Segment Information Segment Assets Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,387,842		$ 1,405,512
Investments in joint venture partnerships	14,442		14,808
Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investments in joint venture partnerships	14,000		15,000
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	2,028,511		2,006,461
Operating Segments [Member] | Metals Recycling Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,328,514	[1]	1,316,202	[1]
Operating Segments [Member] | Auto Parts Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	358,872		359,977
Operating Segments [Member] | Steel Manufacturing Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	341,125		330,282
Corporate and eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ (640,669)		$ (600,949)

[1] MRB total assets include $14 million and $15 million as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively, for investments in joint venture partnerships.