Commercial Metals (CMC) 10-Q 31 Mar 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 26, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Trading Symbol	CMC
Entity Registrant Name	COMMERCIAL METALS CO
Entity Central Index Key	22444
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-23
Entity Tax Identification Number	750725338
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		115,727,822

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$1,391,117	$1,597,461	$3,071,107	$3,214,536
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	1,169,703	1,455,105	2,663,472	2,895,307
Selling, general and administrative expenses	109,602	106,258	222,985	214,932
Interest expense	19,252	18,977	38,309	38,385
Total costs and expenses	1,298,557	1,580,340	2,924,766	3,148,624
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	92,560	17,121	146,341	65,912
Income taxes	30,841	3,866	46,288	18,957
Earnings from continuing operations	61,719	13,255	100,053	46,955
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	-7,268	-2,095	-9,370	19,011
Income taxes (benefit)	0	16	-21	8,903
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	-7,268	-2,111	-9,349	10,108
Net earnings	54,451	11,144	90,704	57,063
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	1	0	1
Net earnings attributable to CMC	$54,451	$11,143	$90,704	$57,062
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
Earnings from continuing operations (in USD per share)	$0.53	$0.11	$0.85	$0.40
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in USD per share)	($0.06)	($0.02)	($0.08)	$0.09
Net earnings (in USD per share)	$0.47	$0.09	$0.77	$0.49
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
Earnings from continuing operations (in USD per share)	$0.52	$0.11	$0.85	$0.40
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in USD per share)	($0.06)	($0.02)	($0.08)	$0.08
Net earnings (in USD per share)	$0.46	$0.09	$0.77	$0.48
Cash dividends per share (in USD per share)	$0.12	$0.12	$0.24	$0.24
Average basic shares outstanding	116,688,162	117,424,962	117,244,406	117,247,731
Average diluted shares outstanding	117,683,476	118,639,161	118,395,844	118,397,886

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$54,451	$11,144	$90,704	$57,063
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other	-43,979	8,743	-71,263	28,185
Net unrealized loss on derivatives:
Unrealized holding loss, net of income taxes of $(839), $(95), $(1,123) and $(544)	-1,900	-426	-2,425	-2,043
Reclassification for loss included in net earnings, net of income taxes of $391, $127, $417 and $308	727	382	766	1,362
Net unrealized loss on derivatives, net of income taxes of $(448), $32, $(706) and $(236)	-1,173	-44	-1,659	-681
Defined benefit obligation:
Net gain, net of income taxes of $0, $0, $4 and $296	0	0	8	550
Amortization of prior services, net of income taxes of $(2), $0, $(1) and $(1)	-2	-2	-6	-4
Defined benefit obligation, net of income taxes of $(2), $0, $3 and $295	-2	-2	2	546
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-45,154	8,697	-72,920	28,050
Comprehensive income	$9,297	$19,841	$17,784	$85,113

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Income taxes, unrealized holding loss on derivatives	($839)	($95)	($1,123)	($544)
Income taxes, reclassification for loss on derivatives included in net earnings	391	127	417	308
Income taxes, net unrealized loss on derivatives	-448	32	-706	-236
Income taxes, net gain of defined benefit obligation	0	0	4	296
Income taxes, amortization of prior services of defined benefit obligation	-2	0	-1	-1
Income taxes, defined benefit obligation	($2)	$0	$3	$295

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$313,001	$434,925
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,095 and $5,908)	898,127	1,028,425
Inventories, net	1,088,194	935,411
Current deferred tax assets	32,120	49,455
Other current assets	100,261	105,575
Assets of businesses held for sale	82,281	0
Total current assets	2,513,984	2,553,791
Property, plant and equipment:
Land	75,221	79,295
Buildings and improvements	482,553	494,842
Equipment	1,676,347	1,728,425
Construction in process	38,337	30,591
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	2,272,458	2,333,153
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-1,397,016	-1,408,055
Property, plant and equipment, Net	875,442	925,098
Goodwill	73,763	74,319
Other noncurrent assets	126,313	135,312
Total assets	3,589,502	3,688,520
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable-trade	298,611	423,807
Accounts payable-documentary letters of credit	247,027	125,053
Accrued expenses and other payables	240,535	322,000
Notes payable	5,142	12,288
Current maturities of long-term debt	9,113	8,005
Liabilities of businesses held for sale	35,785	0
Total current liabilities	836,213	891,153
Deferred income taxes	56,197	55,600
Other long-term liabilities	104,343	112,134
Long-term debt	1,281,310	1,281,042
Total liabilities	2,278,063	2,339,929
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued 129,060,664 shares; outstanding 115,727,822 and 117,829,262 shares	1,290	1,290
Additional paid-in capital	358,681	359,338
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-92,429	-19,509
Retained earnings	1,288,375	1,225,855
Less treasury stock, 13,332,842 and 11,231,402 shares at cost	-244,627	-218,494
Stockholders' equity attributable to CMC	1,311,290	1,348,480
Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests	149	111
Total stockholders' equity	1,311,439	1,348,591
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,589,502	$3,688,520

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$6,095	$5,908
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	129,060,664	129,060,664
Common stock, shares outstanding	115,727,822	117,829,262
Treasury stock, shares	13,332,842	11,231,402

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Net earnings	$90,704	$57,063
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	66,988	67,284
Provision for losses on receivables, net	1,271	-1,871
Stock-based compensation	11,822	10,788
Amortization of interest rate swaps termination gain	-3,799	-3,799
Deferred income taxes	20,401	18,550
Tax benefits from stock plans	-46	-484
Net gain on sale of a subsidiary and other	-2,014	-28,046
Write-down of inventory	1,926	0
Asset impairment	149	1,227
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	138,132	20,195
Accounts receivable sold, net	-50,329	149,832
Inventories	-252,430	-214,318
Other assets	3,632	-14,314
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables	-160,628	-21,861
Other long-term liabilities	-5,063	-3,863
Net cash flows from (used by) operating activities	-139,284	36,383
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-49,498	-36,223
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other	8,273	6,381
Proceeds from the sale of a subsidiary	2,354	52,276
Net cash flows from (used by) investing activities	-38,871	22,434
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
Documentary letters of credit, net change	137,548	4,767
Short-term borrowings, net change	-7,146	2,565
Repayments on long-term debt	-5,348	-3,143
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	-1,377	-740
Treasury stock acquired	-39,580	0
Cash dividends	-28,184	-28,160
Tax benefits from stock plans	46	484
Decrease in restricted cash	3,868	18,305
Contribution from (purchase of) noncontrolling interests	38	-37
Payments for debt issuance costs	0	-430
Net cash flows from (used by) financing activities	59,865	-6,389
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-3,634	556
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-121,924	52,984
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	434,925	378,770
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	313,001	431,754
Noncash activities:
Capital lease additions and changes in accounts payable related to purchases of property, plant and equipment	$7,519	$10,075

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2013	$1,270,155	$1,290	$363,772	($27,176)	$1,166,732	($234,619)	$156
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2013						-12,049,674
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2013		129,060,664
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	57,063				57,062		1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	28,050			28,050
Cash dividends ($0.24 per share)	-28,160				-28,160
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	-740		-15,098			14,358
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						731,225
Stock-based compensation	9,104		9,104
Tax benefits from stock plans	484		484
Contribution of noncontrolling interest	-37		31				-68
Ending balance at Feb. 28, 2014	1,335,919	1,290	358,293	874	1,195,634	-220,261	89
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 28, 2014						-11,318,449
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 28, 2014		129,060,664
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2014	1,348,591	1,290	359,338	-19,509	1,225,855	-218,494	111
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2014	-11,231,402					-11,231,402
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2014	129,060,664	129,060,664
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	90,704				90,704
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-72,920			-72,920
Cash dividends ($0.24 per share)	-28,184				-28,184
Treasury stock acquired	-39,580					-39,580
Treasury stock acquired, shares						-2,762,835
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	-1,377		-14,824			13,447
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						661,395
Stock-based compensation	10,173		10,173
Tax benefits from stock plans	46		46
Contribution of noncontrolling interest	38						38
Reclassification of share-based liability awards	3,948		3,948
Ending balance at Feb. 28, 2015	$1,311,439	$1,290	$358,681	($92,429)	$1,288,375	($244,627)	$149
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 28, 2015	-13,332,842					-13,332,842
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 28, 2015	129,060,664	129,060,664

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share (in USD per share)	$0.12	$0.12	$0.24	$0.24

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES

ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting policies	NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Accounting Principles
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") on a basis consistent with that used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 filed by Commercial Metals Company ("CMC", and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods indicated. These notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. The results of operations for the three and six month periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") requiring an entity to net an unrecognized tax benefit with a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB requiring an entity to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income when it either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. In addition, the guidance resolves the diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages involving a foreign entity. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB requiring an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance also requires entities to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about the obligation. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities. This guidance also eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. Entities may elect to apply this guidance either on a retrospective or a modified retrospective basis. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Under this guidance an entity will no longer be allowed to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations if an event or transaction is unusual in nature and occurs infrequently. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, an entity may elect prospective or retrospective application. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide disclosures in certain circumstances. The new guidance was issued to reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance providing a measurement alternative to the existing fair value measurement guidance for reporting entities that consolidate a collateralized financing entity in which (1) the financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value except for those incidental financial assets and financial liabilities with their carrying values that approximate fair values and (2) the changes in the fair values of those financial assets and financial liabilities are reflected in earnings. When the measurement alternative is elected, the financial assets and liabilities of a collateralized financing entity will be measured using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and for interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring entities to account for a performance target as a performance condition if the target affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period. The new guidance did not introduce additional disclosure requirements and was issued to resolve diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company currently accounts for such performance targets in a manner consistent with the new guidance and does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring entities to recognize revenue from contracts with customers by applying a five-step model in accordance with the core principle to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, this guidance specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands disclosure requirements for revenue recognition. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities have the option to adopt this guidance either retrospectively or through a modified retrospective transition method. This new standard will supersede existing revenue guidance and affect the Company's revenue recognition process and the presentations or disclosures of the Company's consolidated financial statements and footnotes. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance changing the requirements for reporting discontinued operations if the disposal of a component of an entity, or a group of components of an entity, represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The guidance requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations and also requires entities to disclose the pre-tax profit or loss of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The new guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2014. The guidance will affect the Company's current practice of assessing discontinued operations and the presentation and disclosure in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	NOTE 2. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2015
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives				Defined Benefit Obligation				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance, November 30, 2014	$	(47,175	)		$	2,528			$	(2,628	)		$	(47,275	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(43,979		)		(1,900		)		—				(45,879		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				727				(2		)		725
	Net other comprehensive loss	(43,979		)		(1,173		)		(2		)		(45,154		)
	Balance, February 28, 2015	$	(91,154	)		$	1,355			$	(2,630	)		$	(92,429	)
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2015
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives				Defined Benefit Obligation				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	(19,891	)		$	3,014			$	(2,632	)		$	(19,509	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(71,263		)		(2,425		)		8				(73,680		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				766				(6		)		760
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(71,263		)		(1,659		)		2				(72,920		)
	Balance, February 28, 2015	$	(91,154	)		$	1,355			$	(2,630	)		$	(92,429	)
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2014
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives				Defined Benefit Obligation				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance, November 30, 2013	$	(8,035	)		$	2,957			$	(2,745	)		$	(7,823	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	8,743				(426		)		—				8,317
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				382				(2		)		380
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	8,743				(44		)		(2		)		8,697
	Balance, February 28, 2014	$	708			$	2,913			$	(2,747	)		$	874
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2014
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives				Defined Benefit Obligation				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	(27,477	)		$	3,594			$	(3,293	)		$	(27,176	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	28,185				(2,043		)		550				26,692
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				1,362				(4		)		1,358
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	28,185				(681		)		546				28,050
	Balance, February 28, 2014	$	708			$	2,913			$	(2,747	)		$	874
	The significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the corresponding line items in the consolidated statements of earnings to which the items were reclassified were as follows:
				Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
	Components of AOCI (in thousands)	Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
	Commodity	Cost of goods sold		$	(140	)		$	(117	)		$	(160	)		$	(236	)
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		74				17				74				(233		)
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		(1,203		)		(592		)		(1,403		)		(1,514		)
	Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses		19				33				40				47
	Interest rate	Interest expense		132				150				266				266
				(1,118		)		(509		)		(1,183		)		(1,670		)
	Income tax effect	Income taxes benefit		391				127				417				308
	Net of income taxes			$	(727	)		$	(382	)		$	(766	)		$	(1,362	)
	Defined benefit obligation:
	Amortization of prior services	SG&A expenses		$	4			$	2			$	7			$	5
	Income tax effect	Income taxes benefit (expense)		(2		)		—				(1		)		(1		)
	Net of income taxes			$	2			$	2			$	6			$	4
	Amounts in parentheses reduce earnings.

SALES_OF_ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Sales of accounts receivable	NOTE 3. SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
	The Company has a $200.0 million U.S. sale of accounts receivable program which expires on August 15, 2017. Under the program, CMC contributes, and several of its subsidiaries sell without recourse, certain eligible trade accounts receivable to CMC Receivables, Inc. ("CMCRV"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CMC. CMCRV is structured to be a bankruptcy-remote entity and was formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling trade accounts receivable generated by the Company. CMCRV sells the trade accounts receivable in their entirety to three financial institutions. With the consent of both CMCRV and the program's administrative agent, the amount advanced by the financial institutions can be increased to a maximum of $300.0 million for all trade accounts receivable sold. The remaining portion of the purchase price of the trade accounts receivable takes the form of subordinated notes from the respective financial institutions. These notes will be satisfied from the ultimate collection of the trade accounts receivable after payment of certain fees and other costs. The Company accounts for sales of the trade accounts receivable as true sales, and the trade accounts receivable balances that are sold are removed from the consolidated balance sheets. The cash advances received are reflected as cash provided by operating activities on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. Additionally, the U.S. sale of accounts receivable program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur if the Company defaulted under certain of its credit arrangements. The covenants contained in the receivables purchase agreement are consistent with the credit facility described in Note 7, Credit Arrangements.
	At February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, under its U.S. sale of accounts receivable program, the Company had sold $371.6 million and $389.6 million of trade accounts receivable, respectively, to the financial institutions. At February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the Company had $40.0 million and $55.0 million in advance payments outstanding on the sale of its trade accounts receivable, respectively.
	In addition to the U.S. sale of accounts receivable program described above, the Company's international subsidiaries in Europe and Australia sell trade accounts receivable to financial institutions without recourse. These arrangements constitute true sales, and once the trade accounts receivable are sold, they are no longer available to the Company's creditors in the event of bankruptcy. The European program allows the Company's European subsidiaries to obtain an advance of up to 90% of eligible trade accounts receivable sold under the terms of the arrangement. In October 2014, the Company entered into a first amendment to its Australian program which extended the maturity date to October 2016. Under the Australian program, trade accounts receivable balances are sold to a special purpose vehicle, which in turn sells 100% of the eligible trade accounts receivable of Commercial Metals Pty. Ltd., CMC Steel Distribution Pty. Ltd. and G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd. to the financial institution. The financial institution will fund up to A$75.0 million for all trade accounts receivable sold, and the remaining portion of the purchase price of the trade accounts receivable is in the form of a subordinated note from the financial institution. This note will be satisfied from the ultimate collection of the trade accounts receivable after payment of certain fees and other costs. The Company accounts for sales of the trade accounts receivable as true sales, and the trade accounts receivable balances that are sold are removed from the consolidated balance sheets. The cash advances received are reflected as cash provided by operating activities on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows.
	At February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, under its European and Australian programs, the Company had sold $116.1 million and $147.3 million of trade accounts receivable, respectively, to third-party financial institutions and received advance payments of $55.2 million and $90.5 million, respectively.
	During the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, cash proceeds from the U.S. and international sale of accounts receivable programs were $277.8 million and $364.7 million, respectively, and cash payments to the owners of accounts receivable were $328.1 million and $214.9 million, respectively. For a nominal servicing fee, the Company is responsible for servicing the trade accounts receivable for the U.S. and Australian programs. Discounts on U.S. and international sales of trade accounts receivable were $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively, and $0.9 million and $1.5 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings.
	The deferred purchase price on the Company's U.S. and European and the Commercial Metals Pty. Ltd. sale of accounts receivable programs are included in accounts receivable on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The deferred purchase price on the CMC Steel Distribution Pty. Ltd. and the G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd. sale of accounts receivable programs are included in assets of businesses held for sale on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
	The following tables summarize the activity of the deferred purchase price receivables for the U.S. and international sale of accounts receivable programs:
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2015
	(in thousands)	Total			U.S.			Australia*			Europe
	Beginning balance	$	471,840		$	408,320		$	22,376		$	41,144
	Transfers of accounts receivable	888,064			753,219			63,335			71,510
	Collections	(973,457		)	(834,530		)	(64,031		)	(74,896		)
	Ending balance	$	386,447		$	327,009		$	21,680		$	37,758
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2015
	(in thousands)	Total			U.S.			Australia*			Europe
	Beginning balance	$	385,169		$	329,797		$	34,071		$	21,301
	Transfers of accounts receivable	2,016,308			1,702,382			154,064			159,862
	Collections	(2,015,030		)	(1,705,170		)	(166,455		)	(143,405		)
	Ending balance	$	386,447		$	327,009		$	21,680		$	37,758
	* Includes the sales of accounts receivable activities related to businesses held for sale (transfers of accounts receivable of $41.6 million and $102.1 million, and collections of $52.9 million and $116.5 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively).
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2014
	(in thousands)	Total			U.S.			Australia			Europe
	Beginning balance	$	375,223		$	351,515		$	—		$	23,708
	Transfers of accounts receivable	1,039,096			774,533			180,700			83,863
	Collections	(1,101,202		)	(852,334		)	(151,065		)	(97,803		)
	Ending balance	$	313,117		$	273,714		$	29,635		$	9,768
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2014
	(in thousands)	Total			U.S.			Australia			Europe
	Beginning balance	$	453,252		$	358,822		$	64,996		$	29,434
	Transfers of accounts receivable	2,076,301			1,615,104			253,820			207,377
	Collections	(2,144,124		)	(1,700,212		)	(216,869		)	(227,043		)
	Program termination	(72,312		)	—			(72,312		)	—
	Ending balance	$	313,117		$	273,714		$	29,635		$	9,768

INVENTORIES_NET

INVENTORIES, NET	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	NOTE 4. INVENTORIES, NET
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost for most U.S. inventories is determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. At February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, 57% and 44%, respectively, of the Company's total net inventories were valued at LIFO. LIFO inventory reserves were $120.2 million and $198.8 million at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively.
	Effective September 1, 2014, the Company changed its method of determining its interim LIFO inventory reserve from the complete quarterly LIFO valuation method to the expected annual LIFO valuation method. Under the expected annual LIFO valuation method, interim LIFO expense or income is based on management's current estimates of inventory costs and quantities at year end, and that annual estimate is incurred ratably over the remainder of the fiscal year. Key assumptions related to estimates of inventory costs used in management’s estimate changed in the three months ended February 28, 2015 resulting in a change in the annual LIFO estimate for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015. Accordingly, the Company recorded pre-tax LIFO income of $72.5 million and $78.7 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively.
	Inventory cost for the International Mill segment is determined by the weighted average cost method. Inventory cost for the remaining international and U.S. inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.
	The majority of the Company's inventories are in the form of finished goods with minimal work in process. At February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, $82.6 million and $84.3 million, before LIFO reserves, respectively, of the Company's inventories were in the form of raw materials.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	NOTE 5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The following table details the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment:
		Americas						International
	(in thousands)	Recycling		Mills		Fabrication		Mill			Marketing and Distribution			Consolidated
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	7,267	$	4,970	$	57,144	$	2,776		$	2,162		$	74,319
	Foreign currency translation	—		—		—		(375		)	(181		)	(556		)
	Balance at February 28, 2015	$	7,267	$	4,970	$	57,144	$	2,401		$	1,981		$	73,763
	The total gross carrying amounts of the Company's intangible assets that are subject to amortization were $49.2 million and $53.8 million at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively, and are included in other noncurrent assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Excluding goodwill, there are no other significant intangible assets with indefinite lives. Intangible amortization expense from continuing operations was $1.7 million and $3.6 million for each of the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

BUSINESSES_HELD_FOR_SALE_DISCO

BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Businesses held for sale, discontinued operations and dispositions	NOTE 6. BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
	Businesses Held for Sale
	The Company did not have any assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale at August 31, 2014. The components of assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale on the Company's consolidated balance sheet were as follows:
	(in thousands)	February 28, 2015
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	14,109
	Inventories, net	59,386
	Other current assets	475
	Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	6,623
	Other noncurrent assets	1,688
	Assets of businesses held for sale	$	82,281
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable-trade	$	18,174
	Accounts payable-documentary letters of credit	11,890
	Accrued expenses and other payables	5,721
	Liabilities of businesses held for sale	$	35,785
	Discontinued Operations
	In September 2014, the Company made the decision to exit and sell its steel distribution business in Australia. Despite focused efforts and substantial progress to stabilize and improve the results of the Australian distribution business, the Company determined that achieving acceptable financial returns would take additional time and investment. The Company determined that the decision to exit this business met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, this business has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. The expenses associated with exiting this business were not material for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015. The Australian steel distribution business was previously an operating segment included in the International Marketing and Distribution reporting segment.
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company decided to sell all of the capital stock of its wholly owned copper tube manufacturing operation, Howell Metal Company ("Howell"). The Company determined that the decision to sell this business met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, the Company included Howell in discontinued operations for all periods presented. Howell was previously an operating segment included in the Americas Mills reporting segment.
	Financial information for discontinued operations was as follows:
		Three Months Ended February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Net sales	$	41,326		$	51,750		$	100,337		$	134,864
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	(7,268		)	(2,095		)	(9,370		)	19,011
	Dispositions
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company sold all of the outstanding capital stock of Howell for $58.5 million, of which $3.2 million was held in escrow as of both February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014. During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company made a $3.0 million working capital adjustment, which was included in the Company's estimated pre-tax gain of $23.8 million.

CREDIT_ARRANGEMENTS

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit arrangements	NOTE 7. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
	On June 26, 2014, the Company entered into a fourth amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a revolving credit facility of $350.0 million and a maturity date of June 26, 2019 (the "credit facility"). The maximum availability under the credit facility can be increased to $500.0 million. The Company's obligation under its credit facility is secured by its U.S. inventory. The credit facility's capacity includes $50.0 million for the issuance of stand-by letters of credit and was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit which totaled $23.4 million and $28.1 million at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively.
	Under the credit facility, the Company is required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants, including covenants to maintain: (i) an interest coverage ratio (consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 and (ii) a debt to capitalization ratio (consolidated funded debt to total capitalization, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) that does not exceed 0.60 to 1.00. In addition, beginning on the date three months prior to each maturity date of the Company's 2017 Notes and 2018 Notes, as defined below, and each day thereafter that the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes are outstanding, the Company will be required to maintain liquidity of at least $150.0 million in excess of each of the outstanding aggregate principal amounts of the 2017 Notes and 2018 Notes. Loans under the credit facility bear interest based on the Eurocurrency rate, a base rate, or the LIBOR rate.
	At February 28, 2015, the Company's interest coverage ratio was 5.61 to 1.00, and the Company's debt to capitalization ratio was 0.49 to 1.00. The Company had no amount drawn under the credit facility at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014.
	In May 2013, the Company issued $330.0 million of 4.875% Senior Notes due May 15, 2023 (the "2023 Notes"). Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2013. The Company may, at any time, redeem the 2023 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium described in the indenture pursuant to which the 2023 Notes were issued. Additionally, if a change of control triggering event occurs, as defined by the terms of the indenture governing the 2023 Notes, holders of the 2023 Notes may require the Company to repurchase the 2023 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. The Company is generally not limited under the indenture governing the 2023 Notes in its ability to incur additional indebtedness provided the Company is in compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including restrictions on liens, sale and leaseback transactions, mergers, consolidations and transfers of substantially all of the Company's assets.
	In August 2008, the Company issued $500.0 million of 7.35% senior unsecured notes due in August 2018 (the "2018 Notes"). In anticipation of the offering, the Company entered into hedge transactions which reduced the Company's effective interest rate on these notes to 6.40% per annum. Interest on these notes is payable semiannually.
	In July 2007, the Company issued $400.0 million of 6.50% senior unsecured notes due in July 2017 (the "2017 Notes"). In anticipation of the offering, the Company entered into hedge transactions which reduced the Company's effective interest rate on these notes to 5.74% per annum. Interest on these notes is payable semiannually.
	At February 28, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in its debt agreements.
	During fiscal 2012, the Company terminated its existing interest rate swap transactions and received cash proceeds of approximately $52.7 million, net of customary finance charges. The resulting gain was deferred and is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the respective debt tranches. At February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the unamortized amounts were $23.0 million and $26.8 million, respectively. Amortization of the deferred gain for each of the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 was $1.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively.
	The Company has uncommitted credit facilities available from U.S. and international banks. In general, these credit facilities are used to support trade letters of credit (including accounts payable settled under bankers' acceptances), foreign exchange transactions and short-term advances which are priced at market rates.
	Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps, was as follows:
	(in thousands)	Weighted Average	February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
		Interest Rate as of February 28, 2015
	$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017	5.74%	$	407,059	$	408,546
	$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018	6.40%	515,993		518,305
	$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023	4.88%	330,000		330,000
	Other, including equipment notes		37,371		32,196
			1,290,423		1,289,047
	Less current maturities		9,113		8,005
			$	1,281,310	$	1,281,042
	Interest on these notes is payable semiannually.
	CMC Poland Sp.z.o.o. ("CMCP") has uncommitted credit facilities of $58.0 million with several banks with expiration dates ranging from March 2015 to January 2016. During the six months ended February 28, 2015, CMCP had total borrowings of $41.5 million and total repayments of $41.5 million under these credit facilities. At February 28, 2015, no material amounts were outstanding under these credit facilities.
	The Company had no material amounts of interest capitalized in the cost of property, plant and equipment during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Cash paid for interest during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 was $33.4 million and $42.9 million, respectively, and $32.8 million and $42.3 million during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively.

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and risk management	NOTE 8. DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT
	The Company's global operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, natural gas prices and interest rates. One objective of the Company's risk management program is to mitigate these risks using derivative instruments. The Company enters into (i) metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in gross margin due to the volatility of the commodities' prices, (ii) foreign currency forward contracts that match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and (iii) natural gas forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in operating cost due to the volatility of natural gas prices. When sales commitments to customers include a fixed price freight component, the Company occasionally enters into freight forward contracts to reduce the effects of the volatility of ocean freight rates.
	At February 28, 2015, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency contract commitments and its commodity contract commitments were $402.3 million and $50.0 million, respectively. At February 28, 2014, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency contract commitments and its commodity contract commitments were $439.9 million and $48.3 million, respectively.
	The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments as of February 28, 2015:
	Commodity	Long/Short		Total
	Aluminum	Long		4,246		MT
	Aluminum	Short		225		MT
	Copper	Long		1,457		MT
	Copper	Short		5,381		MT
	Zinc	Long		29		MT
	Natural Gas	Long		360,000		MMBTUs
	MT =etric Ton
	MMBTU =ne million British thermal units
	The Company designates only those contracts which closely match the terms of the underlying transaction as hedges for accounting purposes. These hedges resulted in substantially no ineffectiveness in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, and there were no components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014. Certain foreign currency and commodity contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, although management believes they are essential economic hedges.
	The following tables summarize activities related to the Company's derivative instruments and hedged items recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings:
				Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)	Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Commodity	Cost of goods sold		$	1,866			$	129			$	5,301			$	639
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		569				(226		)		3,005				(385		)
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		2,480				(250		)		4,351				(371		)
	Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses		7,874				(2,122		)		20,074				(6,815		)
	Gain (loss) before income taxes			$	12,789			$	(2,469	)		$	32,731			$	(6,932	)
	The Company's fair value hedges are designated for accounting purposes with the gains or losses on the hedged items offsetting the gains or losses on the related derivative transactions. Hedged items relate to firm commitments on commercial sales and purchases.
	Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments (in thousands)			Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
		Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		$	534			$	140			$	359			$	27
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		(229		)		(953		)		925				(1,080		)
	Gain (loss) before income taxes			$	305			$	(813	)		$	1,284			$	(1,053	)
	Hedged Items Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments (in thousands)			Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
		Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		$	(537	)		$	(130	)		$	(358	)		$	(37	)
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		229				955				(925		)		1,080
	Gain (loss) before income taxes			$	(308	)		$	825			$	(1,283	)		$	1,043
	Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands)	Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Commodity	$	(348	)		$	(24	)		$	(416	)		$	(113	)
	Foreign exchange	(1,552		)		(402		)		(2,009		)		(1,930		)
	Loss, net of income taxes	$	(1,900	)		$	(426	)		$	(2,425	)		$	(2,043	)
	Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands)			Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
		Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Commodity	Cost of goods sold		$	(91	)		$	(64	)		$	(104	)		$	(153	)
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		76				(2		)		76				(233		)
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		(813		)		(416		)		(943		)		(1,174		)
	Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses		15				13				32				25
	Interest rate	Interest expense		86				87				173				173
	Loss, net of income taxes			(727		)		$	(382	)		$	(766	)		$	(1,362	)
	The Company enters into derivative agreements that include provisions to allow the set-off of certain amounts. Derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The asset and liability balances in the tables below reflect the gross amounts of derivative instruments at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014. The fair value of the Company's derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows:
	Derivative Assets (in thousands)	February 28, 2015				August 31, 2014
	Commodity — designated for hedge accounting	$	10			$	42
	Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting	698				869
	Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting	1,445				136
	Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting	2,502				1,853
	Derivative assets (other current assets)*	$	4,655			$	2,900
	Derivative Liabilities (in thousands)	February 28, 2015				August 31, 2014
	Commodity — designated for hedge accounting	$	421			$	6
	Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting	1,295				162
	Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting	1,936				325
	Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting	2,040				1,010
	Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)*	$	5,692			$	1,503
	_________________
	* Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges.
	As of February 28, 2015, most of the Company's derivative instruments designated to hedge exposure to the variability in future cash flows of the forecasted transactions will mature within twelve months.
	All of the instruments are highly liquid and were not entered into for trading purposes.

FAIR_VALUE

FAIR VALUE	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value	NOTE 9. FAIR VALUE
	The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined as follows:
	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than those included in Level 1) which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and
	Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
	The following tables summarize information regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	February 28, 2015				Quoted Prices in				Significant  Other				Significant
						Active Markets  for				Observable Inputs				Unobservable  Inputs
						Identical Assets				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market investments (1)	$	200,245			$	200,245			$	—			$	—
	Commodity derivative assets (2)	708				698				10				—
	Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	3,947				—				3,947				—
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	1,716				1,295				421				—
	Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	3,976				—				3,976				—
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	August 31, 2014				Quoted Prices in				Significant  Other				Significant
						Active Markets  for				Observable  Inputs				Unobservable  Inputs
						Identical Assets				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market investments (1)	$	200,487			$	200,487			$	—			$	—
	Commodity derivative assets (2)	911				911				—				—
	Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	1,989				—				1,989				—
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	168				162				6				—
	Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	1,335				—				1,335				—
	_________________
	(1) Money market investments are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by broker quoted prices in active markets. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options.
	(2) Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or Commodity Exchange, Inc. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments and the classification of the assets and liabilities is included in Note 8, Derivatives and Risk Management.
	There were no material non-recurring fair value measurements during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	The carrying values of the Company's short-term items, including the deferred purchase price of accounts receivable, documentary letters of credit and notes payable, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
	The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
				February 28, 2015								August 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy		Carrying Value				Fair Value				Carrying Value				Fair Value
	$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017 (1)	Level 2		$	407,059			$	429,240			$	408,546			$	438,200
	$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018 (1)	Level 2		515,993				547,500				518,305				567,560
	$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023 (1)	Level 2		330,000				315,150				330,000				325,050
	_________________
	(1) The fair values of the 2017 Notes, 2018 Notes and 2023 Notes are estimated based on readily available market prices of these notes at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, or similar notes with the same maturities, rating and interest rates.

INCOME_TAX

INCOME TAX	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax	NOTE 10. INCOME TAX
	The Company's effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 was 33.3% and 31.6%, respectively, compared with 22.6% and 28.8% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively. In each period, the tax rate was lower than the statutory income tax rate of 35% because the Company had income from operations in countries which have lower tax rates than the United States. In addition, the Company benefited under Section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code related to domestic production activity income during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015. The Company's effective income tax rate from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 was 0.0% and 0.2%, respectively, compared with (0.8)% and 46.8% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively. The Company's effective income tax rate from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 reflected the fact that earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes included a loss in Australia, a jurisdiction in which all tax losses created a deferred tax asset that was subject to a full valuation allowance, and thus no tax benefit. The Company's effective income tax rate from discontinued operations for the six months ended February 28, 2014 reflected a $23.8 million pre-tax gain on the sale of Howell, resulting in the appropriate amount of U.S. federal and state income tax expense.
	The Company made net payments of $28.7 million and $8.7 million for income taxes during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	As of both February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the reserve for unrecognized income tax benefits related to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes was $27.3 million, exclusive of interest and penalties.
	The Company's policy classifies interest recognized on an underpayment of income taxes and any statutory penalties recognized on a tax position as income tax expense, and the balances at the end of a reporting period are recorded as part of the current or noncurrent reserve for uncertain income tax positions. For the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, before any income tax benefits, the Company recorded immaterial amounts of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized income tax benefits.
	During the twelve months ending February 28, 2016, it is reasonably possible that the statute of limitations pertaining to positions taken by the Company in prior year income tax returns may lapse or that income tax audits in various taxing jurisdictions could be finalized. As a result, the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits may decrease by approximately $16.9 million, which would reduce the provision for income taxes by $2.7 million.
	The Company files income tax returns in the United States and multiple foreign jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. In the normal course of business, CMC and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. The following is a summary of tax years subject to examination:
	U.S. Federal — 2009 and forward
	U.S. States — 2009 and forward
	Foreign — 2007 and forward
	The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state revenue authorities from 2009 to 2011. Management believes the Company's recorded tax liabilities as of February 28, 2015 sufficiently reflect the anticipated outcome of these examinations.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation plans	NOTE 11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
	The Company's stock-based compensation plans are described, and informational disclosures provided, in Note 15, Stock-Based Compensation Plans, to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. During the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, restricted stock units and performance stock units totaling 1.0 million and 1.2 million, respectively, were granted at a weighted-average fair value of $15.92 and $16.89, respectively.
	During the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, the Company granted 392,517 and 390,562 equivalent shares, respectively, of performance stock units and restricted stock units accounted for as liability awards. The fair value of these liability awards is remeasured each reporting period and is recognized ratably over the service period. As of February 28, 2015, the Company had 924,131 equivalent shares in awards outstanding. The Company expects 877,923 equivalent shares to vest.
	In general, the restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2015 and 2014 vest ratably over a period of three years; however, certain restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2015 vest after a specified service period; one-third of each such award vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and the remaining two-thirds of each such award vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. In addition, certain restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2014 vest after a specified service period; 25% of the award vest on the second anniversary of the grant date; 25% of each such award vest on the third anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 50% of each such award vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. Subject to the achievement of performance targets established by the Compensation Committee of CMC's Board of Directors, the performance stock units granted during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 will vest after a period of three years.
	Stock-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 of $6.1 million and $11.8 million, respectively, and $5.3 million and $10.8 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively, was included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's consolidated statements of earnings.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_AND_EARNIN

STOCKHOLDERSb EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stockholder's equity and earnings per share attributable to CMC	NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC
	The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended February 28,				Six Months Ended February 28,
	(in thousands, except share data)	2015		2014		2015		2014
	Earnings from continuing operations attributable to CMC	$	61,719	$	13,254	$	100,053	$	46,954
	Basic earnings per share:
	Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	116,688,162		117,424,962		117,244,406		117,247,731
	Basic earnings per share attributable to CMC:	$	0.53	$	0.11	$	0.85	$	0.4
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	116,688,162		117,424,962		117,244,406		117,247,731
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	995,314		1,214,199		1,151,438		1,150,155
	Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	117,683,476		118,639,161		118,395,844		118,397,886
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC:	$	0.52	$	0.11	$	0.85	$	0.4
	Anti-dilutive shares not included above	854,703		1,175,090		623,042		1,175,090
	_______________________
	CMC's restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but is omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.
	On October 27, 2014, CMC's Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of CMC common stock. This new program replaced the existing program, which was terminated by CMC's Board of Directors in connection with the approval of the new program. During the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, the Company purchased 2,202,342 and 2,762,835 shares of CMC common stock, respectively, at an average purchase price of $13.73 and $14.33 per share, respectively. The Company had remaining authorization to purchase $60.4 million of common stock at February 28, 2015 pursuant to its share repurchase program.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. See Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.
	On September 18, 2008, the Company was served with a purported class action antitrust lawsuit alleging violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, brought by Standard Iron Works of Scranton, Pennsylvania, against nine steel manufacturing companies, including CMC. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleged that the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price at which steel products were sold in the United States by artificially restricting the supply of such steel products. The lawsuit, which purported to be brought on behalf of a class consisting of all parties who purchased steel products directly from the defendants between January 1, 2005 and September 2008 (collectively, the "Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs"), sought treble damages and costs, including reasonable attorney fees and pre- and post-judgment interest.
	On March 14, 2014, the Company entered into a final settlement agreement with the Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs. As part of that final settlement, in April 2014, the Company paid approximately $4.0 million to the Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs in consideration for the full and final release of all claims of the Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs. The Company maintains that the claims lacked merit and that it has full and complete defenses to all of the claims asserted against it. However, the Company agreed to enter into the settlement agreement to avoid further expense, inconvenience, and distraction of burdensome and protracted litigation. On October 17, 2014, the court granted final approval of the settlement.
	On September 24, 2008, a case was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of a purported nationwide class of indirect purchasers naming the same defendants and containing allegations substantially identical to those of the complaint filed by Standard Iron Works. The lawsuit sought damages, including reasonable attorney fees and other amounts recoverable by statute. Some document production has occurred in the case. Another action was filed in Tennessee state court on behalf of a purported class of indirect purchasers in Tennessee naming the same defendants but seeking recovery for purchases through 2010. The lawsuit sought damages and costs, including reasonable attorney fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. The case has been removed to federal court and was transferred to United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in March 2012. No motion practice or discovery has taken place. The Company believes that the lawsuits are without merit and plans to defend them vigorously. Due to the uncertainty and the information available as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss relating to these cases.

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segments	NOTE 14. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
	The Company's operating segments engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses and for which discrete financial information is available. Operating results for the operating segments are regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and to assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is identified as the Chief Executive Officer. Operating segments are aggregated for reporting purposes when the operating segments are identified as similar in accordance with the basic principles and aggregation criteria in the accounting standards. The Company's reporting segments are based primarily on product lines and secondarily on geographic area. The reporting segments have different lines of management responsibility as each business requires different marketing strategies and management expertise.
	The Company structures its business into the following five reporting segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution. The Americas Recycling segment processes scrap metals for use as a raw material by manufacturers of new metal products. The Americas Mills segment manufactures finished long steel products including reinforcement bar ("rebar"), merchant bar, light structural, some special bar quality ("SBQ") and other special sections as well as semi-finished billets for re-rolling and forging applications. The Americas Fabrication segment consists of the Company's rebar and structural fabrication operations, fence post manufacturing plants, construction-related product facilities and plants that heat-treat steel to strengthen and provide flexibility. The International Mill segment includes the Company's minimill and the Company's recycling and fabrication operations in Poland. The International Marketing and Distribution segment includes international operations for the sale, distribution and processing of steel products, ferrous and nonferrous metals and other industrial products. Additionally, this segment includes the Company's marketing and distribution divisions headquartered in the U.S. and also operates a recycling facility in Singapore. Corporate contains expenses of the Company's corporate headquarters and interest expense related to its long-term debt.
	The financial information presented for the Americas Mills segment excludes Howell. Additionally, the financial information presented for the International Marketing and Distribution segment excludes the steel distribution business in Australia. These operations have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings. See Note 6, Businesses Held for Sale, Discontinued Operations and Dispositions, for more information.
	The Company uses adjusted operating profit (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, to compare and to evaluate the financial performance of its segments. Adjusted operating profit (loss) is the sum of the Company's earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense and discounts on sales of accounts receivable. Intersegment sales are generally priced at prevailing market prices. Certain corporate administrative expenses are allocated to the segments based upon the nature of the expense. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.
	The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment:
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2015
		Americas								International
	(in thousands)	Recycling			Mills		Fabrication			Mill		Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
	Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	227,499		$	247,727	$	341,679		$	138,449	$	433,046	$	2,717		$	—		$	1,391,117
	Intersegment sales	31,580			181,118		2,731			—		32,192		—			(247,621		)	—
	Net sales	259,079			428,845		344,410			138,449		465,238		2,717			(247,621		)	1,391,117
	Adjusted operating profit (loss)	(172		)	98,489		11,773			819		15,678		(16,400		)	2,037			112,224
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2014
		Americas								International
	(in thousands)	Recycling			Mills		Fabrication			Mill		Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
	Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	293,146		$	277,562	$	322,572		$	181,245	$	517,770	$	5,166		$	—		$	1,597,461
	Intersegment sales	49,121			179,287		3,318			117		2,401		—			(234,244		)	—
	Net sales	342,267			456,849		325,890			181,362		520,171		5,166			(234,244		)	1,597,461
	Adjusted operating profit (loss)	(863		)	44,062		(5,330		)	8,331		4,487		(15,064		)	1,422			37,045
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2015
		Americas								International
	(in thousands)	Recycling			Mills		Fabrication			Mill		Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
	Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	497,301		$	551,586	$	749,916		$	316,078	$	952,677	$	3,549		$	—		$	3,071,107
	Intersegment sales	77,837			402,110		6,982			—		50,367		—			(537,296		)	—
	Net sales	575,138			953,696		756,898			316,078		1,003,044		3,549			(537,296		)	3,071,107
	Adjusted operating profit (loss)	(1,315		)	173,871		8,764			5,042		33,930		(36,011		)	1,232			185,513
	Total assets at February 28, 2015*	284,790			715,306		667,648			407,271		1,052,922		939,847			(570,006		)	3,497,778
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2014
		Americas								International
	(in thousands)	Recycling			Mills		Fabrication			Mill		Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
	Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	586,622		$	569,135	$	676,564		$	409,737	$	961,127	$	11,351		$	—		$	3,214,536
	Intersegment sales	93,848			368,865		7,544			775		4,385		—			(475,417		)	—
	Net sales	680,470			938,000		684,108			410,512		965,512		11,351			(475,417		)	3,214,536
	Adjusted operating profit (loss)	(24		)	109,876		(3,113		)	23,600		6,529		(33,113		)	2,018			105,773
	Total assets at August 31, 2014*	296,564			647,437		691,765			466,449		949,016		1,100,995			(470,716		)	3,681,510
	* Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $91.7 million at February 28, 2015 and $7.0 million at August 31, 2014.
	Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit are provided below:
		Three Months Ended February 28,					Six Months Ended February 28,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014		2015			2014
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	61,719		$	13,255	$	100,053		$	46,955
	Income taxes	30,841			3,866		46,288			18,957
	Interest expense	19,252			18,977		38,309			38,385
	Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	412			947		863			1,476
	Adjusted operating profit	$	112,224		$	37,045	$	185,513		$	105,773

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES_Policies

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting principles	Accounting Principles
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") on a basis consistent with that used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 filed by Commercial Metals Company ("CMC", and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods indicated. These notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. The results of operations for the three and six month periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") requiring an entity to net an unrecognized tax benefit with a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB requiring an entity to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income when it either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. In addition, the guidance resolves the diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages involving a foreign entity. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB requiring an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance also requires entities to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about the obligation. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities. This guidance also eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. Entities may elect to apply this guidance either on a retrospective or a modified retrospective basis. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Under this guidance an entity will no longer be allowed to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations if an event or transaction is unusual in nature and occurs infrequently. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, an entity may elect prospective or retrospective application. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide disclosures in certain circumstances. The new guidance was issued to reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance providing a measurement alternative to the existing fair value measurement guidance for reporting entities that consolidate a collateralized financing entity in which (1) the financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value except for those incidental financial assets and financial liabilities with their carrying values that approximate fair values and (2) the changes in the fair values of those financial assets and financial liabilities are reflected in earnings. When the measurement alternative is elected, the financial assets and liabilities of a collateralized financing entity will be measured using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and for interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring entities to account for a performance target as a performance condition if the target affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period. The new guidance did not introduce additional disclosure requirements and was issued to resolve diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company currently accounts for such performance targets in a manner consistent with the new guidance and does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring entities to recognize revenue from contracts with customers by applying a five-step model in accordance with the core principle to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, this guidance specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands disclosure requirements for revenue recognition. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities have the option to adopt this guidance either retrospectively or through a modified retrospective transition method. This new standard will supersede existing revenue guidance and affect the Company's revenue recognition process and the presentations or disclosures of the Company's consolidated financial statements and footnotes. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance changing the requirements for reporting discontinued operations if the disposal of a component of an entity, or a group of components of an entity, represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The guidance requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations and also requires entities to disclose the pre-tax profit or loss of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The new guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2014. The guidance will affect the Company's current practice of assessing discontinued operations and the presentation and disclosure in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Fair value measurement	The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined as follows:
	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than those included in Level 1) which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and
	Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
Uncertain income tax positions	The Company's policy classifies interest recognized on an underpayment of income taxes and any statutory penalties recognized on a tax position as income tax expense, and the balances at the end of a reporting period are recorded as part of the current or noncurrent reserve for uncertain income tax positions.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2015
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives				Defined Benefit Obligation				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance, November 30, 2014	$	(47,175	)		$	2,528			$	(2,628	)		$	(47,275	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(43,979		)		(1,900		)		—				(45,879		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				727				(2		)		725
	Net other comprehensive loss	(43,979		)		(1,173		)		(2		)		(45,154		)
	Balance, February 28, 2015	$	(91,154	)		$	1,355			$	(2,630	)		$	(92,429	)
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2015
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives				Defined Benefit Obligation				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	(19,891	)		$	3,014			$	(2,632	)		$	(19,509	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(71,263		)		(2,425		)		8				(73,680		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				766				(6		)		760
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(71,263		)		(1,659		)		2				(72,920		)
	Balance, February 28, 2015	$	(91,154	)		$	1,355			$	(2,630	)		$	(92,429	)
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2014
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives				Defined Benefit Obligation				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance, November 30, 2013	$	(8,035	)		$	2,957			$	(2,745	)		$	(7,823	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	8,743				(426		)		—				8,317
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				382				(2		)		380
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	8,743				(44		)		(2		)		8,697
	Balance, February 28, 2014	$	708			$	2,913			$	(2,747	)		$	874
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2014
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives				Defined Benefit Obligation				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	(27,477	)		$	3,594			$	(3,293	)		$	(27,176	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	28,185				(2,043		)		550				26,692
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				1,362				(4		)		1,358
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	28,185				(681		)		546				28,050
	Balance, February 28, 2014	$	708			$	2,913			$	(2,747	)		$	874
Schedule of reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the corresponding line items in the consolidated statements of earnings to which the items were reclassified were as follows:
				Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
	Components of AOCI (in thousands)	Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
	Commodity	Cost of goods sold		$	(140	)		$	(117	)		$	(160	)		$	(236	)
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		74				17				74				(233		)
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		(1,203		)		(592		)		(1,403		)		(1,514		)
	Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses		19				33				40				47
	Interest rate	Interest expense		132				150				266				266
				(1,118		)		(509		)		(1,183		)		(1,670		)
	Income tax effect	Income taxes benefit		391				127				417				308
	Net of income taxes			$	(727	)		$	(382	)		$	(766	)		$	(1,362	)
	Defined benefit obligation:
	Amortization of prior services	SG&A expenses		$	4			$	2			$	7			$	5
	Income tax effect	Income taxes benefit (expense)		(2		)		—				(1		)		(1		)
	Net of income taxes			$	2			$	2			$	6			$	4
	Amounts in parentheses reduce earnings.

SALES_OF_ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_T

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Activity of the deferred purchase price receivables	The following tables summarize the activity of the deferred purchase price receivables for the U.S. and international sale of accounts receivable programs:
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2015
	(in thousands)	Total			U.S.			Australia*			Europe
	Beginning balance	$	471,840		$	408,320		$	22,376		$	41,144
	Transfers of accounts receivable	888,064			753,219			63,335			71,510
	Collections	(973,457		)	(834,530		)	(64,031		)	(74,896		)
	Ending balance	$	386,447		$	327,009		$	21,680		$	37,758
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2015
	(in thousands)	Total			U.S.			Australia*			Europe
	Beginning balance	$	385,169		$	329,797		$	34,071		$	21,301
	Transfers of accounts receivable	2,016,308			1,702,382			154,064			159,862
	Collections	(2,015,030		)	(1,705,170		)	(166,455		)	(143,405		)
	Ending balance	$	386,447		$	327,009		$	21,680		$	37,758
	* Includes the sales of accounts receivable activities related to businesses held for sale (transfers of accounts receivable of $41.6 million and $102.1 million, and collections of $52.9 million and $116.5 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively).
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2014
	(in thousands)	Total			U.S.			Australia			Europe
	Beginning balance	$	375,223		$	351,515		$	—		$	23,708
	Transfers of accounts receivable	1,039,096			774,533			180,700			83,863
	Collections	(1,101,202		)	(852,334		)	(151,065		)	(97,803		)
	Ending balance	$	313,117		$	273,714		$	29,635		$	9,768
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2014
	(in thousands)	Total			U.S.			Australia			Europe
	Beginning balance	$	453,252		$	358,822		$	64,996		$	29,434
	Transfers of accounts receivable	2,076,301			1,615,104			253,820			207,377
	Collections	(2,144,124		)	(1,700,212		)	(216,869		)	(227,043		)
	Program termination	(72,312		)	—			(72,312		)	—
	Ending balance	$	313,117		$	273,714		$	29,635		$	9,768

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The following table details the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment:
		Americas						International
	(in thousands)	Recycling		Mills		Fabrication		Mill			Marketing and Distribution			Consolidated
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	7,267	$	4,970	$	57,144	$	2,776		$	2,162		$	74,319
	Foreign currency translation	—		—		—		(375		)	(181		)	(556		)
	Balance at February 28, 2015	$	7,267	$	4,970	$	57,144	$	2,401		$	1,981		$	73,763

BUSINESSES_HELD_FOR_SALE_DISCO1

BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Components of assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale	The components of assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale on the Company's consolidated balance sheet were as follows:
	(in thousands)	February 28, 2015
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	14,109
	Inventories, net	59,386
	Other current assets	475
	Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	6,623
	Other noncurrent assets	1,688
	Assets of businesses held for sale	$	82,281
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable-trade	$	18,174
	Accounts payable-documentary letters of credit	11,890
	Accrued expenses and other payables	5,721
	Liabilities of businesses held for sale	$	35,785
Financial information for discontinued operations	Financial information for discontinued operations was as follows:
		Three Months Ended February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Net sales	$	41,326		$	51,750		$	100,337		$	134,864
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	(7,268		)	(2,095		)	(9,370		)	19,011

CREDIT_ARRANGEMENTS_Tables

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps	Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps, was as follows:
	(in thousands)	Weighted Average	February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
		Interest Rate as of February 28, 2015
	$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017	5.74%	$	407,059	$	408,546
	$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018	6.40%	515,993		518,305
	$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023	4.88%	330,000		330,000
	Other, including equipment notes		37,371		32,196
			1,290,423		1,289,047
	Less current maturities		9,113		8,005
			$	1,281,310	$	1,281,042
	Interest on these notes is payable semiannually.

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN1

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Commodity contract commitments	The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments as of February 28, 2015:
	Commodity	Long/Short		Total
	Aluminum	Long		4,246		MT
	Aluminum	Short		225		MT
	Copper	Long		1,457		MT
	Copper	Short		5,381		MT
	Zinc	Long		29		MT
	Natural Gas	Long		360,000		MMBTUs
	MT =etric Ton
	MMBTU =ne million British thermal units
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	The following tables summarize activities related to the Company's derivative instruments and hedged items recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings:
				Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)	Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Commodity	Cost of goods sold		$	1,866			$	129			$	5,301			$	639
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		569				(226		)		3,005				(385		)
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		2,480				(250		)		4,351				(371		)
	Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses		7,874				(2,122		)		20,074				(6,815		)
	Gain (loss) before income taxes			$	12,789			$	(2,469	)		$	32,731			$	(6,932	)
Derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments	Hedged items relate to firm commitments on commercial sales and purchases.
	Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments (in thousands)			Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
		Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		$	534			$	140			$	359			$	27
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		(229		)		(953		)		925				(1,080		)
	Gain (loss) before income taxes			$	305			$	(813	)		$	1,284			$	(1,053	)
Hedged items designated as fair value hedging instruments
	Hedged Items Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments (in thousands)			Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
		Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		$	(537	)		$	(130	)		$	(358	)		$	(37	)
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		229				955				(925		)		1,080
	Gain (loss) before income taxes			$	(308	)		$	825			$	(1,283	)		$	1,043
Effective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments recognized In accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
	Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands)	Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Commodity	$	(348	)		$	(24	)		$	(416	)		$	(113	)
	Foreign exchange	(1,552		)		(402		)		(2,009		)		(1,930		)
	Loss, net of income taxes	$	(1,900	)		$	(426	)		$	(2,425	)		$	(2,043	)
Effective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
	Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands)			Three Months Ended February 28,								Six Months Ended February 28,
		Location		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Commodity	Cost of goods sold		$	(91	)		$	(64	)		$	(104	)		$	(153	)
	Foreign exchange	Net sales		76				(2		)		76				(233		)
	Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold		(813		)		(416		)		(943		)		(1,174		)
	Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses		15				13				32				25
	Interest rate	Interest expense		86				87				173				173
	Loss, net of income taxes			(727		)		$	(382	)		$	(766	)		$	(1,362	)
Derivative assets	The fair value of the Company's derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows:
	Derivative Assets (in thousands)	February 28, 2015				August 31, 2014
	Commodity — designated for hedge accounting	$	10			$	42
	Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting	698				869
	Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting	1,445				136
	Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting	2,502				1,853
	Derivative assets (other current assets)*	$	4,655			$	2,900
Derivative liabilities
	Derivative Liabilities (in thousands)	February 28, 2015				August 31, 2014
	Commodity — designated for hedge accounting	$	421			$	6
	Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting	1,295				162
	Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting	1,936				325
	Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting	2,040				1,010
	Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)*	$	5,692			$	1,503
	_________________
	* Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges.

FAIR_VALUE_Tables

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables summarize information regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	February 28, 2015				Quoted Prices in				Significant  Other				Significant
						Active Markets  for				Observable Inputs				Unobservable  Inputs
						Identical Assets				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market investments (1)	$	200,245			$	200,245			$	—			$	—
	Commodity derivative assets (2)	708				698				10				—
	Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	3,947				—				3,947				—
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	1,716				1,295				421				—
	Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	3,976				—				3,976				—
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	August 31, 2014				Quoted Prices in				Significant  Other				Significant
						Active Markets  for				Observable  Inputs				Unobservable  Inputs
						Identical Assets				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market investments (1)	$	200,487			$	200,487			$	—			$	—
	Commodity derivative assets (2)	911				911				—				—
	Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	1,989				—				1,989				—
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	168				162				6				—
	Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	1,335				—				1,335				—
	_________________
	(1) Money market investments are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by broker quoted prices in active markets. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options.
	(2) Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or Commodity Exchange, Inc. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments and the classification of the assets and liabilities is included in Note 8, Derivatives and Risk Management.
Financial assets and liabilities not required to be measured at fair value	The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
				February 28, 2015								August 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy		Carrying Value				Fair Value				Carrying Value				Fair Value
	$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017 (1)	Level 2		$	407,059			$	429,240			$	408,546			$	438,200
	$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018 (1)	Level 2		515,993				547,500				518,305				567,560
	$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023 (1)	Level 2		330,000				315,150				330,000				325,050
	_________________
	(1) The fair values of the 2017 Notes, 2018 Notes and 2023 Notes are estimated based on readily available market prices of these notes at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, or similar notes with the same maturities, rating and interest rates.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_AND_EARNIN1

STOCKHOLDERSb EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculations of the basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended February 28,				Six Months Ended February 28,
	(in thousands, except share data)	2015		2014		2015		2014
	Earnings from continuing operations attributable to CMC	$	61,719	$	13,254	$	100,053	$	46,954
	Basic earnings per share:
	Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	116,688,162		117,424,962		117,244,406		117,247,731
	Basic earnings per share attributable to CMC:	$	0.53	$	0.11	$	0.85	$	0.4
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	116,688,162		117,424,962		117,244,406		117,247,731
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	995,314		1,214,199		1,151,438		1,150,155
	Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	117,683,476		118,639,161		118,395,844		118,397,886
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC:	$	0.52	$	0.11	$	0.85	$	0.4
	Anti-dilutive shares not included above	854,703		1,175,090		623,042		1,175,090
	_______________________
	CMC's restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but is omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS_Tables

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment	The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment:
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2015
		Americas								International
	(in thousands)	Recycling			Mills		Fabrication			Mill		Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
	Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	227,499		$	247,727	$	341,679		$	138,449	$	433,046	$	2,717		$	—		$	1,391,117
	Intersegment sales	31,580			181,118		2,731			—		32,192		—			(247,621		)	—
	Net sales	259,079			428,845		344,410			138,449		465,238		2,717			(247,621		)	1,391,117
	Adjusted operating profit (loss)	(172		)	98,489		11,773			819		15,678		(16,400		)	2,037			112,224
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2014
		Americas								International
	(in thousands)	Recycling			Mills		Fabrication			Mill		Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
	Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	293,146		$	277,562	$	322,572		$	181,245	$	517,770	$	5,166		$	—		$	1,597,461
	Intersegment sales	49,121			179,287		3,318			117		2,401		—			(234,244		)	—
	Net sales	342,267			456,849		325,890			181,362		520,171		5,166			(234,244		)	1,597,461
	Adjusted operating profit (loss)	(863		)	44,062		(5,330		)	8,331		4,487		(15,064		)	1,422			37,045
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2015
		Americas								International
	(in thousands)	Recycling			Mills		Fabrication			Mill		Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
	Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	497,301		$	551,586	$	749,916		$	316,078	$	952,677	$	3,549		$	—		$	3,071,107
	Intersegment sales	77,837			402,110		6,982			—		50,367		—			(537,296		)	—
	Net sales	575,138			953,696		756,898			316,078		1,003,044		3,549			(537,296		)	3,071,107
	Adjusted operating profit (loss)	(1,315		)	173,871		8,764			5,042		33,930		(36,011		)	1,232			185,513
	Total assets at February 28, 2015*	284,790			715,306		667,648			407,271		1,052,922		939,847			(570,006		)	3,497,778
		Six Months Ended February 28, 2014
		Americas								International
	(in thousands)	Recycling			Mills		Fabrication			Mill		Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
	Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	586,622		$	569,135	$	676,564		$	409,737	$	961,127	$	11,351		$	—		$	3,214,536
	Intersegment sales	93,848			368,865		7,544			775		4,385		—			(475,417		)	—
	Net sales	680,470			938,000		684,108			410,512		965,512		11,351			(475,417		)	3,214,536
	Adjusted operating profit (loss)	(24		)	109,876		(3,113		)	23,600		6,529		(33,113		)	2,018			105,773
	Total assets at August 31, 2014*	296,564			647,437		691,765			466,449		949,016		1,100,995			(470,716		)	3,681,510
	* Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $91.7 million at February 28, 2015 and $7.0 million at August 31, 2014.
Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit	Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit are provided below:
		Three Months Ended February 28,					Six Months Ended February 28,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014		2015			2014
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	61,719		$	13,255	$	100,053		$	46,955
	Income taxes	30,841			3,866		46,288			18,957
	Interest expense	19,252			18,977		38,309			38,385
	Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	412			947		863			1,476
	Adjusted operating profit	$	112,224		$	37,045	$	185,513		$	105,773

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (AOCI by Components) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($47,275)	($7,823)	($19,509)	($27,176)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-45,879	8,317	-73,680	26,692
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	725	380	760	1,358
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-45,154	8,697	-72,920	28,050
Ending balance	-92,429	874	-92,429	874
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-47,175	-8,035	-19,891	-27,477
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-43,979	8,743	-71,263	28,185
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-43,979	8,743	-71,263	28,185
Ending balance	-91,154	708	-91,154	708
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,528	2,957	3,014	3,594
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-1,900	-426	-2,425	-2,043
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	727	382	766	1,362
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,173	-44	-1,659	-681
Ending balance	1,355	2,913	1,355	2,913
Defined Benefit Obligation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-2,628	-2,745	-2,632	-3,293
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0	8	550
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-2	-2	-6	-4
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-2	-2	2	546
Ending balance	($2,630)	($2,747)	($2,630)	($2,747)

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Reclassification from AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Income tax effect	$391	$127	$417	$308
Net of income taxes	-727	-382	-766	-1,362
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	-1,118	-509	-1,183	-1,670
Income tax effect	391	127	417	308
Net of income taxes	-727	-382	-766	-1,362
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Commodity | Cost of goods sold
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	-140	-117	-160	-236
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Foreign exchange | Cost of goods sold
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	-1,203	-592	-1,403	-1,514
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Foreign exchange | Net sales
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	74	17	74	-233
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Foreign exchange | SG&A expenses
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	19	33	40	47
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Interest rate | Interest expense
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	132	150	266	266
Defined benefit obligation
Defined benefit obligation:
Income tax effect	-2	0	-1	-1
Net of income taxes	2	2	6	4
Defined benefit obligation | SG&A expenses
Defined benefit obligation:
Amortization of prior services	$4	$2	$7	$5

SALES_OF_ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_N

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	U.S.	U.S.	European program	Australian program	European and Australian programs	European and Australian programs
					USD ($)	USD ($)		AUD	USD ($)	USD ($)
					entities
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Current advance limit for accounts receivable sold					$200,000,000
Number of financial institutions					3
Maximum advance limit for accounts receivable sold					300,000,000			75,000,000
Trade accounts receivable sold					371,600,000	389,600,000			116,100,000	147,300,000
Advance payment received on sale of trade account receivable					40,000,000	55,000,000			55,200,000	90,500,000
Advances, maximum percentage of eligible receivables							90.00%
Percentage of eligible receivables sold								100.00%
Cash proceeds from sales of accounts receivable programs			277,800,000	364,700,000
Cash payments to the owners of accounts receivable			328,100,000	214,900,000
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	412,000	947,000	863,000	1,476,000
Transfers of accounts receivable	41,600,000		102,100,000
Collections	$52,900,000		$116,500,000

SALES_OF_ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_A

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Activity of Deferred Purchase Price Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for Which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				$1,028,425
Transfers of accounts receivable	41,600			102,100
Collections	-52,900			-116,500
Ending balance	898,127			898,127
Deferred purchase price receivables
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for Which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	471,840		375,223	385,169		453,252
Transfers of accounts receivable	888,064		1,039,096	2,016,308		2,076,301
Collections	-973,457		-1,101,202	-2,015,030		-2,144,124
Program termination						-72,312
Ending balance	386,447		313,117	386,447		313,117
Deferred purchase price receivables | U.S.
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for Which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	408,320		351,515	329,797		358,822
Transfers of accounts receivable	753,219		774,533	1,702,382		1,615,104
Collections	-834,530		-852,334	-1,705,170		-1,700,212
Program termination						0
Ending balance	327,009		273,714	327,009		273,714
Deferred purchase price receivables | Australia
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for Which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	22,376	[1]	0	34,071	[1]	64,996
Transfers of accounts receivable	63,335	[1]	180,700	154,064	[1]	253,820
Collections	-64,031	[1]	-151,065	-166,455	[1]	-216,869
Program termination						-72,312
Ending balance	21,680	[1]	29,635	21,680	[1]	29,635
Deferred purchase price receivables | Europe
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for Which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	41,144		23,708	21,301		29,434
Transfers of accounts receivable	71,510		83,863	159,862		207,377
Collections	-74,896		-97,803	-143,405		-227,043
Program termination						0
Ending balance	$37,758		$9,768	$37,758		$9,768
[1]	Includes the sales of accounts receivable activities related to businesses held for sale (transfers of accounts receivable of $41.6 million and $102.1 million, and collections of $52.9 million and $116.5 million for the three and six months ended FebruaryB 28, 2015, respectively).

INVENTORIES_NET_Narrative_Deta

INVENTORIES, NET (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of total net inventories valued at LIFO	57.00%	57.00%	44.00%
LIFO inventory reserves	$120.20	$120.20	$198.80
Pre-tax LIFO income	72.5	78.7
Raw materials before LIFO reserves	$82.60	$82.60	$84.30

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Gross carrying amounts of the intangible assets subject to amortization	$49.20		$49.20		$53.80
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$1.70	$1.70	$3.60	$3.60

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2014	$74,319
Foreign currency translation	-556
Balance at February 28, 2015	73,763
Americas Recycling
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2014	7,267
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at February 28, 2015	7,267
Americas Mills
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2014	4,970
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at February 28, 2015	4,970
Americas Fabrication
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2014	57,144
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at February 28, 2015	57,144
International Mill
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2014	2,776
Foreign currency translation	-375
Balance at February 28, 2015	2,401
International Marketing and Distribution
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2014	2,162
Foreign currency translation	-181
Balance at February 28, 2015	$1,981

BUSINESSES_HELD_FOR_SALE_DISCO2

BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of businesses held for sale				$82,281,000	$0
Liabilities of businesses held for sale				35,785,000	0
Howell
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Business divestiture disposal price		58,500,000
Escrow receivable				3,200,000	3,200,000
Working capital adjustment	3,000,000
Pre-tax gain			$23,800,000

BUSINESSES_HELD_FOR_SALE_DISCO3

BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (Components Of Assets And Liabilities Of Businesses Held For Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Accounts receivable	$14,109
Inventories, net	59,386
Other current assets	475
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	6,623
Other noncurrent assets	1,688
Assets of businesses held for sale	82,281	0
Liabilities:
Accounts payable-trade	18,174
Accounts payable-documentary letters of credit	11,890
Accrued expenses and other payables	5,721
Liabilities of businesses held for sale	$35,785	$0

BUSINESSES_HELD_FOR_SALE_DISCO4

BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (Financial Information for Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	($7,268)	($2,095)	($9,370)	$19,011
Discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	41,326	51,750	100,337	134,864
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	($7,268)	($2,095)	($9,370)	$19,011

CREDIT_ARRANGEMENTS_Narrative_

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2012	Jun. 26, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-13	Aug. 31, 2008	Jul. 31, 2007
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net Proceeds From Termination Of Interest Rate Swaps					$52,700,000
Unamortized deferred gain on termination of interest rate swaps	23,000,000		23,000,000				26,800,000
Amortization of interest rate swaps termination gain	1,900,000	1,900,000	3,799,000	3,799,000
Interest paid	33,400,000	32,800,000	42,900,000	42,300,000
CMCP
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity	58,000,000		58,000,000
Total borrowing			41,500,000
Total payments			41,500,000
$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, issuance date			20-May-13
Debt instrument, face amount	330,000,000		330,000,000				330,000,000	330,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.88%		4.88%				4.88%	4.88%
Debt instrument, maturity date			15-May-23
Redemption purchase price to principal amount, percentage								100.00%
Change of control triggering event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption purchase price to principal amount, percentage								101.00%
$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, issuance date			4-Aug-08
Debt instrument, face amount	500,000,000		500,000,000				500,000,000		500,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	7.35%		7.35%				7.35%		7.35%
Debt instrument, maturity date			15-Aug-18
Debt instrument, effective interest rate									6.40%
$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, issuance date			17-Jul-07
Debt instrument, face amount	400,000,000		400,000,000				400,000,000			400,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	6.50%		6.50%				6.50%			6.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date			15-Jul-17
Debt instrument, effective interest rate										5.74%
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity						350,000,000
Revolving credit facility, maturity date			26-Jun-19
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity						500,000,000
Minimum interest coverage ratio						2.5
Maximum debt to capitalization ratio						0.6
Minimum liquidity required						150,000,000
Actual interest coverage ratio	5.61		5.61
Actual debt to capitalization ratio	0.49		0.49
Revolving credit facility, amount drawn	0		0				0
Stand-by letters of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity						50,000,000
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount	$23,400,000		$23,400,000				$28,100,000

CREDIT_ARRANGEMENTS_Longterm_D

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term Debt, Including the Deferred Gain from the Termination of the Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2007	Aug. 31, 2008	31-May-13
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$1,290,423,000	$1,289,047,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	9,113,000	8,005,000
Long-term debt	1,281,310,000	1,281,042,000
$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	400,000,000	400,000,000	400,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jul-17	Jul-17
Weighted average interest rate	5.74%
Total long-term debt including current maturities		408,546,000
$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	500,000,000	500,000,000		500,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	7.35%	7.35%		7.35%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Aug-18	Aug-18
Weighted average interest rate	6.40%
Total long-term debt including current maturities		518,305,000
$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	330,000,000	330,000,000			330,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.88%	4.88%			4.88%
Debt instrument, maturity date	15-May-23	15-May-23
Weighted average interest rate	4.88%
Total long-term debt including current maturities		330,000,000
Other, including equipment notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$37,371,000	$32,196,000

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN2

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign exchange
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$402.30	$439.90
Commodity
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$50	$48.30

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN3

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Commodity Contract Commitments) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
	t
Aluminum | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	4,246
Aluminum | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	225
Copper | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	1,457
Copper | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	5,381
Zinc | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	29
Natural Gas | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Energy contract commitments	360,000,000,000

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN4

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	$12,789	($2,469)	$32,731	($6,932)
Commodity | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	1,866	129	5,301	639
Foreign exchange | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	2,480	-250	4,351	-371
Foreign exchange | Net sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	569	-226	3,005	-385
Foreign exchange | SG&A expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	$7,874	($2,122)	$20,074	($6,815)

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN5

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for fair value hedges	$305	($813)	$1,284	($1,053)
Foreign exchange | Net sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for fair value hedges	534	140	359	27
Foreign exchange | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for fair value hedges	($229)	($953)	$925	($1,080)

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN6

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Hedged Items Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for hedged items of fair value hedges	($308)	$825	($1,283)	$1,043
Foreign exchange | Net sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for hedged items of fair value hedges	-537	-130	-358	-37
Foreign exchange | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for hedged items of fair value hedges	$229	$955	($925)	$1,080

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN7

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss, net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI	($1,900)	($426)	($2,425)	($2,043)
Commodity
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss, net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI	-348	-24	-416	-113
Foreign exchange
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss, net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI	($1,552)	($402)	($2,009)	($1,930)

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN8

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss, net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	($727)	($382)	($766)	($1,362)
Commodity | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss, net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	-91	-64	-104	-153
Foreign exchange | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss, net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	-813	-416	-943	-1,174
Foreign exchange | Net sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss, net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	76	-2	76	-233
Foreign exchange | SG&A expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss, net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	15	13	32	25
Interest rate | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss, net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	$86	$87	$173	$173

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN9

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivative Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)	$4,655	[1]	$2,900	[1]
Commodity | Designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)	10		42
Commodity | Not designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)	698		869
Foreign exchange | Designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)	1,445		136
Foreign exchange | Not designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)	$2,502		$1,853
[1]	Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges.

Recovered_Sheet1

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivative Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)	$5,692	[1]	$1,503	[1]
Commodity | Designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)	421		6
Commodity | Not designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)	1,295		162
Foreign exchange | Designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)	1,936		325
Foreign exchange | Not designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)	$2,040		$1,010
[1]	Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges.

FAIR_VALUE_Narrative_Details

FAIR VALUE (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
	levels
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of fair value hierarchy	3

FAIR_VALUE_Financial_Assets_an

FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details) (Fair value, measurements, recurring, USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	$200,245	[1]	$200,487	[1]
Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	708	[2]	911	[2]
Derivative liabilities	1,716	[2]	168	[2]
Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	3,947	[2]	1,989	[2]
Derivative liabilities	3,976	[2]	1,335	[2]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	200,245	[1]	200,487	[1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	698	[2]	911	[2]
Derivative liabilities	1,295	[2]	162	[2]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative liabilities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	10	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative liabilities	421	[2]	6	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	3,947	[2]	1,989	[2]
Derivative liabilities	3,976	[2]	1,335	[2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative liabilities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative liabilities	$0	[2]	$0	[2]
[1]	Money market investments are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by broker quoted prices in active markets. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options.
[2]	Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or Commodity Exchange, Inc. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments and the classification of the assets and liabilities is included in Note 8, Derivatives and Risk Management.

FAIR_VALUE_Financial_Assets_an1

FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Required to Be Measured at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	$1,290,423		$1,289,047
$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities			408,546
$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	407,059		408,546
$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017 | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	429,240	[1]	438,200	[1]
$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities			518,305
$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	515,993		518,305
$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018 | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	547,500	[1]	567,560	[1]
$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities			330,000
$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	330,000		330,000
$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023 | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	$315,150	[1]	$325,050	[1]
[1]	The fair values of the 2017 Notes, 2018 Notes and 2023 Notes are estimated based on readily available market prices of these notes at FebruaryB 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, or similar notes with the same maturities, rating and interest rates.

INCOME_TAX_Narrative_Details

INCOME TAX (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate from continuing operations	33.30%	22.60%	31.60%	28.80%
Statutory income tax rate			35.00%	35.00%
Effective income tax rate from discontinued operations	0.00%	-0.80%	0.20%	46.80%
Net income tax payments			$28.70	$8.70
Unrecognized income tax benefits	27.3		27.3		27.3
Possible unrecognized income tax benefits decrease during the next twelve months	16.9		16.9
Unrecognized income tax benefits that would reduce provisions for income taxes	2.7		2.7
Howell
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain				$23.80

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$6.10	$5.30	$11.80	$10.80
Restricted stock units and performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted			1,000,000	1,200,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value			$15.92	$16.89
Liability awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted			392,517	390,562
Equivalent shares outstanding	924,131		924,131
Equivalent shares expected to vest	877,923		877,923
Fiscal 2015 | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years
Fiscal 2015 | Certain restricted stock units | Vesting on second anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			33.33%
Fiscal 2015 | Certain restricted stock units | Vesting on third anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			66.66%
Fiscal 2015 | Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years
Fiscal 2014 | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years
Fiscal 2014 | Certain restricted stock units | Vesting on second anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			25.00%
Fiscal 2014 | Certain restricted stock units | Vesting on third anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			25.00%
Fiscal 2014 | Certain restricted stock units | Vesting on fourth anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			50.00%
Fiscal 2014 | Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_AND_EARNIN2

STOCKHOLDERSb EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Oct. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount			$100,000,000
Stock repurchase program, shares purchased (shares)	2,202,342	2,762,835
Stock repurchase program, average purchase price per share (in USD per share)	$13.73	$14.33
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$60,400,000	$60,400,000

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_AND_EARNIN3

STOCKHOLDERSb EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC (Calculations of the Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to CMC	$61,719	$13,254	$100,053	$46,954
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (shares)	116,688,162	117,424,962	117,244,406	117,247,731
Basic earnings per share attributable to CMC: (in USD per share)	$0.53	$0.11	$0.85	$0.40
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (shares)	116,688,162	117,424,962	117,244,406	117,247,731
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans (shares)	995,314	1,214,199	1,151,438	1,150,155
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (shares)	117,683,476	118,639,161	118,395,844	118,397,886
Diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC: (in USD per share)	$0.52	$0.11	$0.85	$0.40
Anti-dilutive shares not included above (shares)	854,703	1,175,090	623,042	1,175,090

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) (Settled litigation, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Sep. 18, 2008
		entities
Settled litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of steel manufacturing companies		9
Legal settlement amount	$4

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS_Narrative_De

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
	segments
Number of operating segments	5
Discontinued operations
Total assets	91.7	$7

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS_Summary_of_C

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Summary of Certain Financial Information from Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$1,391,117		$1,597,461	$3,071,107		$3,214,536
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	112,224		37,045	185,513		105,773
Total assets	3,589,502			3,589,502			3,688,520
Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,391,117		1,597,461	3,071,107		3,214,536
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	112,224		37,045	185,513		105,773
Total assets	3,497,778	[1]		3,497,778	[1]		3,681,510	[1]
Americas Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	227,499		293,146	497,301		586,622
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	-172		-863	-1,315		-24
Total assets	284,790	[1]		284,790	[1]		296,564	[1]
Americas Mills
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	247,727		277,562	551,586		569,135
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	98,489		44,062	173,871		109,876
Total assets	715,306	[1]		715,306	[1]		647,437	[1]
Americas Fabrication
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	341,679		322,572	749,916		676,564
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	11,773		-5,330	8,764		-3,113
Total assets	667,648	[1]		667,648	[1]		691,765	[1]
International Mill
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	138,449		181,245	316,078		409,737
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	819		8,331	5,042		23,600
Total assets	407,271	[1]		407,271	[1]		466,449	[1]
International Marketing and Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	433,046		517,770	952,677		961,127
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	15,678		4,487	33,930		6,529
Total assets	1,052,922	[1]		1,052,922	[1]		949,016	[1]
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,717		5,166	3,549		11,351
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	-16,400		-15,064	-36,011		-33,113
Total assets	939,847	[1]		939,847	[1]		1,100,995	[1]
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0		0	0		0
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	2,037		1,422	1,232		2,018
Total assets	-570,006	[1]		-570,006	[1]		-470,716	[1]
Segments | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,391,117		1,597,461	3,071,107		3,214,536
Segments | Americas Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	259,079		342,267	575,138		680,470
Segments | Americas Mills
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	428,845		456,849	953,696		938,000
Segments | Americas Fabrication
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	344,410		325,890	756,898		684,108
Segments | International Mill
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	138,449		181,362	316,078		410,512
Segments | International Marketing and Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	465,238		520,171	1,003,044		965,512
Segments | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,717		5,166	3,549		11,351
Segments | Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	-247,621		-234,244	-537,296		-475,417
Intersegment | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0		0	0		0
Intersegment | Americas Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	31,580		49,121	77,837		93,848
Intersegment | Americas Mills
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	181,118		179,287	402,110		368,865
Intersegment | Americas Fabrication
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,731		3,318	6,982		7,544
Intersegment | International Mill
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0		117	0		775
Intersegment | International Marketing and Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	32,192		2,401	50,367		4,385
Intersegment | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0		0	0		0
Intersegment | Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	($247,621)		($234,244)	($537,296)		($475,417)
[1]	Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $91.7 million at FebruaryB 28, 2015 and $7.0 million at AugustB 31, 2014.

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS_Reconciliati

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations	$61,719	$13,255	$100,053	$46,955
Income taxes	30,841	3,866	46,288	18,957
Interest expense	19,252	18,977	38,309	38,385
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	412	947	863	1,476
Adjusted operating profit	$112,224	$37,045	$185,513	$105,773