Segment Information Segment Revenue Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 626,147	$ 662,210	$ 1,213,891	$ 1,255,030
Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	490,550	533,730	931,106	980,935
Auto Parts Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	54,141	57,233	113,205	110,819
Steel Manufacturing Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	81,456	71,247	169,580	163,276
Operating Segments [Member] | Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	535,690	576,191	1,025,999	1,070,652
Operating Segments [Member] | Auto Parts Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	76,360	78,082	155,995	147,637
Less: Intersegment revenues | Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(45,140)	(42,461)	(94,893)	(89,717)
Less: Intersegment revenues | Auto Parts Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (22,219)	$ (20,849)	$ (42,790)	$ (36,818)