Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2011	Dec. 12, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SPARTECH CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000077597
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-29
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Oct. 29, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,831,909
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 220