Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 69,453	$ 155,753
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,560 at May 31, 2012 and $9,475 at August 31, 2011	321,038	347,036
Inventories, average cost or market, whichever is lower	267,645	264,747
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,262	34,376
Total current assets	686,398	801,912
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	28,745	30,826
Buildings and leasehold improvements	152,988	165,267
Machinery and equipment	366,813	382,828
Furniture and fixtures	38,126	41,860
Construction in progress	15,741	12,967
Gross property, plant and equipment	602,413	633,748
Accumulated depreciation and investment grants of $606 at May 31, 2012 and $815 at August 31, 2011	379,921	399,448
Net property, plant and equipment	222,492	234,300
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	36,388	35,947
Goodwill	126,712	91,753
Intangible assets	91,726	76,075
Total other assets	254,826	203,775
Total assets	1,163,716	1,239,987
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	248,704	254,405
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	2,865	11,072
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	38,797	44,560
Other accrued liabilities	39,460	50,608
Short-term debt	36,033	11,550
Total current liabilities	365,859	372,195
Long-term debt	167,752	184,598
Pension plans	75,065	84,673
Other long-term liabilities	25,731	24,161
Deferred income taxes	23,805	20,055
Total liabilities	658,212	685,682
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 47,948 shares at May 31, 2012 and 47,816 shares at August 31, 2011	47,948	47,816
Additional paid-in capital	257,973	254,184
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,095)	50,007
Retained earnings	565,555	541,256
Treasury stock, at cost, 18,408 shares at May 31, 2012 and 17,207 shares at August 31, 2011	(365,887)	(344,759)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	499,494	548,504
Noncontrolling interests	6,010	5,801
Total equity	505,504	554,305
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,163,716	$ 1,239,987