Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Feb. 28, 2014
Aug. 31, 2013
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 90,053 $ 134,054
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,955 at February 28, 2014 and $10,434 at August 31, 2013 381,872 310,749
Inventories, lower of average cost or market 307,122 261,658
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 44,015 41,224
Total current assets 823,062 747,685
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:    
Land and improvements 26,892 27,954
Buildings and leasehold improvements 158,841 146,647
Machinery and equipment 389,424 356,144
Furniture and fixtures 41,399 39,065
Construction in progress 9,877 7,149
Gross property, plant and equipment 626,433 576,959
Accumulated depreciation 392,325 366,438
Net property, plant and equipment 234,108 210,521
Other assets:    
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets 54,853 48,723
Goodwill 185,379 139,526
Intangible assets, net 119,539 91,887
Total assets 1,416,941 1,238,342
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 292,693 265,477
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable 7,782 6,423
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits 42,926 43,072
Other accrued liabilities 52,661 48,689
Short-term debt 20,572 8,373
Total current liabilities 416,634 372,034
Long-term debt 302,981 207,435
Pension plans 104,247 98,599
Deferred income taxes 23,865 20,873
Other long-term liabilities 26,174 24,657
Total liabilities 873,901 723,598
Commitments and contingencies      
Stockholders' equity:    
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,179 shares at February 28, 2014 and 48,094 shares at August 31, 2013 48,179 48,094
Additional paid-in capital 265,285 263,158
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 17,396 [1] 682 [1]
Retained earnings 584,523 574,370
Treasury stock, at cost, 18,975 shares at February 28, 2014 and 18,940 shares at August 31, 2013 (379,947) (378,927)
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity 535,436 507,377
Noncontrolling interests 7,604 7,367
Total equity 543,040 514,744
Total liabilities and equity $ 1,416,941 $ 1,238,342
[1] (1) All amounts presented are net of tax.