Segment Information - Segment Destination and Product (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,543,583	$ 2,621,911	$ 3,340,938
Ferrous scrap metal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,394,046	1,500,115	2,117,055
Nonferrous scrap metal and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	520,786	532,028	647,746
Auto parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	240,111	237,314	242,910
Finished steel products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	377,678	346,982	332,719
Semi-finished steel products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	10,962	5,472	508
Foreign
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,473,069	1,657,736	2,284,152
Domestic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,070,514	$ 964,175	$ 1,056,786