Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended							6 Months Ended
Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012 Americas Recycling [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 Americas Recycling [Member]	Feb. 29, 2012 Americas Mills [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 Americas Mills [Member]	Feb. 29, 2012 Americas Fabrication [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 Americas Fabrication [Member]	Feb. 29, 2012 International Mill [Member]	Feb. 29, 2012 International Marketing and Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 77,638	$ 7,267	$ 7,267	$ 295	$ 295	$ 57,144	$ 57,144	$ 3,092	$ 9,840
Translation	(228)							(209)	(19)
Ending balance	$ 77,410	$ 7,267	$ 7,267	$ 295	$ 295	$ 57,144	$ 57,144	$ 2,883	$ 9,821

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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