Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Net income	$ 27,328	$ 52,049	$ 41,685
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax	4,174	(46,647)	42,550
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	6,448	(56,018)	56,285
Comprehensive income (loss)	33,776	(3,969)	97,970
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,074	1,072	689
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	32,702	(5,041)	97,281
Net Change in Net Actuarial Gains (Losses) [Member]
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs (credits), net of tax	2,710	(6,200)	11,703
Net Change in Prior Service (Costs) Credit [Member]
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs (credits), net of tax	$ (436)	$ (3,171)	$ 2,032