Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015
Net income (loss)		$ 2,022	$ (561)	$ 9,519	$ 12,817
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)		(9,243)	(32,491)	(20,019)	(58,106)
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax		150	599	1,165	935
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(9,093)	(31,892)	(18,854)	(57,171)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(7,071)	(32,453)	(9,335)	(44,354)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(224)	290	111	486
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ (6,847)	$ (32,743)	$ (9,446)	$ (44,840)

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