Segment Information Segment Revenue Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 637,787	$ 710,295	$ 1,851,679	$ 1,965,325
Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	473,322	552,136	1,404,430	1,533,073
Auto Parts Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	62,426	65,216	175,631	176,033
Steel Manufacturing Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	102,039	92,943	271,618	256,219
Operating Segments [Member] | Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	516,841	604,870	1,542,840	1,675,521
Operating Segments [Member] | Auto Parts Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	83,596	86,439	239,591	234,075
Less: Intersegment revenues | Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(43,519)	(52,734)	(138,410)	(142,448)
Less: Intersegment revenues | Auto Parts Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (21,170)	$ (21,223)	$ (63,960)	$ (58,042)