Segment Information - Segment Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,355,210		$ 1,405,512
Property, plant and equipment, net	523,433	[1]	564,426	[1]
Investments in joint venture partnerships	14,624		14,808
Metals Recycling Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investments in joint venture partnerships	15,000		15,000
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	2,055,526		2,006,461
Operating Segments | Metals Recycling Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,343,771	[2]	1,316,202	[2]
Operating Segments | Auto Parts Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	361,411		359,977
Operating Segments | Steel Manufacturing Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	350,344		330,282
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	(700,316)		(600,949)
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 75,000		$ 85,000

[1] Property, plant and equipment, net includes $75 million and $85 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, at our Canadian locations.

[2] MRB total assets include $15 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, for investments in joint venture partnerships.