Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012 segments		Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number Of Operating and Reporting Segments	3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	$ 592,820		$ 812,176
Operating Income	1,213		14,970
Restructuring Charges	(1,593)		0
Interest expense	(2,017)		(3,271)
Other income (expense), net	321		(393)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(483)		11,306
Total assets	1,759,204			1,763,573
Investments in joint venture partnerships	16,339			17,126
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income	15,422		24,759
Total assets	2,344,283			2,348,021
Metal Recycling Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues including intercompany	494,461		728,438
Less: Intersegment revenues	(47,255)		(58,696)
Revenues from external customers	447,206		669,742
Operating Income	5,654		13,099
Restructuring Charges	(550)
Total assets	1,680,808	[1]		1,696,296	[1]
Investments in joint venture partnerships	16,000			17,000
Auto Parts Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues including intercompany	69,555		84,054
Less: Intersegment revenues	(15,970)		(21,522)
Revenues from external customers	53,585		62,532
Operating Income	6,364		10,442
Restructuring Charges	(187)
Total assets	337,734			329,327
Steel Manufacturing Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	92,029		79,902
Operating Income	3,404		1,218
Total assets	325,741			322,398
Corporate Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income	(12,616)		(9,789)
Restructuring Charges	(856)
Total assets	$ (585,079)			$ (584,448)

[1] MRB total assets include $16 million and $17 million as of November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012, respectively, for investments in joint venture partnerships.