A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-Q 28 Mar 18 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Mar. 22, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87,565
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Feb. 28, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,525,402

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 650,098	$ 568,678	$ 1,324,721	$ 1,168,678
Cost of sales	558,403	479,492	1,127,941	978,477
Selling, general and administrative expenses	78,356	65,967	153,483	138,342
Restructuring expense	124	1,878	591	11,422
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	0	0	(3,077)	0
Operating income (loss)	13,215	21,341	45,783	40,437
Interest expense	13,435	13,107	26,876	26,271
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	483	1,081	1,270	1,643
Other (income) expense, net	(849)	674	(1,746)	(459)
Income (loss) before taxes	146	6,479	19,383	12,982
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	(5,530)	1,143	(1,373)	4,462
Net income (loss)	5,676	5,336	20,756	8,520
Noncontrolling interests	(289)	(306)	(654)	(547)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	5,387	5,030	20,102	7,973
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875	1,875	3,750	3,750
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ 3,512	$ 3,155	$ 16,352	$ 4,223
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,487	29,394	29,473	29,378
Diluted	29,661	29,503	29,657	29,470
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Basic	$ 0.12	$ 0.11	$ 0.55	$ 0.14
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Diluted	0.12	0.11	0.55	0.14
Cash dividends per common share	0.205	0.205	0.410	0.410
Cash dividends per share of convertible special stock	$ 15	$ 15	$ 30	$ 30

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 5,676	$ 5,336	$ 20,756	$ 8,520
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)		8,980	4,150	9,960	(11,166)
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax		435	610	813	1,204
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	9,415	4,760	10,773	(9,962)
Comprehensive income (loss)		15,091	10,096	31,529	(1,442)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		135	333	505	504
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ 14,956	$ 9,763	$ 31,024	$ (1,946)
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 51,475	$ 53,251
Restricted cash		169	768
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,419 at February 28, 2018 and $11,171 at August 31, 2017		439,454	408,439
Inventories		345,381	276,459
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		40,538	36,712
Assets held for sale		2,671	5,676
Total current assets		879,688	781,305
Other assets:
Property, plant, and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $474,073 at February 28, 2018 and $444,481 at August 31, 2017		292,977	298,703
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets		78,612	77,847
Goodwill		265,253	263,735
Intangible assets, net		318,332	332,190
Total assets		1,834,862	1,753,780
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		351,430	318,820
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable		6,405	4,900
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		46,922	46,951
Other accrued liabilities		65,961	61,761
Short-term debt		19,492	32,013
Total current liabilities		490,210	464,445
Long-term debt		930,632	885,178
Pension plans		140,353	135,691
Deferred income taxes		26,015	37,699
Other long-term liabilities		23,569	23,735
Total liabilities		1,610,779	1,546,748
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 - 48,585 shares at February 28, 2018 and 48,529 shares at August 31, 2017		48,585	48,529
Additional paid-in capital		280,331	279,207
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(77,601)	(88,523)
Retained earnings		224,794	220,357
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,060 shares at February 28, 2018 and 19,063 shares at August 31, 2017		(382,807)	(382,841)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity		213,591	197,018
Noncontrolling interests		10,492	10,014
Total equity		224,083	207,032
Total liabilities and equity		$ 1,834,862	$ 1,753,780
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (U5

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 10,419	$ 11,171
Accumulated depreciation	$ 474,073	$ 444,481
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,585	48,529
Treasury stock, shares	19,060	19,063

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 20,756	$ 8,520
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	21,218	22,215
Amortization	17,283	17,644
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	(12,794)	(4,493)
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	3,694	3,361
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	(3,077)	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(24,780)	(15,866)
Inventories	(62,198)	(24,670)
Accounts payable	25,665	40,363
Income taxes	2,154	(4,639)
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	3,049	(4,311)
Other assets and long-term liabilities	(3,587)	2,025
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	(12,617)	40,149
Investing activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(13,083)	(24,505)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	6,420	478
Distributions from equity investees	125	125
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(6,538)	(23,902)
Financing activities
Cash dividends paid to special stockholders	(3,750)	(3,750)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(12,242)	(12,057)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	(15,144)	5,153
Borrowings on long-term debt	399,923	238,543
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(353,597)	(237,034)
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(27)	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	58	93
Redemptions of common stock	(1,225)	(620)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	13,996	(9,672)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,784	(494)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2,375)	6,081
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	54,019	43,403
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 51,644	$ 49,484

General

General	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
General [Abstract]
GENERAL	GENERAL The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company,” “A. Schulman,” “we,” “our” and “us”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The fiscal year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 . The results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018 . The accounting policies for the periods presented are the same as described in Note 1 – Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 . Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2018 presentation. Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $0.2 million and $0.8 million as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , respectively, represents cash and cash equivalents held in an escrow account for the cash settlement of a commitment to a local government. 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: February 28, 2018 August 31, 2017 February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 51,475 $ 53,251 $ 47,861 $ 35,260 Restricted cash 169 768 1,623 8,143 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows $ 51,644 $ 54,019 $ 49,484 $ 43,403 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 February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , the Company had $2.7 million and $5.7 million , respectively, 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. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company sold two facilities in USCAN and received total cash proceeds of $6.1 million and recognized a gain on sale of $3.1 million . The gain on sale has been recorded within (gain) loss on sale of assets in the consolidated statements of operations. We expect the sale of the remaining assets held for sale to be completed within the next twelve months and have, accordingly, presented the held for sale assets as current. Proceeds from the sale of the assets will be used for general corporate purposes. Based on the present real estate market and discussions with the Company's real estate adviser, no impairment of the recorded amounts has occurred as of February 28, 2018 . Pending Merger On February 15, 2018, LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (“LYB”), LYB Americas Holdco Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of LYB, and the Company, entered into an agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) whereby LYB will acquire the Company (the “Merger”). Upon consummation of the Merger, each share of Company common stock, par value $1.00 per share (“Company Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or LyondellBasell or any of its subsidiaries (including Merger Sub), which shall be canceled, and any Dissenting Shares (as defined in the Merger Agreement)), will be canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive (i) $42.00 in cash, without interest and subject to any applicable withholding taxes (the "Per-Share Amount"), and (ii) one contractual contingent value right without interest and less applicable withholding taxes (a "CVR"), which will represent the right to receive certain net proceeds, if any, resulting from the Lucent Matter (in each case subject to the terms and conditions of the CVR agreement to be entered into in accordance with the Merger Agreement). There is no guaranty that any proceeds will be received from the CVR agreement. Net proceeds, if any, related to such claims, litigations, and investigations that are received before consummation of the Merger will be classified in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as restricted cash. Upon consummation of the Merger, any such net proceeds will be deposited in an escrow account and may be disbursed in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the CVR agreement. If the Merger is not consummated, there is no restriction on the Company’s use of any cash proceeds received upon resolution of the Lucent Matter. Refer to Note 13 in this Form 10-Q for details on the Lucent Matter. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each Company stock option, restricted share, restricted stock unit and performance stock unit award, whether vested or unvested, in each case, that is outstanding immediately prior to closing, will be canceled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash, without interest, equal to the Per-Share Amount (or, in the case of Company stock options, the excess of the Per-Share Amount over the per-share exercise price for such Company stock options) for each share of the Company’s common stock underlying the applicable award, plus one CVR for each share of the Company’s common stock underlying the applicable award. Each performance-based award will be deemed to have vested at target achievement levels. The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights and provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, including a permitted change in the recommendation of the Company’s Board of Directors of or a termination of the Merger Agreement by the Company to enter into an agreement for a superior proposal, the Company will pay LYB a cash termination fee of $50.0 million . The proposed Merger, which has been unanimously approved by the respective boards of LYB and the Company, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by the Company’s shareholders. The Merger is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2018. For further discussion related to the convertible special stock, refer to Note 7 in this Form 10-Q.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The changes in the Company's carrying value of goodwill are as follows: EMEA USCAN LATAM APAC EC Total (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 58,180 $ 116,369 $ 13,528 $ 934 $ 74,724 $ 263,735 Translation 2,039 — (535 ) 40 (26 ) 1,518 Balance as of February 28, 2018 $ 60,219 $ 116,369 $ 12,993 $ 974 $ 74,698 $ 265,253 The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: February 28, 2018 August 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 361,478 $ (105,605 ) $ 255,873 $ 359,227 $ (91,910 ) $ 267,317 Developed technology 73,479 (21,073 ) 52,406 73,171 (18,574 ) 54,597 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,939 (8,886 ) 10,053 18,347 (8,071 ) 10,276 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 453,896 $ (135,564 ) $ 318,332 $ 450,745 $ (118,555 ) $ 332,190 Amortization expense of intangible assets was $7.8 million and $15.5 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 , respectively, and $8.0 million and $16.0 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 , respectively.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: February 28, 2018 August 31, 2017 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 2,242 $ 17,263 Current portion of long-term debt 17,250 14,750 Short-term debt $ 19,492 $ 32,013 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 105,744 $ 51,250 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 158,750 166,250 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 296,419 298,115 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 2,930 3,276 Unamortized debt issuance costs (8,211 ) (8,713 ) Long-term debt $ 930,632 $ 885,178 For a detailed discussion of the Company's long-term debt and credit arrangements, refer to Note 5 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 . In October 2017, the Company amended the 2015 Credit Agreement and increased the net leverage ratio covenant to provide the Company additional financial flexibility to execute on its growth strategy. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants as of February 28, 2018 .

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value: February 28, 2018 August 31, 2017 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 $ 255 $ — $ 255 $ — $ 286 $ — $ 286 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 378 $ — $ 378 $ — $ 268 $ — $ 268 $ — 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 debt, based on quoted market prices, was $397.8 million and $389.5 million as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , respectively. The carrying value of this debt was $375.0 million as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , 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 $46.3 million and $92.7 million as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , 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 values of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are recognized in other current assets and other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into with creditworthy financial institutions, generally have a term of three months or less, and the Company does not hold or issue foreign exchange forward contracts for trading purposes. There were no foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedging instruments as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017 . For a discussion of the Company’s fair value measurement policies under the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 1 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 . The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during fiscal 2018 , and transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy, if any, are recognized at the end of each quarter. There were no transfers between levels during the period presented. Additionally, the Company remeasures certain assets to fair value, using Level 3 measurements, as a result of the occurrence of triggering events. There were no significant assets or liabilities that were remeasured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the period presented.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES The effective tax rate was (3,787.7)% and (7.1)% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 , respectively, and 17.6% and 34.4% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 , respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate as compared with the same period last year is primarily related to impacts of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("U.S. Tax Reform") and higher uncertain tax positions recorded in the prior year. As a result of U.S. Tax Reform, the Company will be subject to a U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 25.7% for its fiscal year ending August 31, 2018, which reflects a blended federal statutory rate of 35% for its first four months and 21% for the remaining eight months. For the three months ended February 28, 2018, the Company's effective tax rate was (3,787.7)% and was lower than the blended U.S. federal statutory rate of 25.7% primarily due to the discrete impacts of U.S. Tax Reform. On December 22, 2017, U.S. Tax Reform was enacted and significantly revised U.S. corporate income tax. The Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the tax rate that is expected to be in effect when the deferred items reverse, which is generally 21% due to the Company’s U.S. net operating loss position. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, as a result of U.S. Tax Reform, the Company recorded a discrete non-cash tax benefit of $6.8 million due to the remeasurement of U.S deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company believes the accounting for the impacts of the revaluation of its deferred taxes are substantially complete, except for changes in estimates that can result from finalizing the filing of its fiscal 2017 U.S. income tax return, which are not anticipated to be material, and changes that may be a direct impact of other provisional amounts recorded as a result of U.S. Tax Reform. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a net discrete tax charge of $10.6 million due to the one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries. This one-time transition tax should be fully offset by foreign tax credits carried forward from prior years which were previously subject to a valuation allowance resulting in no effective tax rate impact recognized in the quarter. This one-time transition tax is based on the Company’s post-1986 earnings and profits (“E&P”) not previously subjected to U.S. taxation. This one-time transition tax is provisional as the Company has not yet completed its determination of its post-1986 non-U.S. E&P. Further, the transition tax is based in part on the amount of those earnings held in cash and other specified assets. Given the varying tax rates (15.5% on cash and 8% on other property), this amount may change when the Company completes the calculation of post-1986 non-U.S. E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and concludes on the amounts held in cash versus other specified assets. U.S. Tax Reform created a new income inclusion item called the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”). GILTI is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, which would be the Company’s tax year beginning September 1, 2018. The Company has elected to treat this item as a period cost when it is incurred in the future. As stated above, the Company believes its accounting for remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities are substantially complete, except for changes in estimates. The tax impacts of the one-time transition tax and the realizability of certain deferred tax assets are still being evaluated by the Company and may materially differ from the estimated impacts recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 due to future treasury regulations, tax law technical corrections, and other potential guidance, notices, rulings, refined computations, actions the Company may take as a result of U.S. Tax Reform and other items. The SEC has issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 that allows for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of U.S. Tax Reform to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. As of February 28, 2018 , the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $4.4 million . If recognized, $3.4 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company's effective tax rate. The 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. The Company reports interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of February 28, 2018 , the Company had $1.5 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 2014 onward, Belgium - from 2015 onward, other foreign jurisdictions - from 2011 onward.

Pension and Postretirement Bene

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension plans are shown below: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,342 $ 1,344 $ 2,640 $ 2,739 Interest cost 796 570 1,567 1,157 Expected return on plan assets (410 ) (367 ) (806 ) (743 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 724 961 1,424 1,958 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,452 $ 2,508 $ 4,825 $ 5,111 In fiscal 2018, there have been no significant charges incurred related to the Company's other postretirement benefit plan. For discussion of the Company's other postretirement benefit plan, refer to Note 8 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 .

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows: Convertible Special Stock Common Stock ($1 par value) Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Non-controlling Interests Total Equity (In thousands, except per share data) Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 120,289 $ 48,529 $ 279,207 $ (88,523 ) $ 220,357 $ (382,841 ) $ 10,014 $ 207,032 Comprehensive income (loss) 10,922 20,102 505 31,529 Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $30.00 per share (3,750 ) (3,750 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.41 per share (12,242 ) (12,242 ) Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests (27 ) (27 ) Issuance of treasury stock 24 34 58 Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures 91 (91 ) — Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings (35 ) (1,190 ) (1,225 ) Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-09 327 327 Share-based compensation plans 2,381 2,381 Balance as of February 28, 2018 $ 120,289 $ 48,585 $ 280,331 $ (77,601 ) $ 224,794 $ (382,807 ) $ 10,492 $ 224,083 For a detailed discussion of the Company's convertible special stock, refer to Note 9 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 . There have been no fundamental changes in the Company's convertible special stock as of February 28, 2018 or August 31, 2017 , however, the pending LyondellBasell Merger discussed in Note 1 in this Form 10-Q will represent a fundamental change upon closing of the proposed Merger. Holders of the Company’s convertible special stock continue to have the ability to convert their convertible special stock at any time before or after the Merger closing date. If holders convert prior to the Merger closing date, they will receive shares of the Company’s common stock at the current conversion rate. Upon Merger closing, the Company’s convertible special stock will become convertible into the Merger consideration, with each share of the Company’s convertible special stock becoming convertible into the consideration that a holder of a number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the conversion rate would have been entitled to receive at closing. If a holder of the Company’s convertible special stock elects to convert during the period beginning at the open of business on the trading day immediately following the Merger closing date and ending at the close of business on the 30th trading day following the closing date, holders will be entitled to an increase in the conversion rate. After such 30th trading day, the increase to the conversion rate will no longer apply but the convertible special stock will remain convertible into the Merger consideration.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block]	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (1) : Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of November 30, 2017 $ (51,216 ) $ (35,954 ) $ (87,170 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 8,980 — 8,980 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 435 (2) 435 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 8,980 435 9,415 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (154 ) — (154 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 9,134 435 9,569 Balance as of February 28, 2018 $ (42,082 ) $ (35,519 ) $ (77,601 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ (52,191 ) $ (36,332 ) $ (88,523 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 9,960 — 9,960 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 813 (2) 813 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 9,960 813 10,773 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (149 ) — (149 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 10,109 813 10,922 Balance as of February 28, 2018 $ (42,082 ) $ (35,519 ) $ (77,601 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ (84,963 ) $ (50,410 ) $ (135,373 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 4,150 — 4,150 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 610 (2) 610 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 4,150 610 4,760 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to 27 — 27 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 4,123 610 4,733 Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ (69,717 ) $ (51,004 ) $ (120,721 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (11,166 ) — (11,166 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,204 (2) 1,204 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (11,166 ) 1,204 (9,962 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (43 ) — (43 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (11,123 ) 1,204 (9,919 ) Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 ) (1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits. (2) Amounts represent amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs and are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 6 in this Form 10-Q for further details.

Share-Based Incentive Compensat

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS During the six months ended February 28, 2018, the Company granted 46,180 and 239,440 shares of time-based and performance-based awards, respectively, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $38.90 per share. The time-based awards vest after three years. 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. During the three months ended November 30, 2017, the Company granted its new non-employee directors and its Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors a total of 2,553 shares of unrestricted common stock. During the three months ended February 28, 2018, the Company granted all non-employee directors and its Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors a total of 19,377 shares of unrestricted common stock. Additionally, in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company granted 158,150 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $38.90 and a weighted average fair value of $13.13 . The fair value of the stock options was estimated using a Black-Scholes model and the following assumptions: Expected term: 6.5 years Risk-free rate: 2.40% Volatility: 39.0% Dividend yield: 2.11% The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 643 $ 446 $ 1,750 $ 1,347 Stock options 207 68 335 68 Unrestricted awards 754 531 832 1,253 Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,604 $ 1,045 $ 2,917 $ 2,668 Total unrecognized compensation cost, including a provision for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements as of February 28, 2018 was $11.9 million . This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. For a discussion of the Merger's impact on share-based incentive compensation, refer to Note 1 in this Form 10-Q.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock equivalents are exercised as well as the impact of restricted stock awards expected to vest, which combined would then share in the earnings of the Company. Dividends on convertible special stock that an issuer has paid or intends to pay are deducted from net income or added to the amount of a net loss in computing income available to common stockholders. The difference between basic and diluted weighted-average shares results from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, calculated using the treasury stock method, and the inclusion of the convertible special stock dividends, calculated using the if-converted method. The Company computes income available to common stockholders by deducting dividends accumulated on the convertible special stock from net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. The convertible special stock does not impact the denominator of basic EPS. The dilutive effect of convertible special stock is reflected in diluted EPS by application of the if-converted method. In applying the if-converted method, conversion shall not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted EPS if the effect would be anti-dilutive. The convertible special stock is anti-dilutive whenever the amount of the dividend declared in or accumulated for the current period per share on conversion exceeds basic EPS. For the three and six months ended February 28 , 2018 and 2017 , the accumulated dividend per share on conversion exceeded basic EPS, therefore the 2,388,913 shares related to the convertible special stock were considered anti-dilutive. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,487 29,394 29,473 29,378 Incremental shares from equity awards 174 109 184 92 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — — Diluted 29,661 29,503 29,657 29,470 Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 excludes 257,448 and 259,712 shares, respectively, related to equity awards, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 excludes 94,298 and 88,225 shares, respectively, related to equity awards, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company considers its operating structure and the types of information subject to regular review by its President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), to identify reportable segments. The CODM makes decisions, assesses performance and allocates resources by the following reportable segments: Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), United States & Canada (“USCAN”), Latin America (“LATAM”), Asia Pacific (“APAC”), and Engineered Composites ("EC"). The CODM uses net sales to unaffiliated customers, segment gross profit and segment operating income in order to make decisions, assess performance and allocate resources to each segment. Segment operating income does not include items such as interest income or expense, other income or expense, foreign currency transaction gains or losses, restructuring and related costs including accelerated depreciation, asset impairments, or costs related to the Merger. Corporate expenses include the compensation of certain personnel, certain audit expenses, Board of Directors related costs, certain insurance costs, costs associated with being a publicly traded entity and other miscellaneous legal and professional fees. The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 335,671 $ 276,902 $ 683,091 $ 572,974 USCAN 156,452 151,918 315,688 308,336 LATAM 44,982 39,662 93,395 81,878 APAC 57,384 48,914 117,548 99,651 EC 55,609 51,282 114,999 105,839 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 650,098 $ 568,678 $ 1,324,721 $ 1,168,678 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 40,185 $ 39,130 $ 86,631 $ 83,788 USCAN 20,219 20,060 44,847 44,576 LATAM 8,869 9,595 19,071 19,012 APAC 8,922 8,908 18,833 18,034 EC 13,645 12,831 27,624 26,799 Total segment gross profit 91,840 90,524 197,006 192,209 Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (145 ) (1,338 ) (226 ) (1,865 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations — — — (57 ) Lucent costs (1) — — — (86 ) Total gross profit $ 91,695 $ 89,186 $ 196,780 $ 190,201 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) before taxes: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 15,166 $ 16,527 $ 36,266 $ 36,295 USCAN 4,713 5,447 12,854 13,943 LATAM 5,071 5,459 11,028 10,894 APAC 4,684 4,901 10,444 9,914 EC 4,267 4,111 9,523 9,222 Total segment operating income 33,901 36,445 80,115 80,268 Corporate (8,521 ) (9,065 ) (17,922 ) (17,881 ) Costs related to Merger and integrations (4,569 ) — (5,049 ) (605 ) Restructuring, strategic and related costs (2) (4,222 ) (4,970 ) (8,111 ) (18,243 ) Accelerated depreciation (57 ) (467 ) (235 ) (823 ) Lucent costs (1) (3,317 ) (596 ) (6,092 ) (1,405 ) Asset impairment — — — (678 ) Gain (loss) on sale of assets — — 3,077 — CEO transition costs — (6 ) — (196 ) Operating income (loss) 13,215 21,341 45,783 40,437 Interest expense (13,435 ) (13,107 ) (26,876 ) (26,271 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (483 ) (1,081 ) (1,270 ) (1,643 ) Other income (expense), net 849 (674 ) 1,746 459 Income (loss) before taxes $ 146 $ 6,479 $ 19,383 $ 12,982 (1) Refer to Note 13 in this form 10-Q for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in cost of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs. (2) Restructuring expenses for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 of $0.1 million and $0.6 million , respectively, and for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 of $1.9 million and $11.4 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. Strategic and restructuring related costs for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 of $4.1 million and $7.5 million , respectively, and for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 of $3.1 million and $6.8 million , respectively, primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s statements of operations, are costs associated with professional fees for outside strategic consultants regarding actions to improve the profitability of the organization, improve efficiency of its operations or comply with new legislation, costs associated with reorganizations of the legal entity structure of the Company, and costs associated with new software implementation that are not eligible for capitalization. Globally, the Company operates in three product families: Engineered Composites, Custom Concentrates and Services, and Performance Materials. The amount and percentage of consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows: Three months ended February 28, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 55,609 9 % $ 51,282 9 % Custom Concentrates and Services 304,454 46 259,586 46 Performance Materials 290,035 45 257,810 45 Total consolidated net sales $ 650,098 100 % $ 568,678 100 % Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 114,999 9 % $ 105,839 9 % Custom Concentrates and Services 625,655 47 535,505 46 Performance Materials 584,067 44 527,334 45 Total consolidated net sales $ 1,324,721 100 % $ 1,168,678 100 %

Restructuring

Restructuring	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	RESTRUCTURING In fiscal 2018, no new restructuring plans have been announced and no significant charges have been incurred related to prior year plans. For discussion of the Company's previous restructuring plans, refer to Note 16 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 . 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, 2017 $ 2,988 $ 90 $ 3,078 Fiscal 2018 charges 88 503 591 Fiscal 2018 payments (2,243 ) (509 ) (2,752 ) Translation 7 43 50 Accrual balance as of February 28, 2018 $ 840 $ 127 $ 967 Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 65 $ 830 $ 324 $ 8,844 USCAN 59 813 247 2,280 LATAM — — 20 59 APAC — 88 — 92 EC — 147 — 147 Total restructuring expense $ 124 $ 1,878 $ 591 $ 11,422

Contingencies and Claims

Contingencies and Claims	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	In the normal course of business, the Company is at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought may be substantial. Although the Company is not able to predict the outcome of such legal actions, after reviewing all pending and threatened legal actions with counsel and based on information currently available, management believes that the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company. However, it is possible, that the ultimate resolution of such matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the results of operations in a particular future period as the time and amount of any resolution of such legal actions and its relationship to the future results of operations are not currently known. Reserves are established for legal claims only when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, it is not considered probable that a liability has been incurred or it is not possible to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case no reserve would be recognized until that time. There were no material changes to the Company’s future contractual obligations as previously reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 . Lucent Matter As previously reported by the Company in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), on June 1, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Citadel and its subsidiaries, including its indirect wholly owned subsidiary Lucent Polymers, Inc. In August 2015, the Company discovered discrepancies between laboratory data and certifications provided by Lucent to customers and also discovered inaccuracies in materials and information provided by Lucent employees to an independent certification organization. The Company took immediate decisive actions following its initial discoveries, including, but not limited to, remediation measures, notifications to affected customers, and notification to Underwriter Laboratories. The Company also commenced an internal investigation, which revealed that the discrepancies and inaccuracies initially identified were due to practices at Lucent under its prior ownership. As a result, the Company has reformulated and rebranded its products and ceased the use of certain tradenames associated with Citadel, which resulted in the impairment of certain finite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. In addition, the Engineered Plastics business, which is now part of the Performance Materials product family, did not meet volume and revenue expectations in fiscal 2016 and the product had lower margins than planned due primarily to the remediation and changes in business practices undertaken to address the Lucent quality matter. The deterioration of results due to the aforementioned factors and economic conditions soon after the acquisition resulted in the impairment of the acquired goodwill during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. For a discussion of the goodwill and intangible asset impairments, refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017. 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. Additionally, the Company continues to incur recurring additional costs to produce product to customer specification. As no customer or other parties have initiated recalls, or have made material claims against the Company or its subsidiaries from the date we identified this issue in August 2015 through the date of filing, we are currently unable to conclude that losses related to recalls or claims are probable or to estimate the potential range of losses. The Company is currently unable to determine whether such issues will have any future material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. In addition, the Company previously provided a written claim notice to the sellers and to the escrow agent with respect to the indemnity escrow established in connection with the stock purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired Citadel and its subsidiaries. As of February 28, 2018 , approximately $31.0 million remained in such indemnity escrow. As Lucent was effectively acquired by Citadel in December of 2013, the Company also submitted written claim notices pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 6, 2013, among The Matrixx Group, Incorporated, LPI Merger Sub, Inc., LPI Holding Company, River Associates Investments, LLC and certain stockholders of LPI Holding Company, pursuant to which Citadel initially acquired Lucent. The Company also submitted written claim notices pursuant to a $3.8 million representations and warranties insurance policy issued in connection with that acquisition. In June 2016, the Company filed a complaint in the Delaware Chancery Court against Citadel Plastics (the “Citadel Complaint”), as well as certain funds affiliated with the sellers and other former executives of Citadel and Lucent (the “Citadel Defendants”). In January 2017, the Court denied the defendants motion to dismiss seventeen of twenty claims. The Court's ruling sustained claims for breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, civil conspiracy and violations of blue sky laws in Illinois, Ohio, California and Indiana. On February 16, 2017, the Court entered a stipulated order establishing an equitable lien over all pre-closing tax refunds payable by the Company to Citadel Plastics under the stock purchase agreement until resolution of litigation. The funds currently subject to the equitable lien are $7.5 million . The Company is seeking rescission, damages, rescissory damages, disgorgement or any other remedy deemed proper for the alleged violations as well as seeking attorneys’ fees for bringing suit. The case has been scheduled for trial in April 2018. 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. No trial date has yet been scheduled. 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.

Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Period In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued an accounting standard update 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 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods. The Company adopted the new standard on September 1, 2017 and reversed deferred tax liabilities of $0.3 million for all excess tax deficiencies or benefits that had not been previously recognized via a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company will continue to estimate forfeitures as part of recording equity-based compensation expense. The adoption of this accounting standard did not impact the Company's consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods presented. Accounting Standards Issued, to be Adopted by the Company in Future Periods In February 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update addressing the ability to reclassify the "stranded tax effects" of items from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings rather than record such items in the income tax provision as previously required. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard on September 1, 2019 and the impact of the standard is not expected to be material. In March 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring that an employer report the pension service cost component in the same line items as compensation costs, but report all other components of net periodic pension cost in a line below operating income. This amendment is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company had pension service cost of $2.6 million and $2.7 million during the six months ended February 28, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Total net periodic pension cost was $4.8 million and $5.1 million for the six months ended February 28, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company plans to adopt this standard on September 1, 2018. 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. As a result, the Company is currently evaluating the effects this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements by capturing the key lease agreement terms for all lease agreement. The Company plans to adopt this standard September 1, 2019. In May 2014, and as subsequently updated, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that creates a single revenue recognition model, while clarifying the principles for recognizing revenue. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. The Company will adopt the new guidance on September 1, 2018. The new revenue standard may be adopted using either of the following transition methods: (1) a full retrospective approach reflecting the adoption of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (2) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting the standard recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). The Company preliminarily expects to use the modified retrospective method. However, the Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the standard, and the planned adoption method is subject to change. No other new accounting pronouncements issued or with effective dates during fiscal 2018 had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Consolidating Financial Informa

Consolidating Financial Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
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. During fiscal 2018, certain Guarantors merged with Parent in conjunction with simplification of the Company's legal entity structure. As required, the Company has changed the prior year consolidating financial statement presentation to conform to the current legal entity structure. As a result, Parent's total assets increased by $11.4 million , and Guarantor total assets decreased by $224.5 million , with corresponding offsetting adjustments presented on the same line items in the eliminations column as of August 31, 2017. Parent's total liabilities increased by $11.4 million , Guarantor total liabilities decreased by $25.7 million , and Guarantor total stockholders' equity decreased $198.8 million , with corresponding offsetting adjustments presented on the same line items in the eliminations column as of August 31, 2017. Guarantor net income increased $1.6 million and decreased $5.4 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 , respectively, with corresponding offsetting adjustments presented on the same line item in the eliminations column. There were no material adjustments made to the Non-Guarantors, other than intercompany balances, which eliminate in consolidation. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet February 28, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 861 $ — $ 50,614 $ — $ 51,475 Restricted cash — — 169 — 169 Accounts receivable, net 54,423 52,510 332,521 — 439,454 Accounts receivable, intercompany 22,422 6,817 28,092 (57,331 ) — Inventories 49,315 37,580 258,486 — 345,381 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,331 2,898 33,309 — 40,538 Assets held for sale — 2,671 — — 2,671 Total current assets 131,352 102,476 703,191 (57,331 ) 879,688 Net property, plant and equipment 60,425 48,828 183,724 — 292,977 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 104,590 4,009 56,859 (86,846 ) 78,612 Intercompany loans receivable 14,264 17,896 — (32,160 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 812,907 115,097 — (928,004 ) — Goodwill 56,155 80,996 128,102 — 265,253 Intangible assets, net 38,159 167,652 112,521 — 318,332 Total assets $ 1,217,852 $ 536,954 $ 1,184,397 $ (1,104,341 ) $ 1,834,862 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 48,715 $ 29,532 $ 273,183 $ — $ 351,430 Accounts payable, intercompany 9,779 34,105 13,447 (57,331 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 716 5,689 — 6,405 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 10,524 5,907 30,491 — 46,922 Other accrued liabilities 26,348 4,365 35,248 — 65,961 Short-term debt 17,393 37 2,062 — 19,492 Total current liabilities 112,759 74,662 360,120 (57,331 ) 490,210 Long-term debt 877,384 52 53,196 — 930,632 Intercompany debt — — 32,160 (32,160 ) — Pension plans 2,203 1,233 136,917 — 140,353 Deferred income taxes — 65,991 46,870 (86,846 ) 26,015 Other long-term liabilities 11,915 1,122 10,532 — 23,569 Total liabilities 1,004,261 143,060 639,795 (176,337 ) 1,610,779 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,585 — — — 48,585 Other equity 44,717 393,894 534,110 (928,004 ) 44,717 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 213,591 393,894 534,110 (928,004 ) 213,591 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,492 — 10,492 Total equity 213,591 393,894 544,602 (928,004 ) 224,083 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,217,852 $ 536,954 $ 1,184,397 $ (1,104,341 ) $ 1,834,862 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 614 $ — $ 52,637 $ — $ 53,251 Restricted cash — — 768 — 768 Accounts receivable, net 56,354 52,640 299,445 — 408,439 Accounts receivable, intercompany 26,690 7,203 26,188 (60,081 ) — Inventories 41,862 32,667 201,930 — 276,459 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,662 2,221 26,829 — 36,712 Assets held for sale 2,764 2,912 — — 5,676 Total current assets 135,946 97,643 607,797 (60,081 ) 781,305 Net property, plant and equipment 63,150 51,072 184,481 — 298,703 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 95,287 4,198 59,609 (81,247 ) 77,847 Intercompany loans receivable 16,564 17,460 — (34,024 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 769,813 117,617 — (887,430 ) — Goodwill 55,534 81,617 126,584 — 263,735 Intangible assets, net 40,416 174,748 117,026 — 332,190 Total assets $ 1,176,710 $ 544,355 $ 1,095,497 $ (1,062,782 ) $ 1,753,780 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 43,429 $ 34,612 $ 240,779 $ — $ 318,820 Accounts payable, intercompany 13,191 33,370 13,520 (60,081 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 597 4,303 — 4,900 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 7,752 6,044 33,155 — 46,951 Other accrued liabilities 21,373 4,699 35,689 — 61,761 Short-term debt 14,912 29 17,072 — 32,013 Total current liabilities 100,657 79,351 344,518 (60,081 ) 464,445 Long-term debt 858,446 41 26,691 — 885,178 Intercompany debt — — 34,024 (34,024 ) — Pension plans 2,266 1,308 132,117 — 135,691 Deferred income taxes 5,593 65,991 47,362 (81,247 ) 37,699 Other long-term liabilities 12,730 1,067 9,938 — 23,735 Total liabilities 979,692 147,758 594,650 (175,352 ) 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 28,200 396,597 490,833 (887,430 ) 28,200 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 197,018 396,597 490,833 (887,430 ) 197,018 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,014 — 10,014 Total equity 197,018 396,597 500,847 (887,430 ) 207,032 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,176,710 $ 544,355 $ 1,095,497 $ (1,062,782 ) $ 1,753,780 Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended February 28, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 98,254 $ 86,151 $ 478,137 $ (12,444 ) $ 650,098 Cost of sales 84,676 76,460 409,711 (12,444 ) 558,403 Selling, general and administrative expenses 20,187 13,725 44,444 — 78,356 Restructuring expense 59 — 65 — 124 Operating income (loss) (6,668 ) (4,034 ) 23,917 — 13,215 Interest expense 12,777 1 806 (149 ) 13,435 Intercompany charges 40 6 3,289 (3,335 ) — Intercompany income (1,858 ) (1,427 ) (50 ) 3,335 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 344 15 124 — 483 Other (income) expense, net — (284 ) (714 ) 149 (849 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (13,037 ) (2,921 ) — 15,958 — Income (loss) before taxes (4,934 ) 576 20,462 (15,958 ) 146 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (10,321 ) 493 4,298 — (5,530 ) Net income (loss) 5,387 83 16,164 (15,958 ) 5,676 Noncontrolling interests — — (289 ) — (289 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,387 83 15,875 (15,958 ) 5,387 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 3,512 $ 83 $ 15,875 $ (15,958 ) $ 3,512 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 14,956 $ 179 $ 25,611 $ (25,655 ) $ 15,091 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 135 — 135 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 14,956 $ 179 $ 25,476 $ (25,655 ) $ 14,956 Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 92,062 $ 84,420 $ 403,859 $ (11,663 ) $ 568,678 Cost of sales 79,036 75,818 336,301 (11,663 ) 479,492 Selling, general and administrative expenses 11,235 12,670 42,062 — 65,967 Restructuring expense 674 277 927 — 1,878 Operating income (loss) 1,117 (4,345 ) 24,569 — 21,341 Interest expense 12,056 21 1,292 (262 ) 13,107 Intercompany charges 6 — 3,043 (3,049 ) — Intercompany income (1,911 ) (1,127 ) (11 ) 3,049 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,056 (2 ) 27 — 1,081 Other (income) expense, net (43 ) (325 ) 780 262 674 (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (10,872 ) (1,616 ) — 12,488 — Income (loss) before taxes 825 (1,296 ) 19,438 (12,488 ) 6,479 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (4,205 ) 530 4,818 — 1,143 Net income (loss) 5,030 (1,826 ) 14,620 (12,488 ) 5,336 Noncontrolling interests — — (306 ) — (306 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,030 (1,826 ) 14,314 (12,488 ) 5,030 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 3,155 $ (1,826 ) $ 14,314 $ (12,488 ) $ 3,155 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 9,763 $ (747 ) $ 19,354 $ (18,274 ) $ 10,096 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 333 — 333 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 9,763 $ (747 ) $ 19,021 $ (18,274 ) $ 9,763 Consolidating Statement of Operations Six months ended February 28, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 196,761 $ 176,205 $ 976,626 $ (24,871 ) $ 1,324,721 Cost of sales 167,411 155,148 830,253 (24,871 ) 1,127,941 Selling, general and administrative expenses 37,015 26,890 89,578 — 153,483 Restructuring expense 247 — 344 — 591 (Gain) loss on sale of assets (3,004 ) (73 ) — — (3,077 ) Operating income (loss) (4,908 ) (5,760 ) 56,451 — 45,783 Interest expense 25,094 2 2,225 (445 ) 26,876 Intercompany charges 57 6 6,489 (6,552 ) — Intercompany income (3,806 ) (2,683 ) (63 ) 6,552 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 476 9 785 — 1,270 Other (income) expense, net 39 (591 ) (1,639 ) 445 (1,746 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (32,979 ) (5,566 ) — 38,545 — Income (loss) before taxes 6,211 3,063 48,654 (38,545 ) 19,383 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (13,891 ) 349 12,169 — (1,373 ) Net income (loss) 20,102 2,714 36,485 (38,545 ) 20,756 Noncontrolling interests — — (654 ) — (654 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 20,102 2,714 35,831 (38,545 ) 20,102 Convertible special stock dividends 3,750 — — — 3,750 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 16,352 $ 2,714 $ 35,831 $ (38,545 ) $ 16,352 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 31,024 $ 2,083 $ 47,205 $ (48,783 ) $ 31,529 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 505 — 505 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 31,024 $ 2,083 $ 46,700 $ (48,783 ) $ 31,024 Consolidating Statement of Operations Six months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 182,818 $ 172,480 $ 835,880 $ (22,500 ) $ 1,168,678 Cost of sales 156,132 152,380 692,465 (22,500 ) 978,477 Selling, general and administrative expenses 25,732 25,618 86,992 — 138,342 Restructuring expense 1,872 443 9,107 — 11,422 Operating income (loss) (918 ) (5,961 ) 47,316 — 40,437 Interest expense 23,983 26 2,784 (522 ) 26,271 Intercompany charges 8 — 4,896 (4,904 ) — Intercompany income (2,455 ) (2,433 ) (16 ) 4,904 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 2,038 (36 ) (359 ) — 1,643 Other (income) expense, net (306 ) (606 ) (69 ) 522 (459 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (12,080 ) (3,661 ) — 15,741 — Income (loss) before taxes (12,106 ) 749 40,080 (15,741 ) 12,982 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (20,079 ) 3,529 21,012 — 4,462 Net income (loss) 7,973 (2,780 ) 19,068 (15,741 ) 8,520 Noncontrolling interests — — (547 ) — (547 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 7,973 (2,780 ) 18,521 (15,741 ) 7,973 Convertible special stock dividends 3,750 — — — 3,750 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 4,223 $ (2,780 ) $ 18,521 $ (15,741 ) $ 4,223 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (1,946 ) $ (2,048 ) $ 9,138 $ (6,586 ) $ (1,442 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 504 — 504 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (1,946 ) $ (2,048 ) $ 8,634 $ (6,586 ) $ (1,946 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Six months ended February 28, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ (10,087 ) $ 1,049 $ 96 $ (3,675 ) $ (12,617 ) Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (1,345 ) (1,688 ) (10,050 ) — (13,083 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 5,655 531 234 — 6,420 Distributions from equity investees — 125 — — 125 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities 4,310 (1,032 ) (9,816 ) — (6,538 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (12,242 ) — — — (12,242 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (3,675 ) 3,675 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — (15,144 ) — (15,144 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 163,150 — 236,773 — 399,923 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (142,267 ) (17 ) (211,313 ) — (353,597 ) Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments 2,300 — (2,300 ) — — Noncontrolling interests' distributions — — (27 ) — (27 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 58 — — — 58 Redemptions of common stock (1,225 ) — — — (1,225 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 6,024 (17 ) 4,314 3,675 13,996 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 2,784 — 2,784 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 247 — (2,622 ) — (2,375 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 614 — 53,405 — 54,019 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 861 $ — $ 50,783 $ — $ 51,644 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Six months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 41,005 $ 1,006 $ 37,235 $ (39,097 ) $ 40,149 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (9,450 ) (1,181 ) (13,874 ) — (24,505 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 43 78 357 — 478 Distributions from equity investees — 125 — — 125 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (9,407 ) (978 ) (13,517 ) — (23,902 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (12,057 ) — — — (12,057 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (39,097 ) 39,097 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 5,153 — 5,153 Borrowings on long-term debt 107,800 — 130,743 — 238,543 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (122,194 ) (28 ) (114,812 ) — (237,034 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 93 — — — 93 Redemptions of common stock (620 ) — — — (620 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (30,728 ) (28 ) (18,013 ) 39,097 (9,672 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (494 ) — (494 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 870 — 5,211 — 6,081 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period — — 43,403 — 43,403 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 870 $ — $ 48,614 $ — $ 49,484

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
General [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company,” “A. Schulman,” “we,” “our” and “us”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The fiscal year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 . The results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018 . The accounting policies for the periods presented are the same as described in Note 1 – Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 . Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2018 presentation.
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]	Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $0.2 million and $0.8 million as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , respectively, represents cash and cash equivalents held in an escrow account for the cash settlement of a commitment to a local government. 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: February 28, 2018 August 31, 2017 February 28, 2017 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 51,475 $ 53,251 $ 47,861 $ 35,260 Restricted cash 169 768 1,623 8,143 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows $ 51,644 $ 54,019 $ 49,484 $ 43,403
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 February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , the Company had $2.7 million and $5.7 million , respectively, 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. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company sold two facilities in USCAN and received total cash proceeds of $6.1 million and recognized a gain on sale of $3.1 million . The gain on sale has been recorded within (gain) loss on sale of assets in the consolidated statements of operations. We expect the sale of the remaining assets held for sale to be completed within the next twelve months and have, accordingly, presented the held for sale assets as current. Proceeds from the sale of the assets will be used for general corporate purposes. Based on the present real estate market and discussions with the Company's real estate adviser, no impairment of the recorded amounts has occurred as of February 28, 2018 .

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
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, 2017 $ 58,180 $ 116,369 $ 13,528 $ 934 $ 74,724 $ 263,735 Translation 2,039 — (535 ) 40 (26 ) 1,518 Balance as of February 28, 2018 $ 60,219 $ 116,369 $ 12,993 $ 974 $ 74,698 $ 265,253
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: February 28, 2018 August 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 361,478 $ (105,605 ) $ 255,873 $ 359,227 $ (91,910 ) $ 267,317 Developed technology 73,479 (21,073 ) 52,406 73,171 (18,574 ) 54,597 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,939 (8,886 ) 10,053 18,347 (8,071 ) 10,276 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 453,896 $ (135,564 ) $ 318,332 $ 450,745 $ (118,555 ) $ 332,190

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr24

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Schedule of Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: February 28, 2018 August 31, 2017 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 2,242 $ 17,263 Current portion of long-term debt 17,250 14,750 Short-term debt $ 19,492 $ 32,013 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 105,744 $ 51,250 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 158,750 166,250 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 296,419 298,115 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 2,930 3,276 Unamortized debt issuance costs (8,211 ) (8,713 ) Long-term debt $ 930,632 $ 885,178

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value: February 28, 2018 August 31, 2017 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 $ 255 $ — $ 255 $ — $ 286 $ — $ 286 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 378 $ — $ 378 $ — $ 268 $ — $ 268 $ —

Pension and Postretirement Be26

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension plans are shown below: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,342 $ 1,344 $ 2,640 $ 2,739 Interest cost 796 570 1,567 1,157 Expected return on plan assets (410 ) (367 ) (806 ) (743 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 724 961 1,424 1,958 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,452 $ 2,508 $ 4,825 $ 5,111

Consolidated Statement of Sto27

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows: Convertible Special Stock Common Stock ($1 par value) Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Non-controlling Interests Total Equity (In thousands, except per share data) Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 120,289 $ 48,529 $ 279,207 $ (88,523 ) $ 220,357 $ (382,841 ) $ 10,014 $ 207,032 Comprehensive income (loss) 10,922 20,102 505 31,529 Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $30.00 per share (3,750 ) (3,750 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.41 per share (12,242 ) (12,242 ) Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests (27 ) (27 ) Issuance of treasury stock 24 34 58 Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures 91 (91 ) — Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings (35 ) (1,190 ) (1,225 ) Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-09 327 327 Share-based compensation plans 2,381 2,381 Balance as of February 28, 2018 $ 120,289 $ 48,585 $ 280,331 $ (77,601 ) $ 224,794 $ (382,807 ) $ 10,492 $ 224,083

Reclassification Out of Accumul

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (1) : Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of November 30, 2017 $ (51,216 ) $ (35,954 ) $ (87,170 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 8,980 — 8,980 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 435 (2) 435 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 8,980 435 9,415 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (154 ) — (154 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 9,134 435 9,569 Balance as of February 28, 2018 $ (42,082 ) $ (35,519 ) $ (77,601 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ (52,191 ) $ (36,332 ) $ (88,523 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 9,960 — 9,960 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 813 (2) 813 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 9,960 813 10,773 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (149 ) — (149 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 10,109 813 10,922 Balance as of February 28, 2018 $ (42,082 ) $ (35,519 ) $ (77,601 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ (84,963 ) $ (50,410 ) $ (135,373 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 4,150 — 4,150 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 610 (2) 610 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 4,150 610 4,760 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to 27 — 27 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 4,123 610 4,733 Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ (69,717 ) $ (51,004 ) $ (120,721 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (11,166 ) — (11,166 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,204 (2) 1,204 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (11,166 ) 1,204 (9,962 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (43 ) — (43 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (11,123 ) 1,204 (9,919 ) Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 )

Share-Based Incentive Compens29

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards $ 643 $ 446 $ 1,750 $ 1,347 Stock options 207 68 335 68 Unrestricted awards 754 531 832 1,253 Total share-based incentive compensation $ 1,604 $ 1,045 $ 2,917 $ 2,668

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,487 29,394 29,473 29,378 Incremental shares from equity awards 174 109 184 92 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — — Diluted 29,661 29,503 29,657 29,470

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 335,671 $ 276,902 $ 683,091 $ 572,974 USCAN 156,452 151,918 315,688 308,336 LATAM 44,982 39,662 93,395 81,878 APAC 57,384 48,914 117,548 99,651 EC 55,609 51,282 114,999 105,839 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 650,098 $ 568,678 $ 1,324,721 $ 1,168,678 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 40,185 $ 39,130 $ 86,631 $ 83,788 USCAN 20,219 20,060 44,847 44,576 LATAM 8,869 9,595 19,071 19,012 APAC 8,922 8,908 18,833 18,034 EC 13,645 12,831 27,624 26,799 Total segment gross profit 91,840 90,524 197,006 192,209 Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (145 ) (1,338 ) (226 ) (1,865 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations — — — (57 ) Lucent costs (1) — — — (86 ) Total gross profit $ 91,695 $ 89,186 $ 196,780 $ 190,201 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) before taxes: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 15,166 $ 16,527 $ 36,266 $ 36,295 USCAN 4,713 5,447 12,854 13,943 LATAM 5,071 5,459 11,028 10,894 APAC 4,684 4,901 10,444 9,914 EC 4,267 4,111 9,523 9,222 Total segment operating income 33,901 36,445 80,115 80,268 Corporate (8,521 ) (9,065 ) (17,922 ) (17,881 ) Costs related to Merger and integrations (4,569 ) — (5,049 ) (605 ) Restructuring, strategic and related costs (2) (4,222 ) (4,970 ) (8,111 ) (18,243 ) Accelerated depreciation (57 ) (467 ) (235 ) (823 ) Lucent costs (1) (3,317 ) (596 ) (6,092 ) (1,405 ) Asset impairment — — — (678 ) Gain (loss) on sale of assets — — 3,077 — CEO transition costs — (6 ) — (196 ) Operating income (loss) 13,215 21,341 45,783 40,437 Interest expense (13,435 ) (13,107 ) (26,876 ) (26,271 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (483 ) (1,081 ) (1,270 ) (1,643 ) Other income (expense), net 849 (674 ) 1,746 459 Income (loss) before taxes $ 146 $ 6,479 $ 19,383 $ 12,982
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: Three months ended February 28, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 55,609 9 % $ 51,282 9 % Custom Concentrates and Services 304,454 46 259,586 46 Performance Materials 290,035 45 257,810 45 Total consolidated net sales $ 650,098 100 % $ 568,678 100 % Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 114,999 9 % $ 105,839 9 % Custom Concentrates and Services 625,655 47 535,505 46 Performance Materials 584,067 44 527,334 45 Total consolidated net sales $ 1,324,721 100 % $ 1,168,678 100 %

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
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, 2017 $ 2,988 $ 90 $ 3,078 Fiscal 2018 charges 88 503 591 Fiscal 2018 payments (2,243 ) (509 ) (2,752 ) Translation 7 43 50 Accrual balance as of February 28, 2018 $ 840 $ 127 $ 967
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment [Table Text Block]	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended February 28, Six months ended February 28, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 65 $ 830 $ 324 $ 8,844 USCAN 59 813 247 2,280 LATAM — — 20 59 APAC — 88 — 92 EC — 147 — 147 Total restructuring expense $ 124 $ 1,878 $ 591 $ 11,422

Consolidating Financial Infor33

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet February 28, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 861 $ — $ 50,614 $ — $ 51,475 Restricted cash — — 169 — 169 Accounts receivable, net 54,423 52,510 332,521 — 439,454 Accounts receivable, intercompany 22,422 6,817 28,092 (57,331 ) — Inventories 49,315 37,580 258,486 — 345,381 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,331 2,898 33,309 — 40,538 Assets held for sale — 2,671 — — 2,671 Total current assets 131,352 102,476 703,191 (57,331 ) 879,688 Net property, plant and equipment 60,425 48,828 183,724 — 292,977 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 104,590 4,009 56,859 (86,846 ) 78,612 Intercompany loans receivable 14,264 17,896 — (32,160 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 812,907 115,097 — (928,004 ) — Goodwill 56,155 80,996 128,102 — 265,253 Intangible assets, net 38,159 167,652 112,521 — 318,332 Total assets $ 1,217,852 $ 536,954 $ 1,184,397 $ (1,104,341 ) $ 1,834,862 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 48,715 $ 29,532 $ 273,183 $ — $ 351,430 Accounts payable, intercompany 9,779 34,105 13,447 (57,331 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 716 5,689 — 6,405 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 10,524 5,907 30,491 — 46,922 Other accrued liabilities 26,348 4,365 35,248 — 65,961 Short-term debt 17,393 37 2,062 — 19,492 Total current liabilities 112,759 74,662 360,120 (57,331 ) 490,210 Long-term debt 877,384 52 53,196 — 930,632 Intercompany debt — — 32,160 (32,160 ) — Pension plans 2,203 1,233 136,917 — 140,353 Deferred income taxes — 65,991 46,870 (86,846 ) 26,015 Other long-term liabilities 11,915 1,122 10,532 — 23,569 Total liabilities 1,004,261 143,060 639,795 (176,337 ) 1,610,779 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,585 — — — 48,585 Other equity 44,717 393,894 534,110 (928,004 ) 44,717 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 213,591 393,894 534,110 (928,004 ) 213,591 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,492 — 10,492 Total equity 213,591 393,894 544,602 (928,004 ) 224,083 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,217,852 $ 536,954 $ 1,184,397 $ (1,104,341 ) $ 1,834,862 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 614 $ — $ 52,637 $ — $ 53,251 Restricted cash — — 768 — 768 Accounts receivable, net 56,354 52,640 299,445 — 408,439 Accounts receivable, intercompany 26,690 7,203 26,188 (60,081 ) — Inventories 41,862 32,667 201,930 — 276,459 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,662 2,221 26,829 — 36,712 Assets held for sale 2,764 2,912 — — 5,676 Total current assets 135,946 97,643 607,797 (60,081 ) 781,305 Net property, plant and equipment 63,150 51,072 184,481 — 298,703 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 95,287 4,198 59,609 (81,247 ) 77,847 Intercompany loans receivable 16,564 17,460 — (34,024 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 769,813 117,617 — (887,430 ) — Goodwill 55,534 81,617 126,584 — 263,735 Intangible assets, net 40,416 174,748 117,026 — 332,190 Total assets $ 1,176,710 $ 544,355 $ 1,095,497 $ (1,062,782 ) $ 1,753,780 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 43,429 $ 34,612 $ 240,779 $ — $ 318,820 Accounts payable, intercompany 13,191 33,370 13,520 (60,081 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 597 4,303 — 4,900 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 7,752 6,044 33,155 — 46,951 Other accrued liabilities 21,373 4,699 35,689 — 61,761 Short-term debt 14,912 29 17,072 — 32,013 Total current liabilities 100,657 79,351 344,518 (60,081 ) 464,445 Long-term debt 858,446 41 26,691 — 885,178 Intercompany debt — — 34,024 (34,024 ) — Pension plans 2,266 1,308 132,117 — 135,691 Deferred income taxes 5,593 65,991 47,362 (81,247 ) 37,699 Other long-term liabilities 12,730 1,067 9,938 — 23,735 Total liabilities 979,692 147,758 594,650 (175,352 ) 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 28,200 396,597 490,833 (887,430 ) 28,200 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 197,018 396,597 490,833 (887,430 ) 197,018 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,014 — 10,014 Total equity 197,018 396,597 500,847 (887,430 ) 207,032 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,176,710 $ 544,355 $ 1,095,497 $ (1,062,782 ) $ 1,753,780
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended February 28, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 98,254 $ 86,151 $ 478,137 $ (12,444 ) $ 650,098 Cost of sales 84,676 76,460 409,711 (12,444 ) 558,403 Selling, general and administrative expenses 20,187 13,725 44,444 — 78,356 Restructuring expense 59 — 65 — 124 Operating income (loss) (6,668 ) (4,034 ) 23,917 — 13,215 Interest expense 12,777 1 806 (149 ) 13,435 Intercompany charges 40 6 3,289 (3,335 ) — Intercompany income (1,858 ) (1,427 ) (50 ) 3,335 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 344 15 124 — 483 Other (income) expense, net — (284 ) (714 ) 149 (849 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (13,037 ) (2,921 ) — 15,958 — Income (loss) before taxes (4,934 ) 576 20,462 (15,958 ) 146 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (10,321 ) 493 4,298 — (5,530 ) Net income (loss) 5,387 83 16,164 (15,958 ) 5,676 Noncontrolling interests — — (289 ) — (289 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,387 83 15,875 (15,958 ) 5,387 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 3,512 $ 83 $ 15,875 $ (15,958 ) $ 3,512 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 14,956 $ 179 $ 25,611 $ (25,655 ) $ 15,091 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 135 — 135 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 14,956 $ 179 $ 25,476 $ (25,655 ) $ 14,956 Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 92,062 $ 84,420 $ 403,859 $ (11,663 ) $ 568,678 Cost of sales 79,036 75,818 336,301 (11,663 ) 479,492 Selling, general and administrative expenses 11,235 12,670 42,062 — 65,967 Restructuring expense 674 277 927 — 1,878 Operating income (loss) 1,117 (4,345 ) 24,569 — 21,341 Interest expense 12,056 21 1,292 (262 ) 13,107 Intercompany charges 6 — 3,043 (3,049 ) — Intercompany income (1,911 ) (1,127 ) (11 ) 3,049 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 1,056 (2 ) 27 — 1,081 Other (income) expense, net (43 ) (325 ) 780 262 674 (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (10,872 ) (1,616 ) — 12,488 — Income (loss) before taxes 825 (1,296 ) 19,438 (12,488 ) 6,479 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (4,205 ) 530 4,818 — 1,143 Net income (loss) 5,030 (1,826 ) 14,620 (12,488 ) 5,336 Noncontrolling interests — — (306 ) — (306 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,030 (1,826 ) 14,314 (12,488 ) 5,030 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 3,155 $ (1,826 ) $ 14,314 $ (12,488 ) $ 3,155 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 9,763 $ (747 ) $ 19,354 $ (18,274 ) $ 10,096 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 333 — 333 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 9,763 $ (747 ) $ 19,021 $ (18,274 ) $ 9,763 Consolidating Statement of Operations Six months ended February 28, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 196,761 $ 176,205 $ 976,626 $ (24,871 ) $ 1,324,721 Cost of sales 167,411 155,148 830,253 (24,871 ) 1,127,941 Selling, general and administrative expenses 37,015 26,890 89,578 — 153,483 Restructuring expense 247 — 344 — 591 (Gain) loss on sale of assets (3,004 ) (73 ) — — (3,077 ) Operating income (loss) (4,908 ) (5,760 ) 56,451 — 45,783 Interest expense 25,094 2 2,225 (445 ) 26,876 Intercompany charges 57 6 6,489 (6,552 ) — Intercompany income (3,806 ) (2,683 ) (63 ) 6,552 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 476 9 785 — 1,270 Other (income) expense, net 39 (591 ) (1,639 ) 445 (1,746 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (32,979 ) (5,566 ) — 38,545 — Income (loss) before taxes 6,211 3,063 48,654 (38,545 ) 19,383 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (13,891 ) 349 12,169 — (1,373 ) Net income (loss) 20,102 2,714 36,485 (38,545 ) 20,756 Noncontrolling interests — — (654 ) — (654 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 20,102 2,714 35,831 (38,545 ) 20,102 Convertible special stock dividends 3,750 — — — 3,750 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 16,352 $ 2,714 $ 35,831 $ (38,545 ) $ 16,352 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 31,024 $ 2,083 $ 47,205 $ (48,783 ) $ 31,529 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 505 — 505 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 31,024 $ 2,083 $ 46,700 $ (48,783 ) $ 31,024 Consolidating Statement of Operations Six months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 182,818 $ 172,480 $ 835,880 $ (22,500 ) $ 1,168,678 Cost of sales 156,132 152,380 692,465 (22,500 ) 978,477 Selling, general and administrative expenses 25,732 25,618 86,992 — 138,342 Restructuring expense 1,872 443 9,107 — 11,422 Operating income (loss) (918 ) (5,961 ) 47,316 — 40,437 Interest expense 23,983 26 2,784 (522 ) 26,271 Intercompany charges 8 — 4,896 (4,904 ) — Intercompany income (2,455 ) (2,433 ) (16 ) 4,904 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 2,038 (36 ) (359 ) — 1,643 Other (income) expense, net (306 ) (606 ) (69 ) 522 (459 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (12,080 ) (3,661 ) — 15,741 — Income (loss) before taxes (12,106 ) 749 40,080 (15,741 ) 12,982 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (20,079 ) 3,529 21,012 — 4,462 Net income (loss) 7,973 (2,780 ) 19,068 (15,741 ) 8,520 Noncontrolling interests — — (547 ) — (547 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 7,973 (2,780 ) 18,521 (15,741 ) 7,973 Convertible special stock dividends 3,750 — — — 3,750 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 4,223 $ (2,780 ) $ 18,521 $ (15,741 ) $ 4,223 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (1,946 ) $ (2,048 ) $ 9,138 $ (6,586 ) $ (1,442 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 504 — 504 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (1,946 ) $ (2,048 ) $ 8,634 $ (6,586 ) $ (1,946 )
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Six months ended February 28, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ (10,087 ) $ 1,049 $ 96 $ (3,675 ) $ (12,617 ) Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (1,345 ) (1,688 ) (10,050 ) — (13,083 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 5,655 531 234 — 6,420 Distributions from equity investees — 125 — — 125 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities 4,310 (1,032 ) (9,816 ) — (6,538 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (12,242 ) — — — (12,242 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (3,675 ) 3,675 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — (15,144 ) — (15,144 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 163,150 — 236,773 — 399,923 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (142,267 ) (17 ) (211,313 ) — (353,597 ) Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments 2,300 — (2,300 ) — — Noncontrolling interests' distributions — — (27 ) — (27 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 58 — — — 58 Redemptions of common stock (1,225 ) — — — (1,225 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 6,024 (17 ) 4,314 3,675 13,996 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 2,784 — 2,784 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 247 — (2,622 ) — (2,375 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 614 — 53,405 — 54,019 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 861 $ — $ 50,783 $ — $ 51,644 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Six months ended February 28, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 41,005 $ 1,006 $ 37,235 $ (39,097 ) $ 40,149 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (9,450 ) (1,181 ) (13,874 ) — (24,505 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 43 78 357 — 478 Distributions from equity investees — 125 — — 125 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (9,407 ) (978 ) (13,517 ) — (23,902 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (12,057 ) — — — (12,057 ) Cash dividends paid to special stockholders (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (39,097 ) 39,097 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — 5,153 — 5,153 Borrowings on long-term debt 107,800 — 130,743 — 238,543 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (122,194 ) (28 ) (114,812 ) — (237,034 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 93 — — — 93 Redemptions of common stock (620 ) — — — (620 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (30,728 ) (28 ) (18,013 ) 39,097 (9,672 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (494 ) — (494 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 870 — 5,211 — 6,081 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period — — 43,403 — 43,403 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 870 $ — $ 48,614 $ — $ 49,484

General (Details)

General (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 15, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 169		$ 1,623	$ 169	$ 1,623		$ 768	$ 8,143
Cash and cash equivalents	51,475		47,861	51,475	47,861		53,251	35,260
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	51,644		49,484	51,644	49,484		54,019	$ 43,403
Assets held for sale	2,671			2,671			$ 5,676
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment		$ 6,100
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	$ 0	$ 3,077	$ 0	$ 3,077	$ 0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1			$ 1			$ 1
A Schulman and LyondellBasell Merger [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Share Price						$ 42
Loss on Contract Termination				$ 50,000

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	$ 263,735
Translation	1,518
Balance as of February 28, 2018	265,253
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	58,180
Translation	2,039
Balance as of February 28, 2018	60,219
USCAN [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	116,369
Translation	0
Balance as of February 28, 2018	116,369
LATAM [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	13,528
Translation	(535)
Balance as of February 28, 2018	12,993
APAC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	934
Translation	40
Balance as of February 28, 2018	974
EC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	74,724
Translation	(26)
Balance as of February 28, 2018	$ 74,698

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 453,896		$ 453,896		$ 450,745
Accumulated Amortization	(135,564)		(135,564)		(118,555)
Net Carrying Amount	318,332		318,332		332,190
Amortization of Intangible Assets	7,800	$ 8,000	15,500	$ 16,000
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	361,478		361,478		359,227
Accumulated Amortization	(105,605)		(105,605)		(91,910)
Net Carrying Amount	255,873		255,873		267,317
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	73,479		73,479		73,171
Accumulated Amortization	(21,073)		(21,073)		(18,574)
Net Carrying Amount	52,406		52,406		54,597
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	18,939		18,939		18,347
Accumulated Amortization	(8,886)		(8,886)		(8,071)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 10,053		$ 10,053		$ 10,276

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr37

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other, due within one year	$ 2,242	$ 17,263
Current portion of long-term debt	17,250	14,750
Short-term debt	19,492	32,013
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023	375,000	375,000
Capital leases and other long-term debt	2,930	3,276
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(8,211)	(8,713)
Long-term debt	930,632	885,178
2015 Revolver, due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020	105,744	51,250
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loans	158,750	166,250
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loans	$ 296,419	$ 298,115

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$ 255,000	$ 286,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	378,000	268,000
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023	375,000,000	375,000,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	46,300,000	92,700,000
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	255,000	286,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	378,000	268,000
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	$ 397,800,000	$ 389,500,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes percentage	(3787.70%)	17.60%		(7.10%)	34.40%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent			35.00%			21.00%	25.70%
Income Tax Expense Benefit Related To Discrete Impacts In Tax Law	$ 6.8
Other Tax Expense Benefit Transition Tax	10.6
Unrecognized tax benefits	4.4			$ 4.4
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	3.4			3.4
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1.5			$ 1.5

Pension and Postretirement Be40

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,342	$ 1,344	$ 2,640	$ 2,739
Interest cost	796	570	1,567	1,157
Expected return on plan assets	(410)	(367)	(806)	(743)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	724	961	1,424	1,958
Net periodic pension benefit cost	$ 2,452	$ 2,508	$ 4,825	$ 5,111

Consolidated Statement of Sto41

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			$ 207,032
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 15,091	$ 10,096	31,529	$ (1,442)
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $30.00 per share	(1,875)	$ (1,875)	(3,750)	$ (3,750)
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.41 per share			(12,242)
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests			(27)
Issuance of treasury stock			58
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures			0
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(1,225)
Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-09					$ 327
Share-based compensation plans			2,381
Balance as of February 28, 2018	224,083		224,083
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			120,289
Balance as of February 28, 2018	120,289		120,289
Common Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			48,529
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures			91
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(35)
Balance as of February 28, 2018	48,585		48,585
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			279,207
Issuance of treasury stock			24
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures			(91)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(1,190)
Share-based compensation plans			2,381
Balance as of February 28, 2018	280,331		280,331
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			(88,523)
Comprehensive income (loss)			10,922
Balance as of February 28, 2018	(77,601)		(77,601)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			220,357
Comprehensive income (loss)			20,102
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $30.00 per share			(3,750)
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.41 per share			(12,242)
Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-09					$ 327
Balance as of February 28, 2018	224,794		224,794
Treasury Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			(382,841)
Issuance of treasury stock			34
Balance as of February 28, 2018	(382,807)		(382,807)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			10,014
Comprehensive income (loss)			505
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests			(27)
Balance as of February 28, 2018	$ 10,492		$ 10,492

Reclassification Out of Accum42

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (87,170)	$ (135,373)	$ (88,523)	$ (120,721)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	8,980	4,150	9,960	(11,166)
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	435	610	813	1,204
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	9,415	4,760	10,773	(9,962)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(154)	27	(149)	(43)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	9,569	4,733	10,922	(9,919)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(77,601)	(130,640)	(77,601)	(130,640)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(51,216)	(84,963)	(52,191)	(69,717)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	8,980	4,150	9,960	(11,166)
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	8,980	4,150	9,960	(11,166)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(154)	27	(149)	(43)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	9,134	4,123	10,109	(11,123)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(42,082)	(80,840)	(42,082)	(80,840)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(35,954)	(50,410)	(36,332)	(51,004)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1],[2]	435	610	813	1,204
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	435	610	813	1,204
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	0	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	435	610	813	1,204
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (35,519)	$ (49,800)	$ (35,519)	$ (49,800)
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
[2]	(2) Amounts represent amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs and are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 6 in this Form 10-Q for further details.

Share-Based Incentive Compansat

Share-Based Incentive Compansation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$ 38.90
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	158,150
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 38.90
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 13.13
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 1,604		$ 1,045	$ 2,917	$ 2,668
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	11,900			$ 11,900
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition				1 year 10 months 25 days
Time Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period				46,180
Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period				239,440
Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 643		446	$ 1,750	1,347
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	6 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	2.40%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	39.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	2.11%
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 207		68	335	68
Unrestricted awards
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Period Increase (Decrease)	19,377	2,553
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 754		$ 531	$ 832	$ 1,253

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,487,000	29,394,000	29,473,000	29,378,000
Diluted	29,661,000	29,503,000	29,657,000	29,470,000
Convertible special stock, no par value [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	2,388,913	2,388,913	2,388,913	2,388,913
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from dilutive securities	0	0	0	0
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	257,448	94,298	259,712	88,225
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from dilutive securities	174,000	109,000	184,000	92,000

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
		Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 650,098		$ 568,678	$ 1,324,721	$ 1,168,678
Total gross profit		91,695		89,186	196,780	190,201
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment		0	$ 3,077	0	3,077	0
Operating income (loss)		13,215		21,341	45,783	40,437
Interest expense		(13,435)		(13,107)	(26,876)	(26,271)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)		(483)		(1,081)	(1,270)	(1,643)
Other income (expense), net		849		(674)	1,746	459
Income (loss) before taxes		146		6,479	19,383	12,982
Restructuring expense		124		1,878	591	11,422
Strategic and Restructuring Related Costs		$ 4,100		$ 3,100	$ 7,500	$ 6,800
Net sales, percentage		100.00%		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs		$ (145)		$ (1,338)	$ (226)	$ (1,865)
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in gross profit		0		0	0	(57)
Lucent costs in gross profit	[1]	0		0	0	(86)
Costs related to Merger and integrations in operating income		(4,569)		0	(5,049)	(605)
Restructuring, strategic and related costs	[2]	(4,222)		(4,970)	(8,111)	(18,243)
Accelerated depreciation		(57)		(467)	(235)	(823)
Lucent costs in operating income	[1]	(3,317)		(596)	(6,092)	(1,405)
Asset impairment		0		0	0	678
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment		0		0	3,077	0
CEO transition costs		0		(6)	0	(196)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit		91,840		90,524	197,006	192,209
Total segment operating income		33,901		36,445	80,115	80,268
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate		$ (8,521)		$ (9,065)	$ (17,922)	$ (17,881)
EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales, percentage		9.00%		9.00%	9.00%	9.00%
Custom Concentrates and Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 304,454		$ 259,586	$ 625,655	$ 535,505
Net sales, percentage		46.00%		46.00%	47.00%	46.00%
Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 290,035		$ 257,810	$ 584,067	$ 527,334
Net sales, percentage		45.00%		45.00%	44.00%	45.00%
EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		$ 65		$ 830	$ 324	$ 8,844
EMEA [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		335,671		276,902	683,091	572,974
Total segment gross profit		40,185		39,130	86,631	83,788
Total segment operating income		15,166		16,527	36,266	36,295
USCAN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		59		813	247	2,280
USCAN [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		156,452		151,918	315,688	308,336
Total segment gross profit		20,219		20,060	44,847	44,576
Total segment operating income		4,713		5,447	12,854	13,943
LATAM [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		0		0	20	59
LATAM [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		44,982		39,662	93,395	81,878
Total segment gross profit		8,869		9,595	19,071	19,012
Total segment operating income		5,071		5,459	11,028	10,894
APAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		0		88	0	92
APAC [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		57,384		48,914	117,548	99,651
Total segment gross profit		8,922		8,908	18,833	18,034
Total segment operating income		4,684		4,901	10,444	9,914
EC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		0		147	0	147
EC [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		55,609		51,282	114,999	105,839
Total segment gross profit		13,645		12,831	27,624	26,799
Total segment operating income		$ 4,267		$ 4,111	$ 9,523	$ 9,222
[1]	(1) Refer to Note 13 in this form 10-Q for additional discussion on this matter. Lucent costs in cost of sales include additional product and manufacturing operational costs for reworking inventory. Lucent costs in selling, general and administrative expenses include legal and investigative costs.
[2]	(2) Restructuring expenses for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 of $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 of $1.9 million and $11.4 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. Strategic and restructuring related costs for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 of $4.1 million and $7.5 million, respectively, and for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 of $3.1 million and $6.8 million, respectively, primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s statements of operations, are costs associated with professional fees for outside strategic consultants regarding actions to improve the profitability of the organization, improve efficiency of its operations or comply with new legislation, costs associated with reorganizations of the legal entity structure of the Company, and costs associated with new software implementation that are not eligible for capitalization.

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve			$ 3,078
Restructuring expense	$ 124	$ 1,878	591	$ 11,422
Fiscal 2018 payments			(2,752)
Translation			50
Restructuring reserve	967		967
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	65	830	324	8,844
USCAN [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	59	813	247	2,280
LATAM [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	0	0	20	59
APAC [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	0	88	0	92
EC [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	0	$ 147	0	$ 147
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve			2,988
Restructuring expense			88
Fiscal 2018 payments			(2,243)
Translation			7
Restructuring reserve	840		840
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve			90
Restructuring expense			503
Fiscal 2018 payments			(509)
Translation			43
Restructuring reserve	$ 127		$ 127

Contingencies and Claims (Detai

Contingencies and Claims (Details) - Citadel Acquisition [Member] $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Escrow Deposit	$ 31
Written claim notice on representations and warranties insurance policy	3.8
Lien on seller's bank account	$ 7.5

Accounting Pronouncements (Deta

Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-09					$ 327
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Service cost	$ 1,342	$ 1,344	$ 2,640	$ 2,739
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$ 2,452	$ 2,508	$ 4,825	$ 5,111
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-09					$ 327

Consolidating Financial Infor49

Consolidating Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	May 26, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023	$ 375,000		$ 375,000		$ 375,000
Change in total assets	1,834,862		1,834,862		1,753,780
Change in total liabilities	1,610,779		1,610,779		1,546,748
Change in total stockholders' equity	224,083		224,083		207,032
Change in net income	(5,387)	$ (5,030)	(20,102)	$ (7,973)
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate						6.875%
Parent Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in total assets	1,217,852		1,217,852		1,176,710
Change in total liabilities	1,004,261		1,004,261		979,692
Change in total stockholders' equity	213,591		213,591		197,018
Change in net income	(5,387)	(5,030)	(20,102)	(7,973)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in total assets	536,954		536,954		544,355
Change in total liabilities	143,060		143,060		147,758
Change in total stockholders' equity	393,894		393,894		396,597
Change in net income	$ (83)	1,826	$ (2,714)	2,780
Scenario, Adjustment [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in total assets					11,400
Change in total liabilities					11,400
Scenario, Adjustment [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in total assets					224,500
Change in total liabilities					25,700
Change in total stockholders' equity					$ 198,800
Change in net income		$ (1,600)		$ 5,400

Consolidating Financial Infor50

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 51,475	$ 53,251	$ 47,861	$ 35,260
Restricted cash	169	768	$ 1,623	$ 8,143
Accounts receivable, net	439,454	408,439
Accounts receivable, intercompany	0	0
Inventories	345,381	276,459
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40,538	36,712
Assets held for sale	2,671	5,676
Total current assets	879,688	781,305
Net property, plant and equipment	292,977	298,703
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	78,612	77,847
Intercompany loans receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	265,253	263,735
Intangible assets, net	318,332	332,190
Total assets	1,834,862	1,753,780
Accounts payable	351,430	318,820
Accounts payable, intercompany	0	0
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	6,405	4,900
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	46,922	46,951
Other accrued liabilities	65,961	61,761
Short-term debt	19,492	32,013
Total current liabilities	490,210	464,445
Long-term debt	930,632	885,178
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	140,353	135,691
Deferred income taxes	26,015	37,699
Other long-term liabilities	23,569	23,735
Total liabilities	1,610,779	1,546,748
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,585	48,529
Other equity	44,717	28,200
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	213,591	197,018
Noncontrolling interests	10,492	10,014
Total equity	224,083	207,032
Total liabilities and equity	1,834,862	1,753,780
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	861	614
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	54,423	56,354
Accounts receivable, intercompany	22,422	26,690
Inventories	49,315	41,862
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,331	7,662
Assets held for sale	0	2,764
Total current assets	131,352	135,946
Net property, plant and equipment	60,425	63,150
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	104,590	95,287
Intercompany loans receivable	14,264	16,564
Investment in subsidiaries	812,907	769,813
Goodwill	56,155	55,534
Intangible assets, net	38,159	40,416
Total assets	1,217,852	1,176,710
Accounts payable	48,715	43,429
Accounts payable, intercompany	9,779	13,191
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	0	0
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	10,524	7,752
Other accrued liabilities	26,348	21,373
Short-term debt	17,393	14,912
Total current liabilities	112,759	100,657
Long-term debt	877,384	858,446
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	2,203	2,266
Deferred income taxes	0	5,593
Other long-term liabilities	11,915	12,730
Total liabilities	1,004,261	979,692
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,585	48,529
Other equity	44,717	28,200
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	213,591	197,018
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	213,591	197,018
Total liabilities and equity	1,217,852	1,176,710
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	52,510	52,640
Accounts receivable, intercompany	6,817	7,203
Inventories	37,580	32,667
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,898	2,221
Assets held for sale	2,671	2,912
Total current assets	102,476	97,643
Net property, plant and equipment	48,828	51,072
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	4,009	4,198
Intercompany loans receivable	17,896	17,460
Investment in subsidiaries	115,097	117,617
Goodwill	80,996	81,617
Intangible assets, net	167,652	174,748
Total assets	536,954	544,355
Accounts payable	29,532	34,612
Accounts payable, intercompany	34,105	33,370
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	716	597
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	5,907	6,044
Other accrued liabilities	4,365	4,699
Short-term debt	37	29
Total current liabilities	74,662	79,351
Long-term debt	52	41
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	1,233	1,308
Deferred income taxes	65,991	65,991
Other long-term liabilities	1,122	1,067
Total liabilities	143,060	147,758
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	393,894	396,597
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	393,894	396,597
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	393,894	396,597
Total liabilities and equity	536,954	544,355
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	50,614	52,637
Restricted cash	169	768
Accounts receivable, net	332,521	299,445
Accounts receivable, intercompany	28,092	26,188
Inventories	258,486	201,930
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33,309	26,829
Assets held for sale	0	0
Total current assets	703,191	607,797
Net property, plant and equipment	183,724	184,481
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	56,859	59,609
Intercompany loans receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	128,102	126,584
Intangible assets, net	112,521	117,026
Total assets	1,184,397	1,095,497
Accounts payable	273,183	240,779
Accounts payable, intercompany	13,447	13,520
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	5,689	4,303
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	30,491	33,155
Other accrued liabilities	35,248	35,689
Short-term debt	2,062	17,072
Total current liabilities	360,120	344,518
Long-term debt	53,196	26,691
Intercompany debt	32,160	34,024
Pension plans	136,917	132,117
Deferred income taxes	46,870	47,362
Other long-term liabilities	10,532	9,938
Total liabilities	639,795	594,650
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	534,110	490,833
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	534,110	490,833
Noncontrolling interests	10,492	10,014
Total equity	544,602	500,847
Total liabilities and equity	1,184,397	1,095,497
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	(57,331)	(60,081)
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Assets held for sale	0	0
Total current assets	(57,331)	(60,081)
Net property, plant and equipment	0	0
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	(86,846)	(81,247)
Intercompany loans receivable	(32,160)	(34,024)
Investment in subsidiaries	(928,004)	(887,430)
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Total assets	(1,104,341)	(1,062,782)
Accounts payable	0	0
Accounts payable, intercompany	(57,331)	(60,081)
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	(57,331)	(60,081)
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany debt	(32,160)	(34,024)
Pension plans	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(86,846)	(81,247)
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	(176,337)	(175,352)
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	(928,004)	(887,430)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	(928,004)	(887,430)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	(928,004)	(887,430)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (1,104,341)	$ (1,062,782)

Consolidating Financial Infor51

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 650,098		$ 568,678	$ 1,324,721	$ 1,168,678
Cost of sales	558,403		479,492	1,127,941	978,477
Selling, general and administrative expenses	78,356		65,967	153,483	138,342
Restructuring expense	124		1,878	591	11,422
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	0	$ (3,077)	0	(3,077)	0
Operating income (loss)	13,215		21,341	45,783	40,437
Interest expense	13,435		13,107	26,876	26,271
Intercompany charges	0		0	0	0
Intercompany income	0		0	0	0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	483		1,081	1,270	1,643
Other (income) expense, net	(849)		674	(1,746)	(459)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	0		0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	146		6,479	19,383	12,982
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	(5,530)		1,143	(1,373)	4,462
Net income (loss)	5,676		5,336	20,756	8,520
Noncontrolling interests	(289)		(306)	(654)	(547)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	5,387		5,030	20,102	7,973
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875		1,875	3,750	3,750
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	3,512		3,155	16,352	4,223
Comprehensive income (loss)	15,091		10,096	31,529	(1,442)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	135		333	505	504
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	14,956		9,763	31,024	(1,946)
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	98,254		92,062	196,761	182,818
Cost of sales	84,676		79,036	167,411	156,132
Selling, general and administrative expenses	20,187		11,235	37,015	25,732
Restructuring expense	59		674	247	1,872
(Gain) loss on sale of assets				(3,004)
Operating income (loss)	(6,668)		1,117	(4,908)	(918)
Interest expense	12,777		12,056	25,094	23,983
Intercompany charges	40		6	57	8
Intercompany income	(1,858)		(1,911)	(3,806)	(2,455)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	344		1,056	476	2,038
Other (income) expense, net	0		(43)	39	(306)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	(13,037)		(10,872)	(32,979)	(12,080)
Income (loss) before taxes	(4,934)		825	6,211	(12,106)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	(10,321)		(4,205)	(13,891)	(20,079)
Net income (loss)	5,387		5,030	20,102	7,973
Noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	5,387		5,030	20,102	7,973
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875		1,875	3,750	3,750
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	3,512		3,155	16,352	4,223
Comprehensive income (loss)	14,956		9,763	31,024	(1,946)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	14,956		9,763	31,024	(1,946)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	86,151		84,420	176,205	172,480
Cost of sales	76,460		75,818	155,148	152,380
Selling, general and administrative expenses	13,725		12,670	26,890	25,618
Restructuring expense	0		277	0	443
(Gain) loss on sale of assets				(73)
Operating income (loss)	(4,034)		(4,345)	(5,760)	(5,961)
Interest expense	1		21	2	26
Intercompany charges	6		0	6	0
Intercompany income	(1,427)		(1,127)	(2,683)	(2,433)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	15		(2)	9	(36)
Other (income) expense, net	(284)		(325)	(591)	(606)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	(2,921)		(1,616)	(5,566)	(3,661)
Income (loss) before taxes	576		(1,296)	3,063	749
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	493		530	349	3,529
Net income (loss)	83		(1,826)	2,714	(2,780)
Noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	83		(1,826)	2,714	(2,780)
Convertible special stock dividends	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	83		(1,826)	2,714	(2,780)
Comprehensive income (loss)	179		(747)	2,083	(2,048)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	179		(747)	2,083	(2,048)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	478,137		403,859	976,626	835,880
Cost of sales	409,711		336,301	830,253	692,465
Selling, general and administrative expenses	44,444		42,062	89,578	86,992
Restructuring expense	65		927	344	9,107
(Gain) loss on sale of assets				0
Operating income (loss)	23,917		24,569	56,451	47,316
Interest expense	806		1,292	2,225	2,784
Intercompany charges	3,289		3,043	6,489	4,896
Intercompany income	(50)		(11)	(63)	(16)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	124		27	785	(359)
Other (income) expense, net	(714)		780	(1,639)	(69)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	0		0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	20,462		19,438	48,654	40,080
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	4,298		4,818	12,169	21,012
Net income (loss)	16,164		14,620	36,485	19,068
Noncontrolling interests	(289)		(306)	(654)	(547)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	15,875		14,314	35,831	18,521
Convertible special stock dividends	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	15,875		14,314	35,831	18,521
Comprehensive income (loss)	25,611		19,354	47,205	9,138
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	135		333	505	504
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	25,476		19,021	46,700	8,634
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	(12,444)		(11,663)	(24,871)	(22,500)
Cost of sales	(12,444)		(11,663)	(24,871)	(22,500)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0		0	0	0
Restructuring expense	0		0	0	0
(Gain) loss on sale of assets				0
Operating income (loss)	0		0	0	0
Interest expense	(149)		(262)	(445)	(522)
Intercompany charges	(3,335)		(3,049)	(6,552)	(4,904)
Intercompany income	3,335		3,049	6,552	4,904
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	0		0	0	0
Other (income) expense, net	149		262	445	522
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	15,958		12,488	38,545	15,741
Income (loss) before taxes	(15,958)		(12,488)	(38,545)	(15,741)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss)	(15,958)		(12,488)	(38,545)	(15,741)
Noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(15,958)		(12,488)	(38,545)	(15,741)
Convertible special stock dividends	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	(15,958)		(12,488)	(38,545)	(15,741)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(25,655)		(18,274)	(48,783)	(6,586)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$ (25,655)		$ (18,274)	$ (48,783)	$ (6,586)

Consolidating Financial Infor52

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	$ (12,617)	$ 40,149
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(13,083)	(24,505)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	6,420	478
Distributions from equity investees	125	125
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(6,538)	(23,902)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(12,242)	(12,057)
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	(3,750)	(3,750)
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	(15,144)	5,153
Borrowings on long-term debt	399,923	238,543
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(353,597)	(237,034)
Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments	0
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(27)	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	58	93
Redemptions of common stock	(1,225)	(620)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	13,996	(9,672)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,784	(494)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2,375)	6,081
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	54,019	43,403
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	51,644	49,484
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	(10,087)	41,005
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(1,345)	(9,450)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	5,655	43
Distributions from equity investees	0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	4,310	(9,407)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(12,242)	(12,057)
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	(3,750)	(3,750)
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt	163,150	107,800
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(142,267)	(122,194)
Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments	2,300
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	58	93
Redemptions of common stock	(1,225)	(620)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	6,024	(30,728)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	247	870
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	614	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	861	870
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	1,049	1,006
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(1,688)	(1,181)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	531	78
Distributions from equity investees	125	125
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(1,032)	(978)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt	0	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(17)	(28)
Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments	0
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(17)	(28)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	0	0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	96	37,235
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(10,050)	(13,874)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	234	357
Distributions from equity investees	0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(9,816)	(13,517)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	(3,675)	(39,097)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	(15,144)	5,153
Borrowings on long-term debt	236,773	130,743
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(211,313)	(114,812)
Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments	(2,300)
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(27)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	4,314	(18,013)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,784	(494)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2,622)	5,211
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	53,405	43,403
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	50,783	48,614
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	(3,675)	(39,097)
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0
Distributions from equity investees	0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Cash Dividend Paid on Convertible Special Stock	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	3,675	39,097
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt	0	0
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	0	0
Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments	0
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	3,675	39,097
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 0	$ 0