Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 321,000	$ 321,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	327,264
Acquisitions	586
Acquisition accounting adjustments	(51)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,968)
Goodwill, end of period	324,831
Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	147,213
Acquisitions	0
Acquisition accounting adjustments	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,730)
Goodwill, end of period	145,483
Auto Parts Business [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	180,051
Acquisitions	586
Acquisition accounting adjustments	(51)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,238)
Goodwill, end of period	$ 179,348