Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
May 31, 2017 USD ($)
Other Exit-Related Activity
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Exit-Related Activities, Net Gain (YTD less than $1 million)	$ 1

Restructuring and Related Activities, Asset Impairment Charges,Accelerated Depreciation, and Gains on Disposals Including Discontinued Operations

No definition available.

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