Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Net income	$ 56,992		$ 27,328		$ 52,049
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax	4,987		4,174		(46,647)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(17,460)	[1]	6,448	[1]	(56,018)
Comprehensive income (loss)	39,532		33,776		(3,969)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	712		1,074		1,072
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	38,820		32,702		(5,041)
Net Change in Net Actuarial Gains (Losses) [Member]
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs (credits), net of tax	(21,813)		2,710		(6,200)
Net Change in Prior Service (Costs) Credit [Member]
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs (credits), net of tax	$ (634)		$ (436)		$ (3,171)

[1] All amounts presented are net of tax. All tax amounts are related to pension and other retiree benefits.