A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-Q 28 Jun 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	Jun. 22, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87,565
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	May 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,509,152

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 722,240	$ 645,795	$ 2,046,961	$ 1,814,473
Cost of sales	624,741	547,368	1,752,682	1,525,845
Selling, general and administrative expenses	76,440	65,266	229,923	203,608
Restructuring expense	104	939	695	12,361
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	0	0	(3,077)	0
Operating income (loss)	20,955	32,222	66,738	72,659
Interest expense	14,285	13,179	41,161	39,450
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	(37)	(68)	1,233	1,575
Other (income) expense, net	553	(682)	(1,192)	(1,138)
Income (loss) before taxes	6,154	19,793	25,536	32,772
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	878	3,695	(495)	8,157
Net income (loss)	5,276	16,098	26,031	24,615
Noncontrolling interests	(228)	(320)	(881)	(868)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	5,048	15,778	25,150	23,747
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875	1,875	5,625	5,625
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	$ 3,173	$ 13,903	$ 19,525	$ 18,122
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,501	29,421	29,482	29,392
Diluted	29,687	29,530	29,637	29,496
Basic earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Basic	$ 0.11	$ 0.47	$ 0.66	$ 0.62
Diluted earnings per share available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders
Diluted	0.11	0.47	0.66	0.61
Cash dividends per common share	0.205	0.205	0.615	0.615
Cash dividends per share of convertible special stock	$ 15	$ 15	$ 45	$ 45

Consolidated Statments of Compr

Consolidated Statments of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 5,276	$ 16,098	$ 26,031	$ 24,615
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)		(19,078)	14,482	(9,118)	3,316
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax		436	609	1,249	1,813
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(18,642)	15,091	(7,869)	5,129
Comprehensive income (loss)		(13,366)	31,189	18,162	29,744
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		46	273	551	777
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ (13,412)	$ 30,916	$ 17,611	$ 28,967
[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		May 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 52,002	$ 53,251
Restricted cash		0	768
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,276 at May 31, 2018 and $11,171 at August 31, 2017		443,705	408,439
Inventories		304,438	276,459
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		37,690	36,712
Assets held for sale		3,494	5,676
Total current assets		841,329	781,305
Other assets:
Property, plant, and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $468,844 at May 31, 2018 and $444,481 at August 31, 2017		282,528	298,703
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets		76,005	77,847
Goodwill		261,752	263,735
Intangible assets, net		308,376	332,190
Total assets		1,769,990	1,753,780
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		345,957	318,820
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable		4,066	4,900
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		49,677	46,951
Other accrued liabilities		69,488	61,761
Short-term debt		21,205	32,013
Total current liabilities		490,393	464,445
Long-term debt		897,243	885,178
Pension plans		134,838	135,691
Deferred income taxes		21,462	37,699
Other long-term liabilities		22,538	23,735
Total liabilities		1,566,474	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 - 48,567 shares at May 31, 2018 and 48,529 shares at August 31, 2017		48,567	48,529
Additional paid-in capital		281,016	279,207
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(96,062)	(88,523)
Retained earnings		221,909	220,357
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,058 shares at May 31, 2018 and 19,063 shares at August 31, 2017		(382,748)	(382,841)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity		192,971	197,018
Noncontrolling interests		10,545	10,014
Total equity		203,516	207,032
Total liabilities and equity		$ 1,769,990	$ 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	May 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 7,276	$ 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	48,567	48,529
Treasury stock, shares	19,058	19,063

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 26,031	$ 24,615
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	31,943	32,455
Amortization	25,779	26,381
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	(18,005)	(9,539)
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	4,497	5,302
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	(3,077)	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(44,658)	(32,841)
Inventories	(32,758)	(32,694)
Accounts payable	30,207	64,795
Income taxes	168	(5,122)
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	12,335	(1,131)
Other assets and long-term liabilities	940	1,345
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	33,402	73,566
Investing activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(20,785)	(30,719)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	6,514	2,750
Distributions from equity investees	125	125
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(14,146)	(27,844)
Financing activities
Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders	(5,625)	(5,625)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(18,300)	(18,129)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	(13,904)	(2,283)
Borrowings on long-term debt	592,688	283,943
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(577,607)	(295,708)
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(20)	(53)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	175	143
Redemptions of common stock	(1,225)	(711)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(23,818)	(38,423)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,545	496
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2,017)	7,795
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	54,019	43,403
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 52,002	$ 51,198

General

General	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 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 nine months ended May 31, 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 $0.8 million and $1.1 million as of August 31, 2017 and May 31, 2017, respectively, represents cash and cash equivalents held in an escrow account for the cash settlement of a commitment to a local government. Restricted cash of $8.1 million as of August 31, 2016 represents proceeds from tax return refunds for certain Citadel acquisition entities for periods prior to the Company's ownership. 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: May 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 52,002 $ 53,251 $ 50,130 $ 35,260 Restricted cash — 768 1,068 8,143 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows $ 52,002 $ 54,019 $ 51,198 $ 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 May 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , the Company had $3.5 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 May 31, 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. In the following circumstances, the Company will be required to pay LYB a cash termination fee of $50.0 million : (i) (a) either party has terminated the Merger Agreement because the Merger was not consummated by the nine month anniversary of the date of the Merger Agreement, subject to possible extensions in circumstances specified in the Merger Agreement or (b) LYB has terminated the Merger Agreement because there was an uncured material breach of the Merger Agreement by the Company that resulted in a failure of certain conditions obligating LYB to close the Merger, and (ii) at or prior to such a termination, a takeover proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement for such purpose) for the Company was publicly announced or made known to the Company management or board and not publicly withdrawn, and then (iii) within nine months following such termination, the Company or any of its subsidiaries enters into a definitive acquisition agreement with respect to any takeover proposal, a takeover proposal is consummated, or the Company or its board of directors approves or recommends any takeover proposal. The proposed Merger, has been unanimously approved by the respective boards of LYB and the Company. The Company and LYB continue to target closing the transaction in the third quarter of calendar year 2018. On June 14, 2018, at a special meeting of the Company's stockholders, the Company's stockholders approved the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement. The closing of the Merger remains subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. As of the date of this filing, the outstanding regulatory approvals are Russia and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ("CFIUS"). For further discussion related to the convertible special stock, refer to Note 7 in this Form 10-Q.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	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 (408 ) — (1,433 ) 20 (162 ) (1,983 ) Balance as of May 31, 2018 $ 57,772 $ 116,369 $ 12,095 $ 954 $ 74,562 $ 261,752 The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: May 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 358,527 $ (110,502 ) $ 248,025 $ 359,227 $ (91,910 ) $ 267,317 Developed technology 72,805 (21,984 ) 50,821 73,171 (18,574 ) 54,597 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,424 (8,894 ) 9,530 18,347 (8,071 ) 10,276 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 449,756 $ (141,380 ) $ 308,376 $ 450,745 $ (118,555 ) $ 332,190 Amortization expense of intangible assets was $7.7 million and $23.2 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018 , respectively, and $8.0 million and $24.0 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 , respectively.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: May 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 2,705 $ 17,263 Current portion of long-term debt 18,500 14,750 Short-term debt $ 21,205 $ 32,013 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 76,830 $ 51,250 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 155,000 166,250 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 295,571 298,115 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 2,594 3,276 Unamortized debt issuance costs (7,752 ) (8,713 ) Long-term debt $ 897,243 $ 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. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants as of May 31, 2018 .

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value: May 31, 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 $ 257 $ — $ 257 $ — $ 286 $ — $ 286 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 738 $ — $ 738 $ — $ 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 $394.5 million and $389.5 million as of May 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , respectively. The carrying value of this debt was $375.0 million as of May 31, 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 $41.0 million and $92.7 million as of May 31, 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 May 31, 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	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES The effective tax rate was 14.3% and (1.9)% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018 , respectively, and 18.7% and 24.9% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 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 May 31, 2018, the Company's effective tax rate was 14.3% and was lower than the blended U.S. federal statutory rate of 25.7% primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at lower than the U.S. tax rate. 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. The Company calculated the potential impact of the one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries. This one-time transition tax should be primarily offset by foreign tax credits carried forward from prior years which were previously subject to a valuation allowance as well as tax planning, which may result in minimal net consolidated income statement impact. As such, no income tax expense adjustment was recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. 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. The Company is in the process of completing a review of historical E&P and expects to finalize this analysis by the end of calendar year 2018. 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. There were no adjustments recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 related to amounts considered provisional under Staff Accounting Bulletin 118. As of May 31, 2018 , the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $4.3 million . If recognized, $3.3 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 May 31, 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	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,333 $ 1,370 $ 3,973 $ 4,109 Interest cost 793 581 2,360 1,738 Expected return on plan assets (411 ) (374 ) (1,217 ) (1,117 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 720 981 2,144 2,939 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,435 $ 2,558 $ 7,260 $ 7,669 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	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 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) (7,539 ) 25,150 551 18,162 Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $45.00 per share (5,625 ) (5,625 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.615 per share (18,300 ) (18,300 ) Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests (20 ) (20 ) Issuance of treasury stock 82 93 175 Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures 73 (73 ) — 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 2,990 2,990 Balance as of May 31, 2018 $ 120,289 $ 48,567 $ 281,016 $ (96,062 ) $ 221,909 $ (382,748 ) $ 10,545 $ 203,516 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 with respect to the Company's convertible special stock as of May 31, 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 immediately prior to the Merger 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)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	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 February 28, 2018 $ (42,082 ) $ (35,519 ) $ (77,601 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (19,078 ) — (19,078 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 436 (2) 436 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (19,078 ) 436 (18,642 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (181 ) — (181 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (18,897 ) 436 (18,461 ) Balance as of May 31, 2018 $ (60,979 ) $ (35,083 ) $ (96,062 ) 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 (9,118 ) — (9,118 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,249 (2) 1,249 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (9,118 ) 1,249 (7,869 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (330 ) — (330 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (8,788 ) 1,249 (7,539 ) Balance as of May 31, 2018 $ (60,979 ) $ (35,083 ) $ (96,062 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 14,482 — 14,482 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 609 (2) 609 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 14,482 609 15,091 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (48 ) — (48 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 14,530 609 15,139 Balance as of May 31, 2017 $ (66,310 ) $ (49,191 ) $ (115,501 ) 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 3,316 — 3,316 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,813 (2) 1,813 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 3,316 1,813 5,129 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (91 ) — (91 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 3,407 1,813 5,220 Balance as of May 31, 2017 $ (66,310 ) $ (49,191 ) $ (115,501 ) (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	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS During the nine months ended May 31 , 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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards (1) $ (145 ) $ 775 $ 1,605 $ 2,122 Stock options 279 130 615 198 Unrestricted awards — — 832 1,253 Total share-based incentive compensation $ 134 $ 905 $ 3,052 $ 3,573 (1) The benefit related to the performance-based restricted stock awards for the three months ended May 31, 2018 reflects reduced estimated attainment percentages upon vesting. Total unrecognized compensation cost, including a provision for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements as of May 31, 2018 was $9.0 million . This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 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	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	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 nine months ended May 31 , 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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,501 29,421 29,482 29,392 Incremental shares from equity awards 186 109 155 104 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — — Diluted 29,687 29,530 29,637 29,496 Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018 excludes 158,150 and 251,448 shares, respectively, related to equity awards, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 excludes 173,200 and 89,455 shares, respectively, related to equity awards, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 372,736 $ 318,026 $ 1,055,827 $ 891,000 USCAN 172,624 167,881 488,313 476,217 LATAM 48,544 47,408 141,938 129,286 APAC 68,066 53,228 185,614 152,879 EC 60,270 59,252 175,269 165,091 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 722,240 $ 645,795 $ 2,046,961 $ 1,814,473 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 42,396 $ 42,509 $ 129,026 $ 126,297 USCAN 22,423 21,844 67,271 66,420 LATAM 9,354 9,928 28,426 28,940 APAC 9,943 9,155 28,776 27,189 EC 13,471 15,331 41,095 42,130 Total segment gross profit 97,587 98,767 294,594 290,976 Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (88 ) (236 ) (315 ) (2,101 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations — — — (57 ) Lucent costs (1) — (104 ) — (190 ) Total gross profit $ 97,499 $ 98,427 $ 294,279 $ 288,628 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) before taxes: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 16,116 $ 19,712 $ 52,382 $ 56,006 USCAN 5,530 6,474 18,384 20,416 LATAM 4,878 6,189 15,906 17,083 APAC 5,618 5,260 16,063 15,174 EC 5,010 6,759 14,534 15,981 Total segment operating income 37,152 44,394 117,269 124,660 Corporate (6,882 ) (7,273 ) (24,804 ) (25,151 ) Costs related to Merger and integrations (2,120 ) — (7,169 ) (605 ) Restructuring, strategic and related costs (2) (3,655 ) (2,932 ) (11,766 ) (21,176 ) Accelerated depreciation — (237 ) (235 ) (1,060 ) Lucent costs (1) (3,540 ) (1,730 ) (9,634 ) (3,135 ) Asset impairment — — — (678 ) Gain (loss) on sale of assets — — 3,077 — CEO transition costs — — — (196 ) Operating income (loss) 20,955 32,222 66,738 72,659 Interest expense (14,285 ) (13,179 ) (41,161 ) (39,450 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) 37 68 (1,233 ) (1,575 ) Other income (expense), net (553 ) 682 1,192 1,138 Income (loss) before taxes $ 6,154 $ 19,793 $ 25,536 $ 32,772 (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 nine months ended May 31, 2018 of $0.1 million and $0.7 million , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 of $0.9 million and $12.4 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 nine months ended May 31, 2018 of $3.6 million and $11.1 million , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 of $2.0 million and $8.8 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 May 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 60,270 8 % $ 59,252 9 % Custom Concentrates and Services 337,645 46 296,917 46 Performance Materials 324,325 46 289,626 45 Total consolidated net sales $ 722,240 100 % $ 645,795 100 % Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 175,269 9 % $ 165,091 9 % Custom Concentrates and Services 963,298 47 832,424 46 Performance Materials 908,394 44 816,958 45 Total consolidated net sales $ 2,046,961 100 % $ 1,814,473 100 %

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	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 172 523 695 Fiscal 2018 payments (2,721 ) (541 ) (3,262 ) Translation 5 11 16 Accrual balance as of May 31, 2018 $ 444 $ 83 $ 527 Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 104 $ 832 $ 428 $ 9,676 USCAN — 90 247 2,370 LATAM — — 20 59 APAC — 11 — 103 EC — 6 — 153 Total restructuring expense $ 104 $ 939 $ 695 $ 12,361

Contingencies and Claims

Contingencies and Claims	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and Claims	CONTINGENCIES AND CLAIMS In the normal course of business, the Company is at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought may be substantial. Although the Company is not able to predict the outcome of such legal actions, after reviewing all pending and threatened legal actions with counsel and based on information currently available, management believes that the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company. However, it is possible, that the ultimate resolution of such matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the results of operations in a particular future period as the time and amount of any resolution of such legal actions and its relationship to the future results of operations are not currently known. Reserves are established for legal claims only when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, it is not considered probable that a liability has been incurred or 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 an independent certification organization. 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 May 31, 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 Holdings, LLC. (the “Citadel Litigation”), 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 Citadel 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 or rescissory damages, damages, disgorgement or any other remedy deemed proper for the alleged violations as well as seeking attorneys’ fees for bringing suit. The case was bifurcated into two separate trials; one trial related to liability and one trial related to damages. The liability trial took place in April 2018 and the Court is expected to deliver its judgment in the third calendar quarter. The damages trial took place in June 2018 and the Court is expected to deliver its judgment in the fourth calendar quarter. In November 2016, the Company, through its Matrixx subsidiary, filed a separate Complaint in the Delaware Chancery Court against River Associates (the “River Litigation”), as well as certain funds affiliated with the sellers and other former executives of Lucent (the “River Defendants”). In general, the River Litigation 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 Litigation with the River Litigation. Therefore, the River Litigation is proceeding as a separate lawsuit on a schedule many months behind the Citadel Litigation; however, much of the document discovery and depositions from the Citadel Litigation can be used in the River 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	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 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 $4.0 million and $4.1 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Total net periodic pension cost was $7.3 million and $7.7 million for the nine months ended May 31, 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. In preparation for the adoption of the new standard, the Company has captured the key lease agreement terms for all existing lease agreements and is currently evaluating the effects this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company plans to adopt this standard on September 1, 2019. In May 2014, and as subsequently updated, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that creates a single revenue recognition model, while clarifying the principles for recognizing revenue. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. The Company will adopt the new guidance on September 1, 2018. The new revenue standard may be 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 expects to use the modified retrospective method. In addition, the Company will continue to treat shipping and handling costs as a fulfillment cost and not a separate performance obligation. The Company is currently evaluating the effects this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 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	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidating Financial Information	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 and certain Non-Guarantors became Guarantors due to bank requirements. 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 $11.7 million , Guarantor total assets decreased by $211.0 million , and Non-Guarantor total assets decreased by $58.0 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 $11.7 million , Guarantor total liabilities decreased by $11.6 million , and Non-Guarantor total liabilities decreased $13.9 million , with corresponding adjustments presented on the same line items in the eliminations column as of August 31, 2017. Guarantor total stockholders' equity decreased $199.5 million and Non-Guarantor total stockholders' equity decreased $44.1 million , with corresponding offsetting adjustments presented on the same line items in the eliminations column as of August 31, 2017. Guarantor net income increased $2.3 million and decreased $3.0 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 , respectively, and Non-Guarantor net income decreased $3.3 million and $6.8 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 , respectively, with corresponding offsetting adjustments presented on the same line item in the eliminations column. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet May 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 308 $ — $ 51,694 $ — $ 52,002 Accounts receivable, net 52,463 60,707 330,535 — 443,705 Accounts receivable, intercompany 21,798 11,944 22,945 (56,687 ) — Inventories 41,482 34,916 228,040 — 304,438 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5,276 3,054 29,360 — 37,690 Assets held for sale — 2,671 823 — 3,494 Total current assets 121,327 113,292 663,397 (56,687 ) 841,329 Net property, plant and equipment 59,780 51,179 171,569 — 282,528 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 108,432 3,934 53,812 (90,173 ) 76,005 Intercompany loans receivable 14,264 18,121 — (32,385 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 800,456 70,794 — (871,250 ) — Goodwill 56,155 98,909 106,688 — 261,752 Intangible assets, net 37,022 187,298 84,056 — 308,376 Total assets $ 1,197,436 $ 543,527 $ 1,079,522 $ (1,050,495 ) $ 1,769,990 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 45,103 $ 40,769 $ 260,085 $ — $ 345,957 Accounts payable, intercompany 13,289 26,353 17,045 (56,687 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 411 3,655 — 4,066 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 11,765 6,001 31,911 — 49,677 Other accrued liabilities 30,159 5,090 34,239 — 69,488 Short-term debt 18,627 37 2,541 — 21,205 Total current liabilities 118,943 78,661 349,476 (56,687 ) 490,393 Long-term debt 871,822 43 25,378 — 897,243 Intercompany debt — — 32,385 (32,385 ) — Pension plans 2,164 1,180 131,494 — 134,838 Deferred income taxes — 78,201 33,434 (90,173 ) 21,462 Other long-term liabilities 11,536 1,070 9,932 — 22,538 Total liabilities 1,004,465 159,155 582,099 (179,245 ) 1,566,474 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,567 — — — 48,567 Other equity 24,115 384,372 486,878 (871,250 ) 24,115 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 192,971 384,372 486,878 (871,250 ) 192,971 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,545 — 10,545 Total equity 192,971 384,372 497,423 (871,250 ) 203,516 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,197,436 $ 543,527 $ 1,079,522 $ (1,050,495 ) $ 1,769,990 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 620 $ — $ 52,631 $ — $ 53,251 Restricted cash — — 768 — 768 Accounts receivable, net 56,339 55,778 296,322 — 408,439 Accounts receivable, intercompany 33,180 8,837 18,721 (60,738 ) — Inventories 41,862 34,199 200,398 — 276,459 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,018 8,900 26,794 — 36,712 Assets held for sale 2,764 2,912 — — 5,676 Total current assets 135,783 110,626 595,634 (60,738 ) 781,305 Net property, plant and equipment 63,693 53,601 181,409 — 298,703 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 95,287 4,198 59,620 (81,258 ) 77,847 Intercompany loans receivable 16,564 17,460 — (34,024 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 769,126 73,394 — (842,520 ) — Goodwill 56,155 98,909 108,671 — 263,735 Intangible assets, net 40,416 199,618 92,156 — 332,190 Total assets $ 1,177,024 $ 557,806 $ 1,037,490 $ (1,018,540 ) $ 1,753,780 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 43,433 $ 35,580 $ 239,807 $ — $ 318,820 Accounts payable, intercompany 13,187 34,309 13,242 (60,738 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 597 4,303 — 4,900 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 7,928 6,152 32,871 — 46,951 Other accrued liabilities 21,511 4,612 35,638 — 61,761 Short-term debt 14,912 29 17,072 — 32,013 Total current liabilities 100,971 81,279 342,933 (60,738 ) 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 78,201 35,163 (81,258 ) 37,699 Other long-term liabilities 12,730 1,067 9,938 — 23,735 Total liabilities 980,006 161,896 580,866 (176,020 ) 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 28,200 395,910 446,610 (842,520 ) 28,200 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 197,018 395,910 446,610 (842,520 ) 197,018 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,014 — 10,014 Total equity 197,018 395,910 456,624 (842,520 ) 207,032 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,177,024 $ 557,806 $ 1,037,490 $ (1,018,540 ) $ 1,753,780 Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended May 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 105,754 $ 107,815 $ 523,368 $ (14,697 ) $ 722,240 Cost of sales 92,540 90,907 455,991 (14,697 ) 624,741 Selling, general and administrative expenses 17,391 14,705 44,344 — 76,440 Restructuring expense — — 104 — 104 Operating income (loss) (4,177 ) 2,203 22,929 — 20,955 Interest expense 13,489 2 1,014 (220 ) 14,285 Intercompany charges 40 8 3,220 (3,268 ) — Intercompany income (1,817 ) (1,400 ) (51 ) 3,268 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses (641 ) 12 592 — (37 ) Other (income) expense, net 9 (188 ) 512 220 553 (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (14,930 ) 433 — 14,497 — Income (loss) before taxes (327 ) 3,336 17,642 (14,497 ) 6,154 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (5,375 ) 437 5,816 — 878 Net income (loss) 5,048 2,899 11,826 (14,497 ) 5,276 Noncontrolling interests — — (228 ) — (228 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,048 2,899 11,598 (14,497 ) 5,048 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 3,173 $ 2,899 $ 11,598 $ (14,497 ) $ 3,173 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (13,412 ) $ 1,707 $ (6,973 ) $ 5,312 $ (13,366 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 46 — 46 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (13,412 ) $ 1,707 $ (7,019 ) $ 5,312 $ (13,412 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended May 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 97,961 $ 105,590 $ 453,077 $ (10,833 ) $ 645,795 Cost of sales 82,890 90,644 384,667 (10,833 ) 547,368 Selling, general and administrative expenses 11,189 13,827 40,250 — 65,266 Restructuring expense 91 6 842 — 939 Operating income (loss) 3,791 1,113 27,318 — 32,222 Interest expense 12,326 2 1,095 (244 ) 13,179 Intercompany charges 112 — 1,810 (1,922 ) — Intercompany income (591 ) (1,254 ) (77 ) 1,922 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses (1,481 ) (5 ) 1,418 — (68 ) Other (income) expense, net (22 ) (429 ) (475 ) 244 (682 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (17,795 ) (118 ) — 17,913 — Income (loss) before taxes 11,242 2,917 23,547 (17,913 ) 19,793 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (4,536 ) 259 7,972 — 3,695 Net income (loss) 15,778 2,658 15,575 (17,913 ) 16,098 Noncontrolling interests — — (320 ) — (320 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 15,778 2,658 15,255 (17,913 ) 15,778 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 13,903 $ 2,658 $ 15,255 $ (17,913 ) $ 13,903 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 30,916 $ 2,224 $ 30,879 $ (32,830 ) $ 31,189 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 273 — 273 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 30,916 $ 2,224 $ 30,606 $ (32,830 ) $ 30,916 Consolidating Statement of Operations Nine months ended May 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 302,515 $ 299,975 $ 1,484,142 $ (39,671 ) $ 2,046,961 Cost of sales 259,951 252,083 1,280,319 (39,671 ) 1,752,682 Selling, general and administrative expenses 54,406 45,053 130,464 — 229,923 Restructuring expense 247 — 448 — 695 (Gain) loss on sale of assets (3,004 ) (73 ) — — (3,077 ) Operating income (loss) (9,085 ) 2,912 72,911 — 66,738 Interest expense 38,583 4 3,239 (665 ) 41,161 Intercompany charges 97 14 9,702 (9,813 ) — Intercompany income (5,623 ) (4,083 ) (107 ) 9,813 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses (165 ) 23 1,375 — 1,233 Other (income) expense, net 49 (779 ) (1,127 ) 665 (1,192 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (47,910 ) 1,333 — 46,577 — Income (loss) before taxes 5,884 6,400 59,829 (46,577 ) 25,536 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (19,266 ) 786 17,985 — (495 ) Net income (loss) 25,150 5,614 41,844 (46,577 ) 26,031 Noncontrolling interests — — (881 ) — (881 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 25,150 5,614 40,963 (46,577 ) 25,150 Convertible special stock dividends 5,625 — — — 5,625 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 19,525 $ 5,614 $ 40,963 $ (46,577 ) $ 19,525 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 17,611 $ 3,791 $ 33,765 $ (37,005 ) $ 18,162 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 551 — 551 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 17,611 $ 3,791 $ 33,214 $ (37,005 ) $ 17,611 Consolidating Statement of Operations Nine months ended May 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 280,779 $ 289,908 $ 1,276,855 $ (33,069 ) $ 1,814,473 Cost of sales 239,022 247,278 1,072,614 (33,069 ) 1,525,845 Selling, general and administrative expenses 36,950 42,525 124,133 — 203,608 Restructuring expense 1,963 449 9,949 — 12,361 Operating income (loss) 2,844 (344 ) 70,159 — 72,659 Interest expense 36,309 28 3,879 (766 ) 39,450 Intercompany charges 120 — 6,706 (6,826 ) — Intercompany income (3,046 ) (3,687 ) (93 ) 6,826 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 555 (31 ) 1,051 — 1,575 Other (income) expense, net (326 ) (1,035 ) (543 ) 766 (1,138 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (29,900 ) (261 ) — 30,161 — Income (loss) before taxes (868 ) 4,642 59,159 (30,161 ) 32,772 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (24,615 ) 4,737 28,035 — 8,157 Net income (loss) 23,747 (95 ) 31,124 (30,161 ) 24,615 Noncontrolling interests — — (868 ) — (868 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 23,747 (95 ) 30,256 (30,161 ) 23,747 Convertible special stock dividends 5,625 — — — 5,625 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 18,122 $ (95 ) $ 30,256 $ (30,161 ) $ 18,122 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 28,967 $ 203 $ 36,502 $ (35,928 ) $ 29,744 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 777 — 777 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 28,967 $ 203 $ 35,725 $ (35,928 ) $ 28,967 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Nine months ended May 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 3,433 $ 2,005 $ 31,639 $ (3,675 ) $ 33,402 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (2,846 ) (2,649 ) (15,290 ) — (20,785 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 5,692 546 276 — 6,514 Distributions from equity investees — 125 — — 125 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities 2,846 (1,978 ) (15,014 ) — (14,146 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (18,300 ) — — — (18,300 ) Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders (5,625 ) — — — (5,625 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (3,675 ) 3,675 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — (13,904 ) — (13,904 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 223,800 — 368,888 — 592,688 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (207,716 ) (27 ) (369,864 ) — (577,607 ) Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments 2,300 — (2,300 ) — — Noncontrolling interests' distributions — — (20 ) — (20 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 175 — — — 175 Redemptions of common stock (1,225 ) — — — (1,225 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (6,591 ) (27 ) (20,875 ) 3,675 (23,818 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 2,545 — 2,545 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (312 ) — (1,705 ) — (2,017 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 620 — 53,399 — 54,019 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 308 $ — $ 51,694 $ — $ 52,002 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Nine months ended May 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 45,613 $ 1,638 $ 71,737 $ (45,422 ) $ 73,566 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (9,348 ) (2,853 ) (18,518 ) (30,719 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 31 2,298 421 2,750 Distributions from equity investees — 125 — — 125 Intercompany investments (228 ) (1,166 ) — 1,394 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (9,545 ) (1,596 ) (18,097 ) 1,394 (27,844 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (18,129 ) — — — (18,129 ) Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders (5,625 ) — — — (5,625 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (45,422 ) 45,422 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — (2,283 ) — (2,283 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 153,200 — 130,743 — 283,943 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (164,508 ) (42 ) (131,158 ) — (295,708 ) Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions) — — (53 ) — (53 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 143 — — — 143 Redemptions of common stock (711 ) — — — (711 ) Issuances (redemptions) of intercompany common stock — — 1,394 (1,394 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (35,630 ) (42 ) (46,779 ) 44,028 (38,423 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 496 — 496 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 438 — 7,357 — 7,795 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period — — 43,403 43,403 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 438 $ — $ 50,760 $ — $ 51,198

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 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 nine months ended May 31, 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	Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $0.8 million and $1.1 million as of August 31, 2017 and May 31, 2017, respectively, represents cash and cash equivalents held in an escrow account for the cash settlement of a commitment to a local government. Restricted cash of $8.1 million as of August 31, 2016 represents proceeds from tax return refunds for certain Citadel acquisition entities for periods prior to the Company's ownership. 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: May 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 52,002 $ 53,251 $ 50,130 $ 35,260 Restricted cash — 768 1,068 8,143 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows $ 52,002 $ 54,019 $ 51,198 $ 43,403
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale	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 May 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017 , the Company had $3.5 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 May 31, 2018 .

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	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 (408 ) — (1,433 ) 20 (162 ) (1,983 ) Balance as of May 31, 2018 $ 57,772 $ 116,369 $ 12,095 $ 954 $ 74,562 $ 261,752
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category: May 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) Customer related $ 358,527 $ (110,502 ) $ 248,025 $ 359,227 $ (91,910 ) $ 267,317 Developed technology 72,805 (21,984 ) 50,821 73,171 (18,574 ) 54,597 Registered trademarks and tradenames 18,424 (8,894 ) 9,530 18,347 (8,071 ) 10,276 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 449,756 $ (141,380 ) $ 308,376 $ 450,745 $ (118,555 ) $ 332,190

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr24

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Schedule of Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt: May 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 (In thousands) Notes payable and other, due within one year $ 2,705 $ 17,263 Current portion of long-term debt 18,500 14,750 Short-term debt $ 21,205 $ 32,013 Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 $ 76,830 $ 51,250 Term Loan A, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020 155,000 166,250 U.S. Term Loan B, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2022 295,571 298,115 Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023 375,000 375,000 Capital leases and other long-term debt 2,594 3,276 Unamortized debt issuance costs (7,752 ) (8,713 ) Long-term debt $ 897,243 $ 885,178

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value: May 31, 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 $ 257 $ — $ 257 $ — $ 286 $ — $ 286 $ — Liabilities recorded at fair value: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 738 $ — $ 738 $ — $ 268 $ — $ 268 $ —

Pension and Postretirement Be26

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension plans are shown below: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Defined benefit pension plans: Service cost $ 1,333 $ 1,370 $ 3,973 $ 4,109 Interest cost 793 581 2,360 1,738 Expected return on plan assets (411 ) (374 ) (1,217 ) (1,117 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 720 981 2,144 2,939 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,435 $ 2,558 $ 7,260 $ 7,669

Consolidated Statement of Sto27

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule 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) (7,539 ) 25,150 551 18,162 Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $45.00 per share (5,625 ) (5,625 ) Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.615 per share (18,300 ) (18,300 ) Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests (20 ) (20 ) Issuance of treasury stock 82 93 175 Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures 73 (73 ) — 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 2,990 2,990 Balance as of May 31, 2018 $ 120,289 $ 48,567 $ 281,016 $ (96,062 ) $ 221,909 $ (382,748 ) $ 10,545 $ 203,516

Reclassification Out of Accumul

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	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 February 28, 2018 $ (42,082 ) $ (35,519 ) $ (77,601 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (19,078 ) — (19,078 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 436 (2) 436 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (19,078 ) 436 (18,642 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (181 ) — (181 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (18,897 ) 436 (18,461 ) Balance as of May 31, 2018 $ (60,979 ) $ (35,083 ) $ (96,062 ) 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 (9,118 ) — (9,118 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,249 (2) 1,249 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (9,118 ) 1,249 (7,869 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (330 ) — (330 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. (8,788 ) 1,249 (7,539 ) Balance as of May 31, 2018 $ (60,979 ) $ (35,083 ) $ (96,062 ) Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Pension and Other Retiree Benefits Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance as of February 28, 2017 $ (80,840 ) $ (49,800 ) $ (130,640 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 14,482 — 14,482 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 609 (2) 609 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 14,482 609 15,091 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (48 ) — (48 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 14,530 609 15,139 Balance as of May 31, 2017 $ (66,310 ) $ (49,191 ) $ (115,501 ) 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 3,316 — 3,316 Amounts reclassified to earnings — 1,813 (2) 1,813 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 3,316 1,813 5,129 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to (91 ) — (91 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 3,407 1,813 5,220 Balance as of May 31, 2017 $ (66,310 ) $ (49,191 ) $ (115,501 ) (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 Compens29

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 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	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 May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards (1) $ (145 ) $ 775 $ 1,605 $ 2,122 Stock options 279 130 615 198 Unrestricted awards — — 832 1,253 Total share-based incentive compensation $ 134 $ 905 $ 3,052 $ 3,573

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 29,501 29,421 29,482 29,392 Incremental shares from equity awards 186 109 155 104 Incremental shares from convertible special stock — — — — Diluted 29,687 29,530 29,637 29,496

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 372,736 $ 318,026 $ 1,055,827 $ 891,000 USCAN 172,624 167,881 488,313 476,217 LATAM 48,544 47,408 141,938 129,286 APAC 68,066 53,228 185,614 152,879 EC 60,270 59,252 175,269 165,091 Total net sales to unaffiliated customers $ 722,240 $ 645,795 $ 2,046,961 $ 1,814,473 Below the Company presents gross profit by segment: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 42,396 $ 42,509 $ 129,026 $ 126,297 USCAN 22,423 21,844 67,271 66,420 LATAM 9,354 9,928 28,426 28,940 APAC 9,943 9,155 28,776 27,189 EC 13,471 15,331 41,095 42,130 Total segment gross profit 97,587 98,767 294,594 290,976 Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs (88 ) (236 ) (315 ) (2,101 ) Costs related to acquisitions and integrations — — — (57 ) Lucent costs (1) — (104 ) — (190 ) Total gross profit $ 97,499 $ 98,427 $ 294,279 $ 288,628 Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income (loss) and income (loss) before taxes: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 16,116 $ 19,712 $ 52,382 $ 56,006 USCAN 5,530 6,474 18,384 20,416 LATAM 4,878 6,189 15,906 17,083 APAC 5,618 5,260 16,063 15,174 EC 5,010 6,759 14,534 15,981 Total segment operating income 37,152 44,394 117,269 124,660 Corporate (6,882 ) (7,273 ) (24,804 ) (25,151 ) Costs related to Merger and integrations (2,120 ) — (7,169 ) (605 ) Restructuring, strategic and related costs (2) (3,655 ) (2,932 ) (11,766 ) (21,176 ) Accelerated depreciation — (237 ) (235 ) (1,060 ) Lucent costs (1) (3,540 ) (1,730 ) (9,634 ) (3,135 ) Asset impairment — — — (678 ) Gain (loss) on sale of assets — — 3,077 — CEO transition costs — — — (196 ) Operating income (loss) 20,955 32,222 66,738 72,659 Interest expense (14,285 ) (13,179 ) (41,161 ) (39,450 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) 37 68 (1,233 ) (1,575 ) Other income (expense), net (553 ) 682 1,192 1,138 Income (loss) before taxes $ 6,154 $ 19,793 $ 25,536 $ 32,772 (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 nine months ended May 31, 2018 of $0.1 million and $0.7 million , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 of $0.9 million and $12.4 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 nine months ended May 31, 2018 of $3.6 million and $11.1 million , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 of $2.0 million and $8.8 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.
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services	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 May 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 60,270 8 % $ 59,252 9 % Custom Concentrates and Services 337,645 46 296,917 46 Performance Materials 324,325 46 289,626 45 Total consolidated net sales $ 722,240 100 % $ 645,795 100 % Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except for %'s) Engineered Composites $ 175,269 9 % $ 165,091 9 % Custom Concentrates and Services 963,298 47 832,424 46 Performance Materials 908,394 44 816,958 45 Total consolidated net sales $ 2,046,961 100 % $ 1,814,473 100 %

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	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 172 523 695 Fiscal 2018 payments (2,721 ) (541 ) (3,262 ) Translation 5 11 16 Accrual balance as of May 31, 2018 $ 444 $ 83 $ 527
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment]	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows: Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) EMEA $ 104 $ 832 $ 428 $ 9,676 USCAN — 90 247 2,370 LATAM — — 20 59 APAC — 11 — 103 EC — 6 — 153 Total restructuring expense $ 104 $ 939 $ 695 $ 12,361

Consolidating Financial Infor33

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet May 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 308 $ — $ 51,694 $ — $ 52,002 Accounts receivable, net 52,463 60,707 330,535 — 443,705 Accounts receivable, intercompany 21,798 11,944 22,945 (56,687 ) — Inventories 41,482 34,916 228,040 — 304,438 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5,276 3,054 29,360 — 37,690 Assets held for sale — 2,671 823 — 3,494 Total current assets 121,327 113,292 663,397 (56,687 ) 841,329 Net property, plant and equipment 59,780 51,179 171,569 — 282,528 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 108,432 3,934 53,812 (90,173 ) 76,005 Intercompany loans receivable 14,264 18,121 — (32,385 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 800,456 70,794 — (871,250 ) — Goodwill 56,155 98,909 106,688 — 261,752 Intangible assets, net 37,022 187,298 84,056 — 308,376 Total assets $ 1,197,436 $ 543,527 $ 1,079,522 $ (1,050,495 ) $ 1,769,990 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 45,103 $ 40,769 $ 260,085 $ — $ 345,957 Accounts payable, intercompany 13,289 26,353 17,045 (56,687 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 411 3,655 — 4,066 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 11,765 6,001 31,911 — 49,677 Other accrued liabilities 30,159 5,090 34,239 — 69,488 Short-term debt 18,627 37 2,541 — 21,205 Total current liabilities 118,943 78,661 349,476 (56,687 ) 490,393 Long-term debt 871,822 43 25,378 — 897,243 Intercompany debt — — 32,385 (32,385 ) — Pension plans 2,164 1,180 131,494 — 134,838 Deferred income taxes — 78,201 33,434 (90,173 ) 21,462 Other long-term liabilities 11,536 1,070 9,932 — 22,538 Total liabilities 1,004,465 159,155 582,099 (179,245 ) 1,566,474 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Convertible special stock, no par value 120,289 — — — 120,289 Common stock 48,567 — — — 48,567 Other equity 24,115 384,372 486,878 (871,250 ) 24,115 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 192,971 384,372 486,878 (871,250 ) 192,971 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,545 — 10,545 Total equity 192,971 384,372 497,423 (871,250 ) 203,516 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,197,436 $ 543,527 $ 1,079,522 $ (1,050,495 ) $ 1,769,990 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 620 $ — $ 52,631 $ — $ 53,251 Restricted cash — — 768 — 768 Accounts receivable, net 56,339 55,778 296,322 — 408,439 Accounts receivable, intercompany 33,180 8,837 18,721 (60,738 ) — Inventories 41,862 34,199 200,398 — 276,459 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,018 8,900 26,794 — 36,712 Assets held for sale 2,764 2,912 — — 5,676 Total current assets 135,783 110,626 595,634 (60,738 ) 781,305 Net property, plant and equipment 63,693 53,601 181,409 — 298,703 Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 95,287 4,198 59,620 (81,258 ) 77,847 Intercompany loans receivable 16,564 17,460 — (34,024 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 769,126 73,394 — (842,520 ) — Goodwill 56,155 98,909 108,671 — 263,735 Intangible assets, net 40,416 199,618 92,156 — 332,190 Total assets $ 1,177,024 $ 557,806 $ 1,037,490 $ (1,018,540 ) $ 1,753,780 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 43,433 $ 35,580 $ 239,807 $ — $ 318,820 Accounts payable, intercompany 13,187 34,309 13,242 (60,738 ) — U.S. and foreign income taxes payable — 597 4,303 — 4,900 Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 7,928 6,152 32,871 — 46,951 Other accrued liabilities 21,511 4,612 35,638 — 61,761 Short-term debt 14,912 29 17,072 — 32,013 Total current liabilities 100,971 81,279 342,933 (60,738 ) 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 78,201 35,163 (81,258 ) 37,699 Other long-term liabilities 12,730 1,067 9,938 — 23,735 Total liabilities 980,006 161,896 580,866 (176,020 ) 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 28,200 395,910 446,610 (842,520 ) 28,200 Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 197,018 395,910 446,610 (842,520 ) 197,018 Noncontrolling interests — — 10,014 — 10,014 Total equity 197,018 395,910 456,624 (842,520 ) 207,032 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,177,024 $ 557,806 $ 1,037,490 $ (1,018,540 ) $ 1,753,780
Condensed Income Statement	Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended May 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 105,754 $ 107,815 $ 523,368 $ (14,697 ) $ 722,240 Cost of sales 92,540 90,907 455,991 (14,697 ) 624,741 Selling, general and administrative expenses 17,391 14,705 44,344 — 76,440 Restructuring expense — — 104 — 104 Operating income (loss) (4,177 ) 2,203 22,929 — 20,955 Interest expense 13,489 2 1,014 (220 ) 14,285 Intercompany charges 40 8 3,220 (3,268 ) — Intercompany income (1,817 ) (1,400 ) (51 ) 3,268 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses (641 ) 12 592 — (37 ) Other (income) expense, net 9 (188 ) 512 220 553 (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (14,930 ) 433 — 14,497 — Income (loss) before taxes (327 ) 3,336 17,642 (14,497 ) 6,154 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (5,375 ) 437 5,816 — 878 Net income (loss) 5,048 2,899 11,826 (14,497 ) 5,276 Noncontrolling interests — — (228 ) — (228 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 5,048 2,899 11,598 (14,497 ) 5,048 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 3,173 $ 2,899 $ 11,598 $ (14,497 ) $ 3,173 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (13,412 ) $ 1,707 $ (6,973 ) $ 5,312 $ (13,366 ) Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 46 — 46 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ (13,412 ) $ 1,707 $ (7,019 ) $ 5,312 $ (13,412 ) Consolidating Statement of Operations Three months ended May 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 97,961 $ 105,590 $ 453,077 $ (10,833 ) $ 645,795 Cost of sales 82,890 90,644 384,667 (10,833 ) 547,368 Selling, general and administrative expenses 11,189 13,827 40,250 — 65,266 Restructuring expense 91 6 842 — 939 Operating income (loss) 3,791 1,113 27,318 — 32,222 Interest expense 12,326 2 1,095 (244 ) 13,179 Intercompany charges 112 — 1,810 (1,922 ) — Intercompany income (591 ) (1,254 ) (77 ) 1,922 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses (1,481 ) (5 ) 1,418 — (68 ) Other (income) expense, net (22 ) (429 ) (475 ) 244 (682 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (17,795 ) (118 ) — 17,913 — Income (loss) before taxes 11,242 2,917 23,547 (17,913 ) 19,793 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (4,536 ) 259 7,972 — 3,695 Net income (loss) 15,778 2,658 15,575 (17,913 ) 16,098 Noncontrolling interests — — (320 ) — (320 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 15,778 2,658 15,255 (17,913 ) 15,778 Convertible special stock dividends 1,875 — — — 1,875 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 13,903 $ 2,658 $ 15,255 $ (17,913 ) $ 13,903 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 30,916 $ 2,224 $ 30,879 $ (32,830 ) $ 31,189 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 273 — 273 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 30,916 $ 2,224 $ 30,606 $ (32,830 ) $ 30,916 Consolidating Statement of Operations Nine months ended May 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 302,515 $ 299,975 $ 1,484,142 $ (39,671 ) $ 2,046,961 Cost of sales 259,951 252,083 1,280,319 (39,671 ) 1,752,682 Selling, general and administrative expenses 54,406 45,053 130,464 — 229,923 Restructuring expense 247 — 448 — 695 (Gain) loss on sale of assets (3,004 ) (73 ) — — (3,077 ) Operating income (loss) (9,085 ) 2,912 72,911 — 66,738 Interest expense 38,583 4 3,239 (665 ) 41,161 Intercompany charges 97 14 9,702 (9,813 ) — Intercompany income (5,623 ) (4,083 ) (107 ) 9,813 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses (165 ) 23 1,375 — 1,233 Other (income) expense, net 49 (779 ) (1,127 ) 665 (1,192 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (47,910 ) 1,333 — 46,577 — Income (loss) before taxes 5,884 6,400 59,829 (46,577 ) 25,536 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (19,266 ) 786 17,985 — (495 ) Net income (loss) 25,150 5,614 41,844 (46,577 ) 26,031 Noncontrolling interests — — (881 ) — (881 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 25,150 5,614 40,963 (46,577 ) 25,150 Convertible special stock dividends 5,625 — — — 5,625 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 19,525 $ 5,614 $ 40,963 $ (46,577 ) $ 19,525 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 17,611 $ 3,791 $ 33,765 $ (37,005 ) $ 18,162 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 551 — 551 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 17,611 $ 3,791 $ 33,214 $ (37,005 ) $ 17,611 Consolidating Statement of Operations Nine months ended May 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Net sales $ 280,779 $ 289,908 $ 1,276,855 $ (33,069 ) $ 1,814,473 Cost of sales 239,022 247,278 1,072,614 (33,069 ) 1,525,845 Selling, general and administrative expenses 36,950 42,525 124,133 — 203,608 Restructuring expense 1,963 449 9,949 — 12,361 Operating income (loss) 2,844 (344 ) 70,159 — 72,659 Interest expense 36,309 28 3,879 (766 ) 39,450 Intercompany charges 120 — 6,706 (6,826 ) — Intercompany income (3,046 ) (3,687 ) (93 ) 6,826 — Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses 555 (31 ) 1,051 — 1,575 Other (income) expense, net (326 ) (1,035 ) (543 ) 766 (1,138 ) (Gain) loss on intercompany investments (29,900 ) (261 ) — 30,161 — Income (loss) before taxes (868 ) 4,642 59,159 (30,161 ) 32,772 Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes (24,615 ) 4,737 28,035 — 8,157 Net income (loss) 23,747 (95 ) 31,124 (30,161 ) 24,615 Noncontrolling interests — — (868 ) — (868 ) Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. 23,747 (95 ) 30,256 (30,161 ) 23,747 Convertible special stock dividends 5,625 — — — 5,625 Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders $ 18,122 $ (95 ) $ 30,256 $ (30,161 ) $ 18,122 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 28,967 $ 203 $ 36,502 $ (35,928 ) $ 29,744 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 777 — 777 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. $ 28,967 $ 203 $ 35,725 $ (35,928 ) $ 28,967
Condensed Cash Flow Statement	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Nine months ended May 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 3,433 $ 2,005 $ 31,639 $ (3,675 ) $ 33,402 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (2,846 ) (2,649 ) (15,290 ) — (20,785 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 5,692 546 276 — 6,514 Distributions from equity investees — 125 — — 125 Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities 2,846 (1,978 ) (15,014 ) — (14,146 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (18,300 ) — — — (18,300 ) Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders (5,625 ) — — — (5,625 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (3,675 ) 3,675 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — (13,904 ) — (13,904 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 223,800 — 368,888 — 592,688 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (207,716 ) (27 ) (369,864 ) — (577,607 ) Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments 2,300 — (2,300 ) — — Noncontrolling interests' distributions — — (20 ) — (20 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 175 — — — 175 Redemptions of common stock (1,225 ) — — — (1,225 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (6,591 ) (27 ) (20,875 ) 3,675 (23,818 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 2,545 — 2,545 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (312 ) — (1,705 ) — (2,017 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 620 — 53,399 — 54,019 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 308 $ — $ 51,694 $ — $ 52,002 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Nine months ended May 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating activities: Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities $ 45,613 $ 1,638 $ 71,737 $ (45,422 ) $ 73,566 Investing activities Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (9,348 ) (2,853 ) (18,518 ) (30,719 ) Proceeds from the sale of assets 31 2,298 421 2,750 Distributions from equity investees — 125 — — 125 Intercompany investments (228 ) (1,166 ) — 1,394 — Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (9,545 ) (1,596 ) (18,097 ) 1,394 (27,844 ) Financing activities: Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (18,129 ) — — — (18,129 ) Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders (5,625 ) — — — (5,625 ) Intercompany dividends paid — — (45,422 ) 45,422 — Increase (decrease) in short-term debt — — (2,283 ) — (2,283 ) Borrowings on long-term debt 153,200 — 130,743 — 283,943 Repayments on long-term debt including current portion (164,508 ) (42 ) (131,158 ) — (295,708 ) Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions) — — (53 ) — (53 ) Issuances of stock, common and treasury 143 — — — 143 Redemptions of common stock (711 ) — — — (711 ) Issuances (redemptions) of intercompany common stock — — 1,394 (1,394 ) — Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (35,630 ) (42 ) (46,779 ) 44,028 (38,423 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 496 — 496 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 438 — 7,357 — 7,795 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period — — 43,403 43,403 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 438 $ — $ 50,760 $ — $ 51,198

General (Details)

General (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)facility	May 31, 2017USD ($)	May 31, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	May 31, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 15, 2018$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 0		$ 1,068	$ 0	$ 1,068		$ 768	$ 8,143
Cash and cash equivalents	52,002		50,130	52,002	50,130		53,251	35,260
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	52,002		51,198	52,002	51,198		54,019	$ 43,403
Assets held for sale	3,494			3,494			$ 5,676
Number of facilities sold | facility		2
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment		$ 6,100
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	$ 0	$ 3,100	$ 0	$ 3,077	$ 0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 1			$ 1			$ 1
A Schulman and LyondellBasell Merger
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business acquisition, share price | $ / shares						$ 42
Loss on Contract Termination				$ 50,000

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	$ 263,735
Translation	(1,983)
Balance as of May 31, 2018	261,752
EMEA
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	58,180
Translation	(408)
Balance as of May 31, 2018	57,772
USCAN
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	116,369
Translation	0
Balance as of May 31, 2018	116,369
LATAM
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	13,528
Translation	(1,433)
Balance as of May 31, 2018	12,095
APAC
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	934
Translation	20
Balance as of May 31, 2018	954
EC
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017	74,724
Translation	(162)
Balance as of May 31, 2018	$ 74,562

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 449,756		$ 449,756		$ 450,745
Accumulated Amortization	(141,380)		(141,380)		(118,555)
Net Carrying Amount	308,376		308,376		332,190
Amortization of Intangible Assets	7,700	$ 8,000	23,200	$ 24,000
Customer Related Intangibles
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	358,527		358,527		359,227
Accumulated Amortization	(110,502)		(110,502)		(91,910)
Net Carrying Amount	248,025		248,025		267,317
Developed Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	72,805		72,805		73,171
Accumulated Amortization	(21,984)		(21,984)		(18,574)
Net Carrying Amount	50,821		50,821		54,597
Trademarks and Tradenames
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	18,424		18,424		18,347
Accumulated Amortization	(8,894)		(8,894)		(8,071)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 9,530		$ 9,530		$ 10,276

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arr37

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other, due within one year	$ 2,705	$ 17,263
Current portion of long-term debt	18,500	14,750
Short-term debt	21,205	32,013
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023	375,000	375,000
Capital leases and other long-term debt	2,594	3,276
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(7,752)	(8,713)
Long-term debt	$ 897,243	885,178
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.875%
2015 Revolver, due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due June 2020	$ 76,830	51,250
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loans	155,000	166,250
2015 Credit Facility Term Loan B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loans	$ 295,571	$ 298,115

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$ 257,000	$ 286,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	738,000	268,000
Senior notes, 6.875%, due June 2023	375,000,000	375,000,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	41,000,000	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
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
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	257,000	286,000
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	738,000	268,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Assets recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	0	0
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	0	0
Senior Notes
Liabilities recorded at fair value:
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 394,500,000	$ 389,500,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2018	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2018
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes percentage	14.30%	18.70%			(1.90%)	24.90%
Statutory income tax rate, percent			35.00%
Income tax benefit related to discrete impacts in tax law	$ 6.8
Unrecognized tax benefits	4.3				$ 4.3
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	3.3				3.3
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1.5				$ 1.5
Scenario, Forecast
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rate, percent				21.00%			25.70%

Pension and Postretirement Be40

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - Pension Plans, Defined Benefit - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,333	$ 1,370	$ 3,973	$ 4,109
Interest cost	793	581	2,360	1,738
Expected return on plan assets	(411)	(374)	(1,217)	(1,117)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	720	981	2,144	2,939
Net periodic pension benefit cost	$ 2,435	$ 2,558	$ 7,260	$ 7,669

Consolidated Statement of Sto41

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			$ 207,032
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (13,366)	$ 31,189	18,162	$ 29,744
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $45.00 per share	(1,875)	$ (1,875)	(5,625)	$ (5,625)
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.615 per share			(18,300)
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests			(20)
Issuance of treasury stock			175
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			2,990
Balance as of May 31, 2018	203,516		203,516
Convertible special stock, no par value
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			120,289
Balance as of May 31, 2018	120,289		120,289
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			48,529
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures			73
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(35)
Balance as of May 31, 2018	48,567		48,567
Additional Paid-in Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			279,207
Issuance of treasury stock			82
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures			(73)
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings			(1,190)
Share-based compensation plans			2,990
Balance as of May 31, 2018	281,016		281,016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			(88,523)
Comprehensive income (loss)			(7,539)
Balance as of May 31, 2018	(96,062)		(96,062)
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			220,357
Comprehensive income (loss)			25,150
Cash dividends paid on convertible special stock, $45.00 per share			(5,625)
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $0.615 per share			(18,300)
Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-09					$ 327
Balance as of May 31, 2018	221,909		221,909
Treasury Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			(382,841)
Issuance of treasury stock			93
Balance as of May 31, 2018	(382,748)		(382,748)
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2017			10,014
Comprehensive income (loss)			551
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests			(20)
Balance as of May 31, 2018	$ 10,545		$ 10,545

Consolidated Statement of Sto42

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - Phantom (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share of convertible special stock	$ 15	$ 15	$ 45	$ 45
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.205	$ 0.205	$ 0.615	$ 0.615

Reclassification Out of Accum43

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (77,601)	$ (130,640)	$ (88,523)	$ (120,721)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	(19,078)	14,482	(9,118)	3,316
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	436	609	1,249	1,813
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(18,642)	15,091	(7,869)	5,129
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(181)	(48)	(330)	(91)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	(18,461)	15,139	(7,539)	5,220
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(96,062)	(115,501)	(96,062)	(115,501)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(42,082)	(80,840)	(52,191)	(69,717)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	(19,078)	14,482	(9,118)	3,316
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1]	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(19,078)	14,482	(9,118)	3,316
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	(181)	(48)	(330)	(91)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	[1]	(18,897)	14,530	(8,788)	3,407
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(60,979)	(66,310)	(60,979)	(66,310)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(35,519)	(49,800)	(36,332)	(51,004)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified to earnings	[1],[2]	436	609	1,249	1,813
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	436	609	1,249	1,813
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]	436	609	1,249	1,813
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	$ (35,083)	$ (49,191)	$ (35,083)	$ (49,191)
[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			9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value (in usd per share)				$ 38.90
Stock options granted	158,150
Stock options, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	$ 38.90
Stock options, weighted average fair value	$ 13.13
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 134		$ 905	$ 3,052	$ 3,573
Compensation cost not yet recognized	9,000			$ 9,000
Compensation cost not yet recognized, period				1 year 8 months 25 days
Time Based Restricted Stock Awards
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted in period (shares)				46,180
Vesting period				3 years
Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted in period (shares)				239,440
Vesting period				3 years
Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based incentive compensation	$ (145)		775	$ 1,605	2,122
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	6 years 6 months
Risk-free rate	2.40%
Volatility	39.00%
Dividend yield	2.11%
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 279		130	615	198
Unrestricted awards
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrestricted common stock granted during period	19,377	2,553
Share-based incentive compensation	$ 0		$ 0	$ 832	$ 1,253

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,501,000	29,421,000	29,482,000	29,392,000
Diluted	29,687,000	29,530,000	29,637,000	29,496,000
Convertible special stock, no par value
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
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	158,150	173,200	251,448	89,455
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from dilutive securities	186,000	109,000	155,000	104,000

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
		May 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 722,240		$ 645,795	$ 2,046,961	$ 1,814,473
Total gross profit		97,499		98,427	294,279	288,628
(Gain) loss on sale of assets		0	$ 3,100	0	3,077	0
Operating income (loss)		20,955		32,222	66,738	72,659
Interest expense		(14,285)		(13,179)	(41,161)	(39,450)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)		37		68	(1,233)	(1,575)
Other income (expense), net		(553)		682	1,192	1,138
Income (loss) before taxes		6,154		19,793	25,536	32,772
Restructuring expense		104		939	695	12,361
Strategic and restructuring related costs		$ 3,600		$ 2,000	$ 11,100	$ 8,800
Net sales, percentage		100.00%		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs		$ (88)		$ (236)	$ (315)	$ (2,101)
Costs related to acquisitions and integrations in gross profit		0		0	0	(57)
Lucent costs in gross profit	[1]	0		(104)	0	(190)
Costs related to Merger and integrations in operating income		(2,120)		0	(7,169)	(605)
Restructuring, strategic and related costs	[2]	(3,655)		(2,932)	(11,766)	(21,176)
Accelerated depreciation		0		(237)	(235)	(1,060)
Lucent costs in operating income	[1]	(3,540)		(1,730)	(9,634)	(3,135)
Asset impairment		0		0	0	(678)
(Gain) loss on sale of assets		0		0	3,077	0
CEO transition costs		0		0	0	(196)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit		97,587		98,767	294,594	290,976
Total segment operating income		37,152		44,394	117,269	124,660
Corporate, Non-Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate		$ (6,882)		$ (7,273)	$ (24,804)	$ (25,151)
EC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales, percentage		8.00%		9.00%	9.00%	9.00%
Custom Concentrates and Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 337,645		$ 296,917	$ 963,298	$ 832,424
Net sales, percentage		46.00%		46.00%	47.00%	46.00%
Performance Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		$ 324,325		$ 289,626	$ 908,394	$ 816,958
Net sales, percentage		46.00%		45.00%	44.00%	45.00%
EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		$ 104		$ 832	$ 428	$ 9,676
EMEA | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		372,736		318,026	1,055,827	891,000
Total segment gross profit		42,396		42,509	129,026	126,297
Total segment operating income		16,116		19,712	52,382	56,006
USCAN
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		0		90	247	2,370
USCAN | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		172,624		167,881	488,313	476,217
Total segment gross profit		22,423		21,844	67,271	66,420
Total segment operating income		5,530		6,474	18,384	20,416
LATAM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		0		0	20	59
LATAM | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		48,544		47,408	141,938	129,286
Total segment gross profit		9,354		9,928	28,426	28,940
Total segment operating income		4,878		6,189	15,906	17,083
APAC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		0		11	0	103
APAC | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		68,066		53,228	185,614	152,879
Total segment gross profit		9,943		9,155	28,776	27,189
Total segment operating income		5,618		5,260	16,063	15,174
EC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		0		6	0	153
EC | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers		60,270		59,252	175,269	165,091
Total segment gross profit		13,471		15,331	41,095	42,130
Total segment operating income		$ 5,010		$ 6,759	$ 14,534	$ 15,981
[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 nine months ended May 31, 2018 of $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 of $0.9 million and $12.4 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 nine months ended May 31, 2018 of $3.6 million and $11.1 million, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 of $2.0 million and $8.8 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		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve			$ 3,078
Restructuring expense	$ 104	$ 939	695	$ 12,361
Fiscal 2018 payments			(3,262)
Translation			16
Restructuring reserve	527		527
EMEA
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	104	832	428	9,676
USCAN
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	0	90	247	2,370
LATAM
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	0	0	20	59
APAC
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	0	11	0	103
EC
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring expense	0	$ 6	0	$ 153
Employee Related Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve			2,988
Restructuring expense			172
Fiscal 2018 payments			(2,721)
Translation			5
Restructuring reserve	444		444
Other Restructuring Related Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve			90
Restructuring expense			523
Fiscal 2018 payments			(541)
Translation			11
Restructuring reserve	$ 83		$ 83

Contingencies and Claims (Detai

Contingencies and Claims (Details) - Citadel Acquisition $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 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		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-09					$ 327
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,333	$ 1,370	$ 3,973	$ 4,109
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$ 2,435	$ 2,558	$ 7,260	$ 7,669
Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-09					$ 327

Consolidating Financial Infor50

Consolidating Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 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	1,769,990		1,769,990		1,753,780
Change in total liabilities	1,566,474		1,566,474		1,546,748
Change in total stockholders' equity	203,516		203,516		207,032
Change in net income	5,048	$ 15,778	25,150	$ 23,747
Senior Notes
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	1,197,436		1,197,436		1,177,024
Change in total liabilities	1,004,465		1,004,465		980,006
Change in total stockholders' equity	192,971		192,971		197,018
Change in net income	5,048	15,778	25,150	23,747
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in total assets	543,527		543,527		557,806
Change in total liabilities	159,155		159,155		161,896
Change in total stockholders' equity	384,372		384,372		395,910
Change in net income	2,899	2,658	5,614	(95)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in total assets	1,079,522		1,079,522		1,037,490
Change in total liabilities	582,099		582,099		580,866
Change in total stockholders' equity	497,423		497,423		456,624
Change in net income	$ 11,598	15,255	$ 40,963	30,256
Scenario, Adjustment [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in total assets					11,700
Change in total liabilities					11,700
Scenario, Adjustment [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in total assets					211,000
Change in total liabilities					11,600
Change in total stockholders' equity					199,500
Change in net income		2,300		(3,000)
Scenario, Adjustment [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in total assets					58,000
Change in total liabilities					13,900
Change in total stockholders' equity					$ 44,100
Change in net income		$ (3,300)		$ (6,800)

Consolidating Financial Infor51

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 52,002	$ 53,251	$ 50,130	$ 35,260
Restricted cash	0	768	$ 1,068	$ 8,143
Accounts receivable, net	443,705	408,439
Accounts receivable, intercompany	0	0
Inventories	304,438	276,459
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37,690	36,712
Assets held for sale	3,494	5,676
Total current assets	841,329	781,305
Net property, plant and equipment	282,528	298,703
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	76,005	77,847
Intercompany loans receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	261,752	263,735
Intangible assets, net	308,376	332,190
Total assets	1,769,990	1,753,780
Accounts payable	345,957	318,820
Accounts payable, intercompany	0	0
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	4,066	4,900
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	49,677	46,951
Other accrued liabilities	69,488	61,761
Short-term debt	21,205	32,013
Total current liabilities	490,393	464,445
Long-term debt	897,243	885,178
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	134,838	135,691
Deferred income taxes	21,462	37,699
Other long-term liabilities	22,538	23,735
Total liabilities	1,566,474	1,546,748
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,567	48,529
Other equity	24,115	28,200
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	192,971	197,018
Noncontrolling interests	10,545	10,014
Total equity	203,516	207,032
Total liabilities and equity	1,769,990	1,753,780
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	308	620
Restricted cash		0
Accounts receivable, net	52,463	56,339
Accounts receivable, intercompany	21,798	33,180
Inventories	41,482	41,862
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,276	1,018
Assets held for sale	0	2,764
Total current assets	121,327	135,783
Net property, plant and equipment	59,780	63,693
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	108,432	95,287
Intercompany loans receivable	14,264	16,564
Investment in subsidiaries	800,456	769,126
Goodwill	56,155	56,155
Intangible assets, net	37,022	40,416
Total assets	1,197,436	1,177,024
Accounts payable	45,103	43,433
Accounts payable, intercompany	13,289	13,187
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	0	0
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	11,765	7,928
Other accrued liabilities	30,159	21,511
Short-term debt	18,627	14,912
Total current liabilities	118,943	100,971
Long-term debt	871,822	858,446
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	2,164	2,266
Deferred income taxes	0	5,593
Other long-term liabilities	11,536	12,730
Total liabilities	1,004,465	980,006
Convertible special stock, no par value	120,289	120,289
Common stock	48,567	48,529
Other equity	24,115	28,200
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	192,971	197,018
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	192,971	197,018
Total liabilities and equity	1,197,436	1,177,024
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash		0
Accounts receivable, net	60,707	55,778
Accounts receivable, intercompany	11,944	8,837
Inventories	34,916	34,199
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,054	8,900
Assets held for sale	2,671	2,912
Total current assets	113,292	110,626
Net property, plant and equipment	51,179	53,601
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	3,934	4,198
Intercompany loans receivable	18,121	17,460
Investment in subsidiaries	70,794	73,394
Goodwill	98,909	98,909
Intangible assets, net	187,298	199,618
Total assets	543,527	557,806
Accounts payable	40,769	35,580
Accounts payable, intercompany	26,353	34,309
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	411	597
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	6,001	6,152
Other accrued liabilities	5,090	4,612
Short-term debt	37	29
Total current liabilities	78,661	81,279
Long-term debt	43	41
Intercompany debt	0	0
Pension plans	1,180	1,308
Deferred income taxes	78,201	78,201
Other long-term liabilities	1,070	1,067
Total liabilities	159,155	161,896
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	384,372	395,910
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	384,372	395,910
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	384,372	395,910
Total liabilities and equity	543,527	557,806
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	51,694	52,631
Restricted cash		768
Accounts receivable, net	330,535	296,322
Accounts receivable, intercompany	22,945	18,721
Inventories	228,040	200,398
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	29,360	26,794
Assets held for sale	823	0
Total current assets	663,397	595,634
Net property, plant and equipment	171,569	181,409
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	53,812	59,620
Intercompany loans receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	106,688	108,671
Intangible assets, net	84,056	92,156
Total assets	1,079,522	1,037,490
Accounts payable	260,085	239,807
Accounts payable, intercompany	17,045	13,242
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	3,655	4,303
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	31,911	32,871
Other accrued liabilities	34,239	35,638
Short-term debt	2,541	17,072
Total current liabilities	349,476	342,933
Long-term debt	25,378	26,691
Intercompany debt	32,385	34,024
Pension plans	131,494	132,117
Deferred income taxes	33,434	35,163
Other long-term liabilities	9,932	9,938
Total liabilities	582,099	580,866
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	486,878	446,610
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	486,878	446,610
Noncontrolling interests	10,545	10,014
Total equity	497,423	456,624
Total liabilities and equity	1,079,522	1,037,490
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash		0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Accounts receivable, intercompany	(56,687)	(60,738)
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Assets held for sale	0	0
Total current assets	(56,687)	(60,738)
Net property, plant and equipment	0	0
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	(90,173)	(81,258)
Intercompany loans receivable	(32,385)	(34,024)
Investment in subsidiaries	(871,250)	(842,520)
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Total assets	(1,050,495)	(1,018,540)
Accounts payable	0	0
Accounts payable, intercompany	(56,687)	(60,738)
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	(56,687)	(60,738)
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany debt	(32,385)	(34,024)
Pension plans	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(90,173)	(81,258)
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	(179,245)	(176,020)
Convertible special stock, no par value	0	0
Common stock	0	0
Other equity	(871,250)	(842,520)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	(871,250)	(842,520)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	(871,250)	(842,520)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (1,050,495)	$ (1,018,540)

Consolidating Financial Infor52

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 722,240		$ 645,795	$ 2,046,961	$ 1,814,473
Cost of sales	624,741		547,368	1,752,682	1,525,845
Selling, general and administrative expenses	76,440		65,266	229,923	203,608
Restructuring expense	104		939	695	12,361
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	0	$ (3,100)	0	(3,077)	0
Operating income (loss)	20,955		32,222	66,738	72,659
Interest expense	14,285		13,179	41,161	39,450
Intercompany charges	0		0	0	0
Intercompany income	0		0	0	0
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	(37)		(68)	1,233	1,575
Other (income) expense, net	553		(682)	(1,192)	(1,138)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	0		0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	6,154		19,793	25,536	32,772
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	878		3,695	(495)	8,157
Net income (loss)	5,276		16,098	26,031	24,615
Noncontrolling interests	(228)		(320)	(881)	(868)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	5,048		15,778	25,150	23,747
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875		1,875	5,625	5,625
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	3,173		13,903	19,525	18,122
Comprehensive income (loss)	(13,366)		31,189	18,162	29,744
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	46		273	551	777
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(13,412)		30,916	17,611	28,967
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	105,754		97,961	302,515	280,779
Cost of sales	92,540		82,890	259,951	239,022
Selling, general and administrative expenses	17,391		11,189	54,406	36,950
Restructuring expense	0		91	247	1,963
(Gain) loss on sale of assets				(3,004)
Operating income (loss)	(4,177)		3,791	(9,085)	2,844
Interest expense	13,489		12,326	38,583	36,309
Intercompany charges	40		112	97	120
Intercompany income	(1,817)		(591)	(5,623)	(3,046)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	(641)		(1,481)	(165)	555
Other (income) expense, net	9		(22)	49	(326)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	(14,930)		(17,795)	(47,910)	(29,900)
Income (loss) before taxes	(327)		11,242	5,884	(868)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	(5,375)		(4,536)	(19,266)	(24,615)
Net income (loss)	5,048		15,778	25,150	23,747
Noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	5,048		15,778	25,150	23,747
Convertible special stock dividends	1,875		1,875	5,625	5,625
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	3,173		13,903	19,525	18,122
Comprehensive income (loss)	(13,412)		30,916	17,611	28,967
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(13,412)		30,916	17,611	28,967
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	107,815		105,590	299,975	289,908
Cost of sales	90,907		90,644	252,083	247,278
Selling, general and administrative expenses	14,705		13,827	45,053	42,525
Restructuring expense	0		6	0	449
(Gain) loss on sale of assets				(73)
Operating income (loss)	2,203		1,113	2,912	(344)
Interest expense	2		2	4	28
Intercompany charges	8		0	14	0
Intercompany income	(1,400)		(1,254)	(4,083)	(3,687)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	12		(5)	23	(31)
Other (income) expense, net	(188)		(429)	(779)	(1,035)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	433		(118)	1,333	(261)
Income (loss) before taxes	3,336		2,917	6,400	4,642
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	437		259	786	4,737
Net income (loss)	2,899		2,658	5,614	(95)
Noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	2,899		2,658	5,614	(95)
Convertible special stock dividends	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	2,899		2,658	5,614	(95)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,707		2,224	3,791	203
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	1,707		2,224	3,791	203
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	523,368		453,077	1,484,142	1,276,855
Cost of sales	455,991		384,667	1,280,319	1,072,614
Selling, general and administrative expenses	44,344		40,250	130,464	124,133
Restructuring expense	104		842	448	9,949
(Gain) loss on sale of assets				0
Operating income (loss)	22,929		27,318	72,911	70,159
Interest expense	1,014		1,095	3,239	3,879
Intercompany charges	3,220		1,810	9,702	6,706
Intercompany income	(51)		(77)	(107)	(93)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	592		1,418	1,375	1,051
Other (income) expense, net	512		(475)	(1,127)	(543)
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	0		0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes	17,642		23,547	59,829	59,159
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	5,816		7,972	17,985	28,035
Net income (loss)	11,826		15,575	41,844	31,124
Noncontrolling interests	(228)		(320)	(881)	(868)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	11,598		15,255	40,963	30,256
Convertible special stock dividends	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	11,598		15,255	40,963	30,256
Comprehensive income (loss)	(6,973)		30,879	33,765	36,502
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	46		273	551	777
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(7,019)		30,606	33,214	35,725
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	(14,697)		(10,833)	(39,671)	(33,069)
Cost of sales	(14,697)		(10,833)	(39,671)	(33,069)
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	(220)		(244)	(665)	(766)
Intercompany charges	(3,268)		(1,922)	(9,813)	(6,826)
Intercompany income	3,268		1,922	9,813	6,826
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	0		0	0	0
Other (income) expense, net	220		244	665	766
(Gain) loss on intercompany investments	14,497		17,913	46,577	30,161
Income (loss) before taxes	(14,497)		(17,913)	(46,577)	(30,161)
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss)	(14,497)		(17,913)	(46,577)	(30,161)
Noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(14,497)		(17,913)	(46,577)	(30,161)
Convertible special stock dividends	0		0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to A. Schulman, Inc. common stockholders	(14,497)		(17,913)	(46,577)	(30,161)
Comprehensive income (loss)	5,312		(32,830)	(37,005)	(35,928)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$ 5,312		$ (32,830)	$ (37,005)	$ (35,928)

Consolidating Financial Infor53

Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	$ 33,402	$ 73,566
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(20,785)	(30,719)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	6,514	2,750
Distributions from equity investees	125	125
Intercompany investments		0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(14,146)	(27,844)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(18,300)	(18,129)
Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders	(5,625)	(5,625)
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	(13,904)	(2,283)
Borrowings on long-term debt	592,688	283,943
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(577,607)	(295,708)
Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments	0
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(20)	(53)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	175	143
Redemptions of common stock	(1,225)	(711)
Issuances (redemptions) of intercompany common stock		0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(23,818)	(38,423)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,545	496
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2,017)	7,795
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	54,019	43,403
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	52,002	51,198
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	3,433	45,613
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(2,846)	(9,348)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	5,692	31
Distributions from equity investees	0	0
Intercompany investments		(228)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	2,846	(9,545)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(18,300)	(18,129)
Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders	(5,625)	(5,625)
Intercompany dividends paid	0	0
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	0	0
Borrowings on long-term debt	223,800	153,200
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(207,716)	(164,508)
Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments	2,300
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	0	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	175	143
Redemptions of common stock	(1,225)	(711)
Issuances (redemptions) of intercompany common stock		0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(6,591)	(35,630)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(312)	438
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	620	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	308	438
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	2,005	1,638
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(2,649)	(2,853)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	546	2,298
Distributions from equity investees	125	125
Intercompany investments		(1,166)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(1,978)	(1,596)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders	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	(27)	(42)
Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments	0
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	0	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Issuances (redemptions) of intercompany common stock		0
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(27)	(42)
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	31,639	71,737
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(15,290)	(18,518)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	276	421
Distributions from equity investees	0	0
Intercompany investments		0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(15,014)	(18,097)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	(3,675)	(45,422)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	(13,904)	(2,283)
Borrowings on long-term debt	368,888	130,743
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	(369,864)	(131,158)
Intercompany loan borrowings and repayments	(2,300)
Noncontrolling interests' distributions	(20)	(53)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Issuances (redemptions) of intercompany common stock		1,394
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(20,875)	(46,779)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,545	496
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(1,705)	7,357
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	53,399	43,403
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	51,694	50,760
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	(3,675)	(45,422)
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0
Distributions from equity investees	0	0
Intercompany investments		1,394
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	0	1,394
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	0	0
Cash dividends paid to convertible special stockholders	0	0
Intercompany dividends paid	3,675	45,422
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	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Issuances (redemptions) of intercompany common stock		(1,394)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	3,675	44,028
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
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 0	$ 0