|
Document and Entity Information
|
6 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Feb. 28, 2014
|
Apr. 04, 2014
|
|
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | ||
| Entity Registrant Name | SCHULMAN A INC | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000087565 | |
| Document Type | 10-Q | |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 28, 2014 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2014 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 | |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --08-31 | |
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 29,204,862 |