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