Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 134,054	$ 124,031
Accounts receivable, net	310,749	304,698
Inventories, average cost or market, whichever is lower	261,658	247,222
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	41,224	32,403
Total current assets	747,685	708,354
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	27,954	28,739
Buildings and leasehold improvements	146,647	156,951
Machinery and equipment	356,144	363,811
Furniture and fixtures	39,065	39,404
Construction in progress	7,149	14,320
Gross property, plant and equipment	576,959	603,225
Accumulated depreciation and investment grants of $441 in 2013 and $579 in 2012	366,438	377,349
Net property, plant and equipment	210,521	225,876
Other assets:
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	48,723	41,146
Goodwill	139,526	128,353
Intangible assets	91,887	90,038
Total other assets	280,136	259,537
Total assets	1,238,342	1,193,767
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	265,477	248,069
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	6,423	4,268
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	43,072	42,275
Other accrued liabilities	48,689	37,282
Short-term debt	8,373	35,411
Total current liabilities	372,034	367,305
Long-term debt	207,435	174,466
Pension plans	98,599	92,581
Other long-term liabilities	24,657	29,324
Deferred income taxes	20,873	22,402
Total liabilities	723,598	686,078
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,094 shares in 2013 and 47,958 shares in 2012	48,094	47,958
Additional paid-in capital	263,158	259,253
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	682	(5,921)
Retained earnings	574,370	571,205
Treasury stock, at cost, 18,940 shares in 2013 and 18,649 shares in 2012	(378,927)	(371,099)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	507,377	501,396
Noncontrolling interests	7,367	6,293
Total equity	514,744	507,689
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,238,342	$ 1,193,767