Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 321,000	$ 321,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	327,264
Acquisitions	586
Purchase accounting adjustments	(160)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(475)
Goodwill, end of period	327,215
Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	147,213
Acquisitions	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(277)
Goodwill, end of period	146,936
Auto Parts Business [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	180,051
Acquisitions	586
Purchase accounting adjustments	(160)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(198)
Goodwill, end of period	$ 180,279