Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
August 31, 2015					$ 175,676
Goodwill impairment charge	$ 0	$ (8,845)	$ 0	$ (141,000)	(8,845)	$ (141,021)
May 31, 2016	166,895				166,895
Auto and Metals Recycling
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
August 31, 2015					175,676
Foreign currency translation adjustment					64
Goodwill impairment charge					(8,845)
May 31, 2016	$ 166,895				$ 166,895