A. Schulman (SLMNP) 8-K 27 Apr 15 Other Events Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Nov-14
Trading Symbol	SHLM
Entity Registrant Name	SCHULMAN A INC
Entity Central Index Key	87565

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$615,053	$585,397		$2,446,998		$2,133,402		$2,081,272
Cost of sales	528,209	506,289		2,116,990		1,852,223		1,802,029
Selling, general and administrative expenses	60,547	57,398		242,486		205,370		193,502
Restructuring expense	5,219	1,778		4,883		10,500		9,256
Asset impairment				104		1,873		3,392
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses				214		333		-310
Operating income	21,078	19,932		82,321		63,103		73,403
Interest expense	2,359	2,191		8,503		7,657		8,351
Interest income	-95	-62		-286		-495		-676
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	1,099	682		2,206		2,426		243
Other (income) expense, net	-159	-78		-434		-217		-1,342
Income from continuing operations before taxes	17,874	17,199		72,332		53,732		66,827
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	4,486	4,568		18,542		19,733		13,918
Income from continuing operations	13,388	12,631		53,790		33,999		52,909
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-10	2,655		3,202		-6,671		-860
Net income	13,378	15,286		56,992		27,328		52,049
Noncontrolling interests	-220	-215		-799		-1,229		-1,162
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$13,158	$15,071		$56,193		$26,099		$50,887
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	29,017	29,017		29,061		29,260		29,389
Diluted	29,468	29,205		29,362		29,337		29,549
Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
Income from continuing operations	$0.45	$0.43	[1]	$1.82	[1]	$1.12	[1]	$1.76
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	$0.09	[1]	$0.11	[1]	($0.23)	[1]	($0.03)
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$0.45	$0.52	[1]	$1.93	[1]	$0.89	[1]	$1.73
Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
Income from continuing operations	$0.45	$0.43	[1]	$1.80	[1]	$1.12	[1]	$1.75
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	$0.09	[1]	$0.11	[1]	($0.23)	[1]	($0.03)
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$0.45	$0.52	[1]	$1.91	[1]	$0.89	[1]	$1.72
Cash dividends per common share	$0.21	$0.20		$0.80		$0.78		$0.72
[1]	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Net Income	$13,378		$15,286		$56,992		$27,328		$52,049
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	-25,615		11,868		4,987		4,174		-46,647
Net change in net actuarial gains (losses), net of tax of $8,262 in 2014, $55 in 2013 and $4,204 in 2012 and Net change in prior period service (costs) credits, net of tax of $0	336		119
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-25,279	[1]	11,987	[1]	-17,460	[1]	6,448	[1]	-56,018
Comprehensive income (loss)	-11,901		27,273		39,532		33,776		-3,969
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	196		185		712		1,074		1,072
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	-12,097		27,088		38,820		32,702		-5,041
Net Change in Net Actuarial Gains (Losses) [Member]
Net change in net actuarial gains (losses), net of tax of $8,262 in 2014, $55 in 2013 and $4,204 in 2012 and Net change in prior period service (costs) credits, net of tax of $0					-21,813		2,710		-6,200
Net Change in Prior Service (Costs) Credit [Member]
Net change in net actuarial gains (losses), net of tax of $8,262 in 2014, $55 in 2013 and $4,204 in 2012 and Net change in prior period service (costs) credits, net of tax of $0					($634)		($436)		($3,171)
[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 $)	Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$132,109		$135,493		$134,054
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,674 at November 30, 2014 and $10,844 at August 31, 2014	376,486		384,444		310,749
Inventories	296,539		292,141		261,658
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	47,591		40,473		41,224
Total current assets	852,725		852,551		747,685
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	27,155		28,439		27,954
Buildings and leasehold improvements	154,656		160,858		146,647
Machinery and equipment	394,884		398,563		356,144
Furniture and fixtures	39,785		41,255		39,065
Construction in progress	17,676		16,718		7,149
Gross property, plant and equipment	634,156		645,833		576,959
Accumulated depreciation	384,143		391,912		366,438
Net property, plant and equipment	250,013		253,921		210,521
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	63,376		65,079		48,723
Goodwill	198,649		202,299		139,526
Intangible assets, net	131,488		138,634		91,887
Total assets	1,496,251		1,512,484		1,238,342
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	314,315		314,957		265,477
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	6,075		6,385		6,423
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	47,661		54,199		40,759
Other accrued liabilities	52,270		46,054		48,689
Short-term debt	32,012		31,748		8,373
Total current liabilities	452,333		453,343		369,721
Long-term debt	353,262		339,546		207,435
Pension plans	123,923		129,949		98,599
Deferred income taxes	23,222		23,826		20,873
Other long-term liabilities	28,704		29,369		26,970
Total liabilities	981,444		976,033		723,598
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,186 at November 30, 2014, 48,185 shares at August 31, 2014, 48,094 shares at August 31, 2013	48,186		48,185		48,094
Additional paid-in capital	269,818		268,545		263,158
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-41,946	[1]	-16,691	[1]	682	[1]
Retained earnings	614,094		606,898		574,370
Treasury stock, at cost,19,081 shares at November 30,2014, 18,973 shares at August 31, 2014 and 18,940 shares at August 31, 2013	-383,199		-379,894		-378,927
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	506,953		527,043		507,377
Noncontrolling interests	7,854		9,408		7,367
Total equity	514,807		536,451		514,744
Total liabilities and equity	$1,496,251		$1,512,484		$1,238,342
[1]	All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,674	$10,844	$10,434
Common stock, par value	$1	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,186	48,185	48,094
Treasury stock, shares	19,081	18,973	18,940

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net Income	$13,378	$15,286	$56,992	$27,328	$52,049
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	8,963	7,865	33,697	29,982	29,176
Amortization	4,066	3,244	14,207	11,469	9,608
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	633	-693	-3,007	-1,194	-10,867
Pension, postretirement benefits and other compensation	2,452	2,550	10,802	6,282	6,410
Asset impairment			104	5,873	3,392
Curtailment and settlement (gains) losses			214	333	-310
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations	0	-3,028	-3,365	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-4,731	-12,681	-5,875	1,790	16,788
Inventories	-16,341	-25,936	7,099	-6,376	-6,222
Accounts payable	8,200	24,826	-3,497	8,924	9,584
Income taxes	463	765	-1,372	-320	-4,832
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	2,846	1,239	5,189	5,415	-11,563
Other assets and long-term liabilities	-9,670	-3,618	1,954	-5,793	6,284
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	10,259	9,819	113,142	83,713	99,497
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	-10,324	-9,601	-35,089	-26,568	-34,003
Proceeds from the sale of assets	904	3,087	6,004	13,886	1,581
Business acquisitions, net of cash	-6,698	-51,322	-206,625	-36,805	-64,918
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	-16,118	-57,836	-235,710	-49,487	-97,340
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid	-5,962	-5,915	-23,665	-22,934	-20,938
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	870	3,294	13,774	3,324	-6,339
Borrowings on long-term debt	27,500	457,000	795,745	264,908	188,832
Repayments on long-term debt including current portion	-10,915	-444,649	-653,894	-264,613	-159,323
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	-1,731	-1,782	0	0
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	-1,750	0	600	0	-580
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	71	211	487	1,561	1,347
Redemptions of common stock			-361	-396	-382
Purchases of treasury stock	-3,335	-1,116	-1,116	-8,091	-26,752
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	6,479	7,094	129,788	-26,241	-24,135
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,004	1,672	-5,781	2,038	-9,744
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-3,384	-39,251	1,439	10,023	-31,722
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	135,493	134,054	134,054	124,031	155,753
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	132,109	94,803	135,493	134,054	124,031
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest			7,578	5,487	7,472
Income taxes			$21,720	$15,598	$26,964

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Net Change in Net Actuarial Gains (Losses) [Member]
Net change in tax on pension and other postretirement benefit plans	$8,262	$55	$4,204
Net Change in Prior Service (Costs) Credit [Member]
Net change in tax on pension and other postretirement benefit plans	$0	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2011	$554,305	$47,816	$254,184	$50,007	$541,256	($344,759)	$5,801
Comprehensive income (loss)	-3,969			-55,928	50,887		1,072
Cash dividends paid	-20,938				-20,938
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	-580						-580
Purchase of treasury stock	-26,752					-26,752
Issuance of treasury stock	432		20			412
Stock options exercised	915	51	864
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0	108	-108
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	-382	-17	-365
Amortization of restricted stock	4,658		4,658
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2012	507,689	47,958	259,253	-5,921	571,205	-371,099	6,293
Comprehensive income (loss)	33,776			6,603	26,099		1,074
Cash dividends paid	-22,934				-22,934
Purchase of treasury stock	-8,091					-8,091
Issuance of treasury stock	356		93			263
Stock options exercised	1,205	64	1,141
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0	93	-93
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	-396	-21	-375
Amortization of restricted stock	3,139		3,139
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	514,744	48,094	263,158	682	574,370	-378,927	7,367
Comprehensive income (loss)	39,532			-17,373	56,193		712
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	600						600
Change in ownership interest	0		-729				729
Cash dividends paid	-23,665				-23,665
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,116					-1,116
Issuance of treasury stock	254		105			149
Stock options exercised	233	13	220
Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures	0	88	-88
Redemption of common stock to cover tax withholdings	-361	-10	-351
Amortization of restricted stock	6,230		6,230
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	536,451	48,185	268,545	-16,691	606,898	-379,894	9,408
Comprehensive income (loss)	-11,901			-25,255	13,158		196
Cash dividends paid	-5,962				-5,962
Noncontrolling interests' contributions (distributions)	-1,750						-1,750
Purchase of treasury stock	-3,335					-3,335
Issuance of treasury stock	54		24			30
Stock options exercised	17	1	16
Amortization of restricted stock	1,233		1,233
Ending Balance at Nov. 30, 2014	$514,807	$48,186	$269,818	($41,946)	$614,094	($383,199)	$7,854

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per common share	$0.21	$0.20	$0.80	$0.78	$0.72
Number of treasury stock shares acquired	109,422	40,327	40,327	304,000	1,463,000

GENERAL

GENERAL	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
GENERAL	1)	GENERAL
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation 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, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.
	The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015.
	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, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.
	Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2015 presentation. All previously reported segment disclosures have also been reclassified to reflect the Company’s new reportable segments as discussed in Note 11 the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.

BUSINESS_ACQUISITIONS

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

-2

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

NOTE 2 — BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

Specialty Plastics Business of Ferro Corporation

Specialty Plastics Business of Ferro Corporation

On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired the majority of the assets of the specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation(“Specialty Plastics” acquisition) for $91.0 million. The results of operations for this business have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired the majority of the assets of the specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation (“Specialty Plastics” acquisition) for $91.0 million. The results of operations for this business have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

The acquisition strategically expands the Company’s geographic reach with multiple facilities located in the U.S. and one facility located in Spain, diversifies the Company’s product mix and strengthens its position in a broad range of attractive product markets. Additionally, the business offers a broad portfolio of proprietary products and recognized brand names serving a wide range of end markets including packaging, transportation, construction, appliances and agriculture.

The acquisition strategically expands the Company’s geographic reach with four facilities located in the U.S. and one facility located in Spain and diversifies the Company’s product mix and strengthens its position in a broad range of attractive product markets. Additionally, the business offers a broad portfolio of proprietary products and recognized brand names serving a wide range of end markets including packaging, transportation, construction, appliances and agriculture.

The information included herein has been prepared based on the preliminary allocation of the purchase price using estimates of the fair value and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed which were determined with the assistance of independent valuations using discounted cash flow and comparative market multiple approaches, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. The purchase price allocation is subject to further adjustment until all pertinent information regarding the acquired accounts receivable, inventory, intangible assets, property, plant & equipment, other current and long-term liabilities, and deferred income tax assets and liabilities are fully evaluated by the Company.

The information included herein has been prepared based on the preliminary allocation of the purchase price using estimates of the fair value and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed which were determined with the assistance of independent valuations using discounted cash flow and comparative market multiple approaches, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. The purchase price allocation is subject to further adjustment until all pertinent information regarding the inventory, intangible assets, property, plant & equipment, accounts receivable, other long-term liabilities, and deferred income tax assets and liabilities acquired are fully evaluated by the Company.

The following table presents the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Specialty Plastics acquisition at the date of acquisition:

The following table presents the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Specialty Plastics acquisition at the date of acquisition:

As of July 1, 2014

As of July 1, 2014

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

Accounts receivable

$

27,850

Accounts receivable

$

27,870

Inventories

12,800

Inventories

12,800

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

415

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

415

Property, plant and equipment

20,049

Property, plant and equipment

21,025

Intangible assets

26,985

Intangible assets

26,985

Total assets acquired

$

88,099

Total assets acquired

$

89,095

Accounts payable

15,247

Accounts payable

15,327

Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits

1,552

Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits

1,552

Other accrued liabilities

706

Other accrued liabilities

638

Other long-term liabilities

181

Other long-term liabilities

181

Total liabilities assumed

$

17,686

Total liabilities assumed

$

17,698

Identifiable net assets acquired

$

70,413

Identifiable net assets acquired

$

71,397

Goodwill

20,587

Goodwill

19,603

Net assets acquired

$

91,000

Net assets acquired

$

91,000

The Company preliminarily recorded acquired intangible assets of $27.0 million, all of which are customer related intangibles with an estimated weighted-average useful life of 13.6 years. In addition, the estimated fair value of accounts receivable acquired was $27.9 million with the gross contractual amount being $28.0 million.

The Company preliminarily recorded acquired intangible assets of $27.0 million, all of which are customer related intangibles with an estimated weighted-average useful life of 13.6 years.

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the acquisition, and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The amount allocated to goodwill associated with the Specialty Plastics acquisition is primarily the result of anticipated synergies and market expansion.

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the acquisition, and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The amount allocated to goodwill associated with the Specialty Plastics acquisition is primarily the result of anticipated synergies and market expansion.

The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Specialty Plastics acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2013:

The estimated fair value of accounts receivable acquired was $27.9 million with the gross contractual amount being $28.1 million.

Net sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from the Specialty Plastics acquisition included in the Company’s results since the July 1, 2014 acquisition are as follows:

Three months ended

November 30,

July 1, 2014 to

2013

August 31, 2014

Unaudited

(In thousands)

(In thousands, except per

Net sales

$

25,351

share data)

Income before taxes

$

1,644

Net sales

$

624,872

Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.

$

1,475

Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.

$

16,075

Income before taxes for the Specialty Plastics acquisition from July 1, 2014 to August 31, 2014 includes pretax depreciation and amortization costs of $0.6 million due to the increased estimated fair value of fixed assets and intangibles, and $0.6 million of pretax purchase accounting inventory step-up charges.

Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted

$

0.55

The following table summarizes the Company’s other business acquisitions for the periods presented:

The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Specialty Plastics acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2012:

Transaction Description

Date of Transaction

Purchase

Segment

For the Years Ended

Consideration

August 31,

(In millions)

2014

2013

Perrite Group

September 2, 2013

$

51.3

EMEA and APAC

Unaudited

A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France

(In thousands, except per share data)

Network Polymers, Inc.

2-Dec-13

$

49.2

USCAN

Net sales

$

2,580,646

$

2,289,719

An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a leading single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys

Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.

$

65,639

$

33,480

Prime Colorants

December 31, 2013

$

15.1

USCAN

Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.—diluted

$

2.24

$

1.14

A Tennessee manufacturer of custom color and additive concentrates

The pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the acquisition, such as increased depreciation and amortization expense on assets included in the Specialty Plastics acquisition resulting from the valuation of assets acquired and increased interest expense due to additional borrowings to fund the acquisition. The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the planned integration of the acquired business. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed as of September 1, 2012, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the Company.

Compco Pty. Ltd.

2-Sep-14

$

6.7

APAC

Elian SAS

A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia

On January 31, 2012, the Company acquired all of the issued share capital of Elian SAS (“Elian”), a French portfolio company of British Vita plc, for $66.5 million, which included the repayment of $4.3 million in debt. The results of Elian’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

The Company incurred $1.1 million and $0.6 million of acquisition and integration related costs, primarily included in selling, general & administrative expenses, during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Elian provides specialty formulated color concentrates to over 1,000 customers in end markets such as packaging, cosmetics, personal hygiene, healthcare, and pipes and tubing products that require demanding specifications. Elian offers superior quality, technology and responsiveness to its diversified customer base. The acquisition of Elian moved the Company into France’s color masterbatch market and improved the Company’s product mix in the EMEA region.

Net sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from Elian included in the Company’s results in the year of acquisition are as follows:

January 31, 2012

to August 31, 2012

(In thousands)

Net sales

$

20,306

Income before taxes

$

640

Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.

$

402

Income before taxes for Elian from January 31, 2012 to August 31, 2012 includes pretax depreciation and amortization costs of $2.3 million due to the increased value of fixed assets and intangibles, and $0.7 million of pretax purchase accounting inventory step-up charges.

The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the acquisition of Elian occurred as of September 1, 2011:

Year ended

August 31, 2012

Unaudited

(In thousands, except

per share data)

Net sales

$

2,097,043

Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.

$

52,423

Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.—diluted

$

1.77

The pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the acquisition, such as increased depreciation and amortization expense on assets acquired from Elian resulting from the valuation of assets acquired, increased interest expense due to additional borrowings to fund the acquisition of Elian partially offset by the repayment of Elian debt, and decreased interest income from lower cash levels which were also used to fund the acquisition. The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the planned integration of Elian. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed as of September 1, 2011, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the consolidated Company.

Other Business Transactions

The following table summarizes the Company’s other business transactions for the periods presented as well as the Compco Pty. Ltd. acquisition completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2015:

Transaction Description

Date of Transaction

Purchase

Segment

Consideration

(In millions)

ECM Plastics, Inc.

September 4, 2012

$

36.8

USCAN

A Massachusetts producer of custom color, specialty additive masterbatch and niche engineered plastics products, with a strong presence in personal care and cosmetics

Perrite Group

2-Sep-13

$

51.3

EMEA and

APAC

A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France

Network Polymers, Inc.

2-Dec-13

$

49.2

USCAN

An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a leading single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys

Prime Colorants

December 31, 2013

$

15.1

USCAN

A Tennessee manufacturer of custom color and additive concentrates

Compco Pty. Ltd.

2-Sep-14

$

6.7

APAC

A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia.

The Company incurred $6.0 million and $2.7 million of acquisition related costs, primarily included in selling, general & administrative expenses, during fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Text Block]	3 Months Ended																			12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014																			Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Text Block]	-3	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS																		NOTE 4 —  GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes in the Company’s carrying value of goodwill are as follows:																			The changes in the Company’s carrying value of goodwill are as follows:
			EMEA			USCAN			LATAM			APAC			Total						EMEA		USCAN			LATAM			APAC		Total
			(In thousands)																		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014		$	85,957		$	102,735		$	12,944		$	663		$	202,299				Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	68,540	$	46,525		$	13,288		$	—	$	128,353
	Acquisitions			(80	)		1,064			—			407			1,391				Acquisitions		—		9,921			—			—		9,921
	Translation and other			(4,556	)		—			(404	)		(81	)		(5,041	)			Translation and other		1,726		—			(474	)		—		1,252
	Balance as of November 30, 2014		$	81,321		$	103,799		$	12,540		$	989		$	198,649				Balance as of August 31, 2013		70,266		56,446			12,814			—		139,526
																				Acquisitions		14,015		46,289			—			637		60,941
	Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the acquisition, and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized.																			Translation and other		1,676		—			130			26		1,832
	Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis in the fourth quarter and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
	The Company completed its annual impairment review of goodwill as of June 1, 2014 and noted no impairment. Management uses judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative analysis or a quantitative fair value measurement approach that combines the income and market valuation techniques for each of the Company’s reporting units that carry goodwill. These valuation techniques use estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the determination of appropriate market comparables, projected future cash flows (including timing and profitability), discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rate, and projected future economic and market conditions.																			Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	85,957	$	102,735		$	12,944		$	663	$	202,299
	The Company is not aware of any triggers which would require a goodwill impairment test as of November 30, 2014.
	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category:																			The increase in goodwill during fiscal 2014 is due to the Perrite Group, Network Polymers, Inc., Prime Colorants and Specialty Plastics acquisitions. Goodwill associated with the Perrite Group transaction is included in the EMEA and APAC segments and none of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. Goodwill associated with both the Network Polymers and Prime Colorants transactions is included in the USCAN segment and is deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill associated with the Specialty Plastics acquisition is included in the USCAN and EMEA segments and is deductible for income tax purposes. The increase in goodwill during fiscal 2013 was due to the acquisition of ECM Plastics, Inc. in the USCAN segment and the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
																				The Company completed its annual impairment review of goodwill as of June 1, 2014 and noted no impairment. The Company is not aware of any triggers which would require a goodwill impairment test as of August 31, 2014.
																				The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category:
			November 30, 2014									August 31, 2014
			Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			As of August 31, 2014								As of August 31, 2013
			Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount			Gross		Accumulated			Net Carrying			Gross		Accumulated			Net Carrying
			(In thousands)																		Carrying		Amortization			Amount			Carrying		Amortization			Amount
	Customer related		$	136,295		$	(30,741	)	$	105,554		$	139,990		$	(29,088	)	$	110,902		Amount								Amount
	Developed technology			19,106			(7,191	)		11,915			19,603			(6,914	)		12,689		(In thousands)
	Registered trademarks and tradenames			20,061			(6,042	)		14,019			20,945			(5,902	)		15,043	Customer related	$	139,990	$	(29,088	)	$	110,902		$	85,129	$	(19,605	)	$	65,524
																				Developed technology		19,603		(6,914	)		12,689			19,641		(5,156	)		14,485
	Total finite-lived intangible assets		$	175,462		$	(43,974	)	$	131,488		$	180,538		$	(41,904	)	$	138,634	Registered trademarks and tradenames		20,945		(5,902	)		15,043			15,991		(4,113	)		11,878
	Foreign currency translation reduced the gross carrying amount of intangible assets by $5.1 million from August 31, 2014 to November 30, 2014. Amortization expense of intangible assets was $3.4 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.																			Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	180,538	$	(41,904	)	$	138,634		$	120,761	$	(28,874	)	$	91,887
																				The increase in intangible assets from August 31, 2013 is due to the fiscal 2014 acquisitions. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $13.0 million, $10.3 million and $8.7 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted-average useful life of our finite-lived intangible assets as of August 31, 2014 is 12.5 years.
																				Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows:
																					Estimated Future
																					Amortization Expense
																					(In thousands)
																				Year ended August 31,
																				2015	$	16,594
																				2016		15,301
																				2017		14,615
																				2018		14,028
																				2019		13,123

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	3 Months Ended																		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014																		Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	-4	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT																	NOTE 6 —  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:																		The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
			November 30, 2014								August 31, 2014									August 31, 2014								August 31, 2013
			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
			(In thousands)																	(In thousands)
	Assets recorded at fair value:																		Assets recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	1,610	$	—	$	1,610	$	—	$	713	$	—	$	713	$	—	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	713	$	—	$	713	$	—	$	151	$	—	$	151	$	—
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:																		Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	1,718	$	—	$	1,718	$	—	$	557	$	—	$	557	$	—	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	557	$	—	$	557	$	—	$	1,224	$	—	$	1,224	$	—
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:																		Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate debt		$	55,201	$	—	$	55,201	$	—	$	58,882	$	—	$	58,882	$	—	Long-term fixed-rate debt	$	58,882	$	—	$	58,882	$	—	$	63,460	$	—	$	63,460	$	—
	Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Additionally, the carrying value of the Company’s variable-rate debt approximates fair value.
	The Company measures the fair value of its foreign exchange forward contracts using an internal model. The model maximizes the use of Level 2 market observable inputs including interest rate curves, currency forward and spot prices, and credit spreads. The total contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding was $161.4 million and $118.0 million as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, respectively. The amount of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding as of the end of the period is indicative of the exposure of current balances and the forecasted change in exposures for the following quarter. Any gains or losses associated with these contracts as well as the offsetting gains or losses from the underlying assets or liabilities are included in the foreign currency transaction (gains) losses line in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts is recognized in other current assets or other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets based on the net settlement value. The foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into with credit worthy financial institutions, generally have a term of three months or less, and the Company does not hold or issue foreign exchange forward contracts for trading purposes. There were no foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedging instruments as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014.																		Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Additionally, the carrying value of the Company’s variable-rate debt approximates fair value.
	Long-term fixed-rate debt issued in Euros is recorded at cost and is presented at fair value for disclosure purposes as shown in the table above. The Level 2 fair value of the Company’s long-term fixed-rate debt was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities. As of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term fixed-rate debt recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $53.4 million and $56.4 million, 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 total contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding was $118.0 million and $138.0 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The amount of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding as of the end of the period is indicative of the exposure of current balances and the forecasted change in exposures for the following quarter. Any gains or losses associated with these contracts as well as the offsetting gains or losses from the underlying assets or liabilities are included in the foreign currency transaction (gains) losses line in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts is recognized in other current assets or other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets based on the net settlement value. The foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into with credit-worthy financial institutions, generally have a term of three months or less, and the Company does not hold or issue foreign exchange forward contracts for trading purposes. There were no foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedging instruments as of August 31, 2014 and 2013.
	For a discussion of the Company’s fair value measurement policies under the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.																		Long-term fixed-rate debt issued in Euros is recorded at cost and is presented at fair value for disclosure purposes as shown in the table above. The Level 2 fair value of the Company’s long-term fixed-rate debt was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term fixed-rate debt recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $56.4 million and $60.0 million, respectively.
																			The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during fiscal 2014, 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 years presented.
	The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during fiscal 2015, 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 periods presented.																		Additionally, the Company remeasures assets to fair value, using Level 3 measurements, as a result of the occurrence of triggering events, generally in conjunction with restructuring initiatives. For further discussion on asset impairments, refer to Note 16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.
	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 periods presented.																		There were no additional significant assets or liabilities that were remeasured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the periods presented.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014												Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	-5	INCOME TAXES											NOTE 7 — INCOME TAXES
	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates for the respective periods is as follows:												Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes is as follows:
			Three months ended November 30,											Year Ended August 31,
			2014					2013						2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands, except for %’s)											(In thousands)
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		$	6,256		35	%	$	6,019		35	%	U.S.	$	(2,426	)	$	(8,334	)	$	(4,637	)
	Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate			(2,034	)	(11.4	)		(3,794	)	(22.1	)	Foreign		74,758			62,066			71,464
	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit			1,430		8			1,785		10.4
	U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit			539		3			473		2.8		Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	72,332		$	53,732		$	66,827
	U.S. income with no tax			(2,091	)	(11.7	)		—		—
	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions			49		0.3			56		0.3
	Other			337		1.9			29		0.2		The provisions for U.S. and foreign income taxes consist of the following:
	Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes		$	4,486		25.1	%	$	4,568		26.6	%
														Year Ended August 31,
	The effective tax rates for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013 are less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate primarily because of the Company’s overall foreign tax rates being less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended November 30, 2014 as compared with the same period in the prior year was driven primarily by a decrease in U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit combined with U.S. income in the current period with no tax as a result of an offsetting decrease in the U.S. valuation allowance.													2014			2013			2012
	As of November 30, 2014, the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $3.6 million. If recognized, $2.8 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company reports interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of November 30, 2014, the Company had $0.9 million of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits.													(In thousands)
	The Company’s statute of limitations is open in various jurisdictions as follows: Germany—from 2005 onward, France—from 2010 onward, U.S.—from 2011 onward, Belgium—from 2012 onward, other foreign jurisdictions—from 2009 onward.												Current taxes:
	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.												U.S.	$	435		$	214		$	228
													Foreign		19,794			23,210			22,927
													Total current tax expense (benefit)		20,229			23,424			23,155
													Deferred taxes:
													U.S.		589			213			16
													Foreign		(2,276	)		(3,904	)		(9,253	)
													Total deferred tax expense (benefit)		(1,687	)		(3,691	)		(9,237	)
													Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	18,542		$	19,733		$	13,918
													A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates of 25.7% in 2014, 36.7% in 2013, and 20.8% in 2012 is as follows:
														Year Ended August 31,
														2014						2013						2012
														Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of
																	Pretax						Pretax						Pretax
																	Income						Income						Income
														(In thousands, except for %s)
													U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	25,316			35	%	$	18,806			35	%	$	23,389			35	%
													Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		(13,602	)		(18.8	)		(9,189	)		(17.1	)		(11,373	)		(17.0	)
													U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit		4,899			6.8			5,826			10.8			1,291			1.9
													U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit		3,010			4.2			1,704			3.2			1,029			1.5
													Valuation allowance charges		—			—			2,361			4.4			(2,380	)		(3.6	)
													Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions		(121	)		(0.2	)		(84	)		(0.2	)		1,718			2.6
													Other		(960	)		(1.3	)		309			0.6			244			0.4
													Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	$	18,542			25.7	%	$	19,733			36.7	%	$	13,918			20.8	%
													Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) consist of the following:
														As of August 31,
														2014			2013
														(In thousands)
													Pensions	$	20,890		$	12,751
													Inventory reserves		1,549			1,136
													Bad debt reserves		1,337			1,040
													Accruals		7,095			4,831
													Postretirement benefits other than pensions		6,185			5,293
													Depreciation		2,733			2,036
													Foreign net operating loss carryforwards		16,417			14,396
													Foreign tax credit carryforwards		502			28,111
													Alternative minimum tax carryforwards		3,893			4,452
													Interest carryforwards		3,214			10,113
													Other		17,929			13,898
													Gross deferred tax assets		81,744			98,057
													Valuation allowance		(21,716	)		(23,252	)
													Total deferred tax assets		60,028			74,805
													Depreciation		(19,897	)		(17,232	)
													Intangibles		(25,927	)		(25,465	)
													Unremitted foreign earnings		—			(26,050	)
													Other		(1,554	)		(1,245	)
													Gross deferred tax liabilities		(47,378	)		(69,992	)
													Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	12,650		$	4,813
												The valuation allowance covers benefits which are not likely to be utilized for foreign tax credit carryforwards and other deferred tax assets primarily in the United States, Brazil and Germany.
												As of August 31, 2014, the Company has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $50.4 million resulting in a deferred tax asset of $16.4 million, primarily from countries with unlimited carryforward periods.
												As of August 31, 2014, the Company has domestic state and local net operating loss carryforwards of $33.5 million resulting in a deferred tax asset of $1.3 million offset by a corresponding valuation allowance. These net operating loss carryforwards expire in years 2015 to 2023.
												The Company has $3.7 million in foreign tax credit carryforwards that will expire in 2019. The amount of foreign tax credit carryforwards shown in the table above has been reduced by unrealized stock compensation attributes of $3.2 million. During 2014, the Company utilized approximately $27.6 million in foreign tax credit carryforwards primarily related to a large distribution from Europe. In 2013, a deferred tax liability of $25.5 million was recorded for the expected tax impact of this 2014 distribution along with a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance of $25.5 million against the foreign tax credit carryforwards.
												In recent years, the Company’s U.S. operations have generated federal tax net operating losses, before considering dividend income from foreign subsidiaries. Such net operating losses are offset against the foreign dividend income, which would otherwise generate U.S. taxable income. The dividend income from foreign subsidiaries also generates foreign tax credits, which either partially offset the tax on any U.S. taxable income remaining after the offset of the net operating losses, or are carried forward. The net effect of foreign dividends received from foreign countries is to place the Company into a position in which it does not generate net operating loss carryforwards for its U.S. operating losses.
												The tax effect of temporary differences included in prepaid expenses and other current assets was $8.4 million and $5.7 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Deferred charges included $29.3 million and $22.0 million from the tax effect of temporary differences at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The tax effect of temporary differences included in other accrued liabilities was $1.2 million and $1.7 million at August, 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
												As of August 31, 2014, the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $3.8 million. If recognized $3.0 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate. The company elects to report interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. At August 31, 2014, the Company had $0.9 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, U.S.—from 2011 onward, Belgium—from 2012 onward, other foreign jurisdictions—from 2009 onward.
												The amount of unrecognized tax benefits is expected to change in the next 12 months; however, the change is not expected to have a significant impact on the financial position of the Company.
												A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
													Year Ended August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Beginning balance	$	4,986		$	6,877		$	4,716
												Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(576	)		(1,165	)		(390	)
												Increases related to prior year tax positions		—			11			2,360
												Increases related to current year tax positions		512			308			627
												Settlements		(38	)		(1,077	)		—
												Lapse of statute of limitations		(1,040	)		(228	)		4
												Foreign currency impact		1			260			(440	)
												Ending balance	$	3,845		$	4,986		$	6,877
												As of August 31, 2014, no taxes have been provided on the undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries amounting to $442.6 million because the Company intends to permanently reinvest these earnings. Quantification of the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings is not practicable.

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014								Aug. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS	-6	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS							NOTE 8 —  PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below:								The Company has defined benefit pension plans that cover employees primarily in its foreign subsidiaries, and other postretirement benefit plans that primarily include health care and life insurance plans in the U.S. Benefits for the defined benefit pension plans are based primarily on years of service and qualifying compensation during the final years of employment. The measurement date for all plans is August 31.
									Postretirement health care and life insurance benefits are provided to certain U.S. employees that have met certain age and length of service requirements while working for the Company. The U.S. postretirement health care and life insurance (“OPEB”) plan is closed to new participants.
			Three months ended November 30,						Components of the plan obligations and assets, the recorded liability and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) are as follows:
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Defined benefit pension plans:									Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement
	Service cost		$	1,254		$	948									Benefits
	Interest cost			1,168			1,334			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Expected return on plan assets			(471	)		(444	)		(In thousands)
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net			786			349		Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	(133,866	)	$	(124,948	)	$	(11,372	)	$	(13,556	)
									Service cost		(3,795	)		(3,838	)		(5	)		(14	)
	Net periodic pension benefit cost		$	2,737		$	2,187		Interest cost		(5,413	)		(4,779	)		(491	)		(450	)
									Participant contributions		(228	)		(246	)		(62	)		(105	)
	Other postretirement benefit plan:								Actuarial gains (losses)		(34,191	)		448			(1,271	)		1,994
	Service cost		$	1		$	1		Settlement (gains) losses		328			—			—			—
	Interest cost			110			123		Benefits paid		3,928			3,921			1,010			1,059
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net			(135	)		(139	)	Business combinations		(131	)		—			—			—
									Curtailment gains (losses)		—			—			—			(358	)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)		$	(24	)	$	(15	)	Contractual termination benefits		—			—			—			—
									Plan amendments		(117	)		(459	)		—			58
									Translation adjustment		(498	)		(3,965	)		—			—
									Benefit obligation at end of year	$	(173,983	)	$	(133,866	)	$	(12,191	)	$	(11,372	)
									Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	32,417		$	30,190		$	—		$	—
									Actual return on assets		6,009			1,043			—			—
									Employer contributions		5,073			4,601			948			954
									Participant contributions		228			246			62			105
									Benefits paid		(3,928	)		(3,921	)		(1,010	)		(1,059	)
									Translation adjustment		1,105			258			—			—
									Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	40,904		$	32,417		$	—		$	—
									Underfunded	$	(133,079	)	$	(101,449	)	$	(12,191	)	$	(11,372	)
									Classification of net amount recognized:
									Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	$	(3,130	)	$	(2,850	)	$	(880	)	$	(880	)
									Long-term liabilities		(129,949	)		(98,599	)		(11,311	)		(10,492	)
									Net amount recognized	$	(133,079	)	$	(101,449	)	$	(12,191	)	$	(11,372	)
									Amounts recognized in AOCI:
									Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	57,632		$	29,434		$	(79	)	$	(1,368	)
									Net prior service cost (credit)		430			323			(1,982	)		(2,523	)
									Net amount recognized in AOCI	$	58,062		$	29,757		$	(2,061	)	$	(3,891	)
									Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI:
									Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	30,002		$	(101	)	$	1,271		$	(1,994	)
									Prior service cost (credit)		117			459			—			(58	)
									Amortization of net actuarial loss		(1,373	)		(1,438	)		18			—
									Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		(24	)		(505	)		541			540
									Settlement/curtailment gains (losses)		(214	)		—			—			25
									Translation adjustment		(203	)		853			—			—
									Total change in AOCI	$	28,305		$	(732	)	$	1,830		$	(1,487	)
									The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
										Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
										Year Ended August 31,									Year Ended August 31,
										2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
										(In thousands)
									Service cost	$	3,795		$	3,838		$	2,759		$	5		$	14		$	28
									Interest cost		5,413			4,779			5,099			491			450			607
									Expected return on plan assets		(1,819	)		(1,485	)		(1,298	)		—			—			—
									Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		24			505			48			(541	)		(540	)		(731	)
									Recognized losses due to plan settlements		214			—			—			—			—			—
									Contractual termination benefits		—			—			79			—			—			—
									Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments		—			—			(310	)		—			333			—
									Recognized net actuarial loss		1,373			1,438			468			(18	)		—			171
									Total net periodic benefit cost	$	9,000		$	9,075		$	6,845		$	(63	)	$	257		$	75
									Amounts expected to be amortized from AOCI and included in total net periodic benefit cost during the year ended August 31, 2015, are as follows:
										Pension			Other
										Benefits			Postretirement
										Benefits
									(In thousands)
								Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	3,225		$	—
								Prior service cost (credit)		38			(541	)
								Total	$	3,263		$	(541	)
								Selected information regarding the Company’s pension and OPEB plans is as follows:
									As of August 31,
									2014			2013
									(In thousands)
								Pension Plans:
								All plans:
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	154,788		$	119,761
								Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
								Projected benefit obligation	$	173,983		$	133,806
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	154,788		$	119,717
								Fair value of plan assets	$	40,904		$	32,353
								Plans with projected benefit obligations less than plan assets:
								Projected benefit obligation	$	—		$	60
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	—		$	44
								Fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	64
								OPEB Plan:
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	12,191		$	11,372
								Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
								Projected benefit obligation	$	12,191		$	11,372
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	12,191		$	11,372
								Fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—
								The underfunded position of the pension plans is primarily related to the Company’s German and United Kingdom pension plans. As of August 31, 2014, the Company’s German and United Kingdom pension plans are underfunded by $120.0 million. In Germany, there are no statutory requirements for funding while in the United Kingdom there are certain statutory minimum funding requirements.
								Actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the recorded liability are as follows:
								Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :	2014			2013			2012
								Discount rate on pension plans		2.8	%		4	%		3.8	%
								Discount rate on other postretirement obligation		3.8	%		4.5	%		3.5	%
								Rate of compensation increase		2.4	%		2.4	%		2.2	%
								Actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the recorded benefit expense are as follows:
								Weighted — Average Assumptions for the year ended August 31 :	2014			2013			2012
								Discount rate on pension plans		4	%		3.8	%		4.9	%
								Discount rate on other postretirement obligation		4.5	%		3.5	%		4.5	%
								Return on pension plan assets		5.2	%		5.1	%		6.4	%
								Rate of compensation increase		2.4	%		2.2	%		2.5	%
								Projected health care cost trend rate		7.5	%		8	%		8	%
								Ultimate health care rate		5	%		5	%		5	%
								Year ultimate health care trend rate is achieved		2019			2019			2019
								The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, annually, or as needed for interim remeasurements, reviews and selects the discount rates to be used in connection with its defined benefit pension plans. The discount rates used by the Company are based on the yields of various corporate bond indices with actual maturity dates that approximate the estimated benefit payment streams of the related pension plans. For countries in which there are no deep corporate bond markets, discount rates used by the Company are based on yields of various government bond indices with varying maturity dates. The discount rates are also reviewed in comparison with current benchmark indices, economic market conditions and the movement in the benchmark yield since the previous fiscal year.
								The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, annually, or as needed for interim remeasurements, reviews and selects the discount rate to be used in connection with its postretirement obligation. When selecting the discount rate the Company uses a model that considers the demographics of the participants and the resulting expected benefit payment stream over the participants’ lifetime.
								For fiscal 2015, the Company, in consultation with its actuaries, has selected a weighted-average discount rate of 2.8%, expected long-term return on plan assets of 4.7% and rate of compensation increase of 2.4% for its defined benefit pension plans. For its postretirement benefit plan, the Company, in consultation with its actuaries, has selected a discount rate of 3.8% for fiscal 2015.
								Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the OPEB plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of August 31, 2014:
									One-Percentage -			One-Percentage -
									Point Increase			Point Decrease
									(In thousands)
								Effect on aggregate of service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	48		$	(41	)
								Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$	1,209		$	(1,045	)
								The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocation and target allocation, by asset category are as follows:
									Plan Assets						Target
															Allocation
									As of						As of
									August 31,						August 31,
								Asset Category	2014			2013			2014			2013
								Equity securities		27	%		25	%		22	%		23	%
								Debt securities		24	%		15	%		12	%		13	%
								Fixed insurance contracts		45	%		39	%		58	%		31	%
								Cash		4	%		21	%		8	%		33	%
								Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
								The Company’s principal objective is to ensure that sufficient funds are available to provide benefits as and when required under the terms of the plans. The Company utilizes investments that provide benefits and maximizes the long-term investment performance of the plans without taking on undue risk while complying with various legal funding requirements. The Company, through its investment advisors, has developed detailed asset and liability models to aid in implementing optimal asset allocation strategies. The equity securities are invested in equity indexed funds, which minimizes concentration risk while offering market returns. The debt securities are invested in a long-term bond indexed fund which provides a stable low risk return. The fixed insurance contracts allow the Company to closely match a portion of the liability to the expected payout of benefit with little risk. The Company, in consultation with its actuaries, analyzes current market trends, the current plan performance and expected market performance of both the equity and bond markets to arrive at the expected return on each asset category over the long term. The Company’s plan assets which are invested in equity and debt securities are valued utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. In consultation with the Company’s actuaries, plan assets invested in fixed insurance contracts are valued utilizing Level 3 inputs primarily based on the present value of discounted future cash flows taking into account the estimated future benefits of a profit sharing arrangement with an insurance company. The Company believes there is not a significant concentration of risk within its plan assets. During fiscal 2014, the Company determined that Level 2 was a more appropriate classification for $10.3 million of certain securities which were previously classified as Level 1. Accordingly, we have revised the presentation in the asset level table below to correct the 2013 classification.
								The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets, all of which are for foreign plans, are as follows:
									As of August 31, 2014												As of August 31, 2013
									Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
									(In thousands)
								Equity securities	$	11,081		$	6,607		$	4,474		$	—		$	8,080		$	1,328		$	6,752	$	—
								Debt securities		9,646			1,563			8,083			—			5,007			1,457			3,550		—
								Fixed insurance contracts		18,399			—			—			18,399			12,435			—			—		12,435
								Cash		1,611			1,611			—			—			6,822			6,822			—		—
								Other		167			—			—			167			73			—			—		73
								Total	$	40,904		$	9,781		$	12,557		$	18,566		$	32,417		$	9,607		$	10,302	$	12,508
								The change in fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets classified as Level 3, all of which are for foreign plans, is as follows:
									2014			2013
									(In thousands)
								Balance, beginning of fiscal year	$	12,508		$	12,013
								Actual return on plan assets		5,466			(533	)
								Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net		711			440
								Foreign currency translation		(119	)		588
								Balance, end of fiscal year	$	18,566		$	12,508
								The Company expects to contribute $5.6 million for its pension obligations and $0.9 million to its other postretirement plan in 2015. The benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are as follows:
								Year Ended August 31,	Pension			OPEB
									Benefits			Benefits
									(In thousands)
								2015	$	4,263		$	890
								2016		4,335			859
								2017		5,214			860
								2018		4,837			839
								2019		5,244			858
								Years 2020 —  2024		29,849			4,001
								The Company maintains several defined contribution plans that cover domestic and foreign employees. The plan in which each employee is eligible to participate depends upon the subsidiary for which the employee works. Certain plans have eligibility requirements related to age and period of service with the Company. Certain plans have salary deferral features that enable participating employees to contribute up to a certain percentage of their earnings, subject to statutory limits and certain foreign plans require the Company to match employee contributions in cash. Employee contributions to the Company’s U.S. 401(k) plans have matching features whereas the Company will match a participant’s contribution up to a pre-approved amount of the participant’s annual salary. The total expense for defined contribution plans was $3.0 million, $2.7 million and $3.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	-7	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows:
			Common		Additional		Accumulated			Retained			Treasury			Non-controlling			Total
			Stock ($1		Paid-In		Other			Earnings			Stock			Interests			Equity
			par value)		Capital		Comprehensive
							Income (Loss)
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Balance as of September 1, 2014		$	48,185	$	268,545	$	(16,691	)	$	606,898		$	(379,894	)	$	9,408		$	536,451
	Comprehensive income (loss)							(25,255	)		13,158						196			(11,901	)
	Cash dividends paid, $0.205 per share										(5,962	)								(5,962	)
	Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests																(1,750	)		(1,750	)
	Purchase of treasury stock													(3,335	)					(3,335	)
	Issuance of treasury stock					24								30						54
	Stock options exercised			1		16														17
	Amortization of restricted stock					1,233														1,233
	Balance as of November 30, 2014		$	48,186	$	269,818	$	(41,946	)	$	614,094		$	(383,199	)	$	7,854		$	514,807

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	-8	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows(1):
			Foreign Currency			Pension and Other			Total Accumulated
			Translation Gain			Retiree Benefits(2)			Other Comprehensive
			(Loss)						Income (Loss)
			(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014		$	22,786		$	(39,477	)	$	(16,691	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(25,615	)		—			(25,615	)
	Amounts reclassified to earnings			—			336	(3)		336
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			(25,615	)		336			(25,279	)
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(24	)		—			(24	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.			(25,591	)		336			(25,255	)
	Balance as of November 30, 2014		$	(2,805	)	$	(39,141	)	$	(41,946	)
			Foreign Currency			Pension and Other			Total Accumulated
			Translation Gain			Retiree Benefits(2)			Other
			(Loss)						Comprehensive
									Income (Loss)
			(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013		$	17,712		$	(17,030	)	$	682
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			12,753			—			12,753
	Amounts reclassified to earnings			(885	)(4)		119	(3)		(766	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			11,868			119			11,987
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(30	)		—			(30	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.			11,898			119			12,017
	Balance as of November 30, 2013		$	29,610		$	(16,911	)	$	12,699
		(1)	All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
		-2	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
		-3	Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs.
		-4	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.

SHAREBASED_INCENTIVE_COMPENSAT

SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS	-9	SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS	NOTE 10 — SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS
	For a discussion of the Company’s share-based incentive compensation plans, refer to Note 10 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015. The Company did not grant any restricted stock awards during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013.		On December 7, 2006, the Company adopted the 2006 Incentive Plan, which provides for the grant of various stock-based incentive compensation awards. Upon adoption of the 2006 Incentive Plan, all remaining shares eligible for award under a previous plan were added to the 2006 Incentive Plan. On December 9, 2010, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the A. Schulman, Inc. 2010 Value Creation Rewards Plan (“2010 Rewards Plan”) which also provides for similar grants. It has been the Company’s practice to issue new shares of common stock upon stock option exercise and the vesting of awards under these plans. As of August 31, 2014, there were 524,749 shares and 22,949 shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan and the 2010 Rewards Plan, respectively. The restricted stock awards outstanding under these plans have service vesting periods of three years following the date of grant. Also, certain of these awards have market or performance vesting conditions.
	The Company recorded share-based incentive compensation expense of $1.3 million during each of the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013. These amounts are primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.		The following table summarizes the activity of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards:
	On December 12, 2014, both the Compensation Committee and all of the independent members of the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously approved the accelerated vesting upon retirement of the outstanding equity compensation awards previously granted to Joseph M. Gingo in 2013 and 2014 in lieu of the pro rata vesting otherwise required under the terms of the awards. As a result, the Company expects to recognize a one-time charge of approximately $5.8 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 for such accelerated vesting. Awards granted in 2012 will vest pursuant to their grant terms and conditions on January 12, 2015.
					Awards Outstanding						Weighted-Average
											Fair Market Value
											(per share)
					Time-			Performance-			Time-			Performance-
					Based			Based			Based			Based
			Outstanding at August 31, 2013			133,359			1,081,585		$	25.2		$	20.41
			Granted			42,138			315,941		$	34.42		$	34.42
			Vested			(19,405	)		(30,366	)	$	21.63		$	11.62
			Forfeited			—			(265,723	)	$	—		$	15.21
			Outstanding at August 31, 2014			156,092			1,101,437		$	28.14		$	25.93
			Time-based awards are valued at the fair market value on the date of grant, have voting rights and earn dividends throughout the vesting period which are subject to the same vesting terms as the underlying restricted stock awards. The weighted-average grant date fair value of time-based awards granted during the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $34.42, $29.18 and $22.64, respectively.
			Performance-based awards vest based on market or performance conditions and do not have voting rights. Included in the outstanding performance-based awards as of August 31, 2014 are 485,065 performance-based awards, which earn dividends throughout the vesting period, and the remaining performance-based awards which do not earn dividends. Earned dividends are subject to the same vesting terms as the underlying performance-based awards.
			The performance-based awards in the table above include 441,282 shares which vest based on market conditions and are valued based upon a Monte Carlo valuation model. Vesting of the ultimate number of shares underlying such performance-based awards, if any, will be dependent upon the Company’s total stockholder return in relation to the total stockholder return of a select group of peer companies over a three-year period. The probability of meeting the market criteria is considered when calculating the estimated fair market value using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Such awards granted prior to fiscal 2013 are accounted for as equity awards with market conditions given that recipients receive shares of stock upon vesting, and expense for these awards is recognized over the service period regardless of whether the market condition is achieved and the awards ultimately vest. Awards granted in fiscal 2013 and 2014 provide recipients an option to receive cash or shares of common stock upon vesting. As such, the fiscal 2013 and 2014 awards are accounted for as liability awards with a market condition, and the Company remeasures these awards at fair value on a quarterly basis over the service period. Expense for these awards is recognized only to the extent the market conditions are achieved and the awards ultimately vest.
			The fair values of the performance-based awards with market conditions were estimated using a Monte Carlo valuation model using the following assumptions:
					2014(a)			2013(a)			2012(b)
			Dividend yield			—	%		—	%		3	%
			Expected volatility			31	%		35	%		43	%
			Risk-free interest rate			1.03	%		0.77	%		0.42	%
			Correlation			53	%		56	%		61	%
			(a)	Assumptions as of August 31 for the respective years related to liability classified awards
			(b)	Weighted average grant date assumptions related to equity classified awards
			The fair value of the remaining 660,155 performance-based awards in the table above is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. Vesting of the ultimate number of shares underlying such performance-based awards, if any, will be dependent upon the Company’s return on invested capital (“ROIC”) in relation to an internal targeted ROIC over a three-year period.
			The weighted-average grant date fair value of the performance-based awards granted in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $34.42, $29.08 and $17.71 per share, respectively.
			A summary of stock option activity is as follows:
					Outstanding Shares			Weighted-Average
					Under Option			Exercise Price
			Outstanding at August 31, 2013			19,002		$	19.13
			Exercised			(12,167	)	$	19.06
			Forfeited and expired			(1,834	)	$	19.16
			Outstanding at August 31, 2014			5,001		$	19.29
			Exercisable at August 31, 2014			5,001		$	19.29
			The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The total intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and exercisable as of August 31, 2014 was $0.1 million with a remaining term for options outstanding and exercisable of 1 year. The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $0.2 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively. All outstanding and exercisable stock options are fully vested as of August 31, 2014. The Company did not grant stock options in fiscal years 2014, 2013 or 2012.
			Total unrecognized compensation cost, including a provision for estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements as of August 31, 2014 was $11.6 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.
			The Company made no cash payments for cash-settled restricted stock units and cash-based awards during fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2013 and 2012, the Company made payments of $0.2 million and $0.3 million for cash-settled restricted stock units and cash-based awards, respectively.
			During fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Company granted non-employee directors 23,150 shares and 27,860 shares of unrestricted common stock, respectively.
			The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) whereby employees may purchase Company stock through a payroll deduction plan. Purchases are made from the plan and credited to each participant’s account at the end of each calendar quarter (the “Investment Date”). The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the fair market value on the Investment Date. The plan is compensatory and the 15% discount is expensed ratably over the three month offering period. All employees, including officers, are eligible to participate in this plan. An employee whose stock ownership of the Company exceeds five percent of the outstanding common stock is not eligible to participate in this plan. The Company recorded minimal expense related to the ESPP during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012. It is the Company’s current practice to use treasury shares for the share settlement on the Investment Date.
			The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
					Year Ended August 31,
					2014			2013			2012
					(In thousands)
			Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards		$	7,105		$	2,454		$	3,813
			Board of Directors unrestricted awards			797			850			845
			Total share-based incentive compensation		$	7,902		$	3,304		$	4,658

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014						Aug. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	-10	EARNINGS PER SHARE					NOTE 11 — 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.						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.
	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. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts:						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. The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts:
			Three months ended November 30,					Year Ended August 31,
			2014		2013			2014		2013		2012
			(In thousands)					(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:						Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic			29,017		29,017	Basic		29,061		29,260		29,389
	Incremental shares from equity awards			451		188	Incremental shares from equity awards		301		77		160
	Diluted			29,468		29,205	Diluted		29,362		29,337		29,549
							During fiscal year 2014, there were no anti-dilutive shares related to share-based incentive compensation plans that were excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. In fiscal years 2013 and 2012, there were 21,000, and 36,000, respectively, of equivalent shares related to share-based incentive compensation plans that were excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding because inclusion of these shares would have been anti-dilutive.
							The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 1,000,000 shares of special stock. The Board of Directors may designate these shares of special stock with special designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions prior to issuance. As of August 31, 2014, no shares of special stock were issued and outstanding.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014												Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	-11	SEGMENT INFORMATION											NOTE 13 — 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 regions, which are the Company’s reportable segments effective January 1, 2015: Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), United States & Canada (“USCAN”), Latin America (“LATAM”), and Asia Pacific (“APAC”).												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 regions, which are the Company’s reportable segments effective January 1, 2015: Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), United States & Canada (“USCAN”), Latin America (“LATAM”), and Asia Pacific (“APAC”).
	The CODM uses net sales to unaffiliated customers, segment gross profit and segment operating income in order to make decisions, assess performance and allocate resources to each segment. Segment operating income does not include items such as interest income or expense, other income or expense, foreign currency transaction gains or losses, restructuring and related costs including accelerated depreciation, asset impairments, or costs and inventory step-up charges related to business acquisitions and integration. 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 CODM uses net sales to unaffiliated customers, segment gross profit and segment operating income in order to make decisions, assess performance and allocate resources to each segment. Segment operating income does not include items such as interest income or expense, other income or expense, foreign currency transaction gains or losses, restructuring and related costs including accelerated depreciation, asset impairments, or costs and inventory step-up charges related to business acquisitions. Corporate expenses include the compensation of certain personnel, certain audit expenses, Board of Directors related costs, certain insurance costs, costs associated with being a publicly traded entity and other miscellaneous legal and professional fees.
	On January 1, 2015, the Company’s new President and CEO assumed the role of CODM. Based on the new management structure and an evaluation of how the new CODM makes decisions, assesses performance and allocates resources, the Company discloses the following four reportable segments from the second quarter of fiscal 2015: EMEA, USCAN, LATAM and APAC.												On January 1, 2015, the Company’s new President and CEO assumed the role of CODM. Based on the new management structure and an evaluation of how the new CODM makes decisions, assesses performance and allocates resources, the Company discloses the following four reportable segments from the second quarter of fiscal 2015: EMEA, USCAN, LATAM and APAC.
	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:												The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:
			Three months ended November 30,											Year Ended August 31,
			2014			2013								2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)											(In thousands)
	EMEA		$	371,191		$	392,462						EMEA	$	1,577,867		$	1,405,882		$	1,403,151
	USCAN			144,707			95,940						USCAN		475,050			400,449			375,521
	LATAM			46,181			50,587						LATAM		198,313			200,375			183,389
	APAC			52,974			46,408						APAC		195,768			126,696			119,211
	Total net sales to unaffiliated customers		$	615,053		$	585,397						Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	2,446,998		$	2,133,402		$	2,081,272
	Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:												Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
			Three months ended November 30,											Year Ended August 31,
			2014			2013								2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)											(In thousands)
	EMEA		$	49,706		$	51,940						EMEA	$	206,268		$	179,242		$	175,669
	USCAN			24,629			13,750						USCAN		73,278			52,906			51,548
	LATAM			5,650			7,683						LATAM		26,239			28,409			32,734
	APAC			7,250			6,623						APAC		26,767			22,345			19,969
	Total segment gross profit			87,235			79,996						Total segment gross profit		332,552			282,902			279,920
	Inventory step-up			(341	)		(417	)					Inventory step-up		(1,468	)		(138	)		(677	)
	Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs			—			(471	)					Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs		(1,076	)		(1,585	)		—
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations			(50	)		—
													Total gross profit	$	330,008		$	281,179		$	279,243
	Total gross profit		$	86,844		$	79,108
	Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:												Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:
			Three months ended November 30,											Year Ended August 31,
			2014			2013								2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)											(In thousands)
	EMEA		$	20,039		$	20,417						EMEA	$	80,690		$	67,320		$	71,849
	USCAN			11,393			3,859						USCAN		30,418			16,643			15,441
	LATAM			595			3,505						LATAM		8,388			11,708			13,431
	APAC			3,508			3,366						APAC		12,527			12,108			10,908
	Total segment operating income			35,535			31,147						Total segment operating income		132,023			107,779			111,629
	Corporate			(7,484	)		(6,683	)					Corporate		(32,170	)		(24,926	)		(23,786	)
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations			(1,053	)		(635	)					Costs related to acquisitions		(6,021	)		(2,661	)		(1,425	)
	Restructuring and related costs			(5,579	)		(3,372	)					Restructuring and related costs		(9,618	)		(13,687	)		(9,256	)
	Accelerated depreciation			—			(108	)					Accelerated depreciation		(107	)		(1,058	)		—
	Inventory step-up			(341	)		(417	)					Asset impairment		(104	)		(1,873	)		(3,392	)
													Curtailment and settlement gains (losses)		(214	)		(333	)		310
	Operating income			21,078			19,932						Inventory step-up		(1,468	)		(138	)		(677	)
	Interest expense, net			(2,264	)		(2,129	)
	Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)			(1,099	)		(682	)					Operating income		82,321			63,103			73,403
	Other income (expense), net			159			78						Interest expense, net		(8,217	)		(7,162	)		(7,675	)
													Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)		(2,206	)		(2,426	)		(243	)
	Income from continuing operations before taxes		$	17,874		$	17,199						Other income (expense), net		434			217			1,342
													Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	72,332		$	53,732		$	66,827
	Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) custom performance colors, (2) masterbatch solutions, (3) engineered plastics, (4) specialty powders and (5) distribution services. The Company offers tolling services to customers primarily in the specialty powders product family. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:
													The following table summarizes identifiable assets by segment:
			Three months ended November 30,
			2014						2013					As of August 31,
			(In thousands, except for %’s)											2014			2013			2012
	Custom performance colors		$	48,078			8	%	$	44,941	8	%		(In thousands)
	Masterbatch solutions			202,030			33			182,903	31		Identifiable assets:
	Engineered plastics			194,516			32			180,698	31		EMEA	$	809,670		$	735,684		$	677,066
	Specialty powders			82,357			13			86,947	15		USCAN		458,109			303,553			313,935
	Distribution services			88,072			14			89,908	15		LATAM		111,126			109,885			113,028
													APAC		133,579			89,220			89,738
	Total consolidated net sales		$	615,053			100	%	$	585,397	100	%
													Total identifiable assets	$	1,512,484		$	1,238,342		$	1,193,767
	The three months ended November 30, 2013 include a reclassification of revenue between product families to better reflect the way the businesses are managed.
													The following tables summarize depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures by segment:
													Year Ended August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Depreciation and amortization expense:
												EMEA	$	21,832		$	18,072		$	17,534
												USCAN		16,522			14,471			13,800
												LATAM		4,128			5,010			3,731
												APAC		5,422			3,898			3,719
												Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	47,904		$	41,451		$	38,784
												Capital expenditures:
												EMEA	$	13,199		$	9,157		$	11,383
												USCAN		12,235			10,373			11,548
												LATAM		4,380			4,665			6,177
												APAC		5,275			2,373			4,895
												Total capital expenditures	$	35,089		$	26,568		$	34,003
												Below is a summary of net sales by point of origin and long-lived assets by location:
													Year Ended August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Net sales:
												United States	$	457,225		$	383,964		$	358,376
												Germany		548,454			536,833			571,876
												France		238,029			221,521			196,103
												Other international		1,203,290			991,084			954,917
												Total net sales	$	2,446,998		$	2,133,402		$	2,081,272
													As of August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Long lived assets:
												United States	$	95,349		$	70,197		$	76,699
												Germany		22,716			23,316			23,020
												France		22,758			21,854			22,832
												Other international		113,098			95,154			103,325
												Total long lived assets	$	253,921		$	210,521		$	225,876
												Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) custom performance colors, (2) masterbatch solutions, (3) engineered plastics, (4) specialty powders and (5) distribution services. The Company offers tolling services to customers primarily in the specialty powders product family. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:
													Year Ended August 31,
													2014						2013					2012
													(In thousands, except for %’s)
												Custom performance colors	$	186,667			8	%	$	164,128		8	%	$	125,595	6	%
												Masterbatch solutions		768,723			31			743,846		35			750,531	36
												Engineered plastics		753,347			31			559,462		26			547,090	26
												Specialty powders		350,510			14			308,620		14			314,965	16
												Distribution services		387,751			16			357,346		17			343,091	16
												Total consolidated net sales	$	2,446,998			100	%	$	2,133,402		100	%	$	2,081,272	100	%
												Fiscal 2013 and 2014 include a reclassification of revenue between product families to better reflect the way the businesses are managed.

RESTRUCTURING

RESTRUCTURING	3 Months Ended														12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014														Aug. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING	-12	RESTRUCTURING													NOTE 15 — RESTRUCTURING
	Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Plans														Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Plans
	EMEA Reorganization Plan														EMEA Reorganization Plan
	In October 2014, the Company announced actions to optimize the back-office and support functions in EMEA. The Company plans to reduce headcount in EMEA by approximately 40, with the majority of reductions expected to occur during the first half of fiscal 2015. During the three months ended November 30, 2014, the Company recorded $4.2 million of pretax employee-related costs and expects to recognize additional pretax employee-related costs of $2.7 million throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015 for this plan. As of November 30, 2014, the Company has a balance of $3.2 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur during fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed.														In October 2014, the Company announced actions to optimize the back-office and support functions in EMEA. The Company plans to reduce headcount in EMEA by approximately 40, with the majority of reductions expected to occur during the first half of fiscal 2015. The Company expects to record pretax employee-related and other restructuring costs of approximately $10 million, primarily in the first half of fiscal 2015. There were no charges recorded during fiscal 2014 related to this plan.
	North American Production Facilities Consolidation Plan														Fiscal 2013 Restructuring Plans
	In November 2014, the Company announced plans to consolidate its North American production facilities. As part of the ongoing review of its manufacturing footprint, the Company will close its plant in Stryker, Ohio in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 and shift the plant’s production to other North American facilities. The Company expects to reduce headcount by approximately 70 by the end of fiscal 2015. The Company recorded $0.6 million of pretax employee-related costs during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and expects to recognize additional pretax employee-related costs of $1.9 million throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of November 30, 2014, the Company has a balance of $0.6 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur during fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed.														Americas Reorganization Plan
	North American SG&A Reduction Plan														In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company conducted restructuring activities primarily in Mexico and Grand Junction, Tennessee to better align capacity with demand. As part of this restructuring, the Company reduced headcount in the former Americas segment by approximately 85, of which the majority of reductions occurred during fiscal 2013. The Company recorded $0.7 million and $1.5 million of pretax employee-related restructuring costs during fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, the Company expects no further charges and has no remaining accrual related to this plan as it is considered complete.
	In November 2014, the Company announced plans to reduce headcount by approximately 10, primarily in North America selling, general and administrative functions as part of its ongoing effort to drive further synergies from recent acquisitions. The Company recorded $0.2 million of pretax employee-related costs during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and expects to recognize additional pretax employee-related costs of $0.3 million throughout the remainder of fiscal 2015. As of November 30, 2014, the Company has a balance of $0.1 million accrued for this plan. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur during fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed.														Brazil Consolidation Plan
	For discussion of the Company’s previous restructuring plans, refer to Note 15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.														During fiscal 2013, the Company initiated restructuring activities to consolidate two of its three existing leased manufacturing facilities in Brazil. In fiscal 2014, manufacturing activities at two facilities in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil were relocated to a new facility. The Company offered eligible associates the ability to transfer from the two existing manufacturing facilities to the new facility. As a result of this consolidation, the Company reduced headcount in Brazil by approximately 55 in fiscal 2013, partially offset by the addition of approximately 35 associates at the Company’s new manufacturing facility, including associate transfers and new hires. The Company recorded $3.1 million and $1.6 million of pretax employee-related and other restructuring costs during fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, the Company recorded $0.1 million and $0.7 million of accelerated depreciation included in cost of sales during fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, the Company has a balance of $0.1 million related to this plan and expects to recognize minimal additional pretax employee-related and other cash charges during fiscal 2015. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s restructuring plans:
															EMEA Reorganization Plan
															In fiscal 2013, the Company executed restructuring activities to better reflect its current business footprint and customer needs in the challenging economic environment in Europe. As part of this restructuring, the EMEA regional team reduced headcount by approximately 45, of which the majority of the reductions occurred in fiscal 2013. The Company recorded $0.6 million and $6.4 million of pretax employee-related restructuring costs during fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, the Company has a balance of $0.3 million accrued for employee-related costs related to this plan. The Company expects to recognize minimal additional pretax employee-related cash charges during fiscal 2015. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2016 as the plan is completed.
			Employee -			Other Costs			Translation			Total			Bellevue, Ohio Facility Plan
			related Costs						Effect			Restructuring			In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company sold its Bellevue, Ohio facility to continue its focus on higher-value technical products. As part of this sale, the Company recorded minimal charges related to this plan during fiscal 2014 and $0.3 million of pretax employee-related costs and other restructuring expenses in fiscal 2013. Additionally, the Company recorded $0.4 million of accelerated depreciation associated with this plan during fiscal 2013. The Company expects no further charges and has no remaining accrual as of August 31, 2014 related to this plan as it is considered complete.
												Costs			Fiscal 2012 Restructuring Plans
			(In thousands)												Masterbatch Reorganization Plan
	Accrual balance as of August 31, 2014		$	1,745		$	371		$	(304	)	$	1,812		Effective September 1, 2012 the masterbatch product family was split into two separate product families, Custom Performance Colors and Masterbatch Solutions. As a result, the Company reduced headcount in the EMEA and APAC segments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company recorded $0.4 million in fiscal 2014, minimal charges related to this plan during fiscal 2013 and $2.3 million of pretax employee-related restructuring costs in fiscal 2012, of which the majority was related to the EMEA segment. As of August 31, 2014, the Company has a balance of $1.2 million accrued related to the EMEA segment for employee-related costs and expects minimal charges related to this plan to be recognized in fiscal 2015. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2016 as the plan is completed.
	Fiscal 2015 charges			4,907			312			—			5,219		EMEA Operations and Back-Office Plan
	Fiscal 2015 payments			(1,419	)		(328	)		—			(1,747	)	In November 2011, the Company initiated a restructuring plan of EMEA’s operations and back-office functions to better leverage savings from its Shared Service Center located in Belgium. As part of this plan, the Company reduced headcount in EMEA by approximately 50, and the majority of the reductions occurred in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2012. The Company recorded minimal charges during fiscal 2014 and $0.3 million and $4.7 million of pretax employee-related restructuring expense during fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, the Company has a balance of $0.1 million accrued for employee-related costs related to this plan and expects minimal employee-related charges during fiscal 2015. Cash payments associated with this plan are expected to occur through fiscal 2015 as the plan is completed.
	Translation			—			—			(133	)		(133	)	Fiscal 2011 Restructuring Plans
															During fiscal 2012, the Company recognized charges of $1.6 million and $0.5 million related to the former Americas Engineered Plastics and Italy plans, respectively, which are considered complete.
	Accrual balance as of November 30, 2014		$	5,233		$	355		$	(437	)	$	5,151
															Consolidated Restructuring Summary
	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows:														The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s restructuring plans:
			Three months ended November 30,													Employee-			Other			Translation			Total
			2014			2013										related			Costs			Effect			Restructuring
			(In thousands)													Costs									Costs
	EMEA		$	4,274		$	501									(In thousands)
	USCAN			762			67								Accrual balance as of August 31, 2012		3,524			381			(539	)		3,366
	LATAM			183			1,145								Fiscal 2013 charges		8,669			1,831			—			10,500
	APAC			—			65								Fiscal 2013 payments		(6,747	)		(1,812	)		—			(8,559	)
															Translation		—			—			42			42
	Total restructuring expense		$	5,219		$	1,778
															Accrual balance as of August 31, 2013	$	5,446		$	400		$	(497	)	$	5,349
															Fiscal 2014 charges		2,223			2,660			—			4,883
															Fiscal 2014 payments		(5,924	)		(2,689	)		—			(8,613	)
															Translation		—			—			193			193
															Accrual balance as of August 31, 2014	$	1,745		$	371		$	(304	)	$	1,812
															Restructuring costs are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows:
																Year Ended August 31,
																2014			2013			2012
																(In thousands)
															EMEA	$	1,000		$	6,704		$	7,531
															USCAN		754			1,376			1,603
															LATAM	$	3,053		$	2,240		$	—
															APAC		76			180			122
															Total	$	4,883		$	10,500		$	9,256

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	-13	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 17 — 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 or financial position 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.		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 or financial position 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.		Reserves are established for legal claims only when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, it is not considered probable that a liability has been incurred or not possible to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case no reserve would be recognized until that time.
	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, 2014.

SHARE_REPURCHASE_PROGRAM

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM	-14	SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM	NOTE 18 — SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
	For a discussion of the Company’s Share Repurchase programs, refer to Note 18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.		On April 3, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $55 million of its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and other conditions (the “Program”). Repurchases under the Program may take place over a three-year period ending April 2, 2017, when the Program is scheduled to expire. During fiscal 2014, the Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock under the Program, which may be modified, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time. The Program replaces the Company’s previous share repurchase program, which was authorized on April 1, 2011 and expired on March 31, 2014.
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 109,422 shares of common stock at an average price of $30.46 per share for a total cost of $3.3 million. As of November 30, 2014, shares valued at $51.7 million remain authorized for repurchase. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 40,327 shares of common stock at an average price of $27.68 per share for a total cost of $1.1 million.		In fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 40,327 shares of common stock under the previous share repurchase program at an average price of $27.68 per share for a total cost of $1.1 million. In total under the previous program, the Company acquired 2,192,612 shares at an average price of $20.33 per share.

ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENTS

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	-15	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“the FASB”) issued new accounting guidance that requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, including interim periods. Early application is permitted. The standard is not anticipated to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, 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, 2016, including interim periods, and the Company will adopt the new guidance on September 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to reporting discontinued operations that changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014 on a prospective basis, including interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	No other new accounting pronouncements issued or with effective dates during fiscal 2015 had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014							Aug. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	-16	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS						NOTE 19 — DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	The Company completed the sale of all of the fixed and intangible assets of its rotational compounding business in Australia for $3.0 million on September 3, 2013. The operating results for this business were previously included in the Company’s specialty powders product family within the APAC segment.							The Company completed the sale of all of the fixed and intangible assets of its rotational compounding business in Australia for $3.0 million on September 3, 2013. The operating results for this business were previously included in the Company’s specialty powders product family within the APAC segment. The assets and liabilities of this business were classified as held for sale in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2013 and included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other accrued liabilities, respectively.
	The following summarizes select financial information included in income (loss) from discontinued operations:							The following summarizes select financial information included in net earnings from discontinued operations:
			Three months ended November 30,						Year ended August 31,
			2014			2013			2014		2013			2012
			(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Net sales		$	—		$	1,288	Net sales	$	1,372	$	30,009		$	25,482
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(10	)	$	2,655	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	3,202	$	(6,671	)	$	(860	)
	During the three months ended November 30, 2013, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of assets of $3.0 million. Income taxes were minimal for all periods presented.							During fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of assets of $3.4 million. The results for fiscal 2013 include an impairment charge of $4.0 million which represented the difference between the estimated fair market value and the carrying value of the net assets. The estimated fair value was determined based on expected sale price. Income taxes were minimal for all periods presented.

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	NOTE 1 — BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Business
	A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) is an international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins. The Company’s customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, custom services, and sports, home & leisure. The Company employs approximately 3,900 people and has 42 manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Canada (“USCAN”), Latin America (“LATAM”), Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) and Asia Pacific (“APAC”).
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
	Noncontrolling interests represent a 37% equity position of Alta Plastica S.A. in an Argentinean venture with the Company and a 35% equity position of P.T. Prima Polycon Indah in an Indonesian joint venture with the Company.
	The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are generally recorded using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each reporting period end. Income statement accounts are translated each month at the average rate of exchange during the month. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity include translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period.
	Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. All previously reported segment disclosures have also been reclassified to reflect the Company’s new reportable segments as discussed in Note 13 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates include the value of purchase consideration, valuation of accounts receivables, inventories, goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets, contingencies, and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefits, stock-based compensation, and restructuring, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors. Management monitors any factors which may have an impact and adjusts such estimates and assumptions when required. Changes in those estimates are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of change.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s accounting policy regarding revenue recognition is to recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of a sales agreement, the delivery of goods has occurred where both title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of related billings is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.
	The Company provides tolling services for a fee to process materials provided and owned by customers. While providing these services, the Company may provide certain amounts of its materials, such as additives. These materials are charged to the customer as an addition to the tolling fees. The Company records revenues from tolling services and related materials when such services are performed.
	Cost of Sales
	Cost of sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing, distribution and tolling of product, as well as related labor, depreciation and overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished products. Cost of sales also includes freight, packaging and warehousing.
	Share-based Compensation
	The Company accounts for share-based compensation expense based on the fair value of the awards granted in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The fair value of awards with service and performance conditions is based on quoted market prices of the Company’s stock on the respective grant date. The fair value of awards that include market conditions for vesting is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model.
	The Monte Carlo valuation model requires assumptions based on management’s judgment regarding the volatility of the Company’s stock, the correlation between the Company’s stock price and that of its peer companies and the expected rates of interest. The Company uses historical data, corresponding to the vesting period, to determine all of the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo valuation model. The expected volatility assumption is based on historical volatility. The Company used the daily stock prices in fiscal 2014 and 2013 and weekly stock prices in fiscal 2012 to determine historical volatility. The correlation between the Company’s stock price and each of the peer companies is determined based on historical daily stock prices of the Company and each of the peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on zero coupon treasury bond rates corresponding to the expected life of the awards.
	Awards that are expected to settle through the issuance of the Company’s common stock are accounted for as equity-classified awards and related compensation expense is recognized based on grant date fair value over the related service period. Awards that may be settled in cash, at the election of the recipient, are accounted for as liability-classified awards. The fair value of such awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period and expense is recognized over the requisite service period. The Company uses an estimate of expected forfeitures in the recognition of all share-based compensation expense that is based on historical experience. See Note 10 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on share-based compensation.
	Restructuring
	The Company records restructuring costs related to the actions implemented to reduce excess and high-cost manufacturing capacity, and to reduce associate headcount. Employee-related costs include severance, supplemental unemployment compensation and benefits, medical benefits, pension curtailments and settlements, and other termination benefits. For ongoing benefit arrangements, a liability is recognized when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These conditions are generally met when the restructuring plan is approved by management. For one-time benefit arrangements, a liability is incurred and accrued at the date the plan is communicated to employees, unless they will be retained beyond a minimum retention period. In this case, the liability is estimated at the date the plan is communicated to employees and is accrued ratably over the future service period. Other costs generally include non-cancelable lease costs, contract terminations, and relocation costs. A liability for these costs is recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. Restructuring charges related to accelerated depreciation and asset impairments are recorded separately within the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on restructuring charges.
	Asset Impairment
	Long-lived assets, except goodwill, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such asset groups. If such asset groups are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. See Note 16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on asset impairments.
	Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes income taxes during the period in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income. Accordingly, deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. No taxes are provided on certain foreign earnings which are permanently reinvested. Accruals for uncertain tax positions are provided for in accordance with accounting rules related to uncertainty in income taxes. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. See Note 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on income taxes.
	Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
	All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are diversified with numerous financial institutions which management believes to have acceptable credit ratings. These cash equivalents are primarily money-market funds and short-term time deposits. The money-market funds are rated primarily A or higher by third parties. Management monitors the placement of its cash given the current credit market. The recorded amount of these cash equivalents approximates fair value. Investments with maturities between three and twelve months are considered to be short-term investments. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not hold any short-term investments.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Management records an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on the current and projected credit quality of the Company’s customers, customer payment history and other factors that affect collectability. Changes in these factors or changes in economic circumstances could result in changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts on a periodic basis. Trade accounts receivables are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when the Company determines it is probable the account receivable will not be collected. Trade accounts receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, reflect the net realizable value of receivables, and approximate fair value. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet exposure related to its customers. See Note 3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on the allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Inventories
	Inventories are recorded at lower of average cost or market. The Company generally does not distinguish between raw materials and finished goods because numerous products that can be sold as finished goods are also used as raw materials in the production of other inventory items. Management establishes an estimated excess and obsolete inventory reserve based on historical experience and amounts expected to be realized for slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation
	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. The cost of renewals and betterments is capitalized in the property accounts. Capital expenditures exclude related accruals of $4.4 million, $1.9 million and $3.4 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	It is the Company’s policy to depreciate the cost of property, plant and equipment over the estimated useful lives of the assets, and for leasehold improvements over the shorter of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives used in the computation of depreciation are as follows:
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		7 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment		5 to 10 years
	Furniture and fixtures		5 to 10 years
	Estimated useful lives are reviewed when certain events occur or operating conditions change and when appropriate, changes are made prospectively.
	The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of is eliminated from the related accounts. Gains or losses are recognized when sales or disposals occur. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
	Purchase Accounting, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. This method requires the Company to record assets and liabilities of the business acquired at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company generally uses valuation specialists to perform appraisals and assist in the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These valuations require management to make estimates and assumptions that are critical in determining the fair values of the assets and liabilities.
	Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of June 1 for all reporting units. If circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value, the Company would test goodwill for impairment during interim periods between annual tests. The fair value used in the analysis is established using a combination of the income and market approaches. These valuation methodologies use estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the determination of appropriate market comparables, projected future cash flows (including timing and profitability), discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rate, and projected future economic and market conditions.
	Other intangible assets with finite useful lives, which consist primarily of registered trademarks and tradenames, customer related intangibles, and developed technology, are amortized over their estimated useful lives on either a straight-line or double-declining basis, reflective of the pattern of economic benefits consumed. The estimated useful lives for each major category of intangible assets with finite useful lives are:
	Registered trademarks and tradenames		3 to 25 years
	Customer related intangibles		9 to 20 years
	Developed technology		10 to 15 years
	See Note 4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on goodwill and other intangible assets.
	Retirement Plans
	The Company has several defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, covering certain employees in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The pension and postretirement benefit accounting reflects the recognition of future benefit costs over the employee’s approximate period of employment based on the terms of the plans and the investment and funding decisions made by the Company. Generally, the defined benefit pension plans accrue the current and prior service costs annually and funding is not required for all plans. See Note 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on retirement plans.
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company accounts for its derivative instruments in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance which requires all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are adjusted to their fair market value through the consolidated statement of operations. Gains or losses on foreign exchange forward contracts that hedge specific transactions are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations offsetting the underlying foreign currency gains or losses. Currently, the Company does not designate any of these contracts as hedges. See Note 6 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on derivative instruments and hedging activities.
	Fair Value Measurement
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance.
	The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. This framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows:
		•	Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
		•	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and
		•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs which reflect an entity’s own assumptions.
	See Note 6 and Note 16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on fair value measurements.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, 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, 2016, including interim periods, and the Company will adopt the new guidance on September 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to reporting discontinued operations that changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014 on a prospective basis, including interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the reporting of the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements. The new accounting guidance requires all companies to report the effect of items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items of net income either on the face of the financial statements where net income is presented or in a tabular format in the notes to the financial statements. This standard was effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012, including interim periods. The Company adopted this standard for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.
	No other new accounting pronouncements issued or with effective dates during fiscal 2014 had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Text Block]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Text Block]	NOTE 3 — ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
	The changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:
		For the Year Ended August 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	10,434		$	9,190		$	9,475
	Provision		907			2,441			1,724
	Write-offs, net of recoveries		(491	)		(1,481	)		(1,007	)
	Translation effect		(6	)		284			(1,002	)
	Ending balance	$	10,844		$	10,434		$	9,190

Longterm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran

Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements [Text Block]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements [Text Block]	NOTE 5 —  LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt obligations outstanding:
			As of August 31,
			2014		2013
			(In thousands)
	Notes payable and other, due within one year		$	18,429	$	5,042
	Current portion of long-term debt			13,319		3,331
	Short-term debt		$	31,748	$	8,373
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due January 2016		$	—	$	150,000
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due September 2018			105,400		—
	Term loan, due September 2018			180,625		—
	Euro notes, 4.485%, due March 2016			53,106		56,626
	Capital leases and other long-term debt			415		809
	Long-term debt		$	339,546	$	207,435
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated Credit Agreement, dated September 24, 2013, and containing a maturity date of September 24, 2018, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as global agent, the lenders named in the Credit Agreement and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and PNC Capital Markets LLC as lead arrangers (“the Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for:
		•		a multicurrency revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to $300 million (the “Revolving Facility”);
		•		a $200 million term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) with quarterly payments due until maturity; and
		•		an expansion feature allowing the Company to incur, subject to certain terms and conditions, up to an additional $250 million of revolving loans and/or term loans (“the Incremental Facility” and, together with the Revolving Facility and the Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facility”).
	The Credit Facility is jointly and severally guaranteed by certain material domestic subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness and grant liens other than certain types of permitted indebtedness and permitted liens. The Company is also required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and cannot exceed a maximum net debt leverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with these covenants and does not believe a subsequent covenant violation is reasonably possible as of August 31, 2014.
	Interest rates under the Credit Agreement are based on LIBOR or EURIBOR (depending on the borrowing currency) plus a spread determined by the Company’s total leverage ratio. The Company is also required to pay a facility fee on the commitments, whether used or unused. The Revolving Facility provides for a portion of the funds to be made available as a short-term swing-line loan. The swing-line loan interest rate varies based on a mutually agreed upon rate between the bank and the Company. As of August 31, 2014, the amount available under the Credit Facility was reduced by outstanding letters of credit of $0.7 million and borrowings of $296.0 million. Outstanding letters of credit and borrowings under the previous credit agreement as of August 31, 2013 were $1.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively.
	On February 14, 2014, the Company obtained a $15.0 million uncommitted line of credit from a regional financial institution, available until September 24, 2018. The interest rate is based upon the 30-day LIBOR index that is 10 basis points below the applicable spread on the Revolving Facility, noted above. The Company has $15.0 million of outstanding borrowings under this line of credit as of August 31, 2014 which are included in short-term debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
	On March 1, 2006, the Company issued €50.3 million of senior guaranteed notes in Germany in the private placement market maturing on March 1, 2016, with a fixed interest rate of 4.485% (the “Euro Notes”). The Euro Notes require annual principal payments of €2.5 million beginning in fiscal 2012. As of August 31, 2014, the amount of Euro Notes outstanding approximated €42.8 million, or $56.4 million. Repayment of the Euro Notes prior to maturity would cost approximately $7.1 million in early termination fees as of August 31, 2014.
	The Euro Notes are guaranteed by certain material domestic subsidiaries and contain covenants similar to those in the Credit Agreement discussed above. The Company was in compliance with its covenants relating to the Euro Notes and does not believe a subsequent covenant violation is reasonably possible as of August 31, 2014.
	The Company’s interest bearing short-term debt of $31.7 million as of August 31, 2014 had a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 3.1%. Interest bearing short-term debt as of August 31, 2013 was $8.4 million with a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 10.1%.
	The table below summarizes the Company’s available funds:
			As of August 31,
			2014		2013
			(In thousands)
	Existing capacity:
	Revolving Facility		$	300,000	$	300,000
	Term Loan Facility			190,625		—
	Domestic short-term lines of credit			15,000		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit			53,520		56,178
	Total capacity from credit lines and notes		$	559,145	$	356,178
	Availability:
	Revolving Facility		$	193,909	$	149,024
	Foreign short-term lines of credit			49,250		49,302
	Total available funds from credit lines and notes		$	243,159	$	198,326
	Total available funds from credit lines and notes represents the total capacity from credit lines and notes less outstanding borrowings of $315.3 million and $156.9 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and issued letters of credit of $0.7 million and $1.0 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Aggregate maturities of debt, including capital lease obligations, subsequent to August 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal 2015		$	31,748
	2016			63,275
	2017			12,606
	2018			15,091
	2019			248,574

Comprehensive_Income_Loss_Note

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	NOTE 9 —  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows(1):
			Foreign			Pension			Total
			Currency			and Other			Accumulated
			Translation			Retiree			Other
			Gain (Loss)			Benefits(2)			Comprehensive
									Income (Loss)
			(In thousands)
	Balance, August 31, 2012		$	13,383		$	(19,304	)	$	(5,921	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $21			4,174			862			5,036
	Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of $34			—			1,412			1,412
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			4,174			2,274			6,448
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(155	)		—			(155	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.			4,329			2,274			6,603
	Balance, August 31, 2013			17,712			(17,030	)		682
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $8,718			5,872			(23,043	)		(17,171	)
	Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($456)			(885	)(3)		596	(4)		(289	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			4,987			(22,447	)		(17,460	)
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(87	)		—			(87	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.			5,074			(22,447	)		(17,373	)
	Balance, August 31, 2014		$	22,786		$	(39,477	)	$	(16,691	)
	(1)	All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
	-2	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 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
	-3	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
	-4	Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs, including settlement charges of $214.

Leases_Text_Block

Leases [Text Block]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases [Text Block]	NOTE 12 — LEASES
	The Company leases certain equipment, buildings, vehicles and computer equipment. Total rental expense was $16.6 million in 2014, $12.7 million in 2013 and $10.4 million in 2012. The approximate future minimum rental commitments for non-cancelable operating leases, excluding obligations for taxes and insurance, are as follows:
	Year Ended August 31,	Minimum Rental
		Commitments
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	11,378
	2016		7,862
	2017		6,217
	2018		4,501
	2019		3,627
	2020 and thereafter		18,227
	Total minimum rental commitments	$	51,812

Research_and_Development_Text_

Research and Development [Text Block]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Research and Development [Abstract]
Research and Development [Text Block]	NOTE 14 — RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
	Research and development expenditures were $16.9 million, $8.7 million and $6.1 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in research and development expense in fiscal 2014 is further evidence of the Company’s commitment to innovation and belief that research and development is important to our organic growth strategy.

Asset_Impairments_Text_Block

Asset Impairments [Text Block]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Impairments [Text Block]	NOTE 16 —  ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
	The Company recorded $0.1 million, $1.9 million and $3.4 million in pretax asset impairment charges during the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	During fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to a reduction in the carrying value of one of the Company’s facilities in Oyonnax, France, which was held for sale as of August 31, 2014 and 2013. The impairment charges were determined based on the estimated sales value of the facility less the estimated costs to sell utilizing information provided by a third-party real estate valuation source using the market approach. During early fiscal 2015, the Company sold this facility to a third-party for $0.6 million, which approximated its carrying value.
	During fiscal 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $1.4 million and $2.7 million related to a reduction in the carrying value of the Company’s facility in Verolanuova, Italy using comparable prices for similar facilities provided by a third-party real estate valuation source using the market approach. During fiscal 2014, the Company sold this facility to a third-party for $1.5 million, which approximated its carrying value.
	In fiscal 2012, as a result of a restructuring initiative in the former Americas Engineered Plastics product family, the Company reduced the carrying value of its facility, machinery and equipment in Nashville, Tennessee to its combined fair value of $3.8 million. The disposal value of the facility was determined as the estimated sales value of the assets less the costs to sell based on information provided by a third-party real estate valuation source. The disposal value of machinery and equipment to be sold or disposed of was determined based on estimated salvage value. The Company recorded pretax impairment charges of $0.5 million in fiscal 2012, primarily related to real estate, machinery and equipment at the Nashville, Tennessee facility. During fiscal 2013, the Company sold the Nashville, Tennessee facility which resulted in a minimal impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results.
	See Note 19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on impairment charges included in discontinued operations.

Quarterly_Financial_Highlights

Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) [Text Block]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) [Text Block]	NOTE 20 —  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
			Quarter Ended												Year Ended
			Nov 30,			Feb 28,			May 31,			Aug 31,			31-Aug-14
			2013			2014			2014			2014
			Unaudited
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales		$	585,397		$	588,508		$	645,735		$	627,358		$	2,446,998
	Gross profit		$	79,108		$	74,299		$	91,964		$	84,637		$	330,008
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	12,631		$	6,648		$	19,347		$	15,164		$	53,790
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			2,655			347			(23	)		223			3,202
	Net income (loss)			15,286			6,995			19,324			15,387			56,992
	Noncontrolling interests			(215	)		(136	)		(233	)		(215	)		(799	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	15,071		$	6,859		$	19,091		$	15,172		$	56,193
	Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.(a)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.43		$	0.23		$	0.66		$	0.51		$	1.82
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			0.09			0.01			—			0.01			0.11
	Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	0.52		$	0.24		$	0.66		$	0.52		$	1.93
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.(a)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.43		$	0.22		$	0.65		$	0.51		$	1.8
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			0.09			0.01			—			0.01			0.11
	Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	0.52		$	0.23		$	0.65		$	0.52		$	1.91
	Certain items included in income from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows:
	Asset write-downs(b)		$	107		$	70		$	—		$	—		$	177
	Costs related to acquisitions(c)			546			1,822			872			2,635			5,875
	Restructuring and related costs(d)			3,340			2,513			1,840			1,463			9,156
	Inventory step-up(e)			319			782			—			323			1,424
	Tax charges (benefits)			—			(426	)		—			110			(316	)
	Total		$	4,312		$	4,761		$	2,712		$	4,531		$	16,316
	(a)	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.
	(b)	Asset write-downs include charges primarily related to the write-down of the facility in Oyonnax, France. Refer to Note 16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
	(c)	Costs related to acquisitions include professional, legal and other expenses associated with the Perrite Group, Network Polymers, Inc., Prime Colorants and the Specialty Plastics acquisitions, along with other potential acquisitions.
	(d)	Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs and charges related to the reorganization of the legal entity structure. Refer to Note 15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
	(e)	Inventory step-up relates to the fiscal 2014 acquisitions noted above.
			Quarter Ended												Year Ended
			Nov 30,			Feb 28,			May 31,			Aug 31,			31-Aug-13
			2012			2013			2013			2013
			Unaudited
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales		$	532,085		$	515,440		$	548,589		$	537,288		$	2,133,402
	Gross profit		$	71,667		$	63,199		$	74,044		$	72,269		$	281,179
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	12,142		$	12,306		$	10,313		$	(762	)	$	33,999
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			3			(282	)		(4,821	)		(1,571	)		(6,671	)
	Net income (loss)			12,145			12,024			5,492			(2,333	)		27,328
	Noncontrolling interests			(366	)		(239	)		(275	)		(349	)		(1,229	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	11,779		$	11,785		$	5,217		$	(2,682	)	$	26,099
	Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.(f)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.4		$	0.41		$	0.34		$	(0.04	)	$	1.12
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			—			(0.01	)		(0.16	)		(0.05	)		(0.23	)
	Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	0.4		$	0.4		$	0.18		$	(0.09	)	$	0.89
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.(f)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.4		$	0.41		$	0.34		$	(0.04	)	$	1.12
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			—			(0.01	)		(0.16	)		(0.05	)		(0.23	)
	Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	0.4		$	0.4		$	0.18		$	(0.09	)	$	0.89
	Certain items included in income from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows:
	Asset write-downs(g)		$	628		$	404		$	1,386		$	365		$	2,783
	Costs related to acquisitions(h)			313			596			890			736			2,535
	Restructuring and related costs(i)			1,762			1,320			2,472			5,577			11,131
	Inventory step-up(j)			138			—			—			—			138
	Tax charges (benefits)(k)			—			(6,160	)		(17	)		10,595			4,418
	Total		$	2,841		$	(3,840	)	$	4,731		$	17,273		$	21,005
	(f)	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.
	(g)	Asset write-downs include charges primarily related to the write-down of the facility in Oyonnax, France and the facility in Verolanuova, Italy during fiscal 2013. Refer to Note 16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
	(h)	Costs related to acquisitions include professional, legal and other expenses associated with the acquisitions of ECM, the Perrite Group and other potential acquisitions.
	(i)	Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs and charges related to the reorganization of the legal entity structure. Refer to Note 15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
(j)	Inventory step-up relates to the ECM acquisition.
(k)	Tax charges (benefits) include the effect of the adjustment to the German and Brazilian valuation allowances in fiscal 2013.

GENERAL_Policies

GENERAL (Policies)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation 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, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.
Principles of Consolidation		Principles of Consolidation
		The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
		Noncontrolling interests represent a 37% equity position of Alta Plastica S.A. in an Argentinean venture with the Company and a 35% equity position of P.T. Prima Polycon Indah in an Indonesian joint venture with the Company.
Foreign Currency Translation		The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are generally recorded using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each reporting period end. Income statement accounts are translated each month at the average rate of exchange during the month. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity include translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period.
Reclassification		Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. All previously reported segment disclosures have also been reclassified to reflect the Company’s new reportable segments as discussed in Note 13 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015.
Use of Estimates		Use of Estimates
		The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates include the value of purchase consideration, valuation of accounts receivables, inventories, goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets, contingencies, and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefits, stock-based compensation, and restructuring, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors. Management monitors any factors which may have an impact and adjusts such estimates and assumptions when required. Changes in those estimates are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of change.
Revenue Recognition		Revenue Recognition
		The Company’s accounting policy regarding revenue recognition is to recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of a sales agreement, the delivery of goods has occurred where both title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of related billings is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.
		The Company provides tolling services for a fee to process materials provided and owned by customers. While providing these services, the Company may provide certain amounts of its materials, such as additives. These materials are charged to the customer as an addition to the tolling fees. The Company records revenues from tolling services and related materials when such services are performed.
Cost of Sales		Cost of Sales
		Cost of sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing, distribution and tolling of product, as well as related labor, depreciation and overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished products. Cost of sales also includes freight, packaging and warehousing.
Stock-based Compensation		Share-based Compensation
		The Company accounts for share-based compensation expense based on the fair value of the awards granted in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The fair value of awards with service and performance conditions is based on quoted market prices of the Company’s stock on the respective grant date. The fair value of awards that include market conditions for vesting is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model.
		The Monte Carlo valuation model requires assumptions based on management’s judgment regarding the volatility of the Company’s stock, the correlation between the Company’s stock price and that of its peer companies and the expected rates of interest. The Company uses historical data, corresponding to the vesting period, to determine all of the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo valuation model. The expected volatility assumption is based on historical volatility. The Company used the daily stock prices in fiscal 2014 and 2013 and weekly stock prices in fiscal 2012 to determine historical volatility. The correlation between the Company’s stock price and each of the peer companies is determined based on historical daily stock prices of the Company and each of the peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on zero coupon treasury bond rates corresponding to the expected life of the awards.
		Awards that are expected to settle through the issuance of the Company’s common stock are accounted for as equity-classified awards and related compensation expense is recognized based on grant date fair value over the related service period. Awards that may be settled in cash, at the election of the recipient, are accounted for as liability-classified awards. The fair value of such awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period and expense is recognized over the requisite service period. The Company uses an estimate of expected forfeitures in the recognition of all share-based compensation expense that is based on historical experience. See Note 10 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on share-based compensation.
Restructuring		Restructuring
		The Company records restructuring costs related to the actions implemented to reduce excess and high-cost manufacturing capacity, and to reduce associate headcount. Employee-related costs include severance, supplemental unemployment compensation and benefits, medical benefits, pension curtailments and settlements, and other termination benefits. For ongoing benefit arrangements, a liability is recognized when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These conditions are generally met when the restructuring plan is approved by management. For one-time benefit arrangements, a liability is incurred and accrued at the date the plan is communicated to employees, unless they will be retained beyond a minimum retention period. In this case, the liability is estimated at the date the plan is communicated to employees and is accrued ratably over the future service period. Other costs generally include non-cancelable lease costs, contract terminations, and relocation costs. A liability for these costs is recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. Restructuring charges related to accelerated depreciation and asset impairments are recorded separately within the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on restructuring charges.
Asset Impairment		Asset Impairment
		Long-lived assets, except goodwill, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such asset groups. If such asset groups are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. See Note 16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on asset impairments.
Income Taxes		Income Taxes
		The Company recognizes income taxes during the period in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income. Accordingly, deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. No taxes are provided on certain foreign earnings which are permanently reinvested. Accruals for uncertain tax positions are provided for in accordance with accounting rules related to uncertainty in income taxes. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. See Note 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on income taxes.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments		Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
		All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are diversified with numerous financial institutions which management believes to have acceptable credit ratings. These cash equivalents are primarily money-market funds and short-term time deposits. The money-market funds are rated primarily A or higher by third parties. Management monitors the placement of its cash given the current credit market. The recorded amount of these cash equivalents approximates fair value. Investments with maturities between three and twelve months are considered to be short-term investments. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not hold any short-term investments.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts		Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
		Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Management records an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on the current and projected credit quality of the Company’s customers, customer payment history and other factors that affect collectability. Changes in these factors or changes in economic circumstances could result in changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts on a periodic basis. Trade accounts receivables are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when the Company determines it is probable the account receivable will not be collected. Trade accounts receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, reflect the net realizable value of receivables, and approximate fair value. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet exposure related to its customers. See Note 3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventories		Inventories
		Inventories are recorded at lower of average cost or market. The Company generally does not distinguish between raw materials and finished goods because numerous products that can be sold as finished goods are also used as raw materials in the production of other inventory items. Management establishes an estimated excess and obsolete inventory reserve based on historical experience and amounts expected to be realized for slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation		Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation
		Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. The cost of renewals and betterments is capitalized in the property accounts. Capital expenditures exclude related accruals of $4.4 million, $1.9 million and $3.4 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
		It is the Company’s policy to depreciate the cost of property, plant and equipment over the estimated useful lives of the assets, and for leasehold improvements over the shorter of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives used in the computation of depreciation are as follows:
		Buildings and leasehold improvements		7 to 40 years
		Machinery and equipment		5 to 10 years
		Furniture and fixtures		5 to 10 years
		Estimated useful lives are reviewed when certain events occur or operating conditions change and when appropriate, changes are made prospectively.
		The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of is eliminated from the related accounts. Gains or losses are recognized when sales or disposals occur. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
Purchase Accounting, Goodwill and Intangible Assets		Purchase Accounting, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
		Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. This method requires the Company to record assets and liabilities of the business acquired at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company generally uses valuation specialists to perform appraisals and assist in the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These valuations require management to make estimates and assumptions that are critical in determining the fair values of the assets and liabilities.
		Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of June 1 for all reporting units. If circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value, the Company would test goodwill for impairment during interim periods between annual tests. The fair value used in the analysis is established using a combination of the income and market approaches. These valuation methodologies use estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the determination of appropriate market comparables, projected future cash flows (including timing and profitability), discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rate, and projected future economic and market conditions.
		Other intangible assets with finite useful lives, which consist primarily of registered trademarks and tradenames, customer related intangibles, and developed technology, are amortized over their estimated useful lives on either a straight-line or double-declining basis, reflective of the pattern of economic benefits consumed. The estimated useful lives for each major category of intangible assets with finite useful lives are:
		Registered trademarks and tradenames		3 to 25 years
		Customer related intangibles		9 to 20 years
		Developed technology		10 to 15 years
		See Note 4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on goodwill and other intangible assets.
Retirement Plans		Retirement Plans
		The Company has several defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, covering certain employees in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The pension and postretirement benefit accounting reflects the recognition of future benefit costs over the employee’s approximate period of employment based on the terms of the plans and the investment and funding decisions made by the Company. Generally, the defined benefit pension plans accrue the current and prior service costs annually and funding is not required for all plans. See Note 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on retirement plans.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities		Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
		The Company accounts for its derivative instruments in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance which requires all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are adjusted to their fair market value through the consolidated statement of operations. Gains or losses on foreign exchange forward contracts that hedge specific transactions are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations offsetting the underlying foreign currency gains or losses. Currently, the Company does not designate any of these contracts as hedges. See Note 6 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on derivative instruments and hedging activities.
Fair Value Measurement		Fair Value Measurement
		Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance.
		The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. This framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows:
			•	Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
			•	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and
			•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs which reflect an entity’s own assumptions.
		See Note 6 and Note 16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion on fair value measurements.
New Accounting Pronouncements		New Accounting Pronouncements
		In May 2014, 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, 2016, including interim periods, and the Company will adopt the new guidance on September 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
		In April 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to reporting discontinued operations that changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014 on a prospective basis, including interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
		In February 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the reporting of the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements. The new accounting guidance requires all companies to report the effect of items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items of net income either on the face of the financial statements where net income is presented or in a tabular format in the notes to the financial statements. This standard was effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012, including interim periods. The Company adopted this standard for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.
		No other new accounting pronouncements issued or with effective dates during fiscal 2014 had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

BUSINESS_ACQUISITIONS_Tables

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014							Aug. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Specialty Plastics acquisition at the date of acquisition:							The following table presents the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Specialty Plastics acquisition at the date of acquisition:
		As of July 1, 2014							As of July 1, 2014
		(In thousands)							(In thousands)
	Accounts receivable	$	27,850					Accounts receivable	$	27,870
	Inventories		12,800					Inventories		12,800
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		415					Prepaid expenses and other current assets		415
	Property, plant and equipment		20,049					Property, plant and equipment		21,025
	Intangible assets		26,985					Intangible assets		26,985
	Total assets acquired	$	88,099					Total assets acquired	$	89,095
	Accounts payable		15,247					Accounts payable		15,327
	Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		1,552					Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits		1,552
	Other accrued liabilities		706					Other accrued liabilities		638
	Other long-term liabilities		181					Other long-term liabilities		181
	Total liabilities assumed	$	17,686					Total liabilities assumed	$	17,698
	Identifiable net assets acquired	$	70,413					Identifiable net assets acquired	$	71,397
	Goodwill		20,587					Goodwill		19,603
	Net assets acquired	$	91,000					Net assets acquired	$	91,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Specialty Plastics acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2013:							The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the Specialty Plastics acquisition occurred as of September 1, 2012:
		Three months ended							For the Years Ended
		November 30,							August 31,
		2013							2014				2013
		Unaudited							Unaudited
		(In thousands, except per							(In thousands, except per share data)
		share data)						Net sales	$	2,580,646			$	2,289,719
	Net sales	$	624,872					Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$	65,639			$	33,480
	Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$	16,075					Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.—diluted	$	2.24			$	1.14
	Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. - diluted	$	0.55					The following pro forma information represents the consolidated results of the Company as if the acquisition of Elian occurred as of September 1, 2011:
									Year ended
									August 31, 2012
									Unaudited
									(In thousands, except
									per share data)
								Net sales	$	2,097,043
								Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$	52,423
								Net income per share of common stock attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.—diluted	$	1.77
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s other business acquisitions for the periods presented:							The following table summarizes the Company’s other business transactions for the periods presented as well as the Compco Pty. Ltd. acquisition completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2015:
	Transaction Description	Date of Transaction		Purchase		Segment		Transaction Description	Date of Transaction		Purchase				Segment
				Consideration							Consideration
				(In millions)							(In millions)
	Perrite Group		September 2, 2013	$	51.3		EMEA and APAC	ECM Plastics, Inc.	September 4, 2012		$	36.8			USCAN
	A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France							A Massachusetts producer of custom color, specialty additive masterbatch and niche engineered plastics products, with a strong presence in personal care and cosmetics
	Network Polymers, Inc.		2-Dec-13	$	49.2		USCAN	Perrite Group	2-Sep-13		$	51.3			EMEA and
	An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a leading single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys														APAC
	Prime Colorants		December 31, 2013	$	15.1		USCAN	A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France
	A Tennessee manufacturer of custom color and additive concentrates							Network Polymers, Inc.	2-Dec-13		$	49.2			USCAN
	Compco Pty. Ltd.		2-Sep-14	$	6.7		APAC	An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a leading single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys
	A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia							Prime Colorants	December 31, 2013		$	15.1			USCAN
								A Tennessee manufacturer of custom color and additive concentrates
								Compco Pty. Ltd.	2-Sep-14		$	6.7			APAC
								A manufacturer of masterbatches and custom color with operations in Australia.
Results of Operations Since Acquisition Date [Table Text Block]								Net sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from the Specialty Plastics acquisition included in the Company’s results since the July 1, 2014 acquisition are as follows:
									July 1, 2014 to
									August 31, 2014
									(In thousands)
								Net sales	$	25,351
								Income before taxes	$	1,644
								Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$	1,475
								Net sales, income before taxes and net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc. from Elian included in the Company’s results in the year of acquisition are as follows:
									January 31, 2012
									to August 31, 2012
									(In thousands)
								Net sales	$	20,306
								Income before taxes	$	640
								Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$	402

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Text Block] (Tables)	3 Months Ended																		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014																		Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The changes in the Company’s carrying value of goodwill are as follows:																		The changes in the Company’s carrying value of goodwill are as follows:
		EMEA			USCAN			LATAM			APAC			Total						EMEA		USCAN			LATAM			APAC		Total
		(In thousands)																		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	85,957		$	102,735		$	12,944		$	663		$	202,299				Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	68,540	$	46,525		$	13,288		$	—	$	128,353
	Acquisitions		(80	)		1,064			—			407			1,391				Acquisitions		—		9,921			—			—		9,921
	Translation and other		(4,556	)		—			(404	)		(81	)		(5,041	)			Translation and other		1,726		—			(474	)		—		1,252
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	81,321		$	103,799		$	12,540		$	989		$	198,649				Balance as of August 31, 2013		70,266		56,446			12,814			—		139,526
																			Acquisitions		14,015		46,289			—			637		60,941
																			Translation and other		1,676		—			130			26		1,832
																			Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	85,957	$	102,735		$	12,944		$	663	$	202,299
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category:																		The following table summarizes intangible assets with finite useful lives by major category:
		November 30, 2014									August 31, 2014									As of August 31, 2014								As of August 31, 2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net Carrying			Gross		Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying		Amortization			Amount			Carrying		Amortization			Amount
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount			Amount								Amount
		(In thousands)																		(In thousands)
	Customer related	$	136,295		$	(30,741	)	$	105,554		$	139,990		$	(29,088	)	$	110,902	Customer related	$	139,990	$	(29,088	)	$	110,902		$	85,129	$	(19,605	)	$	65,524
	Developed technology		19,106			(7,191	)		11,915			19,603			(6,914	)		12,689	Developed technology		19,603		(6,914	)		12,689			19,641		(5,156	)		14,485
	Registered trademarks and tradenames		20,061			(6,042	)		14,019			20,945			(5,902	)		15,043	Registered trademarks and tradenames		20,945		(5,902	)		15,043			15,991		(4,113	)		11,878
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	175,462		$	(43,974	)	$	131,488		$	180,538		$	(41,904	)	$	138,634	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	180,538	$	(41,904	)	$	138,634		$	120,761	$	(28,874	)	$	91,887
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]																			Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows:
																				Estimated Future
																				Amortization Expense
																				(In thousands)
																			Year ended August 31,
																			2015	$	16,594
																			2016		15,301
																			2017		14,615
																			2018		14,028
																			2019		13,123

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended																	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014																	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:																	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
		November 30, 2014								August 31, 2014									August 31, 2014								August 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)																	(In thousands)
	Assets recorded at fair value:																	Assets recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	1,610	$	—	$	1,610	$	—	$	713	$	—	$	713	$	—	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	713	$	—	$	713	$	—	$	151	$	—	$	151	$	—
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:																	Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	1,718	$	—	$	1,718	$	—	$	557	$	—	$	557	$	—	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	557	$	—	$	557	$	—	$	1,224	$	—	$	1,224	$	—
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:																	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate debt	$	55,201	$	—	$	55,201	$	—	$	58,882	$	—	$	58,882	$	—	Long-term fixed-rate debt	$	58,882	$	—	$	58,882	$	—	$	63,460	$	—	$	63,460	$	—

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014											Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates for the respective periods is as follows:											A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates of 25.7% in 2014, 36.7% in 2013, and 20.8% in 2012 is as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,											Year Ended August 31,
		2014					2013						2014						2013						2012
		(In thousands, except for %’s)											Amount			% of			Amount			% of			Amount			% of
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	6,256		35	%	$	6,019		35	%					Pretax						Pretax						Pretax
	Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		(2,034	)	(11.4	)		(3,794	)	(22.1	)					Income						Income						Income
	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit		1,430		8			1,785		10.4			(In thousands, except for %s)
	U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit		539		3			473		2.8		U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	25,316			35	%	$	18,806			35	%	$	23,389			35	%
	U.S. income with no tax		(2,091	)	(11.7	)		—		—		Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		(13,602	)		(18.8	)		(9,189	)		(17.1	)		(11,373	)		(17.0	)
	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions		49		0.3			56		0.3		U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit		4,899			6.8			5,826			10.8			1,291			1.9
	Other		337		1.9			29		0.2		U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit		3,010			4.2			1,704			3.2			1,029			1.5
												Valuation allowance charges		—			—			2,361			4.4			(2,380	)		(3.6	)
	Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	$	4,486		25.1	%	$	4,568		26.6	%	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions		(121	)		(0.2	)		(84	)		(0.2	)		1,718			2.6
												Other		(960	)		(1.3	)		309			0.6			244			0.4
												Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	$	18,542			25.7	%	$	19,733			36.7	%	$	13,918			20.8	%
Schedule of Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes												Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes is as follows:
													Year Ended August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												U.S.	$	(2,426	)	$	(8,334	)	$	(4,637	)
												Foreign		74,758			62,066			71,464
												Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	72,332		$	53,732		$	66,827
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)												The provisions for U.S. and foreign income taxes consist of the following:
													Year Ended August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Current taxes:
												U.S.	$	435		$	214		$	228
												Foreign		19,794			23,210			22,927
												Total current tax expense (benefit)		20,229			23,424			23,155
												Deferred taxes:
												U.S.		589			213			16
												Foreign		(2,276	)		(3,904	)		(9,253	)
												Total deferred tax expense (benefit)		(1,687	)		(3,691	)		(9,237	)
												Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	18,542		$	19,733		$	13,918
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities												Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) consist of the following:
													As of August 31,
													2014			2013
													(In thousands)
												Pensions	$	20,890		$	12,751
												Inventory reserves		1,549			1,136
												Bad debt reserves		1,337			1,040
												Accruals		7,095			4,831
												Postretirement benefits other than pensions		6,185			5,293
												Depreciation		2,733			2,036
												Foreign net operating loss carryforwards		16,417			14,396
												Foreign tax credit carryforwards		502			28,111
												Alternative minimum tax carryforwards		3,893			4,452
												Interest carryforwards		3,214			10,113
												Other		17,929			13,898
												Gross deferred tax assets		81,744			98,057
												Valuation allowance		(21,716	)		(23,252	)
												Total deferred tax assets		60,028			74,805
												Depreciation		(19,897	)		(17,232	)
												Intangibles		(25,927	)		(25,465	)
												Unremitted foreign earnings		—			(26,050	)
												Other		(1,554	)		(1,245	)
												Gross deferred tax liabilities		(47,378	)		(69,992	)
												Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	12,650		$	4,813
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits												A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
													Year Ended August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Beginning balance	$	4,986		$	6,877		$	4,716
												Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(576	)		(1,165	)		(390	)
												Increases related to prior year tax positions		—			11			2,360
												Increases related to current year tax positions		512			308			627
												Settlements		(38	)		(1,077	)		—
												Lapse of statute of limitations		(1,040	)		(228	)		4
												Foreign currency impact		1			260			(440	)
												Ending balance	$	3,845		$	4,986		$	6,877

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME1

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014							Aug. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below:							The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,							Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
		2014			2013				Year Ended August 31,									Year Ended August 31,
		(In thousands)							2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Defined benefit pension plans:								(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	1,254		$	948		Service cost	$	3,795		$	3,838		$	2,759		$	5		$	14		$	28
	Interest cost		1,168			1,334		Interest cost		5,413			4,779			5,099			491			450			607
	Expected return on plan assets		(471	)		(444	)	Expected return on plan assets		(1,819	)		(1,485	)		(1,298	)		—			—			—
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net		786			349		Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		24			505			48			(541	)		(540	)		(731	)
								Recognized losses due to plan settlements		214			—			—			—			—			—
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,737		$	2,187		Contractual termination benefits		—			—			79			—			—			—
								Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments		—			—			(310	)		—			333			—
	Other postretirement benefit plan:							Recognized net actuarial loss		1,373			1,438			468			(18	)		—			171
	Service cost	$	1		$	1
	Interest cost		110			123		Total net periodic benefit cost	$	9,000		$	9,075		$	6,845		$	(63	)	$	257		$	75
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net		(135	)		(139	)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$	(24	)	$	(15	)
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]								Components of the plan obligations and assets, the recorded liability and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) are as follows:
									Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement
															Benefits
									2014			2013			2014			2013
									(In thousands)
								Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	(133,866	)	$	(124,948	)	$	(11,372	)	$	(13,556	)
								Service cost		(3,795	)		(3,838	)		(5	)		(14	)
								Interest cost		(5,413	)		(4,779	)		(491	)		(450	)
								Participant contributions		(228	)		(246	)		(62	)		(105	)
								Actuarial gains (losses)		(34,191	)		448			(1,271	)		1,994
								Settlement (gains) losses		328			—			—			—
								Benefits paid		3,928			3,921			1,010			1,059
								Business combinations		(131	)		—			—			—
								Curtailment gains (losses)		—			—			—			(358	)
								Contractual termination benefits		—			—			—			—
								Plan amendments		(117	)		(459	)		—			58
								Translation adjustment		(498	)		(3,965	)		—			—
								Benefit obligation at end of year	$	(173,983	)	$	(133,866	)	$	(12,191	)	$	(11,372	)
								Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	32,417		$	30,190		$	—		$	—
								Actual return on assets		6,009			1,043			—			—
								Employer contributions		5,073			4,601			948			954
								Participant contributions		228			246			62			105
								Benefits paid		(3,928	)		(3,921	)		(1,010	)		(1,059	)
								Translation adjustment		1,105			258			—			—
								Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	40,904		$	32,417		$	—		$	—
								Underfunded	$	(133,079	)	$	(101,449	)	$	(12,191	)	$	(11,372	)
								Classification of net amount recognized:
								Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	$	(3,130	)	$	(2,850	)	$	(880	)	$	(880	)
								Long-term liabilities		(129,949	)		(98,599	)		(11,311	)		(10,492	)
								Net amount recognized	$	(133,079	)	$	(101,449	)	$	(12,191	)	$	(11,372	)
								Amounts recognized in AOCI:
								Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	57,632		$	29,434		$	(79	)	$	(1,368	)
								Net prior service cost (credit)		430			323			(1,982	)		(2,523	)
								Net amount recognized in AOCI	$	58,062		$	29,757		$	(2,061	)	$	(3,891	)
								Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI:
								Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	30,002		$	(101	)	$	1,271		$	(1,994	)
								Prior service cost (credit)		117			459			—			(58	)
								Amortization of net actuarial loss		(1,373	)		(1,438	)		18			—
								Amortization of prior service (cost) credit		(24	)		(505	)		541			540
								Settlement/curtailment gains (losses)		(214	)		—			—			25
								Translation adjustment		(203	)		853			—			—
								Total change in AOCI	$	28,305		$	(732	)	$	1,830		$	(1,487	)
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]								Amounts expected to be amortized from AOCI and included in total net periodic benefit cost during the year ended August 31, 2015, are as follows:
									Pension			Other
									Benefits			Postretirement
												Benefits
									(In thousands)
								Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	3,225		$	—
								Prior service cost (credit)		38			(541	)
								Total	$	3,263		$	(541	)
Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]								Selected information regarding the Company’s pension and OPEB plans is as follows:
									As of August 31,
									2014			2013
									(In thousands)
								Pension Plans:
								All plans:
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	154,788		$	119,761
								Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
								Projected benefit obligation	$	173,983		$	133,806
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	154,788		$	119,717
								Fair value of plan assets	$	40,904		$	32,353
								Plans with projected benefit obligations less than plan assets:
								Projected benefit obligation	$	—		$	60
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	—		$	44
								Fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	64
								OPEB Plan:
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	12,191		$	11,372
								Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
								Projected benefit obligation	$	12,191		$	11,372
								Accumulated benefit obligation	$	12,191		$	11,372
								Fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]								Actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the recorded liability are as follows:
								Weighted — Average Assumptions as of August 31 :	2014			2013			2012
								Discount rate on pension plans		2.8	%		4	%		3.8	%
								Discount rate on other postretirement obligation		3.8	%		4.5	%		3.5	%
								Rate of compensation increase		2.4	%		2.4	%		2.2	%
								Actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the recorded benefit expense are as follows:
								Weighted — Average Assumptions for the year ended August 31 :	2014			2013			2012
								Discount rate on pension plans		4	%		3.8	%		4.9	%
								Discount rate on other postretirement obligation		4.5	%		3.5	%		4.5	%
								Return on pension plan assets		5.2	%		5.1	%		6.4	%
								Rate of compensation increase		2.4	%		2.2	%		2.5	%
								Projected health care cost trend rate		7.5	%		8	%		8	%
								Ultimate health care rate		5	%		5	%		5	%
								Year ultimate health care trend rate is achieved		2019			2019			2019
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]								Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the OPEB plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of August 31, 2014:
									One-Percentage -			One-Percentage -
									Point Increase			Point Decrease
									(In thousands)
								Effect on aggregate of service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	48		$	(41	)
								Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$	1,209		$	(1,045	)
Pension Plan Weighted Average Investment Allocation [Table Text Block]								The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocation and target allocation, by asset category are as follows:
									Plan Assets						Target
															Allocation
									As of						As of
									August 31,						August 31,
								Asset Category	2014			2013			2014			2013
								Equity securities		27	%		25	%		22	%		23	%
								Debt securities		24	%		15	%		12	%		13	%
								Fixed insurance contracts		45	%		39	%		58	%		31	%
								Cash		4	%		21	%		8	%		33	%
								Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]								The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets, all of which are for foreign plans, are as follows:
									As of August 31, 2014												As of August 31, 2013
									Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
									(In thousands)
								Equity securities	$	11,081		$	6,607		$	4,474		$	—		$	8,080		$	1,328		$	6,752	$	—
								Debt securities		9,646			1,563			8,083			—			5,007			1,457			3,550		—
								Fixed insurance contracts		18,399			—			—			18,399			12,435			—			—		12,435
								Cash		1,611			1,611			—			—			6,822			6,822			—		—
								Other		167			—			—			167			73			—			—		73
								Total	$	40,904		$	9,781		$	12,557		$	18,566		$	32,417		$	9,607		$	10,302	$	12,508
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block]								The change in fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets classified as Level 3, all of which are for foreign plans, is as follows:
									2014			2013
									(In thousands)
								Balance, beginning of fiscal year	$	12,508		$	12,013
								Actual return on plan assets		5,466			(533	)
								Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net		711			440
								Foreign currency translation		(119	)		588
								Balance, end of fiscal year	$	18,566		$	12,508
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]								The Company expects to contribute $5.6 million for its pension obligations and $0.9 million to its other postretirement plan in 2015. The benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are as follows:
								Year Ended August 31,	Pension			OPEB
									Benefits			Benefits
									(In thousands)
								2015	$	4,263		$	890
								2016		4,335			859
								2017		5,214			860
								2018		4,837			839
								2019		5,244			858
								Years 2020 —  2024		29,849			4,001

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_STOC1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity is as follows:
		Common		Additional		Accumulated			Retained			Treasury			Non-controlling			Total
		Stock ($1		Paid-In		Other			Earnings			Stock			Interests			Equity
		par value)		Capital		Comprehensive
						Income (Loss)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Balance as of September 1, 2014	$	48,185	$	268,545	$	(16,691	)	$	606,898		$	(379,894	)	$	9,408		$	536,451
	Comprehensive income (loss)						(25,255	)		13,158						196			(11,901	)
	Cash dividends paid, $0.205 per share									(5,962	)								(5,962	)
	Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests															(1,750	)		(1,750	)
	Purchase of treasury stock												(3,335	)					(3,335	)
	Issuance of treasury stock				24								30						54
	Stock options exercised		1		16														17
	Amortization of restricted stock				1,233														1,233
	Balance as of November 30, 2014	$	48,186	$	269,818	$	(41,946	)	$	614,094		$	(383,199	)	$	7,854		$	514,807

Comprehensive_Income_Loss_Note1

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] (Tables)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014											Aug. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows(1):											The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows(1):
			Foreign Currency			Pension and Other			Total Accumulated					Foreign			Pension			Total
			Translation Gain			Retiree Benefits(2)			Other Comprehensive					Currency			and Other			Accumulated
			(Loss)						Income (Loss)					Translation			Retiree			Other
			(In thousands)											Gain (Loss)			Benefits(2)			Comprehensive
	Balance as of August 31, 2014		$	22,786		$	(39,477	)	$	(16,691	)									Income (Loss)
														(In thousands)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(25,615	)		—			(25,615	)	Balance, August 31, 2012		$	13,383		$	(19,304	)	$	(5,921	)
	Amounts reclassified to earnings			—			336	(3)		336
												Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $21			4,174			862			5,036
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			(25,615	)		336			(25,279	)	Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of $34			—			1,412			1,412
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(24	)		—			(24	)	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			4,174			2,274			6,448
												Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(155	)		—			(155	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.			(25,591	)		336			(25,255	)
												Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.			4,329			2,274			6,603
	Balance as of November 30, 2014		$	(2,805	)	$	(39,141	)	$	(41,946	)
												Balance, August 31, 2013			17,712			(17,030	)		682
												Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $8,718			5,872			(23,043	)		(17,171	)
			Foreign Currency			Pension and Other			Total Accumulated			Amounts reclassified to earnings, net of tax of ($456)			(885	)(3)		596	(4)		(289	)
			Translation Gain			Retiree Benefits(2)			Other			Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			4,987			(22,447	)		(17,460	)
			(Loss)						Comprehensive			Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(87	)		—			(87	)
									Income (Loss)
			(In thousands)									Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.			5,074			(22,447	)		(17,373	)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013		$	17,712		$	(17,030	)	$	682
												Balance, August 31, 2014		$	22,786		$	(39,477	)	$	(16,691	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			12,753			—			12,753
	Amounts reclassified to earnings			(885	)(4)		119	(3)		(766	)
												(1)	All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			11,868			119			11,987		-2	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 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(30	)		—			(30	)	-3	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
												-4	Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs, including settlement charges of $214.
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.			11,898			119			12,017
	Balance as of November 30, 2013		$	29,610		$	(16,911	)	$	12,699
		(1)	All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
		-2	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
		-3	Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs.
		-4	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014					Aug. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts:					The following table presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts:
		Three months ended November 30,					Year Ended August 31,
		2014		2013			2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)					(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:					Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic		29,017		29,017	Basic		29,061		29,260		29,389
	Incremental shares from equity awards		451		188	Incremental shares from equity awards		301		77		160
	Diluted		29,468		29,205	Diluted		29,362		29,337		29,549

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014											Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:											The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:
		Three months ended November 30,											Year Ended August 31,
		2014			2013								2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)											(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	371,191		$	392,462						EMEA	$	1,577,867		$	1,405,882		$	1,403,151
	USCAN		144,707			95,940						USCAN		475,050			400,449			375,521
	LATAM		46,181			50,587						LATAM		198,313			200,375			183,389
	APAC		52,974			46,408						APAC		195,768			126,696			119,211
	Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	615,053		$	585,397						Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	2,446,998		$	2,133,402		$	2,081,272
	Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
												Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2014			2013								Year Ended August 31,
		(In thousands)											2014			2013			2012
	EMEA	$	49,706		$	51,940							(In thousands)
	USCAN		24,629			13,750						EMEA	$	206,268		$	179,242		$	175,669
	LATAM		5,650			7,683						USCAN		73,278			52,906			51,548
	APAC		7,250			6,623						LATAM		26,239			28,409			32,734
												APAC		26,767			22,345			19,969
	Total segment gross profit		87,235			79,996
	Inventory step-up		(341	)		(417	)					Total segment gross profit		332,552			282,902			279,920
	Accelerated depreciation, restructuring and related costs		—			(471	)					Inventory step-up		(1,468	)		(138	)		(677	)
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations		(50	)		—						Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs		(1,076	)		(1,585	)		—
	Total gross profit	$	86,844		$	79,108						Total gross profit	$	330,008		$	281,179		$	279,243
	Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:											Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:
		Three months ended November 30,											Year Ended August 31,
		2014			2013								2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)											(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	20,039		$	20,417						EMEA	$	80,690		$	67,320		$	71,849
	USCAN		11,393			3,859						USCAN		30,418			16,643			15,441
	LATAM		595			3,505						LATAM		8,388			11,708			13,431
	APAC		3,508			3,366						APAC		12,527			12,108			10,908
	Total segment operating income		35,535			31,147						Total segment operating income		132,023			107,779			111,629
	Corporate		(7,484	)		(6,683	)					Corporate		(32,170	)		(24,926	)		(23,786	)
	Costs related to acquisitions and integrations		(1,053	)		(635	)					Costs related to acquisitions		(6,021	)		(2,661	)		(1,425	)
	Restructuring and related costs		(5,579	)		(3,372	)					Restructuring and related costs		(9,618	)		(13,687	)		(9,256	)
	Accelerated depreciation		—			(108	)					Accelerated depreciation		(107	)		(1,058	)		—
	Inventory step-up		(341	)		(417	)					Asset impairment		(104	)		(1,873	)		(3,392	)
												Curtailment and settlement gains (losses)		(214	)		(333	)		310
	Operating income		21,078			19,932						Inventory step-up		(1,468	)		(138	)		(677	)
	Interest expense, net		(2,264	)		(2,129	)
	Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)		(1,099	)		(682	)					Operating income		82,321			63,103			73,403
	Other income (expense), net		159			78						Interest expense, net		(8,217	)		(7,162	)		(7,675	)
												Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)		(2,206	)		(2,426	)		(243	)
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	17,874		$	17,199						Other income (expense), net		434			217			1,342
												Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	72,332		$	53,732		$	66,827
												The following table summarizes identifiable assets by segment:
													As of August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Identifiable assets:
												EMEA	$	809,670		$	735,684		$	677,066
												USCAN		458,109			303,553			313,935
												LATAM		111,126			109,885			113,028
												APAC		133,579			89,220			89,738
												Total identifiable assets	$	1,512,484		$	1,238,342		$	1,193,767
												The following tables summarize depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures by segment:
													Year Ended August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Depreciation and amortization expense:
												EMEA	$	21,832		$	18,072		$	17,534
												USCAN		16,522			14,471			13,800
												LATAM		4,128			5,010			3,731
											APAC		5,422			3,898			3,719
											Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	47,904		$	41,451		$	38,784
											Capital expenditures:
											EMEA	$	13,199		$	9,157		$	11,383
											USCAN		12,235			10,373			11,548
											LATAM		4,380			4,665			6,177
											APAC		5,275			2,373			4,895
											Total capital expenditures	$	35,089		$	26,568		$	34,003
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) custom performance colors, (2) masterbatch solutions, (3) engineered plastics, (4) specialty powders and (5) distribution services. The Company offers tolling services to customers primarily in the specialty powders product family. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:											The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,											Year Ended August 31,
		2014						2013					2014						2013					2012
		(In thousands, except for %’s)											(In thousands, except for %’s)
	Custom performance colors	$	48,078			8	%	$	44,941	8	%	Custom performance colors	$	186,667			8	%	$	164,128		8	%	$	125,595	6	%
	Masterbatch solutions		202,030			33			182,903	31		Masterbatch solutions		768,723			31			743,846		35			750,531	36
	Engineered plastics		194,516			32			180,698	31		Engineered plastics		753,347			31			559,462		26			547,090	26
	Specialty powders		82,357			13			86,947	15		Specialty powders		350,510			14			308,620		14			314,965	16
	Distribution services		88,072			14			89,908	15		Distribution services		387,751			16			357,346		17			343,091	16
	Total consolidated net sales	$	615,053			100	%	$	585,397	100	%	Total consolidated net sales	$	2,446,998			100	%	$	2,133,402		100	%	$	2,081,272	100	%
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]												Below is a summary of net sales by point of origin and long-lived assets by location:
													Year Ended August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Net sales:
												United States	$	457,225		$	383,964		$	358,376
												Germany		548,454			536,833			571,876
												France		238,029			221,521			196,103
												Other international		1,203,290			991,084			954,917
												Total net sales	$	2,446,998		$	2,133,402		$	2,081,272
													As of August 31,
													2014			2013			2012
													(In thousands)
												Long lived assets:
												United States	$	95,349		$	70,197		$	76,699
												Germany		22,716			23,316			23,020
												France		22,758			21,854			22,832
												Other international		113,098			95,154			103,325
												Total long lived assets	$	253,921		$	210,521		$	225,876

RESTRUCTURING_Tables

RESTRUCTURING (Tables)	3 Months Ended													12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014													Aug. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s restructuring plans:													The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s restructuring plans:
		Employee -			Other Costs			Translation			Total				Employee-			Other			Translation			Total
		related Costs						Effect			Restructuring				related			Costs			Effect			Restructuring
											Costs				Costs									Costs
		(In thousands)													(In thousands)
	Accrual balance as of August 31, 2014	$	1,745		$	371		$	(304	)	$	1,812		Accrual balance as of August 31, 2012		3,524			381			(539	)		3,366
	Fiscal 2015 charges		4,907			312			—			5,219		Fiscal 2013 charges		8,669			1,831			—			10,500
	Fiscal 2015 payments		(1,419	)		(328	)		—			(1,747	)	Fiscal 2013 payments		(6,747	)		(1,812	)		—			(8,559	)
	Translation		—			—			(133	)		(133	)	Translation		—			—			42			42
	Accrual balance as of November 30, 2014	$	5,233		$	355		$	(437	)	$	5,151		Accrual balance as of August 31, 2013	$	5,446		$	400		$	(497	)	$	5,349
														Fiscal 2014 charges		2,223			2,660			—			4,883
														Fiscal 2014 payments		(5,924	)		(2,689	)		—			(8,613	)
														Translation		—			—			193			193
														Accrual balance as of August 31, 2014	$	1,745		$	371		$	(304	)	$	1,812
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment [Table Text Block]	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows:													Restructuring costs are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,													Year Ended August 31,
		2014			2013										2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)													(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	4,274		$	501								EMEA	$	1,000		$	6,704		$	7,531
	USCAN		762			67								USCAN		754			1,376			1,603
	LATAM		183			1,145								LATAM	$	3,053		$	2,240		$	—
	APAC		—			65								APAC		76			180			122
	Total restructuring expense	$	5,219		$	1,778								Total	$	4,883		$	10,500		$	9,256

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014						Aug. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following summarizes select financial information included in income (loss) from discontinued operations:						The following summarizes select financial information included in net earnings from discontinued operations:
		Three months ended November 30,						Year ended August 31,
		2014			2013			2014		2013			2012
		(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,288	Net sales	$	1,372	$	30,009		$	25,482
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(10	)	$	2,655	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	3,202	$	(6,671	)	$	(860	)

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif1

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant And Equipment	The estimated useful lives used in the computation of depreciation are as follows:
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	7 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	5 to 10 years
	Furniture and fixtures	5 to 10 years
Estimated Useful lives Of Intangible Assets	The estimated useful lives for each major category of intangible assets with finite useful lives are:
	Registered trademarks and tradenames	3 to 25 years
	Customer related intangibles	9 to 20 years
	Developed technology	10 to 15 years

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account1

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Text Block] (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule Of Changes In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	The changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:
		For the Year Ended August 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	10,434		$	9,190		$	9,475
	Provision		907			2,441			1,724
	Write-offs, net of recoveries		(491	)		(1,481	)		(1,007	)
	Translation effect		(6	)		284			(1,002	)
	Ending balance	$	10,844		$	10,434		$	9,190

Longterm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran1

Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements [Text Block] (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt obligations outstanding:
		As of August 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Notes payable and other, due within one year	$	18,429	$	5,042
	Current portion of long-term debt		13,319		3,331
	Short-term debt	$	31,748	$	8,373
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due January 2016	$	—	$	150,000
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due September 2018		105,400		—
	Term loan, due September 2018		180,625		—
	Euro notes, 4.485%, due March 2016		53,106		56,626
	Capital leases and other long-term debt		415		809
	Long-term debt	$	339,546	$	207,435
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the Company’s available funds:
		As of August 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Existing capacity:
	Revolving Facility	$	300,000	$	300,000
	Term Loan Facility		190,625		—
	Domestic short-term lines of credit		15,000		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit		53,520		56,178
	Total capacity from credit lines and notes	$	559,145	$	356,178
	Availability:
	Revolving Facility	$	193,909	$	149,024
	Foreign short-term lines of credit		49,250		49,302
	Total available funds from credit lines and notes	$	243,159	$	198,326
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Aggregate maturities of debt, including capital lease obligations, subsequent to August 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal 2015	$	31,748
	2016		63,275
	2017		12,606
	2018		15,091
	2019		248,574

SHAREBASED_INCENTIVE_COMPENSAT1

SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards:
			Awards Outstanding						Weighted-Average
									Fair Market Value
									(per share)
			Time-			Performance-			Time-			Performance-
			Based			Based			Based			Based
	Outstanding at August 31, 2013			133,359			1,081,585		$	25.2		$	20.41
	Granted			42,138			315,941		$	34.42		$	34.42
	Vested			(19,405	)		(30,366	)	$	21.63		$	11.62
	Forfeited			—			(265,723	)	$	—		$	15.21
	Outstanding at August 31, 2014			156,092			1,101,437		$	28.14		$	25.93
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair values of the performance-based awards with market conditions were estimated using a Monte Carlo valuation model using the following assumptions:
			2014(a)			2013(a)			2012(b)
	Dividend yield			—	%		—	%		3	%
	Expected volatility			31	%		35	%		43	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.03	%		0.77	%		0.42	%
	Correlation			53	%		56	%		61	%
	(a)	Assumptions as of August 31 for the respective years related to liability classified awards
	(b)	Weighted average grant date assumptions related to equity classified awards
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of stock option activity is as follows:
			Outstanding Shares			Weighted-Average
			Under Option			Exercise Price
	Outstanding at August 31, 2013			19,002		$	19.13
	Exercised			(12,167	)	$	19.06
	Forfeited and expired			(1,834	)	$	19.16
	Outstanding at August 31, 2014			5,001		$	19.29
	Exercisable at August 31, 2014			5,001		$	19.29
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the impact to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from share-based incentive compensation plans, which is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
			Year Ended August 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards		$	7,105		$	2,454		$	3,813
	Board of Directors unrestricted awards			797			850			845
	Total share-based incentive compensation		$	7,902		$	3,304		$	4,658

Leases_Text_Block_Tables

Leases [Text Block] (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The approximate future minimum rental commitments for non-cancelable operating leases, excluding obligations for taxes and insurance, are as follows:
	Year Ended August 31,	Minimum Rental
		Commitments
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	11,378
	2016		7,862
	2017		6,217
	2018		4,501
	2019		3,627
	2020 and thereafter		18,227
	Total minimum rental commitments	$	51,812

Quarterly_Financial_Highlights1

Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) [Text Block] (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
			Quarter Ended												Year Ended
			Nov 30,			Feb 28,			May 31,			Aug 31,			31-Aug-14
			2013			2014			2014			2014
			Unaudited
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales		$	585,397		$	588,508		$	645,735		$	627,358		$	2,446,998
	Gross profit		$	79,108		$	74,299		$	91,964		$	84,637		$	330,008
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	12,631		$	6,648		$	19,347		$	15,164		$	53,790
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			2,655			347			(23	)		223			3,202
	Net income (loss)			15,286			6,995			19,324			15,387			56,992
	Noncontrolling interests			(215	)		(136	)		(233	)		(215	)		(799	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	15,071		$	6,859		$	19,091		$	15,172		$	56,193
	Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.(a)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.43		$	0.23		$	0.66		$	0.51		$	1.82
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			0.09			0.01			—			0.01			0.11
	Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	0.52		$	0.24		$	0.66		$	0.52		$	1.93
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.(a)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.43		$	0.22		$	0.65		$	0.51		$	1.8
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			0.09			0.01			—			0.01			0.11
	Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	0.52		$	0.23		$	0.65		$	0.52		$	1.91
	Certain items included in income from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows:
	Asset write-downs(b)		$	107		$	70		$	—		$	—		$	177
	Costs related to acquisitions(c)			546			1,822			872			2,635			5,875
	Restructuring and related costs(d)			3,340			2,513			1,840			1,463			9,156
	Inventory step-up(e)			319			782			—			323			1,424
	Tax charges (benefits)			—			(426	)		—			110			(316	)
	Total		$	4,312		$	4,761		$	2,712		$	4,531		$	16,316
	(a)	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.
	(b)	Asset write-downs include charges primarily related to the write-down of the facility in Oyonnax, France. Refer to Note 16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
	(c)	Costs related to acquisitions include professional, legal and other expenses associated with the Perrite Group, Network Polymers, Inc., Prime Colorants and the Specialty Plastics acquisitions, along with other potential acquisitions.
	(d)	Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs and charges related to the reorganization of the legal entity structure. Refer to Note 15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
	(e)	Inventory step-up relates to the fiscal 2014 acquisitions noted above.
			Quarter Ended												Year Ended
			Nov 30,			Feb 28,			May 31,			Aug 31,			31-Aug-13
			2012			2013			2013			2013
			Unaudited
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales		$	532,085		$	515,440		$	548,589		$	537,288		$	2,133,402
	Gross profit		$	71,667		$	63,199		$	74,044		$	72,269		$	281,179
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	12,142		$	12,306		$	10,313		$	(762	)	$	33,999
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			3			(282	)		(4,821	)		(1,571	)		(6,671	)
	Net income (loss)			12,145			12,024			5,492			(2,333	)		27,328
	Noncontrolling interests			(366	)		(239	)		(275	)		(349	)		(1,229	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	11,779		$	11,785		$	5,217		$	(2,682	)	$	26,099
	Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.(f)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.4		$	0.41		$	0.34		$	(0.04	)	$	1.12
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			—			(0.01	)		(0.16	)		(0.05	)		(0.23	)
	Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	0.4		$	0.4		$	0.18		$	(0.09	)	$	0.89
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.(f)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.4		$	0.41		$	0.34		$	(0.04	)	$	1.12
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			—			(0.01	)		(0.16	)		(0.05	)		(0.23	)
	Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$	0.4		$	0.4		$	0.18		$	(0.09	)	$	0.89
	Certain items included in income from continuing operations, net of tax are as follows:
	Asset write-downs(g)		$	628		$	404		$	1,386		$	365		$	2,783
	Costs related to acquisitions(h)			313			596			890			736			2,535
	Restructuring and related costs(i)			1,762			1,320			2,472			5,577			11,131
	Inventory step-up(j)			138			—			—			—			138
	Tax charges (benefits)(k)			—			(6,160	)		(17	)		10,595			4,418
	Total		$	2,841		$	(3,840	)	$	4,731		$	17,273		$	21,005
	(f)	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.
	(g)	Asset write-downs include charges primarily related to the write-down of the facility in Oyonnax, France and the facility in Verolanuova, Italy during fiscal 2013. Refer to Note 16 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
	(h)	Costs related to acquisitions include professional, legal and other expenses associated with the acquisitions of ECM, the Perrite Group and other potential acquisitions.
	(i)	Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs and charges related to the reorganization of the legal entity structure. Refer to Note 15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
(j)	Inventory step-up relates to the ECM acquisition.
(k)	Tax charges (benefits) include the effect of the adjustment to the German and Brazilian valuation allowances in fiscal 2013.

Business_Acquisition_Detail

Business Acquisition (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended			2 Months Ended	7 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2012	Jul. 01, 2014	Jan. 31, 2012	Sep. 04, 2012	Sep. 02, 2013	Dec. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 02, 2014
Business Acquisitions
Goodwill	$198,649,000	$202,299,000				$139,526,000				$202,299,000	$139,526,000	$128,353,000	$202,299,000	$128,353,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	1,100,000				600,000					6,000,000	2,700,000
Net sales	615,053,000	627,358,000	645,735,000	588,508,000	585,397,000	537,288,000	548,589,000	515,440,000	532,085,000	2,446,998,000	2,133,402,000	2,081,272,000
Income before taxes										72,332,000	53,732,000	66,827,000
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	13,158,000	15,172,000	19,091,000	6,859,000	15,071,000	-2,682,000	5,217,000	11,785,000	11,779,000	56,193,000	26,099,000	50,887,000
Inventory step up adjustments before taxes	341,000				417,000					1,468,000	138,000	677,000
Specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price															91,000,000
Accounts receivable															27,850,000
Inventories															12,800,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets															415,000
Property, plant and equipment															20,049,000
Intangible assets															26,985,000
Total assets acquired															88,099,000
Accounts payable															15,247,000
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits															1,552,000
Other accrued liabilities															706,000
Other long-term liabilities															181,000
Total liabilities assumed															17,686,000
Identifiable net assets acquired															70,413,000
Goodwill															20,587,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life										13 years 7 months 6 days			13 years 7 months 6 days
Gross contractual amount of acquired receivables															28,000,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue					624,872,000					2,580,646,000	2,289,719,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)					16,075,000					65,639,000	33,480,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted					$0.55					$2.24	$1.14
Net sales													25,351,000
Income before taxes													1,644,000
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.													1,475,000
Inventory step up adjustments before taxes													600,000
Additional costs from fixed and intangible assets from business combination													600,000
Specialty plastics business of Ferro Corporation [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price															91,000,000
Accounts receivable															27,870,000
Inventories															12,800,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets															415,000
Property, plant and equipment															21,025,000
Intangible assets															26,985,000
Total assets acquired															89,095,000
Accounts payable															15,327,000
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits															1,552,000
Other accrued liabilities															638,000
Other long-term liabilities															181,000
Total liabilities assumed															17,698,000
Identifiable net assets acquired															71,397,000
Goodwill															19,603,000
Elian S A S [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price																66,500,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue												2,097,043,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)												52,423,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted												$1.77
Net sales														20,306,000
Income before taxes														640,000
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.														402,000
Inventory step up adjustments before taxes														700,000
Additional costs from fixed and intangible assets from business combination														2,300,000
Repayment of debt of acquired entity included in purchase consideration																4,300,000
E.C.M. Plastics Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price																	36,800,000
The Perrite Group [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price																		51,300,000
Network Polymers, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price																			49,200,000
Prime Colorants [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price																				15,100,000
Compco Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisitions
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price																					$6,700,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill
Goodwill	$202,299	$139,526	$128,353
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,391	60,941	9,921
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-5,041	1,832	1,252
Goodwill	198,649	202,299	139,526
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill	85,957	70,266	68,540
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	-80	14,015	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-4,556	1,676	1,726
Goodwill	81,321	85,957	70,266
USCAN Segment [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill	102,735	56,446	46,525
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,064	46,289	9,921
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0	0	0
Goodwill	103,799	102,735	56,446
LATAM Segment [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill	12,944	12,814	13,288
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	0	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-404	130	-474
Goodwill	12,540	12,944	12,814
APAC [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill	663	0	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	407	637	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-81	26	0
Goodwill	$989	$663	$0

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets 2 (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$175,462,000		$180,538,000	$120,761,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-43,974,000		-41,904,000	-28,874,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	131,488,000		138,634,000	91,887,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross change in value due to foreign currency translation	5,100,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3,400,000	3,000,000	13,000,000	10,300,000	8,700,000
Weighted-average useful life of finite-lived intangible assets			12 years 6 months
2015			16,594,000
2016			15,301,000
2017			14,615,000
2018			14,028,000
2019			13,123,000
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	136,295,000		139,990,000	85,129,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-30,741,000		-29,088,000	-19,605,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	105,554,000		110,902,000	65,524,000
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	19,106,000		19,603,000	19,641,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-7,191,000		-6,914,000	-5,156,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	11,915,000		12,689,000	14,485,000
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	20,061,000		20,945,000	15,991,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-6,042,000		-5,902,000	-4,113,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$14,019,000		$15,043,000	$11,878,000

Fair_Value_Measurement_Detail

Fair Value Measurement (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	$1,610,000	$713,000	$151,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	1,718,000	557,000	1,224,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	55,201,000	58,882,000	63,460,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	161,400,000	118,000,000	138,000,000
Fair value transfers between levels	0	0
Euro Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable carrying value	53,400,000	56,400,000	60,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	0	0	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	0	0	0
Long-term fixed-rate debt	0	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	1,610,000	713,000	151,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	1,718,000	557,000	1,224,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	55,201,000	58,882,000	63,460,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	0	0	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	0	0	0
Long-term fixed-rate debt	$0	$0	$0

Income_Taxes_Detail

Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$6,256,000	$6,019,000	$25,316,000	$18,806,000	$23,389,000
Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	-2,034,000	-3,794,000	-13,602,000	-9,189,000	-11,373,000
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	1,430,000	1,785,000	4,899,000	5,826,000	1,291,000
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit	539,000	473,000	3,010,000	1,704,000	1,029,000
U.S. income with no tax	-2,091,000	0	0	2,361,000	-2,380,000
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	49,000	56,000	-121,000	-84,000	1,718,000
Other	337,000	29,000	-960,000	309,000	244,000
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	4,486,000	4,568,000	18,542,000	19,733,000	13,918,000
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate percentage	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate percentage	-11.40%	-22.10%	-18.80%	-17.10%	-17.00%
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit percentage	8.00%	10.40%	6.80%	10.80%	1.90%
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. charges with no benefit percentage	3.00%	2.80%	4.20%	3.20%	1.50%
U.S. income with no tax percentage	-11.70%	0.00%	0.00%	4.40%	-3.60%
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions percentage	0.30%	0.30%	-0.20%	-0.20%	2.60%
Other percentage	1.90%	0.20%	-1.30%	0.60%	0.40%
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes percentage	25.10%	26.60%	25.70%	36.70%	20.80%
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	2,800,000		3,000,000
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	900,000		900,000
Ending balance	3,600,000		3,845,000	4,986,000	6,877,000
U.S.			-2,426,000	-8,334,000	-4,637,000
Foreign			74,758,000	62,066,000	71,464,000
Income from continuing operations before taxes			72,332,000	53,732,000	66,827,000
U.S.			435,000	214,000	228,000
Foreign			19,794,000	23,210,000	22,927,000
Total current tax expense (benefit)			20,229,000	23,424,000	23,155,000
U.S.			589,000	213,000	16,000
Foreign			-2,276,000	-3,904,000	-9,253,000
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)			-1,687,000	-3,691,000	-9,237,000
Pensions			20,890,000	12,751,000
Inventory reserves			1,549,000	1,136,000
Bad debt reserves			1,337,000	1,040,000
Accruals			7,095,000	4,831,000
Postretirement benefits other than pensions			6,185,000	5,293,000
Depreciation			2,733,000	2,036,000
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards			16,417,000	14,396,000
Foreign tax credit carryforwards			502,000	28,111,000
Alternative minimum tax carryforwards			3,893,000	4,452,000
Interest carryforwards			3,214,000	10,113,000
Other			17,929,000	13,898,000
Gross deferred tax assets			81,744,000	98,057,000
Valuation allowance			-21,716,000	-23,252,000
Total deferred tax assets			60,028,000	74,805,000
Depreciation			-19,897,000	-17,232,000
Intangibles			-25,927,000	-25,465,000
Unremitted foreign earnings			0	-26,050,000
Other			-1,554,000	-1,245,000
Gross deferred tax liabilities			-47,378,000	-69,992,000
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)			12,650,000	4,813,000
State and Local net operating loss carryforwards			1,300,000
Tax effect of temporary differences included in prepaid expense and other current assets			8,400,000	5,700,000
Tax effect of temporary differences included in deferred charges			29,300,000	22,000,000
Tax effect of temporary differences included in other accrued liabilities			1,200,000	1,700,000
Beginning balance	3,845,000	4,986,000	4,986,000	6,877,000	4,716,000
Decreases related to prior year tax positions			-576,000	-1,165,000	-390,000
Increases related to prior year tax positions			0	11,000	2,360,000
Increases related to current year tax positions			512,000	308,000	627,000
Settlements			-38,000	-1,077,000	0
Lapse of statute of limitations			-1,040,000	-228,000	4,000
Foreign currency impact			1,000	260,000	-440,000
Undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries			442,600,000
Tax Credit Carryforward to Expire in 2019 [Member]
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
Foreign tax credit carryforwards			3,700,000
Tax Credit Carryforward Reduced by Unrealized Stock Compensation Attributes [Member]
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
Foreign tax credit carryforwards			3,200,000
Tax Credit Carryforward Utilized During Year [Member]
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
Foreign tax credit carryforwards			27,600,000
Recorded For The Expected Tax Impact Of A Future Distribution [Member]
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
Valuation allowance				25,500,000
Unremitted foreign earnings				-25,500,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards			50,400,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards			$33,500,000

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$32,417,000		$32,417,000
Fair value of plan assets				40,904,000	32,417,000
Long-term liabilities	123,923,000			129,949,000	98,599,000
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments				214,000	333,000	-310,000
Rate of compensation increase				2.40%	2.40%	2.20%
Return on pension plan assets				5.20%	5.10%	6.40%
Rate of compensation increase				2.40%	2.20%	2.50%
Projected health care cost trend rate				7.50%	8.00%	8.00%
Ultimate health care rate				5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year ultimate health care trend rate is achieved				2019	2019	2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components				48,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components				-41,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation				1,209,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation				-1,045,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations				100.00%	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations				100.00%	100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized				3,000,000	2,700,000	3,300,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				9,781,000	9,607,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				12,557,000	10,302,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		12,508,000		12,508,000	12,013,000
Actual return on assets				5,466,000	-533,000
Translation				-119,000	588,000
Fair value of plan assets				18,566,000	12,508,000
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net				711,000	440,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		8,080,000		8,080,000
Fair value of plan assets				11,081,000	8,080,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations				27.00%	25.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations				22.00%	23.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				6,607,000	1,328,000
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				4,474,000	6,752,000
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				0	0
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		5,007,000		5,007,000
Fair value of plan assets				9,646,000	5,007,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations				24.00%	15.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations				12.00%	13.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				1,563,000	1,457,000
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				8,083,000	3,550,000
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				0	0
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		12,435,000		12,435,000
Fair value of plan assets				18,399,000	12,435,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations				45.00%	39.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations				58.00%	31.00%
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				0	0
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				0	0
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				18,399,000	12,435,000
Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		6,822,000		6,822,000
Fair value of plan assets				1,611,000	6,822,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations				4.00%	21.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations				8.00%	33.00%
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				1,611,000	6,822,000
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				0	0
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				0	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				167,000	73,000
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				0	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				0	0
Other Pension Plan Asset [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				167,000	73,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,254,000	948,000		3,795,000	3,838,000	2,759,000
Interest cost	1,168,000	1,334,000		5,413,000	4,779,000	5,099,000
Expected return on plan assets	-471,000	-444,000		-1,819,000	-1,485,000	-1,298,000
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	786,000	349,000		0	0	79,000
Net periodic benefit cost	2,737,000	2,187,000		9,000,000	9,075,000	6,845,000
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	-173,983,000	-133,866,000	-173,983,000	-133,866,000	-124,948,000
Participant contributions				-228,000	-246,000
Actuarial gains (losses)				-34,191,000	448,000
Settlement (gains) losses				328,000	0
Benefits paid				3,928,000	3,921,000
Business combinations				-131,000	0
Curtailment gains (losses)				0	0
Contractual termination benefits				0	0
Plan amendments				-117,000	-459,000
Translation adjustment				-498,000	-3,965,000
Benefit obligation at end of year				-173,983,000	-133,866,000	-124,948,000
Fair value of plan assets	40,904,000	32,417,000	40,904,000	32,417,000	30,190,000
Actual return on assets				6,009,000	1,043,000
Employer contributions				5,073,000	4,601,000
Translation				1,105,000	258,000
Fair value of plan assets				40,904,000	32,417,000	30,190,000
Underfunded				-133,079,000	-101,449,000
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits				-3,130,000	-2,850,000
Long-term liabilities				-129,949,000	-98,599,000
Net amount recognized				-133,079,000	-101,449,000
Net actuarial (gain) loss				57,632,000	29,434,000
Net prior service cost (credit)				430,000	323,000
Net amount recognized in AOCI				58,062,000	29,757,000
Net actuarial (gain) loss				30,002,000	-101,000
Prior service cost (credit)				117,000	459,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss				-1,373,000	-1,438,000
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit				-24,000	-505,000
Settlement/curtailment gains (losses)				-214,000	0
Translation adjustment				-203,000	853,000
Total change in AOCI				28,305,000	-732,000
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)				24,000	505,000	48,000
Recognized losses due to plan settlements				214,000	0	0
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments				0	0	-310,000
Recognized net actuarial loss				1,373,000	1,438,000	468,000
Net actuarial loss (gain)			3,225,000
Prior service cost (credit)			38,000
Total			3,263,000
Accumulated benefit obligation				154,788,000	119,761,000
Projected benefit obligation				173,983,000	133,806,000
Accumulated benefit obligation				154,788,000	119,717,000
Fair value of plan assets				40,904,000	32,353,000
Projected benefit obligation				0	60,000
Accumulated benefit obligation				0	44,000
Fair value of plan assets				0	64,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate				2.80%	4.00%	3.80%
Discount rate on pension plans				4.00%	3.80%	4.90%
2015				4,263,000
2016				4,335,000
2017				5,214,000
2018				4,837,000
2019				5,244,000
Years 2020 - 2024				29,849,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,000	1,000		5,000	14,000	28,000
Interest cost	110,000	123,000		491,000	450,000	607,000
Expected return on plan assets				0	0	0
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	-135,000	-139,000		0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	-24,000	-15,000		-63,000	257,000	75,000
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	-12,191,000	-11,372,000	-12,191,000	-11,372,000	-13,556,000
Participant contributions				-62,000	-105,000
Actuarial gains (losses)				-1,271,000	1,994,000
Settlement (gains) losses				0	0
Benefits paid				1,010,000	1,059,000
Business combinations				0	0
Curtailment gains (losses)				0	-358,000
Contractual termination benefits				0	0
Plan amendments				0	58,000
Translation adjustment				0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year				-12,191,000	-11,372,000	-13,556,000
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	0	0	0
Actual return on assets				0	0
Employer contributions				948,000	954,000
Translation				0	0
Fair value of plan assets				0	0	0
Underfunded				-12,191,000	-11,372,000
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits				-880,000	-880,000
Long-term liabilities				-11,311,000	-10,492,000
Net amount recognized				-12,191,000	-11,372,000
Net actuarial (gain) loss				-79,000	-1,368,000
Net prior service cost (credit)				-1,982,000	-2,523,000
Net amount recognized in AOCI				-2,061,000	-3,891,000
Net actuarial (gain) loss				1,271,000	-1,994,000
Prior service cost (credit)				0	-58,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss				18,000	0
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit				541,000	540,000
Settlement/curtailment gains (losses)				0	25,000
Translation adjustment				0	0
Total change in AOCI				1,830,000	-1,487,000
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)				-541,000	-540,000	-731,000
Recognized losses due to plan settlements				0	0	0
Recognized (gains) losses due to plan curtailments				0	333,000	0
Recognized net actuarial loss				-18,000	0	171,000
Net actuarial loss (gain)			0
Prior service cost (credit)			-541,000
Total			-541,000
Accumulated benefit obligation				12,191,000	11,372,000
Projected benefit obligation				12,191,000	11,372,000
Accumulated benefit obligation				12,191,000	11,372,000
Fair value of plan assets				0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate				3.80%	4.50%	3.50%
Discount rate on pension plans				4.50%	3.50%	4.50%
2015				890,000
2016				859,000
2017				860,000
2018				839,000
2019				858,000
Years 2020 - 2024				4,001,000
German United Kingdom Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Underfunded			120,000,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Return on pension plan assets			4.70%
Rate of compensation increase			2.40%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions			5,600,000
Discount rate on pension plans			2.80%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions			$900,000
Discount rate on pension plans			3.80%

Recovered_Sheet1

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Equity [Line Items]
Comprehensive income (loss)	($11,901)	$27,273	$39,532	$33,776	($3,969)
Cash dividends paid, $0.205 per share	-5,962		-23,665	-22,934	-20,938
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,750				-580
Purchase of treasury stock	-3,335		-1,116	-8,091	-26,752
Issuance of treasury stock	54		254	356	432
Stock options exercised	17		233	1,205	915
Amortization of restricted stock	1,233		6,230	3,139	4,658
Balance as of November 30, 2014	514,807		536,451	514,744	507,689	554,305
Common Stock [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Stock options exercised	1		13	64	51
Balance as of November 30, 2014	48,186		48,185	48,094	47,958	47,816
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Issuance of treasury stock	24		105	93	20
Stock options exercised	16		220	1,141	864
Amortization of restricted stock	1,233		6,230	3,139	4,658
Balance as of November 30, 2014	269,818		268,545	263,158	259,253	254,184
Treasury Stock [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock	-3,335		-1,116	-8,091	-26,752
Issuance of treasury stock	30		149	263	412
Balance as of November 30, 2014	-383,199		-379,894	-378,927	-371,099	-344,759
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Comprehensive income (loss)	-25,255		-17,373	6,603	-55,928
Balance as of November 30, 2014	-41,946		-16,691	682	-5,921	50,007
Retained Earnings [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Comprehensive income (loss)	13,158		56,193	26,099	50,887
Cash dividends paid, $0.205 per share	-5,962		-23,665	-22,934	-20,938
Balance as of November 30, 2014	614,094		606,898	574,370	571,205	541,256
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Comprehensive income (loss)	196		712	1,074	1,072
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,750				-580
Balance as of November 30, 2014	$7,854		$9,408	$7,367	$6,293	$5,801

Reclassification_Out_of_Accumu

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($16,691)	[1]	$682	[1]	$682	[1]	($5,921)	[1]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-25,615	[1]	12,753	[1]	-17,171	[1]	5,036	[1]
Tax on increase projected benefit obligation					8,718		21
Amounts reclassified to earnings	336	[1]	-766	[1]	-289	[1]	1,412	[1]
Tax on amounts reclassified to earnings					-456		34
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-25,279	[1]	11,987	[1]	-17,460	[1]	6,448	[1]	-56,018
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-24	[1]	-30	[1]	-87	[1]	-155	[1]
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	-25,255	[1]	12,017	[1]	-17,373	[1]	6,603	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-41,946	[1]	12,699	[1]	-16,691	[1]	682	[1]	-5,921	[1]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	22,786	[1]	17,712	[1]	17,712	[1]	13,383	[1]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-25,615	[1]	12,753	[1]	5,872	[1]	4,174	[1]
Amounts reclassified to earnings	0	[1]	-885	[1],[2]	-885	[1],[3]	0	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-25,615	[1]	11,868	[1]	4,987	[1]	4,174	[1]
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-24	[1]	-30	[1]	-87	[1]	-155	[1]
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	-25,591	[1]	11,898	[1]	5,074	[1]	4,329	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-2,805	[1]	29,610	[1]	22,786	[1]	17,712	[1]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-39,477	[1],[4],[5]	-17,030	[1],[4],[5]	-17,030	[1],[4],[5]	-19,304	[1],[4]
Other Comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]	-23,043	[1],[4]	862	[1],[4]
Amounts reclassified to earnings	336	[1],[5],[6]	119	[1],[5],[6]	596	[1],[4],[7]	1,412	[1],[4]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	336	[1],[5]	119	[1],[5]	-22,447	[1],[4]	2,274	[1],[4]
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	336	[1],[5]	119	[1],[5]	-22,447	[1],[4]	2,274	[1],[4]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($39,141)	[1],[5]	($16,911)	[1],[5]	($39,477)	[1],[4],[5]	($17,030)	[1],[4],[5]
[1]	All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.
[2]	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 19 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
[3]	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 19 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
[4]	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 8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
[5]	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 6 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on April 27, 2015 for further details.
[6]	Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs.
[7]	Represents amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service costs, including settlement charges of $214.

Recovered_Sheet2

Share-Based Incentive compensation Plans (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Feb. 28, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted	0	0
Share-based incentive compensation			$7,902,000		$3,304,000		$4,658,000
Dividend yield			0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	3.00%	[2]
Expected volatility			31.00%	[1]	35.00%	[1]	43.00%	[2]
Risk-free interest rate			1.03%	[1]	0.77%	[1]	0.42%	[2]
Correlation			53.00%	[1]	56.00%	[1]	61.00%	[2]
Stock options outstanding			5,001		19,002
Stock options exercised			-12,167
Stock options forfeited and expired			-1,834
Stock options exercisable			5,001
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price			$19.29		$19.13
Stock options exercised, weighted average exercise price			$19.06
Stock options forfeited and expired, weighted average exercise price			$19.16
Stock options exercisable, weighted average exercise price			$19.29
Stock options outstanding and exercisable, intrinsic value			100,000
Remaining term for stock options outstanding and exercisable			1 year
Stock options exercised, intrinsic value			200,000		600,000		400,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost of nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements			11,600,000
Total unrecognized compensation costs of nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements, recognition period			1 year 3 months 15 days
Employee stock purchase plan, percent of fair market value			85.00%
Employee stock purchase plan, discount rate			15.00%
Time Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted			42,138
Awards outstanding			156,092		133,359
Vested			-19,405
Forfeited			0
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value			$28.14		$25.20
Awards granted, weighted average fair market value			$34.42		$29.18		$22.64
Awards vested, weighted average fair market value			$21.63
Awards forfeited, weighted average fair market value			$0
Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted			315,941
Awards outstanding			1,101,437		1,081,585
Vested			-30,366
Forfeited			-265,723
Awards outstanding, weighted average fair market value			$25.93		$20.41
Awards granted, weighted average fair market value			$34.42		$29.08		$17.71
Awards vested, weighted average fair market value			$11.62
Awards forfeited, weighted average fair market value			$15.21
Cash Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash-based awards and Cash-settled restricted stock units, cash payments			0		200,000		300,000
Non Employee Director Unrestricted Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted			23,150		27,860
Time Based And Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based incentive compensation	1,300,000	1,300,000	7,105,000		2,454,000		3,813,000
Board Of Directors Unrestricted Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based incentive compensation			797,000		850,000		845,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected equity compensation cost due to accelerated vesting									$5,800,000
Earn Dividends [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards outstanding			485,065
Monte Carlo Simulation [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards outstanding			441,282
Fair Value Based On Closing Price Of Common Stock On Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards outstanding			660,155
2006 Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant			524,749
2010 Rewards Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant			22,949
[1]	Assumptions as of August 31 for the respective years related to liability classified awards
[2]	Weighted average grant date assumptions related to equity classified awards

Earnings_Per_Share_Detail

Earnings Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic	29,017,000	29,017,000	29,061,000	29,260,000	29,389,000
Incremental shares from equity awards	451,000	188,000	301,000	77,000	160,000
Diluted	29,468,000	29,205,000	29,362,000	29,337,000	29,549,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			0	21,000	36,000
Special stock authorization number of shares			1,000,000
Special stock authorization number of shares issued			0

Segment_Information_Detail

Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$615,053	$627,358	$645,735	$588,508	$585,397	$537,288	$548,589	$515,440	$532,085	$2,446,998	$2,133,402	$2,081,272
Segment gross profit	87,235				79,996					332,552	282,902	279,920
Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related costs	0				-471					-1,076	-1,585	0
Gross profit	86,844	84,637	91,964	74,299	79,108	72,269	74,044	63,199	71,667	330,008	281,179	279,243
Identifiable assets	1,496,251	1,512,484				1,238,342				1,512,484	1,238,342	1,193,767
Costs related to acquisitions	-1,053				-635					-6,021	-2,661	-1,425
Depreciation and amortization expense										47,904	41,451	38,784
Restructuring and related costs										-9,618	-13,687	-9,256
Capital expenditures	10,324				9,601					35,089	26,568	34,003
Accelerated depreciation	0				-108					-107	-1,058	0
Asset impairment										-104	-1,873	-3,392
Curtailment and settlement gains (losses)										-214	-333	310
Inventory step-up	-341				-417					-1,468	-138	-677
Operating income	21,078				19,932					82,321	63,103	73,403
Costs related to acquisitions in gross profit	-50				0
Interest expense, net	-2,264				-2,129					-8,217	-7,162	-7,675
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	-1,099				-682					-2,206	-2,426	-243
Other income (expense), net	159				78					434	217	1,342
Income from continuing operations before taxes	17,874				17,199					72,332	53,732	66,827
Long lived assets	250,013	253,921				210,521				253,921	210,521	225,876
Restructuring and related costs	-5,579				-3,372
Net sales, percentage	100.00%				100.00%					100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Custom Performance Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	48,078				44,941					186,667	164,128	125,595
Net sales, percentage	8.00%				8.00%					8.00%	8.00%	6.00%
Masterbatch Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	202,030				182,903					768,723	743,846	750,531
Net sales, percentage	33.00%				31.00%					31.00%	35.00%	36.00%
Engineered Plastics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	194,516				180,698					753,347	559,462	547,090
Net sales, percentage	32.00%				31.00%					31.00%	26.00%	26.00%
Specialty Powders [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	82,357				86,947					350,510	308,620	314,965
Net sales, percentage	13.00%				15.00%					14.00%	14.00%	16.00%
Distribution Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	88,072				89,908					387,751	357,346	343,091
Net sales, percentage	14.00%				15.00%					16.00%	17.00%	16.00%
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers										457,225	383,964	358,376
Long lived assets		95,349				70,197				95,349	70,197	76,699
Germany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers										548,454	536,833	571,876
Long lived assets		22,716				23,316				22,716	23,316	23,020
France [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers										238,029	221,521	196,103
Long lived assets		22,758				21,854				22,758	21,854	22,832
Other International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers										1,203,290	991,084	954,917
Long lived assets		113,098				95,154				113,098	95,154	103,325
EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	371,191				392,462					1,577,867	1,405,882	1,403,151
Segment gross profit	49,706				51,940					206,268	179,242	175,669
Segment operating income	20,039				20,417					80,690	67,320	71,849
Identifiable assets		809,670				735,684				809,670	735,684	677,066
Depreciation and amortization expense										21,832	18,072	17,534
Capital expenditures										13,199	9,157	11,383
USCAN Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	144,707				95,940					475,050	400,449	375,521
Segment gross profit	24,629				13,750					73,278	52,906	51,548
Segment operating income	11,393				3,859					30,418	16,643	15,441
Identifiable assets		458,109				303,553				458,109	303,553	313,935
Depreciation and amortization expense										16,522	14,471	13,800
Capital expenditures										12,235	10,373	11,548
LATAM Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	46,181				50,587					198,313	200,375	183,389
Segment gross profit	5,650				7,683					26,239	28,409	32,734
Segment operating income	595				3,505					8,388	11,708	13,431
Identifiable assets		111,126				109,885				111,126	109,885	113,028
Depreciation and amortization expense										4,128	5,010	3,731
Capital expenditures										4,380	4,665	6,177
APAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	52,974				46,408					195,768	126,696	119,211
Segment gross profit	7,250				6,623					26,767	22,345	19,969
Segment operating income	3,508				3,366					12,527	12,108	10,908
Identifiable assets		133,579				89,220				133,579	89,220	89,738
Depreciation and amortization expense										5,422	3,898	3,719
Capital expenditures										5,275	2,373	4,895
Total Segments Excluding Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating income	35,535				31,147					132,023	107,779	111,629
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating income	($7,484)				($6,683)					($32,170)	($24,926)	($23,786)

Restructuring_Detail

Restructuring (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2015
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	$5,151,000		$1,812,000	$5,349,000	$3,366,000
Restructuring charges	5,219,000	1,778,000	4,883,000	10,500,000	9,256,000
Restructuring Reserve	1,812,000	5,349,000	5,349,000	3,366,000		1,812,000
Restructuring payments	-1,747,000		-8,613,000	-8,559,000
Translation	-133,000		193,000	42,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Accelerated Depreciation	0	108,000	107,000	1,058,000	0
EMEA [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring charges	4,274,000	501,000	1,000,000	6,704,000	7,531,000
USCAN Segment [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring charges	762,000	67,000	754,000	1,376,000	1,603,000
LATAM Segment [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring charges	183,000	1,145,000	3,053,000	2,240,000	0
APAC [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring charges	0	65,000	76,000	180,000	122,000
EMEA FY15 Reorganization Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	40					40
Restructuring Reserve	3,200,000
Restructuring charges	4,200,000		0
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	2,700,000		10,000,000
Americas Reorganization Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated				85
Restructuring Reserve			0
Restructuring charges			700,000	1,500,000
Brazil Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated				55
Restructuring Reserve			100,000
Restructuring charges			3,100,000	1,600,000
Restructuring Related Cost Number Of Additional Positions				35
Restructuring and Related Cost, Accelerated Depreciation			100,000	700,000
EMEA Reorganziation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated				45
Restructuring Reserve			300,000
Restructuring charges			600,000	6,400,000
Bellevue, Ohio Facility Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve			0
Restructuring charges				300,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Accelerated Depreciation				400,000
Masterbatch Reorganization Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve			1,200,000
Restructuring charges			400,000		2,300,000
EMEA Operations and Back-Office Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated					50
Restructuring Reserve			100,000
Restructuring charges				300,000	4,700,000
Americas Engineered Plastics Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring charges					1,600,000
Italy Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring charges					500,000
FY15 North American Production Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	70
Restructuring Reserve	600,000
Restructuring charges	600,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	1,900,000
FY15 North American SG&A [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	10
Restructuring Reserve	100,000
Restructuring charges	200,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	300,000
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	5,233,000		1,745,000	5,446,000
Restructuring charges	4,907,000		2,223,000	8,669,000
Restructuring Reserve	1,745,000	5,446,000	5,446,000	3,524,000		1,745,000
Restructuring payments	-1,419,000		-5,924,000	-6,747,000
Translation	0		0	0
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	355,000		371,000	400,000
Restructuring charges	312,000		2,660,000	1,831,000
Restructuring Reserve	371,000	400,000	400,000	381,000		371,000
Restructuring payments	-328,000		-2,689,000	-1,812,000
Translation	0		0	0
Translation Effect On Restructuring Reserve [Member]
Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve	-437,000		-304,000	-497,000
Restructuring charges	0		0	0
Restructuring Reserve	-304,000	-497,000	-497,000	-539,000		-304,000
Restructuring payments	0		0	0
Translation	($133,000)		$193,000	$42,000

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			33 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Apr. 03, 2014
Share Repurchase Program
Number of treasury stock shares acquired	109,422	40,327	40,327	304,000	1,463,000
Treasury stock shares acquired, average cost per share	$30.46	$27.68	$27.68
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$3,335,000		$1,116,000	$8,091,000	$26,752,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	51,700,000
November 2011 18-Month Repurchase Plan [Member]
Share Repurchase Program
Number of treasury stock shares acquired						2,192,612
Treasury stock shares acquired, average cost per share						$20.33
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		1,100,000
April 2014 Repurchase Plan [Member]
Share Repurchase Program
Number of treasury stock shares acquired			0
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	3,300,000
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount							$55,000,000

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets	$904,000				$3,087,000					$6,004,000	$13,886,000	$1,581,000
Net sales	0				1,288,000					1,372,000	30,009,000	25,482,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-10,000	223,000	-23,000	347,000	2,655,000	-1,571,000	-4,821,000	-282,000	3,000	3,202,000	-6,671,000	-860,000
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations	0				3,028,000					3,365,000	0	0
Australia rotational molding [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets					3,000,000					3,000,000
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations					3,000,000					3,400,000
Impairments on Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of											$4,000,000

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif2

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail)	Aug. 31, 2014
	Employee
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Number of employees	3,900
Number of manufacturing facilities	42
Alta Plastica S.A. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest partner	37.00%
P.T. Prima Polycon Indah [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Percentage
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest partner	35.00%

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif3

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 2 (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$4.40	$1.90	$3.40
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif4

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 3 (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	3 years
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	25 years
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	9 years
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	20 years
Developed Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	10 years
Developed Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	15 years

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account2

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$10,434	$9,190	$9,475	$10,674
Provision	907	2,441	1,724
Write-offs, net of recoveries	-491	-1,481	-1,007
Translation effect	-6	284	-1,002
Ending balance	$10,844	$10,434	$9,190	$10,674

Recovered_Sheet3

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Detail)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	A 2011 Credit Facility Revolverdue 2016 [Member]	A 2011 Credit Facility Revolverdue 2016 [Member]	2013 Credit Facility Revolverdue 2018 [Member]	2013 Credit Facility Revolverdue 2018 [Member]	Euro Notes [Member]	A 2013 Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]	A 2013 Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]	Stated Value [Member]	Reported Value Measurement [Member]	Reported Value Measurement [Member]	Reported Value Measurement [Member]	Outstanding Letters Of Credit [Member]	Outstanding Letters Of Credit [Member]	Borrowings [Member]	Borrowings [Member]
				USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	Euro Notes [Member]	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
														EUR (€)
Short-term and Long-term Debt and Credit Arrangements
Notes payable and other, due within one year		$18,429,000	$5,042,000
Current portion of long-term debt		13,319,000	3,331,000
Short-term debt	32,012,000	31,748,000	8,373,000
Revolving credit loan				0	150,000,000	105,400,000	0								700,000	1,000,000	296,000,000	150,000,000
Term loan, due September 2018		180,625,000	0
Euro notes, 4.485%, due March 2016		53,106,000	56,626,000
Fixed interest rate on long-term debt								4.49%
Capital leases and other long-term debt		415,000	809,000
Long-term debt	353,262,000	339,546,000	207,435,000
Revolving Facility		300,000,000	300,000,000			300,000,000			200,000,000
Revolving Facility additional borrowing capacity		250,000,000
Domestic short term lines of credit		15,000,000	0
Domestic Uncollateralized Short Term Lines Of Credit, outstanding borrowings		15,000,000
Euro Senior Notes											50,300,000	56,400,000	42,800,000
Annual principal payment														2,500,000
Long-term debt, early termination fees								7,100,000
Weighted average interest rate of short-term debt		3.10%	10.10%
Short-term interest bearing debt		31,700,000	8,400,000
Term Loan Facility									190,625,000	0
Foreign short-term lines of credit		53,520,000	56,178,000
Total capacity from credit lines and notes		559,145,000	356,178,000
Revolving Facility		193,909,000	149,024,000
Foreign short-term lines of credit		49,250,000	49,302,000
Total available funds from credit lines and notes		243,159,000	198,326,000
Credit lines and notes, amount outstanding less letters of credit		315,300,000	156,900,000
Fiscal 2015		31,748,000
2016		63,275,000
2017		12,606,000
2018		15,091,000
2019		$248,574,000

Leases_Detail

Leases (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Total rental expense	$16,600,000	$12,700,000	$10,400,000
2015	11,378,000
2016	7,862,000
2017	6,217,000
2018	4,501,000
2019	3,627,000
2020 and thereafter	18,227,000
Total minimum rental commitments	$51,812,000

Research_and_Development_Detai

Research and Development (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Soft Dollar Arrangements [Abstract]
Research and Development Expense	$16.90	$8.70	$6.10

Asset_Impairments_Detail

Asset Impairments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment
Asset impairment	$104,000	$1,873,000	$3,392,000
Italy Plan [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Asset impairment		1,400,000	2,700,000
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	1,500,000
Americas Engineered Plastics Plan [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Asset impairment			500,000
Fair value of property, plant and equipment			3,800,000
Oyonnax, France [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Asset impairment	100,000	500,000
Oyonnax, France [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment				$600,000

Quarterly_Financial_Highlights2

Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014		31-May-14		Feb. 28, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2013		31-May-13		Feb. 28, 2013		Nov. 30, 2012		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Text Block [Abstract]
Net sales	$615,053	$627,358		$645,735		$588,508		$585,397		$537,288		$548,589		$515,440		$532,085		$2,446,998		$2,133,402		$2,081,272
Gross profit	86,844	84,637		91,964		74,299		79,108		72,269		74,044		63,199		71,667		330,008		281,179		279,243
Income from continuing operations	13,388	15,164		19,347		6,648		12,631		-762		10,313		12,306		12,142		53,790		33,999		52,909
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-10	223		-23		347		2,655		-1,571		-4,821		-282		3		3,202		-6,671		-860
Net Income	13,378	15,387		19,324		6,995		15,286		-2,333		5,492		12,024		12,145		56,992		27,328		52,049
Noncontrolling interests	-220	-215		-233		-136		-215		-349		-275		-239		-366		-799		-1,229		-1,162
Net income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	13,158	15,172		19,091		6,859		15,071		-2,682		5,217		11,785		11,779		56,193		26,099		50,887
Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$0.45	$0.51	[1]	$0.66	[1]	$0.23	[1]	$0.43	[1]	($0.04)	[1]	$0.34	[1]	$0.41	[1]	$0.40	[1]	$1.82	[1]	$1.12	[1]	$1.76
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	$0.01	[1]	$0	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.09	[1]	($0.05)	[1]	($0.16)	[1]	($0.01)	[1]	$0	[1]	$0.11	[1]	($0.23)	[1]	($0.03)
Net income	$0.45	$0.52	[1]	$0.66	[1]	$0.24	[1]	$0.52	[1]	($0.09)	[1]	$0.18	[1]	$0.40	[1]	$0.40	[1]	$1.93	[1]	$0.89	[1]	$1.73
Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$0.45	$0.51	[1]	$0.65	[1]	$0.22	[1]	$0.43	[1]	($0.04)	[1]	$0.34	[1]	$0.41	[1]	$0.40	[1]	$1.80	[1]	$1.12	[1]	$1.75
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	$0.01	[1]	$0	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.09	[1]	($0.05)	[1]	($0.16)	[1]	($0.01)	[1]	$0	[1]	$0.11	[1]	($0.23)	[1]	($0.03)
Net Income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$0.45	$0.52	[1]	$0.65	[1]	$0.23	[1]	$0.52	[1]	($0.09)	[1]	$0.18	[1]	$0.40	[1]	$0.40	[1]	$1.91	[1]	$0.89	[1]	$1.72
Certain items included in income from continuing operations, net of tax
Asset write-downs		0	[2]	0	[2]	70	[2]	107	[2]	365	[3]	1,386	[3]	404	[3]	628	[3]	177	[2]	2,783	[3]
Costs related to acquisitions		2,635	[4]	872	[4]	1,822	[4]	546	[4]	736	[5]	890	[5]	596	[5]	313	[5]	5,875	[4]	2,535	[5]
Restructuring and related costs		1,463	[6]	1,840	[6]	2,513	[6]	3,340	[6]	5,577	[6]	2,472	[6]	1,320	[6]	1,762	[6]	9,156	[6]	11,131	[6]
Inventory step-up		323	[7]	0	[7]	782	[7]	319	[7]	0	[8]	0	[8]	0	[8]	138	[8]	1,424	[7]	138	[8]
Tax charges (benefits)		110		0		-426		0		10,595	[9]	-17	[9]	-6,160	[9]	0	[9]	-316		4,418	[9]
Total		$4,531		$2,712		$4,761		$4,312		$17,273		$4,731		($3,840)		$2,841		$16,316		$21,005
[1]	The sum of the four quarters does not equal the earnings per share amount calculated for the year due to rounding.
[2]	Asset write-downs include charges primarily related to the write-down of the facility in Oyonnax, France. Refer to Note 16 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
[3]	Asset write-downs include charges primarily related to the write-down of the facility in Oyonnax, France and the facility in Verolanuova, Italy during fiscal 2013. Refer to Note 16 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
[4]	Costs related to acquisitions include professional, legal and other expenses associated with the Perrite Group, Network Polymers, Inc., Prime Colorants and the Specialty Plastics acquisitions, along with other potential acquisitions.
[5]	Costs related to acquisitions include professional, legal and other expenses associated with the acquisitions of ECM, the Perrite Group and other potential acquisitions.
[6]	Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs and charges related to the reorganization of the legal entity structure. Refer to Note 15 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended and superseded in part by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2015 for further discussion.
[7]	Inventory step-up relates to the fiscal 2014 acquisitions noted above.
[8]	Inventory step-up relates to the ECM acquisition.
[9]	Tax charges (benefits) include the effect of the adjustment to the German and Brazilian valuation allowances in fiscal 2013.