Segment Information Segment Assets Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 878,894	$ 891,429
Investments in joint ventures	13,766	13,616
Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investments in joint ventures	14,000	14,000
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,880,024	1,883,818
Operating Segments | Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,520,912	1,510,688
Operating Segments | Steel Manufacturing Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	359,112	373,130
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ (1,001,130)	$ (992,389)