Segment Information Segment Assets Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 900,690	$ 962,299
Investments in joint ventures	15,118	15,320
Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investments in joint ventures	15,000	15,000
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,862,268	1,863,861
Operating Segments | Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,490,006	1,492,906
Operating Segments | Steel Manufacturing Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	372,262	370,955
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ (961,578)	$ (901,562)