Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 5,676	$ 5,336	$ 20,756	$ 8,520
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)		8,980	4,150	9,960	(11,166)
Defined benefit retirement plans, net of tax		435	610	813	1,204
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	9,415	4,760	10,773	(9,962)
Comprehensive income (loss)		15,091	10,096	31,529	(1,442)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		135	333	505	504
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.		$ 14,956	$ 9,763	$ 31,024	$ (1,946)

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