Segment Information Segment Assets Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 852,173	$ 962,299
Investments in joint ventures	12,699	15,320
Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investments in joint ventures	13,000	15,000
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,822,558	1,863,861
Operating Segments | Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,452,722	1,492,906
Operating Segments | Steel Manufacturing Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	369,836	370,955
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ (970,385)	$ (901,562)