Segment Information Segment Revenue Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 439,232	$ 626,147	$ 994,822	$ 1,213,891
Metals Recycling Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	295,815	490,550	696,811	931,106
Auto Parts Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	50,291	54,141	109,667	113,205
Steel Manufacturing Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	93,126	81,456	188,344	169,580
Operating Segments | Metals Recycling Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	340,543	535,690	796,820	1,025,999
Operating Segments | Auto Parts Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	69,135	76,360	150,056	155,995
Less: Intersegment revenues | Metals Recycling Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(44,728)	(45,140)	(100,009)	(94,893)
Less: Intersegment revenues | Auto Parts Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (18,844)	$ (22,219)	$ (40,389)	$ (42,790)