Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 79,696	$ 124,031
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,505 at February 28, 2013 and $9,190 at August 31, 2012	332,927	304,698
Inventories, average cost or market, whichever is lower	278,197	247,222
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37,734	32,403
Total current assets	728,554	708,354
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	28,521	28,739
Buildings and leasehold improvements	151,439	156,951
Machinery and equipment	348,179	363,811
Furniture and fixtures	39,875	39,404
Construction in progress	18,864	14,320
Gross property, plant and equipment	586,878	603,225
Accumulated depreciation and investment grants of $515 at February 28, 2013 and $579 at August 31, 2012	361,611	377,349
Net property, plant and equipment	225,267	225,876
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	54,357	41,146
Goodwill	138,998	128,353
Intangible assets, net	100,270	90,038
Total other assets	293,625	259,537
Total assets	1,247,446	1,193,767
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	252,553	248,069
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	4,512	4,268
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	36,517	42,275
Other accrued liabilities	46,623	37,282
Short-term debt	37,655	35,411
Total current liabilities	377,860	367,305
Long-term debt	190,894	174,466
Pension plans	96,882	92,581
Other long-term liabilities	26,535	29,324
Deferred income taxes	21,253	22,402
Total liabilities	713,424	686,078
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,083 shares at February 28, 2013 and 47,958 shares at August 31, 2012	48,083	47,958
Additional paid-in capital	262,587	259,253
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,882	(5,921)
Retained earnings	583,056	571,205
Treasury stock, at cost, 18,661 shares at February 28, 2013 and 18,649 shares at August 31, 2012	(371,409)	(371,099)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	527,199	501,396
Noncontrolling interests	6,823	6,293
Total equity	534,022	507,689
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,247,446	$ 1,193,767