with successful and unsuccessful full or partial acquisition and divestiture/dissolution transactions, as well as certain employee-related expenses such as travel, bonuses and post-acquisition severance separate from a formal restructuring plan. (d) Write-off of deferred financing costs related to the early payments of Term Loan B. (e) Restructuring related costs 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, improve efficiency of its operations or comply with new legislation, 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 and related costs are costs associated with professional fees for outside strategic consultants regarding actions to improve the profitability, improve efficiency of its operations, comply with new legislation, and costs associated with reorganizations of the legal entity structure of the Company. Refer to Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (f) CEO transition costs represent charges related to the separation of the Company's previous CEO, Bernard Rzepka. (g) Lucent costs primarily represent legal and investigation costs related to resolving the Lucent matter, product manufacturing costs for reworking existing Lucent inventory, obsolete Lucent inventory reserve costs, and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations in fiscal 2016. (h) Curtailment and settlement losses represent losses on pension obligations in EMEA. (i) The gains on asset sales represent gains on the sale of assets in USCAN and EMEA that had previously been classified as held for sale. (j) Asset impairments and other charges primarily relate to the write down of information technology assets in the USCAN segment. Please refer to Note 19, Asset Impairment, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. (k) Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments. (l) Asset impairments relate to the write down of goodwill, intangible assets and information technology assets. Refer to Note 19, Asset Impairment, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.

Valuation and Qualifying Acco53

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II Balance at beginning of period Charges to cost and expenses Net write-offs Other Translation adjustment Balance at close of period (In thousands) Valuation allowance — deferred tax assets Year Ended August 31, 2017 $ 29,089 $ 3,945 $ — $ 614 $ — $ 33,648 Year Ended August 31, 2016 $ 23,859 $ 4,240 $ — $ 990 $ — $ 29,089 Year Ended August 31, 2015 $ 21,716 $ (2,759 ) $ — $ 4,902 $ — $ 23,859 In connection with the acquisition of Citadel during the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company reversed its valuation allowance in the amount of $12.3 million on most of its federal deferred tax assets. This reversal was due to deferred tax liabilities recorded as part of the Citadel acquisition. This valuation allowance reversal was offset by increases in the valuation allowances relating to foreign and domestic state and local net operating losses, including $4.9 million primarily related to the Citadel opening balance sheet. Schedule II Balance at beginning of period Charges to cost and expenses Net write-offs Other Translation adjustment Balance at close of period (In thousands) Valuation allowance — deferred tax assets Year Ended August 31, 2017 $ 29,089 $ 3,945 $ — $ 614 $ — $ 33,648 Year Ended August 31, 2016 $ 23,859 $ 4,240 $ — $ 990 $ — $ 29,089 Year Ended August 31, 2015 $ 21,716 $ (2,759 ) $ — $ 4,902 $ — $ 23,859

Business and Summary of Signi54

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Number of employees		4,900
Number of manufacturing facilities		54
Assets held for sale		$ 5,676	$ 0
Debt Issuance Costs, Net		$ 8,713	10,242
Alta Plastica S.A. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest partner		37.00%
P.T. Prima Polycon Indah [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest partner		35.00%
Pension Plan [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost		$ 5,816	5,051	$ 4,609
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)		12,687	$ 10,258	$ 10,200
Citadel [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Lien on seller's bank account		$ 7,500
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain]
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 6,100
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	$ 3,100

Business and Summary of Signi55

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land	$ 31,933	$ 32,957
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	186,785	184,291
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	471,978	447,932
Furniture and Fixtures, Gross	34,628	34,457
Construction in Progress, Gross	17,860	20,431
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	743,184	720,068
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	444,481	405,246
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	298,703	314,822	$ 314,494
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$ 1,900	$ 8,800	$ 4,400
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Business and Summary of Signi56

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	9 years
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	20 years
Developed Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	10 years
Developed Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	20 years
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	3 years
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	25 years

Business and Summary of Signi57

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Reconciliation of Cash per Balance Sheet to Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,251	$ 35,260	$ 96,872	$ 135,493
Restricted cash	768	8,143	0	0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 54,019	$ 43,403	$ 96,872	$ 135,493

Business Acquisitions (Details)

Business Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Jun. 01, 2015	Sep. 02, 2014
Business Acquisitions
Goodwill	$ 263,735,000				$ 257,773,000				$ 623,583,000		$ 263,735,000	$ 257,773,000	$ 623,583,000
Net sales	646,651,000	$ 645,795,000	$ 568,678,000	$ 600,000,000	604,586,000	$ 650,439,000	$ 591,761,000	$ 649,219,000			2,461,124,000	2,496,005,000	2,392,225,000
Income before taxes											32,333,000	(366,505,000)	28,430,000
Net income attributable to A. Schulman Inc.	$ 9,275,000	$ 15,778,000	$ 5,030,000	$ 2,943,000	$ (383,204,000)	$ 17,397,000	$ 1,592,000	$ 7,093,000			33,026,000	(357,122,000)	26,629,000
Acquisition related costs											600,000	8,800,000	17,300,000
Bridge financing fees											$ 0	$ 0	18,750,000
Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Accounts receivable														$ 71,767,000
Inventories														40,942,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets														14,556,000
Property, plant and equipment														78,112,000
Intangible assets														325,000,000
Other long-term assets														3,606,000
Total assets acquired														533,983,000
Accounts payable														28,854,000
Accrued liabilities														19,853,000
Deferred income taxes, long-term														111,507,000
Other long-term liabilities														3,121,000
Total liabilities assumed														163,335,000
Identifiable net assets acquired														370,648,000
Goodwill														430,912,000
Net assets acquired														801,560,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	14 years 1 month 6 days
Gross contractual amount of acquired receivables														72,100,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount														0
Net sales									116,659,000
Income before taxes									4,999,000
Net income attributable to A. Schulman Inc.									4,304,000
Inventory step up adjustments before taxes									$ 2,700,000
Net sales													2,769,560,000
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders													$ 23,870,000
Net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted													$ 0.81
Acquisition related costs													$ 14,100,000
Compco Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Net assets acquired															$ 6,700,000
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Intangible assets														230,500,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	14 years
Developed Technology [Member] | Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Intangible assets														75,300,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	16 years 3 months 19 days
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member] | Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Intangible assets														$ 19,200,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	8 years 1 month 6 days
Bridge Loan [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Bridge financing fees										$ 18,750,000

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun59

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 11,341	$ 10,777	$ 10,844
Provision	2,062	2,097	1,956
Write-offs, net of recoveries	2,801	1,445	973
Translation effect	569	(88)	(1,050)
Ending balance	$ 11,171	$ 11,341	$ 10,777

Goodwill and Intangible Asset60

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		$ 257,773	$ 623,583
Acquisitions (1)	[1]		(479)
Impairment		0	(360,708)	$ 0
Translation		5,962	(4,623)
Goodwill		263,735	257,773	623,583
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		54,031	75,714
Acquisitions (1)			0
Impairment			(16,752)
Translation		4,149	(4,931)
Goodwill		58,180	54,031	75,714
USCAN [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		116,369	285,791
Acquisitions (1)	[1]		(2,633)
Impairment			(166,789)
Translation		0	0
Goodwill		116,369	116,369	285,791
LATAM [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		11,928	11,695
Acquisitions (1)			0
Impairment			0
Translation		1,600	233
Goodwill		13,528	11,928	11,695
APAC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		936	901
Acquisitions (1)			0
Impairment			0
Translation		(2)	35
Goodwill		934	936	901
EC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		74,509	249,482
Acquisitions (1)	[1]		2,154
Impairment			(177,167)
Translation		215	40
Goodwill		$ 74,724	$ 74,509	$ 249,482
[1]	Activity relates to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocations, primarily due to inventory and deferred tax adjustments.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset61

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 450,745	$ 450,467
Accumulated Amortization	(118,555)	(87,853)
Net Carrying Amount	332,190	362,614
Intangible assets amortization expense	$ 31,700	36,100	$ 19,400
Weighted-average useful life of finite-lived intangible assets	12 years
Finite-lived intangible asset impairment	$ 0	34,471	$ 0
2,018	30,917
2,019	30,514
2,020	30,334
2,021	28,924
2,022	27,066
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	359,227	359,713
Accumulated Amortization	(91,910)	(67,207)
Net Carrying Amount	267,317	292,506
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	73,171	72,657
Accumulated Amortization	(18,574)	(13,864)
Net Carrying Amount	54,597	58,793
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	18,347	18,097
Accumulated Amortization	(8,071)	(6,782)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 10,276	11,315
EC [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset impairment		7,600
USCAN [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset impairment		$ 26,900

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr62

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015EUR (€)	May 31, 2022	May 31, 2021	May 31, 2020	May 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2015EUR (€)	May 26, 2015USD ($)
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Notes payable and other, due within one year								$ 17,263	$ 10,333
Current portion of long-term debt								14,750	15,114
Short-term debt								$ 32,013	$ 25,447
Short-term weighted average interest rate								6.20%	7.58%
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023								$ 375,000	$ 375,000				$ 375,000
Capital leases and other long-term debt								3,276	3,727
Unamortized debt issuance costs								(8,713)	(10,242)
Long-term debt								885,178	919,349
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs								0	0	$ 15,007
Maximum borrowing capacity								330,890	337,953
DomesticPledgeofSubsidiaryCapitalStocktosupportRevolvingFacilityandSeniorNote											100.00%	100.00%
ForeignPledgeofSubsidiaryCapitalStocktosupportRevolvingFacilityandSeniorNote											65.00%	65.00%
ForeignPledgeofSubsidiaryCapitalStocktosupportForeignObligations											100.00%	100.00%
Bridge Loan	$ 425,000
Bridge financing fees								0	0	18,750
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt								0	0	$ 1,290
Available borrowing capacity								256,700	307,079
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding								67,400	26,600
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount								6,800	4,300
2,018								32,013
2,019								19,582
2,020								207,798
2,021								3,728
2,022								288,293
2023 and thereafter								375,000
Less: unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs								(9,223)
Total debt								917,191
Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity								30,890	37,953
Available borrowing capacity								14,660	27,959
2015 Revolver, due 2020 [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity								300,000	300,000		$ 300,000
Available borrowing capacity								242,040	279,120
2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity											1,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity											250,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Bridge Loan	875,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Fixed interest rate on long-term debt													6.875%
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs									11,300
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage				100.00%	101.719%	103.438%	105.156%
2015 Revolver, due 2020 [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020								51,250	17,279
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Term Loan A and Term Loan B								166,250	177,500
Maximum borrowing capacity											200,000
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Term Loan A and Term Loan B								298,115	341,407
Maximum borrowing capacity											$ 350,000
Repayments of Debt								$ 56,000
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis								0.0075
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B Euro [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Term Loan A and Term Loan B								$ 0	$ 14,678
Maximum borrowing capacity | €												€ 145
Bridge Loan [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Bridge financing fees	$ 18,750
Euro Notes [Member]
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount | €			€ 42.8
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt		$ 1,290
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives Recorded in Earnings, Net		3,900
Long-term debt, early termination fees		2,500
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost		$ 100

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	May 26, 2015
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$ 286,000	$ 487,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	268,000	951,000
Senior Notes carrying value	375,000,000	375,000,000	$ 375,000,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	92,700,000	115,900,000
Fair Value Hedges, Net	0	0
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
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	286,000	487,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	268,000	951,000
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
Senior Notes [Member]
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 389,500,000	$ 378,800,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Current taxes:
U.S.	$ (32,930)	$ (433,199)	$ (43,770)
Foreign	65,263	66,694	72,200
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	32,333	(366,505)	28,430
U.S.	(1,561)	813	1,674
Foreign	21,691	28,466	18,078
Total current tax expense (benefit)	20,130	29,279	19,752
Deferred taxes:
U.S.	(18,552)	(34,069)	(19,985)
Foreign	(3,418)	(3,850)	732
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	(21,970)	(37,919)	(19,253)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	(1,840)	(8,640)	499
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$ 11,317	$ (128,277)	$ 9,951
Statutory U.S. tax rate percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign rate differential, net of U.S. tax on certain foreign current year earnings	$ 2,213	$ 10,069	$ (692)
Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory tax rate percent	6.80%	(2.70%)	(2.40%)
Foreign losses with no tax benefit	$ 1,026	$ 1,866	$ 3,956
Foreign losses with no tax benefit percent	3.20%	(0.50%)	14.00%
Worthless stock deduction	$ (14,735)	$ 0	$ 0
Worthless stock deduction, percent	(45.60%)	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
U.S. non-deductible transaction costs	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,349
U.S. non-deductible transaction costs, percent	0.00%	0.00%	4.70%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	$ (3,894)	$ 2,564	$ (202)
State taxes, net of federal benefit percent	(12.00%)	(0.70%)	(0.70%)
Valuation allowance charges (reversals)	$ 0	$ 863	$ (12,279)
Valuation allowance charges percentage	0.00%	(0.20%)	(43.20%)
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 106,503	$ 0
Non-deductible goodwill impairment percent	0.00%	(29.10%)	0.00%
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	$ 1,724	$ 482	$ (1,030)
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions percent	5.30%	(0.10%)	(3.60%)
Other	$ 509	$ (2,710)	$ (554)
Other percent	1.60%	0.70%	(2.00%)
Total income tax expense (benefit) percentage	(5.70%)	2.40%	1.80%
Pensions	$ 23,585	$ 28,400
Inventory reserves	3,503	2,176
Bad debt reserves	2,071	1,680
Accruals	6,509	7,844
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	6,599	6,255
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	23,305	21,967
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	5,442	5,442
Alternative minimum tax carryforwards	1,493	2,289
Interest carryforwards	6,039	2,713
U.S. net operating loss carryforwards	35,288	33,059
Other	11,299	13,498
Gross deferred tax assets	125,133	125,323
Valuation allowance	(33,648)	(29,089)
Total deferred tax assets	91,485	96,234
Property, plant and equipment	(12,039)	(16,194)
Intangibles	(80,991)	(89,919)
Unremitted foreign earnings	0	(9,003)
Other	(4,529)	(3,925)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(97,559)	(119,041)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(6,074)	(22,807)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	29,300
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration	23,300
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	15,100
State and Local net operating loss carryforwards	6,000
Unrealized stock compensation attributes reducing foreign tax credit carryforward	2,600
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	1,500
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	31,600	36,200
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	3,300
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	1,400
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,993	2,031	$ 3,845
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(194)	(53)	(259)
Increases related to prior year tax positions	1,661	275	509
Increases related to current year tax positions	489	826	61
Settlements	(945)	0	(376)
Lapse of statute of limitations	0	(71)	(1,192)
Foreign currency impact	223	(15)	(557)
Ending balance	4,227	$ 2,993	$ 2,031
Undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries	515,900
Tax Credit Carryforward to Expire in 2019 [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	2,300
Tax Credit Carryforward to Expire in 2025 [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	5,400
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Operating loss carryforwards	83,500
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Operating loss carryforwards	76,700
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	4,900
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Deferred taxes:
Operating loss carryforwards	166,900
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	$ 4,300

Pension and Postretirement Be65

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 45,541	$ 50,066
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		45,541	$ 50,066
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components		24
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components		(21)
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation		865
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation		$ (753)
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		100.00%	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage		100.00%	100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost		$ 4,100	$ 3,900	$ 4,200
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	13,836	6,822
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		13,836	6,822
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,888	13,389
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		7,888	13,389
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	23,817	29,855	18,538
Actual return on assets		(14,315)	11,539
Translation adjustment		4,955	(3,086)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		23,817	29,855	18,538
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net		3,322	2,864
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	13,149	10,940
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$ 13,149	$ 10,940
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		29.00%	22.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage		27.00%	20.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,550	$ 1,615
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		7,550	$ 1,615
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	5,599	9,325
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		5,599	9,325
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	0
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	8,133	8,969
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$ 8,133	$ 8,969
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		18.00%	18.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage		6.00%	9.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	5,844	$ 4,905
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		5,844	$ 4,905
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,289	4,064
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		2,289	4,064
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	0
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	23,002	29,855
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$ 23,002	$ 29,855
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		50.00%	59.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage		64.00%	70.00%
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	$ 0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	$ 0
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	0
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	23,002	29,855
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		23,002	29,855
Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	442	302
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$ 442	$ 302
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		1.00%	1.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage		1.00%	1.00%
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	442	$ 302
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		442	$ 302
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	0
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	815	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		815	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	815	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$ 815	$ 0
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		2.00%	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage		2.00%	0.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	10,072	$ 10,491	$ 10,137
Service cost		(3)	(3)	(3)
Interest cost		(249)	(390)	(440)
Participant contributions		(42)	(47)
Actuarial gains (losses)		(208)	(755)
Settlements		0	0
Curtailments		0	0
Benefits paid		921	841
Plan amendments		0	0
Translation adjustment		0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year		10,072	10,491	10,137
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0	0
Actual return on assets		0	0
Employer contributions		879	794
Participant contributions		42	47
Settlements		0	0
Benefits paid		(921)	(841)
Translation adjustment		0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		0	0	0
Underfunded		(10,072)	(10,491)
Classification of net amount recognized:
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		(819)	(805)
Long-term liabilities		(9,253)	(9,686)
Net amount recognized		(10,072)	(10,491)
Amounts recognized in AOCI:
Net actuarial (gain) loss		(766)	(974)
Net prior service cost (credit)		(357)	(899)
Net amount recognized in AOCI		(1,123)	(1,873)
Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI:
Net actuarial (gain) loss		208	755
Prior service cost (credit)		0	0
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain		0	56
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		542	541
Settlement/curtailment gains (losses)		0	0
Translation adjustment		0	0
Total change in AOCI		750	1,352
Expected return on plan assets		0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(542)	(597)	(541)
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan settlements		0	0	0
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments		0	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)		0	0	0
Total net periodic benefit cost		(290)	(204)	$ (98)
Net actuarial loss (gain)		0
Prior service cost (credit)		(241)
Total		(241)
Accumulated benefit obligation		10,072	10,491
Projected benefit obligation		10,072	10,491
Accumulated benefit obligation		$ 10,072	$ 10,491
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate		3.40%	3.10%	4.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation		3.10%	4.00%	3.80%
Discount rate used to determine service cost		2.90%	4.00%	3.80%
Discount rate used to determine interest cost		2.50%	4.00%	3.80%
Projected health care cost trend rate		6.30%	6.50%	6.80%
Ultimate health care rate		5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year ultimate health care trend rate is achieved		2,023	2,023	2,023
2,018		$ 833
2,019		854
2,020		823
2,021		772
2,022		775
Years 2023 — 2027		3,374
German United Kingdom Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Underfunded		(124,000)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	184,658	198,385	$ 165,205
Service cost		(5,816)	(5,051)	$ (4,609)
Interest cost		(2,348)	(4,198)	(4,362)
Participant contributions		(55)	(155)
Actuarial gains (losses)		18,499	(36,159)
Settlements		7,171	0
Curtailments		318	1,369
Benefits paid		4,289	4,597
Plan amendments		10	0
Translation adjustment		(8,341)	6,417
Benefit obligation at end of year		184,658	198,385	165,205
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	45,541	50,066	44,325
Actual return on assets		264	8,365
Employer contributions		5,124	5,658
Participant contributions		55	155
Settlements		(7,075)	0
Benefits paid		(4,289)	(4,597)
Translation adjustment		1,396	(3,840)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		45,541	50,066	44,325
Underfunded		(139,117)	(148,319)
Classification of net amount recognized:
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		(3,426)	(3,211)
Long-term liabilities		(135,691)	(145,108)
Net amount recognized		(139,117)	(148,319)
Amounts recognized in AOCI:
Net actuarial (gain) loss		52,249	73,922
Net prior service cost (credit)		118	132
Net amount recognized in AOCI		52,367	74,054
Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI:
Net actuarial (gain) loss		(17,577)	28,358
Prior service cost (credit)		(11)	0
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain		(3,962)	(2,843)
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		(11)	(32)
Settlement/curtailment gains (losses)		(2,052)	(68)
Translation adjustment		1,926	(2,324)
Total change in AOCI		(21,687)	23,091
Expected return on plan assets		(1,502)	(1,934)	(1,799)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		11	32	144
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan settlements		2,258	0	0
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments		(229)	68	0
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)		3,985	2,843	2,884
Total net periodic benefit cost		12,687	10,258	$ 10,200
Net actuarial loss (gain)		2,791
Prior service cost (credit)		11
Total		2,802
Accumulated benefit obligation		184,151	183,298
Projected benefit obligation		184,658	198,385
Accumulated benefit obligation		171,300	183,298
Fair value of plan assets		45,541	50,066
Projected benefit obligation		0	0
Accumulated benefit obligation		0	0
Fair value of plan assets		$ 0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate		2.10%	1.50%	2.60%
Rate of compensation increase		2.10%	2.10%	2.40%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation		1.50%	2.60%	2.80%
Discount rate used to determine service cost		1.60%	2.60%	2.80%
Discount rate used to determine interest cost		1.20%	2.60%	2.80%
Return on pension plan assets		3.10%	4.50%	4.70%
Rate of compensation increase		2.10%	2.40%	2.40%
2,018		$ 4,869
2,019		4,694
2,020		5,154
2,021		5,336
2,022		5,446
Years 2023 — 2027		$ 34,260
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Employer contributions	$ 800
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation	3.40%
Discount rate used to determine service cost	3.30%
Discount rate used to determine interest cost	2.80%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Employer contributions	$ 5,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation	2.10%
Discount rate used to determine service cost	2.40%
Discount rate used to determine interest cost	1.70%
Return on pension plan assets	3.40%
Rate of compensation increase	1.80%

Convertible Special Stock (Deta

Convertible Special Stock (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	May 04, 2015
Convertible Special Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized					1,000,000
Convertible Special Stock, Dividend Rate					6.00%
Gross proceeds from issuance of convertible special stock	$ 125,000,000
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Issued					125,000
Convertible special stock, no par value		$ 120,289,000	$ 120,289,000
Convertible Special Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share					$ 1,000
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock		$ 7,500,000	$ 7,500,000	$ 1,813,000
Convertible Special Stock, Voting Rights		0.6667
Convertible Special Stock, Aggregate Value Outstanding		$ 125,000,000
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Outstanding		125,000
Convertible Special Stock, Conversion Rate					19.1113
Convertible Special Stock, Initial Conversion Price					$ 52.33
Convertible Special Stock, Shares Converted to Common Shares		0
Convertible Special Stock, Redemption Terms		1.5
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Convertible Special Stock [Line Items]
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs	$ 4,700,000

Accumulated Other Comprehensi67

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2014	[1]	$ (120,721)	$ (83,460)	$ (16,691)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	[1]	28,210	(39,658)	(68,374)
Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax	[1]	3,817	1,721	1,427
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	32,027	(37,937)	(66,947)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(171)	(676)	(178)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	32,198	(37,261)	(66,769)
Balance as of August 31, 2017	[1]	(88,523)	(120,721)	(83,460)
Tax on increase projected benefit obligation		(4,634)	7,912	(1,682)
Tax on amounts reclassified to earnings		(1,667)	(1,061)	(456)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax		0	0	7,076
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2014	[1],[2]	(69,717)	(49,562)	22,786
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	[1],[2]	17,355	(20,831)	(72,526)
Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax	[1],[2]	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1],[2]	17,355	(20,831)	(72,526)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1],[2]	(171)	(676)	(178)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1],[2]	17,526	(20,155)	(72,348)
Balance as of August 31, 2017	[1],[2]	(52,191)	(69,717)	(49,562)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2014	[1],[3]	(51,004)	(33,898)	(39,477)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	[1],[3]	10,855	(18,827)	4,152
Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax	[1],[3],[4]	3,817	1,721	1,427
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1],[3]	14,672	(17,106)	5,579
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1],[3]	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1],[3]	14,672	(17,106)	5,579
Balance as of August 31, 2017	[1],[3]	$ (36,332)	$ (51,004)	$ (33,898)
[1]	All amounts presented are net of tax.
[2]	The tax amounts on the foreign currency loss relate to a note denominated in euros which was repaid in fiscal 2015.
[3]	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 8, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details.
[4]	Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs. Fiscal 2017 includes a curtailment gain of $229 and settlement charges of $2,281, and fiscal 2016 includes a curtailment charge of $68. There were no curtailments or settlements recognized in fiscal 2015.

Share-based incentive compens68

Share-based incentive compensation plans (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock options outstanding, beginning of period	0
Stock options granted	173,200	0	0
Stock options exercised	0
Stock options forfeited and expired	(1,200)
Stock options outstanding, end of period	172,000	0
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price, beginning of period	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	32.55
Stock options exercised, weighted average exercise price	0
Stock options forfeited and expired, weighted average exercise price	32.55
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price, end of period	32.55	$ 0
Stock options exercisable				0
Stock options exercisable, weighted average exercise price				$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.41
Total unrecognized compensation cost of nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements				$ 6,900
Total unrecognized compensation costs of nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements, recognition period	1 year 6 months 25 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	9 years 4 months 10 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Flow Effect, Cash Used to Settle Awards	$ 800
Employee stock purchase plan, percent of fair market value				85.00%
Employee stock purchase plan, discount rate				15.00%
Stock-based compensation	5,119	$ 1,443	$ 10,869
CEO Transition Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	0	0	6,167
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	3,538	879	4,071
Board of Directors Unrestricted Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	$ 1,253	$ 564	$ 631
Time Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at August 31, 2016	86,715
Granted	234,620
Vested	(22,992)
Forfeited	(36,113)
Outstanding at August 31, 2017	262,230	86,715
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value	$ 27.94
Awards granted, weighted average fair market value	29.54	$ 22.95	$ 33.90
Awards vested, weighted average fair market value	31.86
Awards forfeited, weighted average fair market value	26.89
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value	$ 29.17	$ 27.94
Awards outstanding which earn dividends throughout the vesting period	86,715	86,715		262,230
Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at August 31, 2016	585,492
Granted	227,220
Vested	(25,007)
Forfeited	(179,504)
Outstanding at August 31, 2017	608,201	585,492
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value	$ 27.77
Awards granted, weighted average fair market value	32.55	$ 22.93	$ 33.90
Awards vested, weighted average fair market value	34.42
Awards forfeited, weighted average fair market value	31.84
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value	$ 28.82	$ 27.77
Awards outstanding which earn dividends throughout the vesting period	585,492	585,492		608,201
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
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%
Stock-based compensation	$ 328	$ 0	$ 0
Non-employee Director Unrestricted Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Granted	16,317	24,624
Earn Dividends [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at August 31, 2017	304,101
Awards outstanding which earn dividends throughout the vesting period	304,101			304,101
2014 Equity incentive plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized				2,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant				707,269
2010 Rewards Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant				259,904

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,401,000	29,300,000	29,149,000
Incremental shares from equity awards	114,000	0	334,000
Diluted	29,515,000	29,300,000	29,483,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	110,000	745,000	0
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from equity awards	0	0	0
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,388,913	2,388,913	772,502

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Total rental expense	$ 23,400	$ 22,400	$ 18,100
2,018	17,155
2,019	11,769
2,020	7,107
2,021	4,318
2,022	3,296
2023 and thereafter	12,901
Total minimum rental commitments	$ 56,546

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017		May 31, 2017		Feb. 28, 2017		Nov. 30, 2016		Aug. 31, 2016		May 31, 2016		Feb. 29, 2016		Nov. 30, 2015		Aug. 31, 2017		Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 646,651		$ 645,795		$ 568,678		$ 600,000		$ 604,586		$ 650,439		$ 591,761		$ 649,219		$ 2,461,124		$ 2,496,005		$ 2,392,225
Total gross profit		91,135		98,427		89,186		101,015		96,693		109,474		89,824		104,929		379,763		400,920		361,010
Accelerated depreciation		(552)	[1]	(188)	[1]	(355)	[1]	(260)	[1]	(1,221)	[2]	(1,043)	[2]	(1,578)	[2]	(1,047)	[2]	(1,355)	[1]	(4,889)	[2]
CEO transition costs	[3]	0		$ 0		$ (4)		$ (138)		(2,634)		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0		(142)		(2,634)
Asset impairment																		1,053		401,667		0
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses																		2,029		0		0
Operating income (loss)																		85,796		(309,240)		70,428
Interest expense																		(53,195)		(54,548)		(22,613)
Bridge financing fees																		0		0		(18,750)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)																		(1,781)		(3,491)		(3,363)
Other income (expense), net																		1,513		774		1,438
Gain on early extinguishment of debt																		0		0		1,290
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes																		32,333		(366,505)		28,430
Restructuring related costs																		15,500		16,000		9,100
Restructuring expense																		13,520		11,768		14,338
Identifiable assets		1,753,780								1,747,439								1,753,780		1,747,439		2,339,882
Depreciation and amortization expense																		78,806		89,264		59,240
Capital expenditures																		36,866		51,238		42,587
Long lived assets		298,703								314,822								$ 298,703		$ 314,822		$ 314,494
Net sales, percentage																		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales, percentage																		9.00%		8.00%		2.00%
Custom Concentrates and Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 1,134,305		$ 1,140,814		$ 1,227,035
Net sales, percentage																		46.00%		46.00%		51.00%
Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 1,102,813		$ 1,149,079		$ 1,108,057
Net sales, percentage																		45.00%		46.00%		47.00%
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		$ 772,434		$ 807,673		$ 632,906
Long lived assets		131,326								149,098								131,326		149,098		159,394
Germany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		404,081		415,965		432,822
Long lived assets		25,177								25,716								25,177		25,716		27,224
FRANCE
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		163,544		170,304		195,507
Long lived assets		28,530								26,450								28,530		26,450		18,472
Other International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		1,121,065		1,102,063		1,130,990
Long lived assets		113,670								113,558								113,670		113,558		109,404
APAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense																		388		312		46
EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense																		153		1,364		0
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment gross profit																		383,107		413,345		366,155
Segment operating income																		160,037		176,744		151,942
Operating Segments [Member] | EMEA Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		1,208,818		1,239,963		1,339,355
Segment gross profit																		161,184		178,376		189,860
Segment operating income																		67,831		76,576		78,313
Identifiable assets		611,364								594,599								611,364		594,599		701,263
Depreciation and amortization expense																		21,203		22,646		21,730
Capital expenditures																		12,053		17,763		21,321
Operating Segments [Member] | USCAN Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		640,441		691,369		610,493
Segment gross profit																		91,768		115,329		100,550
Segment operating income																		29,080		47,062		40,713
Identifiable assets		564,464								599,586								564,464		599,586		861,985
Depreciation and amortization expense																		31,714		39,139		24,197
Capital expenditures																		12,259		17,447		10,332
Operating Segments [Member] | LATAM Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		179,352		171,650		177,463
Segment gross profit																		38,565		36,886		31,971
Segment operating income																		23,096		20,268		13,061
Identifiable assets		107,468								86,105								107,468		86,105		96,210
Depreciation and amortization expense																		3,681		3,822		3,255
Capital expenditures																		4,264		5,514		3,597
Operating Segments [Member] | APAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		208,507		186,911		207,781
Segment gross profit																		35,587		32,293		29,238
Segment operating income																		19,330		17,953		14,401
Identifiable assets		146,455								131,356								146,455		131,356		126,965
Depreciation and amortization expense																		5,167		5,409		5,424
Capital expenditures																		4,258		9,322		6,895
Operating Segments [Member] | EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers																		224,006		206,112		57,133
Segment gross profit																		56,003		50,461		14,536
Segment operating income																		20,700		14,885		5,454
Identifiable assets		$ 324,029								$ 335,793								324,029		335,793		553,459
Depreciation and amortization expense																		17,041		18,248		4,634
Capital expenditures																		4,032		1,192		442
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate																		(33,542)		(30,797)		(31,238)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventory step-up																		0		0		(3,082)
Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (1)	[4]																	(3,097)		(7,571)		(1,796)
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations																		(57)		(2,769)		(267)
Lucent costs (2)	[5]																	(190)		(2,085)		0
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations																		(605)		(8,789)		(17,208)
Restructuring and related costs (1)	[4]																	28,960		27,762		23,411
Accelerated depreciation																		(1,890)		(6,309)		(408)
CEO transition costs																		(196)		(3,399)		(6,167)
Asset impairment																		1,053		401,667		0
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses																		(2,029)		0		0
Lucent costs (2)	[5]																	$ (5,966)		$ (7,261)		$ 0
[1]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN, LATAM, and EMEA segments. Please refer to Note 14, Segment Information, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[2]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments.
[3]	CEO transition costs represent charges related to the separation of the Company's previous CEO, Bernard Rzepka.
[4]	(1) Restructuring related costs of $15.5 million, $16.0 million, and $9.1 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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, improve efficiency of its operations or comply with new legislation, and costs associated with reorganizations of the legal entity structure of the Company. Restructuring expenses for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 of $13.5 million, $11.8 million, and $14.3 million respectively, 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.
[5]	(2) Refer to Note 17, Contingencies and Claims, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in costs of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs. In addition, in the year ended August 31, 2016, Lucent costs in SG&A also include dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations.

Research and Development (Detai

Research and Development (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Research and Development [Abstract]
Research and Development Expense	$ 19.8	$ 19.8	$ 17.8

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)		May 31, 2017USD ($)	[1]	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)	[1]	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	[1]	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)		May 31, 2016USD ($)	[2]	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	[2]	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	[2]	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring
Restructuring expense																	$ 13,520,000		$ 11,768,000		$ 14,338,000
Accelerated depreciation(b)	$ 552,000	[1]	$ 188,000		$ 355,000		$ 260,000		$ 1,221,000	[2]	$ 1,043,000		$ 1,578,000		$ 1,047,000		1,355,000	[1]	4,889,000	[2]
Accrual	3,078,000								3,944,000								3,078,000		3,944,000		5,383,000
Payments for Restructuring																	(14,795,000)		(13,161,000)
Translation																	409,000		(46,000)
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense																	10,218,000		4,568,000		10,073,000
USCAN [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense																	2,702,000		5,107,000		3,229,000
LATAM [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense																	59,000		417,000		990,000
APAC [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense																	388,000		312,000		46,000
EC [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense																	153,000		1,364,000		0
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense																	11,653,000		9,009,000
Accrual	2,988,000								3,542,000								2,988,000		3,542,000		4,922,000
Payments for Restructuring																	(12,559,000)		(10,343,000)
Translation																	352,000		(46,000)
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense																	1,867,000		2,759,000
Accrual	$ 90,000								$ 402,000								90,000		402,000		$ 461,000
Payments for Restructuring																	(2,236,000)		(2,818,000)
Translation																	57,000		$ 0
Fontana Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated	10
Restructuring expense																	700,000
Accrual	$ 0																$ 0
Global Product Family Simplification Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																	60
Restructuring expense																	$ 6,600,000
Accrual	900,000																$ 900,000
L'Arbresle Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																	20
Restructuring expense																	$ 1,600,000
Accrual	900,000																$ 900,000
EMEA FY2017 Manufacturing for Success Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																	30
Restructuring expense																	$ 1,600,000
Accrual	300,000																300,000
Global Headcount Reduction Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																			60
Restructuring expense																			$ 4,000,000
Accrual	0																$ 0
USCAN Shared Service Center Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																	25
Restructuring Related Cost Number Of Additional Positions																	15
Restructuring expense																	$ 900,000		700,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	1,000,000																1,000,000
Accrual	500,000																500,000
EP Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring expense																			400,000
Accelerated depreciation(b)																	500,000		$ 4,800,000
Accrual	0																0
EC SG&A Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																			10
Restructuring expense																			$ 1,200,000
Accrual	0																0
EMEA Operations and Back-Office Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																					40
Restructuring expense																			$ 200,000		$ 5,900,000
Accrual	0																0
SSC Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																			40
Restructuring expense																			$ 1,200,000		2,300,000
Accrual	0																0
France Asset Footprint Reduction Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																			20
Restructuring Related Cost Number Of Additional Positions																			15
Restructuring expense																	300,000		$ 2,300,000		$ 700,000
Accrual	500,000																500,000
Stryker Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																					70
Restructuring expense																			$ 500,000		$ 1,300,000
Accrual	0																0
North American SG&A Reduction Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																					15
Restructuring expense																					$ 700,000
Accrual	0																0
North American Efficiency Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																			25
Restructuring expense																			$ 300,000		$ 1,200,000
Accrual	0																0
Contagem Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated																					20
Restructuring expense																					$ 500,000
Accrual	$ 0																$ 0
[1]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN, LATAM, and EMEA segments. Please refer to Note 14, Segment Information, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[2]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments.

Contingencies and Claims Contin

Contingencies and Claims Contingencies (Details) - Citadel [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 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

Share Repurchase Program (Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Apr. 03, 2014
Share Repurchase Program
Number of treasury stock shares acquired			109,000
Total cost of repurchased common stock			$ 3,335
April 2014 Repurchase Plan [Member]
Share Repurchase Program
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 55,000
Number of treasury stock shares acquired			109,422
Treasury stock shares acquired, average cost per share			$ 30.46
Total cost of repurchased common stock			$ 3,300

Asset Impairment (Details)

Asset Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 360,708	$ 0
Finite-lived intangible asset impairment	0	34,471	0
Information technology asset impairment	1,053	6,488	0
Total	$ 1,053	$ 401,667	$ 0

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets									$ 4,401	$ 1,366	$ 1,985
Net sales									0	0	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,578	$ 82	$ 181	$ 20	0	$ 1,861	$ (133)
Australia rotational molding [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets												$ 3,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation									$ 1,600

Consolidating Financial Infor78

Consolidating Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 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 Infor79

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,251	$ 35,260	$ 96,872	$ 135,493
Restricted cash	768	8,143	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	408,439	376,786
Accounts receivable, intercompany	0	0
Inventories	276,459	263,617
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	36,712	40,263
Assets held for sale	5,676	0
Total current assets	781,305	724,069
Net property, plant and equipment	298,703	314,822	314,494
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	77,847	88,161
Intercompany loans receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	263,735	257,773	623,583
Intangible assets, net	332,190	362,614
Total assets	1,753,780	1,747,439	2,339,882
Accounts payable	318,820	280,060
Accounts payable, intercompany	0	0
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	4,900	8,985
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	46,951	47,569
Other accrued liabilities	61,761	67,704
Short-term debt	32,013	25,447
Total current liabilities	464,445	429,765
Long-term debt	885,178	919,349
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	135,691	145,108
Deferred income taxes	37,699	59,013
Other long-term liabilities	23,735	25,844
Total liabilities	1,546,748	1,579,079
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,529	48,510
Other equity	28,200	(9,530)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	197,018	159,269
Noncontrolling interests	10,014	9,091
Total equity	207,032	168,360	$ 592,735	$ 536,451
Total liabilities and equity	1,753,780	1,747,439
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	615	0
Restricted cash	0	4,400
Accounts receivable, net	47,683	40,017
Accounts receivable, intercompany	33,294	16,245
Inventories	34,432	33,702
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,557	6,874
Assets held for sale	2,764
Total current assets	126,345	101,238
Net property, plant and equipment	44,961	52,653
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	95,294	74,463
Intercompany loans receivable	2,593	2,593
Investment in subsidiaries	841,645	871,441
Goodwill	26,862	36,533
Intangible assets, net	27,630	30,316
Total assets	1,165,330	1,169,237
Accounts payable	36,211	36,671
Accounts payable, intercompany	17,788	17,886
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	0	1,242
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	6,970	10,326
Other accrued liabilities	18,989	17,684
Short-term debt	14,912	13,626
Total current liabilities	94,870	97,435
Long-term debt	858,446	894,441
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	2,266	2,444
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	12,730	15,648
Total liabilities	968,312	1,009,968
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,529	48,510
Other equity	28,200	(9,530)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	197,018	159,269
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	197,018	159,269
Total liabilities and equity	1,165,330	1,169,237
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	61,311	56,995
Accounts receivable, intercompany	15,077	9,906
Inventories	40,097	41,895
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,326	4,006
Assets held for sale	2,912
Total current assets	121,723	112,802
Net property, plant and equipment	69,260	77,800
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	4,201	4,205
Intercompany loans receivable	31,432	33,015
Investment in subsidiaries	244,408	245,202
Goodwill	110,289	110,289
Intangible assets, net	187,533	204,026
Total assets	768,846	787,339
Accounts payable	41,830	36,157
Accounts payable, intercompany	43,118	20,050
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	597	100
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	6,826	5,980
Other accrued liabilities	7,083	14,195
Short-term debt	29	0
Total current liabilities	99,483	76,482
Long-term debt	41	0
Intercompany debt	0	200
Pension plans	1,308	1,450
Deferred income taxes	71,584	77,507
Other long-term liabilities	1,067	1,037
Total liabilities	173,483	156,676
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	595,363	630,663
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	595,363	630,663
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	595,363	630,663
Total liabilities and equity	768,846	787,339
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	52,636	35,260
Restricted cash	768	3,743
Accounts receivable, net	299,445	279,774
Accounts receivable, intercompany	26,188	26,839
Inventories	201,930	188,020
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,829	29,383
Assets held for sale	0
Total current assets	607,796	563,019
Net property, plant and equipment	184,482	184,369
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	59,599	66,038
Intercompany loans receivable	0	200
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	126,584	110,951
Intangible assets, net	117,027	128,272
Total assets	1,095,488	1,052,849
Accounts payable	240,779	207,232
Accounts payable, intercompany	13,653	15,054
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	4,303	7,643
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	33,155	31,263
Other accrued liabilities	35,689	35,825
Short-term debt	17,072	11,821
Total current liabilities	344,651	308,838
Long-term debt	26,691	24,908
Intercompany debt	34,025	35,608
Pension plans	132,117	141,214
Deferred income taxes	47,362	38,051
Other long-term liabilities	9,938	9,159
Total liabilities	594,784	557,778
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	490,690	485,980
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	490,690	485,980
Noncontrolling interests	10,014	9,091
Total equity	500,704	495,071
Total liabilities and equity	1,095,488	1,052,849
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Accounts receivable, intercompany	(74,559)	(52,990)
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Assets held for sale	0
Total current assets	(74,559)	(52,990)
Net property, plant and equipment	0	0
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	(81,247)	(56,545)
Intercompany loans receivable	(34,025)	(35,808)
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,086,053)	(1,116,643)
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Total assets	(1,275,884)	(1,261,986)
Accounts payable	0	0
Accounts payable, intercompany	(74,559)	(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	(74,559)	(52,990)
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany debt	(34,025)	(35,808)
Pension plans	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(81,247)	(56,545)
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	(189,831)	(145,343)
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	(1,086,053)	(1,116,643)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	(1,086,053)	(1,116,643)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	(1,086,053)	(1,116,643)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (1,275,884)	$ (1,261,986)

Consolidating Financial Infor80

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 646,651	$ 645,795	$ 568,678	$ 600,000	$ 604,586	$ 650,439	$ 591,761	$ 649,219	$ 2,461,124	$ 2,496,005	$ 2,392,225
Cost of sales									2,081,361	2,095,085	2,031,215
Selling, general and administrative expenses									277,365	296,725	276,244
Restructuring expense									13,520	11,768	14,338
Asset impairment									1,053	401,667	0
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses									2,029	0	0
Operating income (loss)									85,796	(309,240)	70,428
Interest expense									53,195	54,548	22,613
Bridge financing fees									0	0	18,750
Intercompany charges									0	0	0
Intercompany income									0	0	0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									1,781	3,491	3,363
Other (income) expense, net									(1,513)	(774)	(1,438)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									0	0	0
Gain on early extinguishment of debt									0	0	(1,290)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									32,333	(366,505)	28,430
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									(1,840)	(8,640)	499
Income (loss) from continuing operations	9,555	16,098	5,336	3,184	(384,739)	17,556	1,841	7,477	34,173	(357,865)	27,931
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	0	0	1,578	82	181	20	0	1,861	(133)
Net income (loss)	9,555	16,098	5,336	3,184	(383,161)	17,638	2,022	7,497	34,173	(356,004)	27,798
Noncontrolling interests	(280)	(320)	(306)	(241)	(43)	(241)	(430)	(404)	(1,147)	(1,118)	(1,169)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	9,275	15,778	5,030	2,943	(383,204)	17,397	1,592	7,093	33,026	(357,122)	26,629
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875	1,875	1,875	1,875	1,875	1,875	1,875	1,875	7,500	7,500	2,438
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ 7,400	$ 13,903	$ 3,155	$ 1,068	$ (385,079)	$ 15,522	$ (283)	$ 5,218	25,526	(364,622)	24,191
Comprehensive income (loss)									66,200	(393,941)	(39,149)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									976	442	991
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									65,224	(394,383)	(40,140)
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									324,526	322,515	394,116
Cost of sales									263,918	262,334	329,324
Selling, general and administrative expenses									45,246	42,608	57,711
Restructuring expense									2,180	3,885	2,367
Asset impairment									1,053	31,512
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses									0
Operating income (loss)									12,129	(17,824)	4,714
Interest expense									49,322	48,361	18,352
Bridge financing fees											18,750
Intercompany charges									164	29	14
Intercompany income									(10,189)	(8,337)	(6,201)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									(380)	3,519	1,819
Other (income) expense, net									861	(163)	(1,436)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									(35,995)	316,066	(37,382)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt											0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									8,346	(377,299)	10,798
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									(24,680)	(20,178)	(15,831)
Income (loss) from continuing operations									33,026	(357,121)	26,629
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									33,026	(357,121)	26,629
Noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									33,026	(357,121)	26,629
Convertible special stock dividends									7,500	7,500	2,438
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders									25,526	(364,621)	24,191
Comprehensive income (loss)									65,224	(394,383)	(40,140)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									65,224	(394,383)	(40,140)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									420,378	461,295	218,081
Cost of sales									381,043	404,004	189,439
Selling, general and administrative expenses									60,364	69,139	37,391
Restructuring expense									563	2,094	290
Asset impairment									0	236,871
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses									0
Operating income (loss)									(21,592)	(250,813)	(9,039)
Interest expense									29	5	2
Bridge financing fees											0
Intercompany charges									244	16	38
Intercompany income									(5,095)	(4,637)	(1,225)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									22	(135)	(172)
Other (income) expense, net									(1,263)	(1,056)	(563)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									(7,679)	122,371	9,424
Gain on early extinguishment of debt											0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									(7,850)	(367,377)	(16,543)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									(5,997)	(23,707)	(2,704)
Income (loss) from continuing operations									(1,853)	(343,670)	(13,839)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	1,579	0
Net income (loss)									(1,853)	(342,091)	(13,839)
Noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(1,853)	(342,091)	(13,839)
Convertible special stock dividends									0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders									(1,853)	(342,091)	(13,839)
Comprehensive income (loss)									(1,674)	(340,609)	(25,698)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(1,674)	(340,609)	(25,698)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									1,761,311	1,759,401	1,818,184
Cost of sales									1,481,491	1,475,953	1,550,608
Selling, general and administrative expenses									171,755	184,978	181,142
Restructuring expense									10,777	5,789	11,681
Asset impairment									0	133,284
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses									2,029
Operating income (loss)									95,259	(40,603)	74,753
Interest expense									4,860	7,840	5,734
Bridge financing fees											0
Intercompany charges									15,066	12,944	7,379
Intercompany income									(190)	(15)	(5)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									2,139	107	1,716
Other (income) expense, net									(2,127)	(1,213)	(914)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									0	0	0
Gain on early extinguishment of debt											(1,290)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									75,511	(60,266)	62,133
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									28,837	35,245	19,034
Income (loss) from continuing operations									46,674	(95,511)	43,099
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	282	(133)
Net income (loss)									46,674	(95,229)	42,966
Noncontrolling interests									(1,147)	(1,118)	(1,169)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									45,527	(96,347)	41,797
Convertible special stock dividends									0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders									45,527	(96,347)	41,797
Comprehensive income (loss)									79,344	(133,350)	(28,731)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									976	442	991
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									78,368	(133,792)	(29,722)
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									(45,091)	(47,206)	(38,156)
Cost of sales									(45,091)	(47,206)	(38,156)
Selling, general and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Restructuring expense									0	0	0
Asset impairment									0	0
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses									0
Operating income (loss)									0	0	0
Interest expense									(1,016)	(1,658)	(1,475)
Bridge financing fees											0
Intercompany charges									(15,474)	(12,989)	(7,431)
Intercompany income									15,474	12,989	7,431
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses									0	0	0
Other (income) expense, net									1,016	1,658	1,475
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments									43,674	(438,437)	27,958
Gain on early extinguishment of debt											0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									(43,674)	438,437	(27,958)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations									(43,674)	438,437	(27,958)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									(43,674)	438,437	(27,958)
Noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									(43,674)	438,437	(27,958)
Convertible special stock dividends									0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders									(43,674)	438,437	(27,958)
Comprehensive income (loss)									(76,694)	474,401	55,420
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.									$ (76,694)	$ 474,401	$ 55,420

Consolidating Financial Infor81

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	$ 104,718	$ 148,127	$ 60,170
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(36,866)	(51,238)	(42,587)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	4,401	1,366	1,985
Distributions from equity investees	250
Intercompany investments	0	0
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	250	0	(12,456)
Business acquisitions, net of cash	0	0	(808,258)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(32,215)	(49,872)	(861,316)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(24,208)	(24,029)	(24,024)
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(7,500)	(7,500)	(1,813)
Intercompany Dividends Paid	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	6,328	2,945	(8,759)
Borrowings on long-term debt	392,593	244,231	1,430,513
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(429,187)	(362,002)	(713,717)
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0	(15,007)
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(53)	0	(1,750)
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation	0	0	506
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury	191	258	289
Issuances of convertible special stock, net	0	0	120,289
Redemptions of common stock	(711)	(1,139)	(4,999)
Intercompany equity contributions received	0	0
Purchases of treasury stock	0	0	(3,335)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(62,547)	(147,236)	778,193
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	660	(4,488)	(15,668)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	10,616	(53,469)	(38,621)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	43,403	96,872	135,493
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	54,019	43,403	96,872
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	72,906	31,297	125,104
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(7,653)	(9,877)	(6,818)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	167	300	293
Distributions from equity investees	0
Intercompany investments	(228)	(140)
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments			0
Business acquisitions, net of cash			(801,560)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(7,714)	(9,717)	(808,085)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(24,208)	(24,029)	(24,024)
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(7,500)	(7,500)	(1,813)
Intercompany Dividends Paid	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0	(11,617)
Borrowings on long-term debt	213,100	164,500	1,095,000
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(249,849)	(167,441)	(469,400)
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		11,081
Payment of debt issuance costs			(15,007)
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	0		0
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation			506
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury	191	258	289
Issuances of convertible special stock, net			120,289
Redemptions of common stock	(711)	(1,139)	(4,999)
Intercompany equity contributions received	0	0
Purchases of treasury stock			(3,335)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(68,977)	(24,270)	685,889
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(3,785)	(2,690)	2,908
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	4,400	7,090	4,182
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	615	4,400	7,090
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	4,874	7,650	3,159
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(6,204)	(7,882)	(2,467)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	2,314	232	23
Distributions from equity investees	250
Intercompany investments	(1,166)	0
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments			0
Business acquisitions, net of cash			0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(4,806)	(7,650)	(2,444)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0	0
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	0	0	0
Intercompany Dividends Paid	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt	0	0	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(68)	0	0
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		0
Payment of debt issuance costs			0
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	0		0
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation			0
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury	0	0	0
Issuances of convertible special stock, net			0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0	0
Intercompany equity contributions received	0	0
Purchases of treasury stock			0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(68)	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	0	0	715
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	0	0	(715)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	0	0	0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	107,774	109,936	51,102
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(23,009)	(33,479)	(33,302)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	1,920	834	1,669
Distributions from equity investees	0
Intercompany investments	0	0
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments			(12,456)
Business acquisitions, net of cash			(6,698)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(21,089)	(32,645)	(50,787)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0	0
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	0	0	0
Intercompany Dividends Paid	80,836	756	119,195
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	6,328	2,945	2,858
Borrowings on long-term debt	179,493	79,731	335,513
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(179,270)	(194,561)	(244,317)
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		(11,081)
Payment of debt issuance costs			0
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(53)		(1,750)
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation			0
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury	0	0	0
Issuances of convertible special stock, net			0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0	0
Intercompany equity contributions received	1,394	140
Purchases of treasury stock			0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(72,944)	(123,582)	(26,891)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	660	(4,488)	(15,668)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	14,401	(50,779)	(42,244)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	39,003	89,782	132,026
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	53,404	39,003	89,782
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	(80,836)	(756)	(119,195)
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0	0
Distributions from equity investees	0
Intercompany investments	1,394	140
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments			0
Business acquisitions, net of cash			0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	1,394	140	0
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0	0
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	0	0	0
Intercompany Dividends Paid	(80,836)	(756)	(119,195)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt	0	0	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	0	0	0
Intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)		0
Payment of debt issuance costs			0
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	0		0
Tax windfall related to share-based incentive compensation			0
Issuances of common stock, common and treasury	0	0	0
Issuances of convertible special stock, net			0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0	0
Intercompany equity contributions received	(1,394)	(140)
Purchases of treasury stock			0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	79,442	616	119,195
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	0	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Quarterly Financial Highlight82

Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017		May 31, 2017		Feb. 28, 2017		Nov. 30, 2016		Aug. 31, 2016		May 31, 2016		Feb. 29, 2016		Nov. 30, 2015		Aug. 31, 2017		Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 646,651		$ 645,795		$ 568,678		$ 600,000		$ 604,586		$ 650,439		$ 591,761		$ 649,219		$ 2,461,124		$ 2,496,005		$ 2,392,225
Gross profit		91,135		98,427		89,186		101,015		96,693		109,474		89,824		104,929		379,763		400,920		361,010
Income (loss) from continuing operations		9,555		16,098		5,336		3,184		(384,739)		17,556		1,841		7,477		34,173		(357,865)		27,931
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		0		0		0		0		1,578		82		181		20		0		1,861		(133)
Net income (loss)		9,555		16,098		5,336		3,184		(383,161)		17,638		2,022		7,497		34,173		(356,004)		27,798
Noncontrolling interests		(280)		(320)		(306)		(241)		(43)		(241)		(430)		(404)		(1,147)		(1,118)		(1,169)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		9,275		15,778		5,030		2,943		(383,204)		17,397		1,592		7,093		33,026		(357,122)		26,629
Convertible special stock dividends		1,875		1,875		1,875		1,875		1,875		1,875		1,875		1,875		7,500		7,500		2,438
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders		$ 7,400		$ 13,903		$ 3,155		$ 1,068		$ (385,079)		$ 15,522		$ (283)		$ 5,218		$ 25,526		$ (364,622)		$ 24,191
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$ 0.25	[1]	$ 0.47	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ (13.18)	[1]	$ 0.53	[1]	$ (0.02)	[1]	$ 0.18	[1]	$ 0.87	[1]	$ (12.51)	[1]	$ 0.83
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0.06	[1]	0	[1]	0.01	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0.07	[1]	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders		0.25	[1]	0.47	[1]	0.11	[1]	0.04	[1]	(13.12)	[1]	0.53	[1]	(0.01)	[1]	0.18	[1]	0.87	[1]	(12.44)	[1]	0.83
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations		0.25	[1]	0.47	[1]	0.11	[1]	0.04	[1]	(13.18)	[1]	0.53	[1]	(0.02)	[1]	0.18	[1]	0.86	[1]	(12.51)	[1]	0.83
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0.06	[1]	0	[1]	0.01	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0.07	[1]	(0.01)
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders		$ 0.25	[1]	$ 0.47	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.04	[1]	$ (13.12)	[1]	$ 0.53	[1]	$ (0.01)	[1]	$ 0.18	[1]	$ 0.86	[1]	$ (12.44)	[1]	$ 0.82
Certain items included in income from continuing operations, net of tax
Accelerated depreciation(b)		$ 552	[2]	$ 188	[2]	$ 355	[2]	$ 260	[2]	$ 1,221	[3]	$ 1,043	[3]	$ 1,578	[3]	$ 1,047	[3]	$ 1,355	[2]	$ 4,889	[3]
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations(c)	[4]	0		0		0		442		1,020		1,208		3,239		1,344		442		6,811
Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees(d)	[5]	0		0		16		150										166
Restructuring and related costs(e)	[6]	4,884		2,328		3,777		9,689		6,254		7,630		4,653		3,576		20,678		22,113
CEO transition costs(f)	[7]	0		0		4		138		2,634		0		0		0		142		2,634
Lucent costs(g)	[8]	1,760		1,374		453		591		832		1,566		560		2,669		4,178		5,627
Curtailment and settlement losses (h)	[9]	1,330		0		0		0										1,330
Gains on asset sales (i)	[10]	(693)		(134)		0		0										(827)
Asset impairments and other charges (j)	[11]	1,452		0		1,233		495										3,180
Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees(d)	[5]									131		129		126		79				465
Asset impairments (l)	[12]									311,292		0		0		0				311,292
Total		$ 9,285		$ 3,756		$ 5,838		$ 11,765		$ 323,384		$ 11,576		$ 10,156		$ 8,715		$ 30,644		$ 353,831
[1]	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.
[2]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN, LATAM, and EMEA segments. Please refer to Note 14, Segment Information, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[3]	Relates to accelerated depreciation in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments.
[4]	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations primarily include professional, legal, IT and other expenses associated with successful and unsuccessful full or partial acquisition and divestiture/dissolution transactions, as well as certain employee-related expenses such as travel, bonuses and post-acquisition severance separate from a formal restructuring plan.
[5]	Write-off of deferred financing costs related to the early payments of Term Loan B.
[6]	Restructuring related costs 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, improve efficiency of its operations or comply with new legislation, 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 and related costs are costs associated with professional fees for outside strategic consultants regarding actions to improve the profitability, improve efficiency of its operations, comply with new legislation, and costs associated with reorganizations of the legal entity structure of the Company. Refer to Note 16, Restructuring, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[7]	CEO transition costs represent charges related to the separation of the Company's previous CEO, Bernard Rzepka.
[8]	Lucent costs primarily represent legal and investigation costs related to resolving the Lucent matter, product manufacturing costs for reworking existing Lucent inventory, obsolete Lucent inventory reserve costs, and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations in fiscal 2016.
[9]	Curtailment and settlement losses represent losses on pension obligations in EMEA.
[10]	The gains on asset sales represent gains on the sale of assets in USCAN and EMEA that had previously been classified as held for sale.
[11]	Asset impairments and other charges primarily relate to the write down of information technology assets in the USCAN segment. Please refer to Note 19, Asset Impairment, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
[12]	Asset impairments relate to the write down of goodwill, intangible assets and information technology assets. Refer to Note 19, Asset Impairment, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.

Valuation and Qualifying Acco83

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 29,089	$ 23,859	$ 21,716
Charges to cost and expenses	3,945	4,240	(2,759)
Net write-offs	0	0	0
Other	614	990
Reserves of Businesses Acquired			4,902
Translation adjustment	0	0	0
Balance at close of period	$ 33,648	29,089	$ 23,859
Citadel [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Charges to cost and expenses		$ (12,300)