Restructuring Charges (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Restructuring Charges [Abstract]

Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]

The following illustrates the reconciliation of the restructuring liability by major type of costs for the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):

	Balance 8/31/2011		Charges		Payments and Other			Balance 8/31/2012		Charges		Payments and Other			Balance 8/31/2013		Total Charges to Date		Total Expected Charges
Severance costs	—		2,741		(264		)	$	2,477	$	2,443	$	(4,642	)	$	278	$	5,184	$	5,200
Contract termination costs	—		440		(26		)	414		3,229		(616		)	3,027		3,669		3,800
Other exit costs	—		1,831		(1,767		)	64		2,234		(2,298		)	—		4,065		4,100
Total	$	—	$	5,012	$	(2,057	)	$	2,955	$	7,906	$	(7,556	)	$	3,305	$	12,918	$	13,100

Schedule of Restructuring and Related Activities By Segment [Table Text Block]

Restructuring charges by reporting segment were as follows (in thousands):

	Fiscal 2012 Charges		Fiscal 2013 Charges		Total Charges to Date		Total Expected Charges
Metals Recycling Business	$	1,660	$	2,748	$	4,408	$	4,500
Auto Parts Business	233		239		472		500
Corporate	3,119		4,919		8,038		8,100
Total	$	5,012	$	7,906	$	12,918	$	13,100