Segment Information Segment Revenue Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 289,077	$ 437,449	$ 610,275	$ 991,073
Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	230,686	344,323	479,983	802,729
Steel Manufacturing Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	58,391	93,126	130,292	188,344
Operating Segments | Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	249,812	389,057	522,777	902,745
Less: Intersegment revenues | Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (19,126)	$ (44,734)	$ (42,794)	$ (100,016)