Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Net income (loss)	$ 27,798		$ 56,992		$ 27,328
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax	(72,526)		4,987		4,174
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(66,947)	[1]	(17,460)	[1]	6,448
Comprehensive income (loss)	(39,149)		39,532		33,776
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	991		712		1,074
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	(40,140)		38,820		32,702
Net Change in Net Actuarial Gains (Losses) [Member]
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs (credits), net of tax	6,086		(21,813)		2,710
Net Change in Prior Service (Costs) Credit [Member]
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs (credits), net of tax	$ (507)		$ (634)		$ (436)

[1] All amounts presented are net of tax.