Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 124,031	$ 155,753
Accounts receivable, net	304,698	347,036
Inventories, average cost or market, whichever is lower	247,222	264,747
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,403	34,376
Total current assets	708,354	801,912
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	28,739	30,826
Buildings and leasehold improvements	156,951	165,267
Machinery and equipment	363,811	382,828
Furniture and fixtures	39,404	41,860
Construction in progress	14,320	12,967
Gross property, plant and equipment	603,225	633,748
Accumulated depreciation and investment grants of $579 in 2012 and $815 in 2011	377,349	399,448
Net property, plant and equipment	225,876	234,300
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	41,146	35,947
Goodwill	128,353	91,753
Intangible assets, net	90,038	76,075
Total other assets	259,537	203,775
Total assets	1,193,767	1,239,987
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	248,069	254,405
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	4,268	11,072
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	42,275	44,560
Other accrued liabilities	37,282	50,608
Short-term debt	35,411	11,550
Total current liabilities	367,305	372,195
Long-term debt	174,466	184,598
Pension plans	92,581	84,673
Other long-term liabilities	29,324	24,161
Deferred income taxes	22,402	20,055
Total liabilities	686,078	685,682
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 47,958 shares in 2012 and 47,816 shares in 2011	47,958	47,816
Additional paid-in capital	259,253	254,184
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,921)	50,007
Retained earnings	571,205	541,256
Treasury stock, at cost, 18,649 shares in 2012 and 17,207 shares in 2011	(371,099)	(344,759)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	501,396	548,504
Noncontrolling interests	6,293	5,801
Total equity	507,689	554,305
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,193,767	$ 1,239,987