Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Asset Impairment Charges (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Steel Manufacturing Business \| Other Asset Impairment Charge
Schedule of Asset Impairments Charges [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation (Less than $1 Million)	$ 1

Other Asset Impairment Charges, Accelerated Depreciation

No definition available.

Name:	schn_OtherAssetImpairmentChargesAcceleratedDepreciation
Namespace Prefix:	schn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration