Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 03, 2012	Dec. 01, 2012	May 05, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SPARTECH CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000077597
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--11-03
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Nov. 03, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,803,900
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 140