GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 69,579	$ 76,897
Impairment	0	(6,331)	0
Translation	65	(987)
Acquisition	4,675
Goodwill, ending balance	74,319	69,579	76,897
Americas Recycling
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	7,267	7,267
Impairment		0
Translation	0	0
Acquisition	0
Goodwill, ending balance	7,267	7,267
Americas Mills
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	295	295
Impairment		0
Translation	0	0
Acquisition	4,675
Goodwill, ending balance	4,970	295
Americas Fabrication
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	57,144	57,144
Impairment		0
Translation	0	0
Acquisition	0
Goodwill, ending balance	57,144	57,144
International Mill
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	2,755	2,685
Impairment		0
Translation	21	70
Acquisition	0
Goodwill, ending balance	2,776	2,755
International Marketing and Distribution
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	2,118	9,506
Impairment		(6,331)
Translation	44	(1,057)
Acquisition	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 2,162	$ 2,118