Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 107,142	$ 124,031
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,819 at November 30, 2012 and $9,190 at August 31, 2012	323,401	304,698
Inventories, average cost or market, whichever is lower	276,248	247,222
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37,302	32,403
Total current assets	744,093	708,354
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	28,459	28,739
Buildings and leasehold improvements	150,335	156,951
Machinery and equipment	342,296	363,811
Furniture and fixtures	39,477	39,404
Construction in progress	16,247	14,320
Gross property, plant and equipment	576,814	603,225
Accumulated depreciation and investment grants of $554 at November 30, 2012 and $579 at August 31, 2012	352,456	377,349
Net property, plant and equipment	224,358	225,876
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	42,278	41,146
Goodwill	138,990	128,353
Intangible assets, net	102,505	90,038
Total other assets	283,773	259,537
Total assets	1,252,224	1,193,767
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	268,174	248,069
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	4,703	4,268
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	38,800	42,275
Other accrued liabilities	46,842	37,282
Short-term debt	37,806	35,411
Total current liabilities	396,325	367,305
Long-term debt	185,376	174,466
Pension plans	95,936	92,581
Other long-term liabilities	28,257	29,324
Deferred income taxes	22,352	22,402
Total liabilities	728,246	686,078
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 47,974 shares at November 30, 2012 and 47,958 shares at August 31, 2012	47,974	47,958
Additional paid-in capital	260,279	259,253
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,367	(5,921)
Retained earnings	577,203	571,205
Treasury stock, at cost, 18,664 shares at November 30, 2012 and 18,649 shares at August 31, 2012	(371,463)	(371,099)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	517,360	501,396
Noncontrolling interests	6,618	6,293
Total equity	523,978	507,689
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,252,224	$ 1,193,767