Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activites by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 113	$ 3,232	$ 137	$ 5,128
Total Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities	(449)	6,240	(267)	8,136
Total charges to date	14,334		14,334
Total expected charges	14,465		14,465
Total restructuring charges and other exit-related costs, incurred to date	22,222		22,222
Other Exit-Related Activity
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Exit-Related Activities	(562)	3,008	(404)	3,008
Operating Segments | Auto and Metals Recycling
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	68	2,421	113	4,343
Total charges to date	9,469		9,469
Total expected charges	9,534		9,534
Operating Segments | Auto and Metals Recycling | Other Exit-Related Activity
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Exit-Related Activities	(562)	2,061	(404)	2,061
Other Exit-Related Activities, Activity to Date	4,275		4,275
Unallocated (Corporate)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	809	(2)	812
Total charges to date	3,176		3,176
Total expected charges	3,206		3,206
Segment Reconciling Items | Other Exit-Related Activity
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Exit-Related Activities	(562)	3,008	(404)	3,008
Other Exit-Related Activities, Activity to Date	7,888		7,888
Discontinued Operations | Segment Reconciling Items
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	45	2	26	(27)
Total Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities	45	949	26	920
Total charges to date	1,689		1,689
Total expected charges	1,725		1,725
Discontinued Operations | Segment Reconciling Items | Other Exit-Related Activity
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Exit-Related Activities	0	$ 947	0	$ 947
Other Exit-Related Activities, Activity to Date	$ 3,613		$ 3,613