Commercial Metals (CMC) 10-Q28 Jun 172017 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	May 31, 2017	Jun. 26, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Trading Symbol	CMC
Entity Registrant Name	COMMERCIAL METALS CO
Entity Central Index Key	22,444
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	May 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Tax Identification Number	750,725,338
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		115,790,392

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,382,616	$ 1,227,390	$ 3,607,300	$ 3,401,946
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	1,209,195	1,051,910	3,142,697	2,934,028
Selling, general and administrative expenses	108,803	114,841	324,789	310,667
Interest expense	12,368	14,737	38,108	49,666
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	115	0	11,480
Total costs and expenses	1,330,366	1,181,603	3,505,594	3,305,841
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	52,250	45,787	101,706	96,105
Income taxes	12,641	10,676	25,284	24,512
Earnings from continuing operations	39,609	35,111	76,422	71,593
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (benefit)	(351)	(15,785)	(542)	(16,803)
Income taxes (benefit)	(8)	(2)	7	(103)
Loss from discontinued operations	(343)	(15,783)	(549)	(16,700)
Net earnings	39,266	19,328	75,873	54,893
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to CMC	$ 39,266	$ 19,328	$ 75,873	$ 54,893
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
Earnings from continuing operations (in USD per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.31	$ 0.66	$ 0.62
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in USD per share)	0	(0.14)	0	(0.14)
Net earnings (in USD per share)	0.34	0.17	0.66	0.48
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
Earnings from continuing operations (in USD per share)	0.34	0.30	0.65	0.61
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in USD per share)	0	(0.13)	0	(0.14)
Net earnings (in USD per share)	0.34	0.17	0.65	0.47
Cash dividends per share (in USD per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.12	$ 0.36	$ 0.36
Average basic shares outstanding	115,886,372	114,677,109	115,574,289	115,373,736
Average diluted shares outstanding	117,205,369	115,995,515	117,087,341	116,758,716

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 39,266	$ 19,328	$ 75,873	$ 54,893
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
Foreign currency translation adjustment during the period	27,109	3,817	15,129	(13,967)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	27,477	3,801	16,055	(13,424)
Reclassification for translation loss realized upon liquidation of investment in foreign entity	968	0	968	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment during the period	28,077	3,817	16,097	(13,967)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Unrealized holding gain (loss)	254	(16)	696	469
Reclassification for (gain) loss included in net earnings	(333)	32	(853)	(142)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	(79)	16	(157)	327
Defined benefit obligation:
Amortization of prior services	(9)	(2)	(27)	(5)
Defined benefit obligation	(9)	(2)	(27)	(5)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	27,989	3,831	15,913	(13,645)
Comprehensive income	$ 67,255	$ 23,159	$ 91,786	$ 41,248

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 275,778	$ 517,544
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,986 and $6,427)	869,970	765,784
Inventories, net	798,013	652,754
Other current assets	108,248	112,043
Total current assets	2,052,009	2,048,125
Property, plant and equipment:
Land	82,137	70,291
Buildings and improvements	512,843	487,305
Equipment	1,717,576	1,655,909
Construction in process	218,724	111,156
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	2,531,280	2,324,661
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,514,405)	(1,429,612)
Property, plant and equipment, Net	1,016,875	895,049
Goodwill	66,764	66,373
Other noncurrent assets	138,951	121,322
Total assets	3,274,599	3,130,869
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable-trade	345,974	243,532
Accounts payable-documentary letters of credit	566	5
Accrued expenses and other payables	258,288	264,112
Current maturities of long-term debt	311,654	313,469
Total current liabilities	916,482	821,118
Deferred income taxes	61,492	63,021
Other long-term liabilities	126,864	121,351
Long-term debt	751,676	757,948
Total liabilities	1,856,514	1,763,438
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued 129,060,664 shares; outstanding 115,788,992 and 114,635,596 shares, respectively	1,290	1,290
Additional paid-in capital	338,548	358,745
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(97,001)	(112,914)
Retained earnings	1,407,242	1,372,988
Less treasury stock, 13,271,672 and 14,425,068 shares at cost	(232,167)	(252,837)
Stockholders' equity attributable to CMC	1,417,912	1,367,272
Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests	173	159
Total stockholders' equity	1,418,085	1,367,431
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,274,599	$ 3,130,869

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 4,986	$ 6,427
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	115,788,992	114,635,596
Treasury stock, shares	13,271,672	14,425,068

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 75,873	$ 54,893
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	93,049	95,423
Stock-based compensation	19,716	19,889
Amortization of interest rate swaps termination gain	(5,698)	(5,698)
Deferred income taxes	(2,538)	9,744
Write-down of inventories	1,820	9,567
Provision for losses on receivables, net	856	3,748
Asset impairment	622	15,842
Net gain on disposals of assets and other	(343)	(1,802)
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	11,480
Tax benefit from stock plans	0	(666)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(86,668)	146,166
Proceeds (payments) on sales of accounts receivable programs, net	(4,327)	1,473
Inventories	(134,720)	205,717
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables	83,355	(64,676)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	(22,083)	5,768
Net cash flows from operating activities	18,914	506,868
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(162,082)	(104,481)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(54,425)	0
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash, net	7,492	(49,094)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other	1,884	3,470
Net cash flows used by investing activities	(207,131)	(150,105)
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
Cash dividends	(41,619)	(41,586)
Repayments on long-term debt	(8,775)	(208,605)
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(5,516)	(6,036)
Proceeds from New Markets Tax Credit transactions	2,141	0
Increase (decrease) in documentary letters of credit, net	569	(40,145)
Contribution from noncontrolling interests	14	29
Short-term borrowings, net change	0	(20,090)
Treasury stock acquired	0	(30,595)
Debt extinguishment costs	0	(11,127)
Tax benefit from stock plans	0	666
Decrease in restricted cash	0	1
Net cash flows used by financing activities	(53,186)	(357,488)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(363)	(743)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(241,766)	(1,468)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	517,544	485,323
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	275,778	483,855
Noncash activities:
Liabilities related to additions of property, plant and equipment	$ 31,024	$ 18,066

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2015	$ 1,381,374	$ 1,290	$ 365,863	$ (113,535)	$ 1,373,568	$ (245,961)	$ 149
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2015		129,060,664
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2015						(13,425,326)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	54,893				54,893
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,645)			(13,645)
Cash dividends ($0.36 per share)	(41,586)				(41,586)
Treasury stock acquired	(30,595)					$ (30,595)
Treasury stock acquired, shares						(2,255,069)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(6,036)		(29,599)			$ 23,563
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						1,246,329
Stock-based compensation	15,327		15,327
Tax benefit from stock plans	666		666
Contribution of noncontrolling interest	29		19				10
Reclassification of share-based liability awards	3,035		3,035
Ending balance at May. 31, 2016	1,363,462	$ 1,290	355,311	(127,180)	1,386,875	$ (252,993)	159
Ending balance, shares at May. 31, 2016		129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at May. 31, 2016						(14,434,066)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2016	$ 1,367,431	$ 1,290	358,745	(112,914)	1,372,988	$ (252,837)	159
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2016	129,060,664	129,060,664
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2016	(14,425,068)					(14,425,068)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 75,873				75,873
Other comprehensive income (loss)	15,913			15,913
Cash dividends ($0.36 per share)	(41,619)				(41,619)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(5,599)		(26,269)			$ 20,670
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						1,153,396
Stock-based compensation	9,731		9,731
Contribution of noncontrolling interest	14						14
Reclassification of share-based liability awards	1,780		1,780
Reclassification of share-based equity awards	(5,439)		(5,439)
Ending balance at May. 31, 2017	$ 1,418,085	$ 1,290	$ 338,548	$ (97,001)	$ 1,407,242	$ (232,167)	$ 173
Ending balance, shares at May. 31, 2017	129,060,664	129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at May. 31, 2017	(13,271,672)					(13,271,672)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME8

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share (in USD per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.12	$ 0.36	$ 0.36

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	May 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting policies	NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounting Principles The accompanying unaudited condensed 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, 2016 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 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and the unaudited condensed 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, 2016 . The results of operations for the three and nine month periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") requiring that the Company recognize all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as an income tax expense or benefit when stock awards vest or are settled. Additionally, the guidance allows for an increase in the threshold for net share settlement up to the maximum statutory rate in employees’ applicable jurisdictions without triggering liability classification. The adoption of this guidance had an immaterial impact on income taxes on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 . Additionally, the Company has elected to continue to estimate forfeitures. As such, this adoption has no cumulative effect on retained earnings. The Company elected to apply the presentation requirements for cash flows related to excess tax benefits prospectively, which had an immaterial impact on both net cash from operating activities and net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 . The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact on any of the periods presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805), issued by the FASB requiring the acquirer in a business combination to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), issued by the FASB requiring an entity to account for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement as a license of internal-use software. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810), issued by the FASB modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are voting interest entities ("VIEs"). The guidance was adopted on a retrospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20), issued by the FASB eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Under this guidance, an entity is no longer allowed to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2014-13, Consolidation (Topic 810), issued by the FASB providing a measurement alternative to the existing fair value measurement guidance. When the measurement alternative is elected, the financial assets and liabilities are measured using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities. The guidance was adopted on a retrospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), issued by the FASB 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 guidance was followed by the Company prior to its adoption and therefore had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 805). The standard simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual periods or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The standard must be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company plans to early adopt the standard in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The standard must be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. Early application of the amendments is allowed with certain restrictions. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements as well as determining the Company's planned adoption date. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), requiring that the statement of cash flows explain the change in the total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The provisions of this guidance are to be applied using a retrospective approach, which requires application of the guidance for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements as well as determining the Company's planned adoption date. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), requiring a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases with terms of twelve months or longer. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2018 and will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2019, at which point the Company plans to adopt the standard. The provisions of this guidance are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the guidance for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and has modified the standard thereafter. Under the standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018, at which point the Company plans to adopt the standard. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company currently expects to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective approach. The Company believes there will not be a material impact on its statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows in its Americas Mills, Americas Recycling or International Mill segments. The Company is still in the process of examining contract specific terms within the Americas Fabrication segment. In addition, the standard includes expanded disclosure requirements, which the Company continues to analyze. As part of the overall evaluation of the standard, the Company is also identifying and preparing to implement changes to its accounting policies, practices, and internal controls over financial reporting to support the standard both in the transition period as well as on an on-going basis.

CHANGES IN BUSINESS

CHANGES IN BUSINESS	9 Months Ended
CHANGES IN BUSINESS	May 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Changes in Business	NOTE 2. CHANGES IN BUSINESS Acquisitions On December 12, 2016, the Company completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Continental Concrete Structures, Inc. ("CCS"), a fabricator of post-tensioning cable and related products for commercial and public construction projects with a facility in Alpharetta, Georgia. In addition, CCS provides professional design and value engineering services to the construction industry throughout North America. This acquisition complements the Company’s current rebar fabrication business and continues its strategy of creating value for customers. The operating results of this facility are included in the Americas Fabrication reporting segment. On January 9, 2017, the Company completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Associated Steel Workers, Limited ("ASW"), a steel fabrication facility in Kapolei, Hawaii. This acquisition continues the vertical integration model of the Company by extending its geographic reach, establishing a fabrication operation in Hawaii and expanding its presence in the Hawaiian market. The operating results of this facility are included in the Americas Fabrication reporting segment. On March 6, 2017, the Company completed the purchase of certain assets from OmniSource Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Steel Dynamics, Inc., consisting of seven recycling facilities located in the southeast United States (the "Recycling Assets"), which are in close proximity to CMC’s minimill in Cayce, South Carolina. These facilities provide synergies with CMC's other operations in the region. The operating results of these facilities are included in the Americas Recycling reporting segment. The acquisitions of CCS, ASW and the Recycling Assets are not material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company's financial position or results of operations; therefore, pro forma operating results for the acquisitions are not presented since the results would not be significantly different than reported results. Discontinued Operations During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company decided to exit and sell its steel distribution business in Australia and 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 Australian steel distribution business was previously included in the International Marketing and Distribution reporting segment. Financial information for discontinued operations was as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net sales $ — $ 12,321 $ (22 ) $ 33,828 Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (benefit) (351 ) (15,785 ) (542 ) (16,803 )

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	9 Months Ended
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	May 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	NOTE 3. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"): Three Months Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, February 28, 2017 $ (124,235 ) $ 2,108 $ (2,863 ) $ (124,990 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 27,109 368 — 27,477 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 968 (459 ) (11 ) 498 Income taxes — 12 2 14 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 28,077 (79 ) (9 ) 27,989 Balance, May 31, 2017 $ (96,158 ) $ 2,029 $ (2,872 ) $ (97,001 ) Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, August 31, 2016 $ (112,255 ) $ 2,186 $ (2,845 ) $ (112,914 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 15,129 926 — 16,055 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 968 (1,090 ) (33 ) (155 ) Income taxes — 7 6 13 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 16,097 (157 ) (27 ) 15,913 Balance, May 31, 2017 $ (96,158 ) $ 2,029 $ (2,872 ) $ (97,001 ) Three Months Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, February 29, 2016 $ (130,865 ) $ 2,616 $ (2,762 ) $ (131,011 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 3,817 (16 ) — 3,801 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 21 (2 ) 19 Income taxes — 11 — 11 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 3,817 16 (2 ) 3,831 Balance, May 31, 2016 $ (127,048 ) $ 2,632 $ (2,764 ) $ (127,180 ) Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, August 31, 2015 $ (113,081 ) $ 2,305 $ (2,759 ) $ (113,535 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (13,967 ) 543 — (13,424 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (230 ) (6 ) (236 ) Income taxes — 14 1 15 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (13,967 ) 327 (5 ) (13,645 ) Balance, May 31, 2016 $ (127,048 ) $ 2,632 $ (2,764 ) $ (127,180 ) The significant items reclassified out of AOCI and the corresponding line items in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings to which the items were reclassified were as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, Components of AOCI (in thousands) Location 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustment: Translation loss realized upon liquidation of investment in foreign entity SG&A expenses $ 968 $ — $ 968 $ — Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives: Commodity Cost of goods sold $ 94 $ (263 ) $ (31 ) $ (373 ) Foreign exchange Net sales 124 (168 ) 368 (561 ) Foreign exchange Cost of goods sold 19 223 (25 ) 641 Foreign exchange SG&A expenses 88 53 378 123 Interest rate Interest expense 134 134 400 400 459 (21 ) 1,090 230 Income tax effect Income taxes (126 ) (11 ) (237 ) (88 ) Net of income taxes $ 333 $ (32 ) $ 853 $ 142 Defined benefit obligation: Amortization of prior services SG&A expenses $ 11 $ 2 $ 33 $ 6 Income tax effect Income taxes (2 ) — (6 ) (1 ) Net of income taxes $ 9 $ 2 $ 27 $ 5 Amounts in parentheses reduce earnings.

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	9 Months Ended
SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	May 31, 2017
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Sales of accounts receivable	NOTE 4. SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, CMC entered into a fifth amended $200.0 million U.S. sale of trade accounts receivable program which expires on August 15, 2019. 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 formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling trade accounts receivable generated by CMC. CMCRV sells the trade accounts receivable in their entirety to two financial institutions. Under the amended U.S. sale of trade accounts receivable program, 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 trade accounts receivable program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur if the Company defaults under certain of its credit arrangements. The covenants contained in the receivables purchase agreement are consistent with the Credit Agreement described in Note 7, Credit Arrangements. At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , under its U.S. sale of trade accounts receivable program, the Company had sold $307.3 million and $215.9 million of trade accounts receivable, respectively, to the financial institutions, with no advance payments outstanding. In addition to the U.S. sale of trade accounts receivable program described above, the Company's international subsidiaries in Poland and Australia have sold 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 and are removed from the consolidated balance sheets. The Polish program has a facility limit of 220.0 million Polish zloty ( $59.1 million as of May 31, 2017 ) and allows the Company's Polish subsidiaries to obtain an advance of up to 90% of eligible trade accounts receivable sold under the terms of the arrangement. Under the Polish and Australian programs, the cash advances received were reflected as cash provided by operating activities on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. In October 2016, the Company's existing Australian program expired, and the Company did not enter into a new program. At May 31, 2017 , under its Polish program, the Company had sold $64.2 million of trade accounts receivable to the third-party financial institution. At August 31, 2016 , under its Polish and Australian programs, the Company had sold $85.7 million of trade accounts receivable to third-party financial institutions. At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , $3.9 million and $8.3 million in advance payments had been received, respectively. During the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 , cash proceeds from the U.S. and international sale of trade accounts receivable programs were $246.0 million and $280.7 million , respectively, and cash payments to the owners of trade accounts receivable were $250.3 million and $279.2 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 $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 , respectively, and $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 , respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings. As of May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , the deferred purchase price on the Company's U.S. and international sale of trade accounts receivable programs is included in accounts receivable on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following tables summarize the activity of the deferred purchase price receivables for the U.S. and international sale of trade accounts receivable programs. Three Months Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands) Total U.S. Poland Beginning balance $ 312,446 $ 258,719 $ 53,727 Transfers of accounts receivable 777,104 671,429 105,675 Collections (725,336 ) (626,182 ) (99,154 ) Ending balance $ 364,214 $ 303,966 $ 60,248 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands) Total U.S. Australia* Poland Beginning balance $ 289,748 $ 212,762 $ 26,662 $ 50,324 Transfers of accounts receivable 1,977,546 1,702,584 16,914 258,048 Collections (1,869,163 ) (1,611,380 ) (9,659 ) (248,124 ) Program termination (33,917 ) — (33,917 ) — Ending balance $ 364,214 $ 303,966 $ — $ 60,248 _________________ * Includes collections of $3.7 million and program termination of $1.6 million related to discontinued operations and businesses sold. Three Months Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total U.S. Australia Poland Beginning balance $ 231,874 $ 193,035 $ 13,383 $ 25,456 Transfers of accounts receivable 636,929 513,169 47,110 76,650 Collections (608,292 ) (498,529 ) (41,522 ) (68,241 ) Ending balance $ 260,511 $ 207,675 $ 18,971 $ 33,865 _________________ Includes transfers of accounts receivable of $13.6 million and collections of $12.3 million related to discontinued operations and businesses held for sale. Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total U.S. Australia* Poland Beginning balance $ 339,547 $ 269,778 $ 18,038 $ 51,731 Transfers of accounts receivable 1,763,122 1,432,592 130,440 200,090 Collections (1,842,158 ) (1,494,695 ) (129,507 ) (217,956 ) Ending balance $ 260,511 $ 207,675 $ 18,971 $ 33,865 _________________ * Includes transfers of accounts receivable of $37.0 million and collections of $49.1 million related to discontinued operations and businesses held for sale.

INVENTORIES, NET

INVENTORIES, NET	9 Months Ended
INVENTORIES, NET	May 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	NOTE 5. INVENTORIES, NET As of May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , inventories were stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The Company determines inventory cost for its Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication and International Mill segments using the weighted average cost method. The Company determines inventory cost for its International Marketing and Distribution segment using the specific identification method. At May 31, 2017 , 64% of the Company's total net inventories were valued using the weighted average cost method and 36% of the Company's total net inventories were valued using the specification identification method. The majority of the Company's inventories are in the form of semi-finished and finished goods. The Company’s business model, with the exception of the International Marketing and Distribution segment, is such that products are sold to external customers in various stages, from semi-finished billets through fabricated steel, leading these categories to be combined. Inventories in the International Marketing and Distribution segment are sold as finished goods. As such, work in process inventories were not material at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 . At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , $141.2 million and $77.9 million , respectively, of the Company's inventories were in the form of raw materials.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	May 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	NOTE 6. 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 Goodwill, gross Balance at August 31, 2016 $ 9,751 $ 4,970 $ 57,637 $ 2,432 $ 1,982 $ 76,772 Acquisitions — — 306 — — 306 Foreign currency translation — — — 123 (30 ) 93 Balance at May 31, 2017 $ 9,751 $ 4,970 $ 57,943 $ 2,555 $ 1,952 $ 77,171 Accumulated impairment losses Balance at August 31, 2016 $ (9,751 ) $ — $ (493 ) $ (155 ) $ — $ (10,399 ) Foreign currency translation — — — (8 ) — (8 ) Balance at May 31, 2017 $ (9,751 ) $ — $ (493 ) $ (163 ) $ — $ (10,407 ) Goodwill, net Balance at August 31, 2016 $ — $ 4,970 $ 57,144 $ 2,277 $ 1,982 $ 66,373 Acquisitions — — 306 — — 306 Foreign currency translation — — — 115 (30 ) 85 Balance at May 31, 2017 $ — $ 4,970 $ 57,450 $ 2,392 $ 1,952 $ 66,764 The total gross carrying amounts of the Company's intangible assets that are subject to amortization were $20.5 million and $18.6 million at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , respectively, and are included in other noncurrent assets on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Intangible amortization expense from continuing operations was $0.9 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 , respectively, and $1.0 million and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 , respectively. Excluding goodwill, there are no significant intangible assets with indefinite lives.

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	9 Months Ended
CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	May 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit arrangements	NOTE 7. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The Company has a fourth amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") for a revolving credit facility of $350.0 million with a maturity date of June 26, 2019 . The maximum availability under the Credit Agreement can be increased to $500.0 million with bank approval. The Company's obligation under its Credit Agreement is collateralized by its U.S. inventory. The Credit Agreement'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 $3.0 million at both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 . The Company had no amounts drawn under the Credit Agreement at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 . Under the Credit Agreement, 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. At May 31, 2017 , the Company's interest coverage ratio was 5.98 to 1.00, and the Company's debt to capitalization ratio was 0.43 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. At May 31, 2017 , the Company had sufficient liquidity and was in compliance with this covenant. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest based on the Eurocurrency rate, a base rate, or the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). In May 2013, the Company issued $330.0 million of 4.875% Senior Notes due May 2023 (the "2023 Notes"). Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable semiannually. In August 2008, the Company issued $500.0 million of 7.35% senior unsecured notes due in August 2018 (the "2018 Notes"). During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company entered into hedging 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 February 2016, the Company accepted for purchase approximately $100.2 million of the outstanding principal amount of its 2018 Notes through a cash tender offer. The Company recognized expenses of approximately $6.1 million related to the early extinguishment of this debt, which are included in loss on debt extinguishment in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 . In July 2007, the Company issued $400.0 million of 6.50% senior unsecured notes due in July 2017 (the "2017 Notes"). During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company entered into hedging transactions which reduced the Company's effective interest rate on these notes to 5.74% per annum. Interest on these notes is payable semiannually. In February 2016, the Company accepted for purchase $100.0 million of the outstanding principal amount of its 2017 Notes though a cash tender offer. The Company recognized expenses of approximately $5.4 million related to the early extinguishment of this debt, which are included in loss on debt extinguishment in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 . 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 May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , the unamortized amounts were $5.9 million and $11.6 million , respectively. Amortization of the deferred gain for each of the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1.9 million and $5.7 million , respectively. At May 31, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in its debt agreements. Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps, was as follows: (in thousands) Weighted Average May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 2023 Notes 4.875% $ 330,000 $ 330,000 2018 Notes 6.40% 405,406 408,874 2017 Notes 5.74% 300,372 302,601 Other, including equipment notes 30,984 34,166 Total debt 1,066,762 1,075,641 Less debt issuance costs 3,432 4,224 Total amounts outstanding 1,063,330 1,071,417 Less current maturities 311,654 313,469 Long-term debt $ 751,676 $ 757,948 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. At both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , CMC Poland Sp. z.o.o. ("CMCP") had uncommitted credit facilities with several banks of PLN 175 million ( $47.0 million as of May 31, 2017 ). The uncommitted credit facilities as of May 31, 2017 have expiration dates ranging from November 2017 to March 2018, which CMCP intends to renew upon expiration. At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , no amounts were outstanding under these facilities. The available balance of these credit facilities was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit, which totaled $1.5 million at both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 . During the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 , CMCP had no borrowings and no repayments under its uncommitted credit facilities. The Company capitalized $2.9 million and $6.6 million of interest in the cost of property, plant and equipment during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 , respectively, and $0.6 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 , respectively. Cash paid for interest during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 was $8.3 million and $41.4 million , respectively, and $9.1 million and $50.0 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 , respectively.

NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACT

NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS	May 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
New Markets Tax Credit Transactions	NOTE 8. NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CMC Steel Oklahoma, LLC ("CMC Steel OK"), is in the process of constructing a minimill with an expected commissioning date in late calendar year 2017. Additionally, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CMC Post Oklahoma, LLC ("CMC Post OK"), is in the process of constructing a T-post shop with an expected commissioning date in the summer of 2018. Both projects are located in Durant, Oklahoma. In connection with these projects, the Company entered into transactions that qualified through the New Markets Tax Credit program provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the "NMTC Program"), as the minimill and T-post shop will be located in a zone designated by the IRS as eligible for the NMTC Program and are considered eligible business activities for the NMTC Program. Under the NMTC Program, an investor that makes a capital investment, which, in turn, together with leverage loan sources, is used to make a Qualifying Equity Investment (a "QEI") in an entity that (a) qualifies as a Community Development Entity ("CDE"), (b) has applied for and been granted an allocation of a portion of the total federal funds available to fund the credits (an "NMTC Allocation") and (c) uses a minimum specified portion of the QEI to make a Qualified Low Income Community Investment up to the maximum amount of the CDE’s NMTC Allocation will be entitled to claim, over a period of seven years, federal nonrefundable tax credits in an amount equal to 39% of the QEI amount (an "NMTC"). NMTCs are subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years (the "Recapture Period") as provided in the Internal Revenue Code. Minimill NMTC Transaction In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, certain of the Company's subsidiaries entered into an NMTC transaction with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, a Minnesota corporation ("USBCDC"), related to the development, construction and equipping of a new minimill in Durant, Oklahoma (the "Minimill Project"). To effect the transaction, USBCDC made a $17.7 million capital contribution ("the USBCDC Equity") to USBCDC Investment Fund 156, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (the "Investment Fund"). Additionally, Commonwealth Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Commonwealth"), made a $35.3 million loan to the Investment Fund at an interest rate of approximately 1.08% per year with a maturity date of December 24, 2045 (the "Commonwealth Mill Loan"). The Investment Fund used $51.5 million of the proceeds received from the Commonwealth Mill Loan and the USBCDC Equity to make QEIs into CDEs, which, in turn, used $50.7 million of the QEIs to make loans to CMC Steel OK with terms similar to the Commonwealth Mill Loan and as partial financing for the Minimill Project. The proceeds of the loans from the CDEs were recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. In connection with this NMTC transaction, CMC Steel OK spent $21.0 million for qualified construction, development, and equipping activities for the Minimill Project during the nine months ended May 31, 2017 . The balance remaining in restricted cash was $0.7 million at May 31, 2017 . Post Shop NMTC Transaction In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, certain of the Company's subsidiaries entered into a second NMTC transaction with USBCDC, related to the development, construction and equipping of a new T-post shop in Durant, Oklahoma (the "Post Shop Project"). To effect the transaction, USBCDC made capital contributions to Twain Investment Fund 219, LLC (the "Fund 219"), and Twain Investment Fund 222 (the "Fund 222"), both Missouri limited liability companies, in the amounts of $2.8 million (the "USBCDC Fund 219 Equity") and $2.2 million (the "USBCDC Fund 222 Equity"), respectively. Additionally, Commonwealth made a $10.4 million loan to Fund 219 at an interest rate of approximately 1.16% per year with a maturity date of March 23, 2047 (the "Commonwealth Post Shop Loan"). Fund 219 used $12.8 million of the proceeds received from the Commonwealth Post Shop Loan and the USBCDC Fund 219 Equity to make a QEI into a CDE, which, in turn, used $12.6 million of the QEI to make a loan to CMC Post OK with terms similar to the Commonwealth Post Shop Loan and as partial financing for the Post Shop Project. Additionally, Fund 222 used $2.2 million of the proceeds received from the USBCDC Fund 222 Equity to make a QEI into a CDE, which, in turn, used $2.1 million of the QEI to make a loan to CMC Post OK. The proceeds of the loans from the CDEs were recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. In connection with this NMTC transaction, CMC Post OK spent $0.8 million for qualified construction, development, and equipping activities for the Post Shop Project during the nine months ended May 31, 2017 . The balance remaining in restricted cash was $13.3 million at May 31, 2017 . Variable Interest Entities By virtue of its capital contributions to the Investment Fund and the Fund 219, USBCDC is entitled to substantially all of the benefits derived from the NMTCs. These transactions include a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase USBCDC’s interest in the Investment Fund and the Fund 219 at the end of the Recapture Period. The Company believes USBCDC will exercise the put options in 2022 and 2025, respectively, following the end of the respective Recapture Periods. The value attributed to the put/call is de minimis. The Company is required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC transactions. Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in unrealized projected tax benefits and, therefore, could require the Company to indemnify USBCDC for any loss or recapture of NMTCs related to the financing until such time as the Company's obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The Company does not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with these transactions. The Company has determined that the Investment Fund and Fund 219 are variable interest entities ("VIEs"), of which the Company is the primary beneficiary and has consolidated them in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810, Consolidation. USBCDC’s contributions are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Direct costs incurred in structuring the transactions were deferred and are recognized as expense over each seven year recapture period. Incremental costs to maintain the structures during the compliance periods are recognized as incurred. The Company has determined that Fund 222 is a VIE, of which the Company is not the primary beneficiary and has therefore treated the QEI of $2.1 million from Fund 222 as debt. The debt is included in long-term debt in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of May 31, 2017 .

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT	9 Months Ended
DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT	May 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and risk management	NOTE 9. 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. At May 31, 2017 , the notional values of the Company's foreign currency contract commitments and its commodity contract commitments were $262.8 million and $36.9 million , respectively. At May 31, 2016 , the notional values of the Company's foreign currency contract commitments and its commodity contract commitments were $290.0 million and $23.0 million , respectively. The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments as of May 31, 2017 : Commodity Long/Short Total Aluminum Long 1,925 MT Aluminum Short 25 MT Copper Long 555 MT Copper Short 5,250 MT Zinc Long 7 MT _________________ MT = Metric Ton 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 unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings, and there were no components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2016 . 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 unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands) Location 2017 2016 2017 2016 Commodity Cost of goods sold $ 1,654 $ 224 $ (3,121 ) $ 2,172 Foreign exchange Net sales (2 ) — (2 ) (4 ) Foreign exchange Cost of goods sold (5 ) (9 ) (38 ) 72 Foreign exchange SG&A expenses (1,076 ) (6,304 ) 2,295 9,410 Gain (loss) before income taxes $ 571 $ (6,089 ) $ (866 ) $ 11,650 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 and capital expenditures. Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives for the three months ended May 31, Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedged items Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedge items for the three months ended May 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign exchange Net sales $ (102 ) $ (122 ) Net sales $ 102 $ 122 Foreign exchange Cost of goods sold 1,042 901 Cost of goods sold (1,042 ) (901 ) Gain (loss) before income taxes $ 940 $ 779 $ (940 ) $ (779 ) Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives for the nine months ended May 31, Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedged items Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedge items for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign exchange Net sales $ (58 ) $ (39 ) Net sales $ 58 $ 39 Foreign exchange Cost of goods sold 435 90 Cost of goods sold (435 ) (90 ) Gain (loss) before income taxes $ 377 $ 51 $ (377 ) $ (51 ) Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in AOCI (Loss) (in thousands) Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Commodity $ (9 ) $ (56 ) $ 208 $ (280 ) Foreign exchange 263 40 488 749 Gain (loss), net of income taxes $ 254 $ (16 ) $ 696 $ 469 Refer to Note 3, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the effective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments reclassified from AOCI. 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 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The asset and liability balances in the tables below reflect the gross amounts of derivative instruments at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 . The fair value of the Company's derivative instruments on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows: Derivative Assets (in thousands) May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 Commodity — designated for hedge accounting $ 13 $ 4 Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting 324 584 Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting 606 1,398 Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting 2,374 750 Derivative assets (other current assets)* $ 3,317 $ 2,736 Derivative Liabilities (in thousands) May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 Commodity — designated for hedge accounting $ — $ 5 Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting 238 117 Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting 101 902 Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting 1,805 1,161 Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)* $ 2,144 $ 2,185 _________________ * Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges. As of May 31, 2017 , all 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	9 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE	May 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value	NOTE 10. 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) May 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Investment deposit accounts (1) $ 230,025 $ 230,025 $ — $ — Commodity derivative assets (2) 337 324 13 — Foreign exchange derivative assets (2) 2,980 — 2,980 — Liabilities: Commodity derivative liabilities (2) 238 238 — — Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2) 1,906 — 1,906 — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) August 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Investment deposit accounts (1) $ 278,759 $ 278,759 $ — $ — Commodity derivative assets (2) 588 584 4 — Foreign exchange derivative assets (2) 2,148 — 2,148 — Liabilities: Commodity derivative liabilities (2) 122 117 5 — Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2) 2,063 — 2,063 — _________________ (1) Investment deposit accounts are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by principal plus interest. 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 New York Mercantile Exchange. 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 9, Derivatives and Risk Management. There were no material non-recurring fair value remeasurements during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 . On June 10, 2016, the Company, through its wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd., signed a definitive asset sale agreement to sell its remaining steel distribution assets located in Australia. For the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $15.8 million , including the impact of an approximate $13.5 million accumulated foreign currency translation loss, on this remaining component of the Australian steel distribution business that was classified as held for sale at May 31, 2016 and as discontinued operations during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016. After consideration of the impairment charge, the fair value, less costs to sell, of this component was $10.4 million at May 31, 2016. The signed definitive asset sale agreement (Level 3) was the basis for the determination of fair value of this component. There were no other material non-recurring fair value measurements during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016. 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 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows: May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 (in thousands) Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value 2023 Notes (1) Level 2 $ 330,000 $ 333,630 $ 330,000 $ 332,010 2018 Notes (1) Level 2 405,406 424,007 408,874 432,303 2017 Notes (1) Level 2 300,372 301,230 302,601 311,250 _________________ (1) The fair value of the notes is determined based on indicated market values.

INCOME TAX

INCOME TAX	9 Months Ended
INCOME TAX	May 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax	NOTE 11. INCOME TAX The Company's effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 was 24.2% and 24.9% , respectively, compared with 23.3% and 25.5% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 , respectively. The effective tax rate is determined by computing the estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, which are taken into account in the appropriate period. Several factors determine the Company's effective tax rate, including the mix and amount of global earnings, the impact of loss companies for which no tax benefit is available due to valuation allowances, audit related adjustments, and the impact of permanent tax adjustments. For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 , the tax rate was lower than the statutory income tax rate of 35%. Items that impacted the effective tax rate included: i. the proportion of the Company's global income from operations in jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates than the U.S., including Poland, which has a statutory income tax rate of 19% , ii. a permanent tax benefit under Section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code related to domestic production activity, iii. a non-taxable gain on assets related to the Company's non-qualified Benefits Restoration Plan, and iv. losses from operations in certain jurisdictions in which the Company maintains a valuation allowance, thus providing no benefit for such losses. In addition, the Company recorded a benefit as a result of a favorable adjustment related to its IRS exam in fiscal 2016, further impacting the rate in fiscal 2016. The Company’s tax expense related to discontinued operations is not material with respect to the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 . The Company made net payments of $28.2 million and $36.0 million for income taxes during the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. As of May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , the reserve for unrecognized income tax benefits related to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes was $9.3 million and $9.5 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. For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 , the Company recorded immaterial amounts of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized income tax benefits. During the twelve months ending May 31 , 2018, 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 $9.3 million , which would reduce the provision for income taxes by $9.3 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 — 2012 and forward, with the exception of the R&D credit matter discussed below U.S. States — 2009 and forward Foreign — 2009 and forward During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016, the Company completed an IRS exam for the years 2009 through 2011 and received confirmation from the United States Congress Joint Committee on Taxation that all matters were settled with the exception of R&D credits, which are still under review. In addition, the Company is under examination by certain state revenue authorities for the years 2009 through 2015. Management believes the Company's recorded income tax liabilities as of May 31, 2017 sufficiently reflect the anticipated outcome of these examinations.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	9 Months Ended
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	May 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation plans	NOTE 12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS The Company's stock-based compensation plans are described, and informational disclosures provided, in Note 16, Stock-Based Compensation Plans, to the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . In general, the restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2017 vest ratably over a period of three years. However, certain restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2017 cliff vest after a period of three years. 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 2017 will vest after a period of three years. During the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company granted the following awards under its stock-based compensation plans: 2017 2016 (in thousands, except per share data) Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Equity Method 916 $ 16.04 1,613 $ 15.83 Liability Method 915 N/A 465 N/A During the first quarter of fiscal 2017 , certain restricted stock units and performance stock units that were previously accounted for under the equity method were modified to allow optionality related to the net share settlement feature, which resulted in accounting for these awards under the liability method. The fair value of liability awards is remeasured each reporting period and is recognized ratably over the service period. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 , the Company recorded income of $2.0 million and expense of $2.7 million as a result of the modification and the impact of the change in stock value on liability-treated awards, compared to immaterial mark-to-market adjustments for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 . As of May 31, 2017 , the Company had 2.1 million equivalent shares accounted for under the liability method outstanding. The Company expects 2.0 million equivalent shares to vest. The following table summarizes total stock-based compensation expense, including fair value remeasurements, included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock-based compensation expense $ 3,560 $ 6,783 $ 19,716 $ 19,889

STOCKHOLDERS_ EQUITY AND EARNIN

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stockholder's equity and earnings per share attributable to CMC	NOTE 13. 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 nine months ended May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, (in thousands, except share data) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Earnings from continuing operations attributable to CMC $ 39,609 $ 35,111 $ 76,422 $ 71,593 Basic earnings per share: Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 115,886,372 114,677,109 115,574,289 115,373,736 Basic earnings per share attributable to CMC $ 0.34 $ 0.31 $ 0.66 $ 0.62 Diluted earnings per share: Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 115,886,372 114,677,109 115,574,289 115,373,736 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock-based incentive/purchase plans 1,318,997 1,318,406 1,513,052 1,384,980 Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share 117,205,369 115,995,515 117,087,341 116,758,716 Diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC $ 0.34 $ 0.30 $ 0.65 $ 0.61 Anti-dilutive shares not included above — 295,107 — 295,107 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. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, CMC's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which CMC may repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of CMC common stock. CMC did not purchase any shares of CMC common stock during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and three months ended May 31, 2016 . During the nine months ended May 31, 2016 , CMC purchased 2.3 million shares of CMC common stock at an average purchase price of $13.57 per share. CMC had remaining authorization to purchase $27.6 million of common stock at May 31, 2017 .

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	May 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Purchase Obligations The Company regularly enters into future purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services and fixed assets related to ongoing operations. Approximately 76% of these purchase obligations are for inventory items to be sold in the ordinary course of business. Purchase obligations include all enforceable, legally binding agreements to purchase goods or services that specify all significant terms, regardless of the duration of the agreement. Agreements with variable terms are excluded because management is unable to estimate the minimum amounts. Another significant obligation relates to capital expenditures. These future purchase commitments are summarized below: Twelve Months Ending May 31, (in thousands) 2018 $ 762,998 2019 88,483 2020 53,444 2021 32,266 2022 7,210 Thereafter 9,721 Total $ 954,122 Legal and Environmental Matters In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, to the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 . The Company has received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or state agencies with similar responsibility that it is considered a potentially responsible party at several sites, none owned by the Company, and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA") or similar state statute to conduct remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities. The Company is involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which the Company is contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, its liability at the sites. In addition, the Company has received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Some of these environmental matters or other proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against the Company. At both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , the Company had accrued $0.7 million for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with CERCLA sites. The estimation process is based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete. Total environmental liabilities, including with respect to CERCLA sites, were $4.0 million and $3.3 million as of May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 , respectively, of which $2.1 million was classified as other long-term liabilities as of both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 . These amounts have not been discounted to their present values. Due to evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process and other factors, amounts accrued could vary significantly from amounts paid. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material. Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the potential impact of these contingencies and that the outcomes of the suits and proceedings described above, and other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	9 Months Ended
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	May 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segments	NOTE 15. 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. See Note 1, Nature of Operations, of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 , for more information about the reporting segments, including the types of products and services from which each reporting segment derives its net sales. Corporate contains net earnings on benefit restoration plan assets and short-term investments as well as expenses of the Company's corporate headquarters and interest expense related to its long-term debt. The financial information presented for the International Marketing and Distribution segment excludes the operations of the Australian steel distribution business. This operation has been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings. See Note 2, Changes in Business, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for more information. The Company uses adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations to compare and 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, 2016 . The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment: Three Months Ended May 31, 2017 Americas International (in thousands) Recycling Mills Fabrication Mill Marketing and Distribution Corporate Eliminations Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 247,896 $ 243,934 $ 377,188 $ 167,399 $ 344,290 $ 1,909 $ — $ 1,382,616 Intersegment sales 46,270 183,342 2,788 230 2,823 — (235,453 ) — Net sales 294,166 427,276 379,976 167,629 347,113 1,909 (235,453 ) 1,382,616 Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations 9,286 50,734 1,808 12,953 10,164 (20,880 ) 783 64,848 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017 Americas International (in thousands) Recycling Mills Fabrication Mill Marketing and Distribution Corporate Eliminations Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 590,760 $ 667,872 $ 1,013,847 $ 435,714 $ 891,606 $ 7,501 $ — $ 3,607,300 Intersegment sales 103,442 483,162 8,355 621 5,962 — (601,542 ) — Net sales 694,202 1,151,034 1,022,202 436,335 897,568 7,501 (601,542 ) 3,607,300 Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations 11,954 139,002 9,025 32,356 15,341 (67,210 ) 3 140,471 Total assets as of May 31, 2017* 282,042 919,923 706,319 431,284 637,953 871,040 (574,398 ) 3,274,163 Three Months Ended May 31, 2016 Americas International (in thousands) Recycling Mills Fabrication Mill Marketing and Distribution Corporate Eliminations Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 156,352 $ 227,736 $ 382,607 $ 141,043 $ 315,067 $ 4,585 $ — $ 1,227,390 Intersegment sales 26,125 168,745 2,473 395 4,537 — (202,275 ) — Net sales 182,477 396,481 385,080 141,438 319,604 4,585 (202,275 ) 1,227,390 Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations (1,978 ) 54,976 22,794 5,467 892 (22,542 ) 1,331 60,940 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 Americas International Recycling Mills Fabrication Mill Marketing and Distribution Corporate Eliminations Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 430,829 $ 634,926 $ 1,096,049 $ 368,949 $ 867,084 $ 4,109 $ — $ 3,401,946 Intersegment sales 79,201 482,516 7,489 395 12,433 — (582,034 ) — Net sales 510,030 1,117,442 1,103,538 369,344 879,517 4,109 (582,034 ) 3,401,946 Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations (16,171 ) 164,739 58,964 10,189 (3,570 ) (69,415 ) 2,233 146,969 Total assets as of August 31, 2016* 188,873 798,481 659,165 372,492 564,068 1,034,053 (493,050 ) 3,124,082 _________________ * Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $0.4 million at May 31, 2017 and $6.8 million at August 31, 2016 . Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit from continuing operations are provided below: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Earnings from continuing operations $ 39,609 $ 35,111 $ 76,422 $ 71,593 Income taxes 12,641 10,676 25,284 24,512 Interest expense 12,368 14,737 38,108 49,666 Discounts on sales of accounts receivable 230 416 657 1,198 Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations $ 64,848 $ 60,940 $ 140,471 $ 146,969

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	9 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	May 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	NOTE 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On June 13, 2017, the Company announced its plan to exit its International Marketing and Distribution segment. As an initial step in this plan, on June 12, 2017, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its raw materials trading business headquartered in the U.S. ("CMC Cometals"). The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 and is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including, without limitation, approval of regulatory authorities. The purchase agreement also contains customary representations, warranties, covenants, including covenants not to compete and non-solicitation covenants, indemnities and termination rights. In addition, the Company announced its plan to pursue a sale of its steel trading business headquartered in the U.S., as well as a restructuring and sale of the remaining trading operations located in Asia and Australia. CMC Cometals is expected to be classified in discontinued operations beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The remainder of the International Marketing and Distribution segment is expected to be classified in discontinued operations either upon meeting the criteria to be classified as held for sale or upon the wind-down of each operation. On June 23, 2017, the Company entered into a second amendment to its fourth amended and restated credit agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), to, among other things, extend the maturity of the Credit Agreement to June 23, 2022 and provide for a senior secured term loan in the maximum principal amount of $150.0 million (the "Term Loan"). The Term Loan will mature in June 2022, will generally bear interest on the same terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, and can be drawn upon only once during its term and only during the first 270 days of the term. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Term Loan for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, funding the repayment of the Company’s outstanding 2017 Notes. On June 23, 2017, the Company entered into a third amendment to the Amended Credit Agreement to further amend the Credit Agreement to permit, among other things, the disposal of the International Marketing and Distribution segment, as described above. On June 26, 2017, the Company announced a cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase up to $300.0 million of its remaining $399.8 million of 7.35% Senior Notes due August 2018. The Tender Offer is expected to close in July 2017. In addition, the Company announced its plan to issue $300.0 million of Senior Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes"). The offering is expected to close in July 2017. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2027 Notes to fund the repurchase of a portion of the Company’s outstanding 2018 Notes in the Tender Offer and to redeem from available cash any remaining 2018 Notes that are not tendered following the Tender Offer's expiration, in each case together with accrued interest and expenses related thereto.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	May 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting principles	Accounting Principles The accompanying unaudited condensed 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, 2016 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 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and the unaudited condensed 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, 2016 . The results of operations for the three and nine month periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") requiring that the Company recognize all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as an income tax expense or benefit when stock awards vest or are settled. Additionally, the guidance allows for an increase in the threshold for net share settlement up to the maximum statutory rate in employees’ applicable jurisdictions without triggering liability classification. The adoption of this guidance had an immaterial impact on income taxes on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 . Additionally, the Company has elected to continue to estimate forfeitures. As such, this adoption has no cumulative effect on retained earnings. The Company elected to apply the presentation requirements for cash flows related to excess tax benefits prospectively, which had an immaterial impact on both net cash from operating activities and net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 . The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact on any of the periods presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805), issued by the FASB requiring the acquirer in a business combination to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), issued by the FASB requiring an entity to account for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement as a license of internal-use software. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810), issued by the FASB modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are voting interest entities ("VIEs"). The guidance was adopted on a retrospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20), issued by the FASB eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Under this guidance, an entity is no longer allowed to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2014-13, Consolidation (Topic 810), issued by the FASB providing a measurement alternative to the existing fair value measurement guidance. When the measurement alternative is elected, the financial assets and liabilities are measured using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities. The guidance was adopted on a retrospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), issued by the FASB 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 guidance was followed by the Company prior to its adoption and therefore had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 805). The standard simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual periods or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The standard must be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company plans to early adopt the standard in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The standard must be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. Early application of the amendments is allowed with certain restrictions. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements as well as determining the Company's planned adoption date. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), requiring that the statement of cash flows explain the change in the total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The provisions of this guidance are to be applied using a retrospective approach, which requires application of the guidance for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements as well as determining the Company's planned adoption date. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), requiring a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases with terms of twelve months or longer. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2018 and will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2019, at which point the Company plans to adopt the standard. The provisions of this guidance are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the guidance for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and has modified the standard thereafter. Under the standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018, at which point the Company plans to adopt the standard. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company currently expects to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective approach. The Company believes there will not be a material impact on its statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows in its Americas Mills, Americas Recycling or International Mill segments. The Company is still in the process of examining contract specific terms within the Americas Fabrication segment. In addition, the standard includes expanded disclosure requirements, which the Company continues to analyze. As part of the overall evaluation of the standard, the Company is also identifying and preparing to implement changes to its accounting policies, practices, and internal controls over financial reporting to support the standard both in the transition period as well as on an on-going basis.
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.

CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Tables)

CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Tables)	May 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Financial information for discontinued operations	Financial information for discontinued operations was as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net sales $ — $ 12,321 $ (22 ) $ 33,828 Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (benefit) (351 ) (15,785 ) (542 ) (16,803 )

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI27

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	May 31, 2017
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) ("AOCI"): Three Months Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, February 28, 2017 $ (124,235 ) $ 2,108 $ (2,863 ) $ (124,990 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 27,109 368 — 27,477 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 968 (459 ) (11 ) 498 Income taxes — 12 2 14 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 28,077 (79 ) (9 ) 27,989 Balance, May 31, 2017 $ (96,158 ) $ 2,029 $ (2,872 ) $ (97,001 ) Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, August 31, 2016 $ (112,255 ) $ 2,186 $ (2,845 ) $ (112,914 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 15,129 926 — 16,055 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 968 (1,090 ) (33 ) (155 ) Income taxes — 7 6 13 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 16,097 (157 ) (27 ) 15,913 Balance, May 31, 2017 $ (96,158 ) $ 2,029 $ (2,872 ) $ (97,001 ) Three Months Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, February 29, 2016 $ (130,865 ) $ 2,616 $ (2,762 ) $ (131,011 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 3,817 (16 ) — 3,801 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 21 (2 ) 19 Income taxes — 11 — 11 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 3,817 16 (2 ) 3,831 Balance, May 31, 2016 $ (127,048 ) $ 2,632 $ (2,764 ) $ (127,180 ) Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, August 31, 2015 $ (113,081 ) $ 2,305 $ (2,759 ) $ (113,535 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (13,967 ) 543 — (13,424 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (230 ) (6 ) (236 ) Income taxes — 14 1 15 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (13,967 ) 327 (5 ) (13,645 ) Balance, May 31, 2016 $ (127,048 ) $ 2,632 $ (2,764 ) $ (127,180 )
Schedule of reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The significant items reclassified out of AOCI and the corresponding line items in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings to which the items were reclassified were as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, Components of AOCI (in thousands) Location 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustment: Translation loss realized upon liquidation of investment in foreign entity SG&A expenses $ 968 $ — $ 968 $ — Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives: Commodity Cost of goods sold $ 94 $ (263 ) $ (31 ) $ (373 ) Foreign exchange Net sales 124 (168 ) 368 (561 ) Foreign exchange Cost of goods sold 19 223 (25 ) 641 Foreign exchange SG&A expenses 88 53 378 123 Interest rate Interest expense 134 134 400 400 459 (21 ) 1,090 230 Income tax effect Income taxes (126 ) (11 ) (237 ) (88 ) Net of income taxes $ 333 $ (32 ) $ 853 $ 142 Defined benefit obligation: Amortization of prior services SG&A expenses $ 11 $ 2 $ 33 $ 6 Income tax effect Income taxes (2 ) — (6 ) (1 ) Net of income taxes $ 9 $ 2 $ 27 $ 5 Amounts in parentheses reduce earnings.

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (T

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables)	May 31, 2017
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 trade accounts receivable programs. Three Months Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands) Total U.S. Poland Beginning balance $ 312,446 $ 258,719 $ 53,727 Transfers of accounts receivable 777,104 671,429 105,675 Collections (725,336 ) (626,182 ) (99,154 ) Ending balance $ 364,214 $ 303,966 $ 60,248 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands) Total U.S. Australia* Poland Beginning balance $ 289,748 $ 212,762 $ 26,662 $ 50,324 Transfers of accounts receivable 1,977,546 1,702,584 16,914 258,048 Collections (1,869,163 ) (1,611,380 ) (9,659 ) (248,124 ) Program termination (33,917 ) — (33,917 ) — Ending balance $ 364,214 $ 303,966 $ — $ 60,248 _________________ * Includes collections of $3.7 million and program termination of $1.6 million related to discontinued operations and businesses sold. Three Months Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total U.S. Australia Poland Beginning balance $ 231,874 $ 193,035 $ 13,383 $ 25,456 Transfers of accounts receivable 636,929 513,169 47,110 76,650 Collections (608,292 ) (498,529 ) (41,522 ) (68,241 ) Ending balance $ 260,511 $ 207,675 $ 18,971 $ 33,865 _________________ Includes transfers of accounts receivable of $13.6 million and collections of $12.3 million related to discontinued operations and businesses held for sale. Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total U.S. Australia* Poland Beginning balance $ 339,547 $ 269,778 $ 18,038 $ 51,731 Transfers of accounts receivable 1,763,122 1,432,592 130,440 200,090 Collections (1,842,158 ) (1,494,695 ) (129,507 ) (217,956 ) Ending balance $ 260,511 $ 207,675 $ 18,971 $ 33,865 _________________ * Includes transfers of accounts receivable of $37.0 million and collections of $49.1 million

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE29

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	May 31, 2017
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 Goodwill, gross Balance at August 31, 2016 $ 9,751 $ 4,970 $ 57,637 $ 2,432 $ 1,982 $ 76,772 Acquisitions — — 306 — — 306 Foreign currency translation — — — 123 (30 ) 93 Balance at May 31, 2017 $ 9,751 $ 4,970 $ 57,943 $ 2,555 $ 1,952 $ 77,171 Accumulated impairment losses Balance at August 31, 2016 $ (9,751 ) $ — $ (493 ) $ (155 ) $ — $ (10,399 ) Foreign currency translation — — — (8 ) — (8 ) Balance at May 31, 2017 $ (9,751 ) $ — $ (493 ) $ (163 ) $ — $ (10,407 ) Goodwill, net Balance at August 31, 2016 $ — $ 4,970 $ 57,144 $ 2,277 $ 1,982 $ 66,373 Acquisitions — — 306 — — 306 Foreign currency translation — — — 115 (30 ) 85 Balance at May 31, 2017 $ — $ 4,970 $ 57,450 $ 2,392 $ 1,952 $ 66,764

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	May 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps	At May 31, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in its debt agreements. Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps, was as follows: (in thousands) Weighted Average May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 2023 Notes 4.875% $ 330,000 $ 330,000 2018 Notes 6.40% 405,406 408,874 2017 Notes 5.74% 300,372 302,601 Other, including equipment notes 30,984 34,166 Total debt 1,066,762 1,075,641 Less debt issuance costs 3,432 4,224 Total amounts outstanding 1,063,330 1,071,417 Less current maturities 311,654 313,469 Long-term debt $ 751,676 $ 757,948 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.

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEME31

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Tables)	May 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Commodity contract commitments	The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments as of May 31, 2017 : Commodity Long/Short Total Aluminum Long 1,925 MT Aluminum Short 25 MT Copper Long 555 MT Copper Short 5,250 MT Zinc Long 7 MT _________________ MT = Metric Ton
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	The following tables summarize activities related to the Company's derivative instruments and hedged items recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands) Location 2017 2016 2017 2016 Commodity Cost of goods sold $ 1,654 $ 224 $ (3,121 ) $ 2,172 Foreign exchange Net sales (2 ) — (2 ) (4 ) Foreign exchange Cost of goods sold (5 ) (9 ) (38 ) 72 Foreign exchange SG&A expenses (1,076 ) (6,304 ) 2,295 9,410 Gain (loss) before income taxes $ 571 $ (6,089 ) $ (866 ) $ 11,650
Derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments	Hedged items relate to firm commitments on commercial sales and purchases and capital expenditures. Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives for the three months ended May 31, Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedged items Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedge items for the three months ended May 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign exchange Net sales $ (102 ) $ (122 ) Net sales $ 102 $ 122 Foreign exchange Cost of goods sold 1,042 901 Cost of goods sold (1,042 ) (901 ) Gain (loss) before income taxes $ 940 $ 779 $ (940 ) $ (779 ) Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives for the nine months ended May 31, Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedged items Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedge items for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign exchange Net sales $ (58 ) $ (39 ) Net sales $ 58 $ 39 Foreign exchange Cost of goods sold 435 90 Cost of goods sold (435 ) (90 ) Gain (loss) before income taxes $ 377 $ 51 $ (377 ) $ (51 )
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 AOCI (Loss) (in thousands) Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Commodity $ (9 ) $ (56 ) $ 208 $ (280 ) Foreign exchange 263 40 488 749 Gain (loss), net of income taxes $ 254 $ (16 ) $ 696 $ 469
Derivative assets	The fair value of the Company's derivative instruments on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows: Derivative Assets (in thousands) May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 Commodity — designated for hedge accounting $ 13 $ 4 Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting 324 584 Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting 606 1,398 Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting 2,374 750 Derivative assets (other current assets)* $ 3,317 $ 2,736
Derivative liabilities	Derivative Liabilities (in thousands) May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 Commodity — designated for hedge accounting $ — $ 5 Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting 238 117 Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting 101 902 Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting 1,805 1,161 Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)* $ 2,144 $ 2,185 _________________ * Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges.

FAIR VALUE (Tables)

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE (Tables)	May 31, 2017
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) May 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Investment deposit accounts (1) $ 230,025 $ 230,025 $ — $ — Commodity derivative assets (2) 337 324 13 — Foreign exchange derivative assets (2) 2,980 — 2,980 — Liabilities: Commodity derivative liabilities (2) 238 238 — — Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2) 1,906 — 1,906 — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) August 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Investment deposit accounts (1) $ 278,759 $ 278,759 $ — $ — Commodity derivative assets (2) 588 584 4 — Foreign exchange derivative assets (2) 2,148 — 2,148 — Liabilities: Commodity derivative liabilities (2) 122 117 5 — Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2) 2,063 — 2,063 — _________________ (1) Investment deposit accounts are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by principal plus interest. 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 New York Mercantile Exchange. 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 9, 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 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows: May 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 (in thousands) Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value 2023 Notes (1) Level 2 $ 330,000 $ 333,630 $ 330,000 $ 332,010 2018 Notes (1) Level 2 405,406 424,007 408,874 432,303 2017 Notes (1) Level 2 300,372 301,230 302,601 311,250 _________________ (1) The fair value of the notes is determined based on indicated market values.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Based Awards Granted	During the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company granted the following awards under its stock-based compensation plans: 2017 2016 (in thousands, except per share data) Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Equity Method 916 $ 16.04 1,613 $ 15.83 Liability Method 915 N/A 465 N/A
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense	The following table summarizes total stock-based compensation expense, including fair value remeasurements, included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock-based compensation expense $ 3,560 $ 6,783 $ 19,716 $ 19,889

STOCKHOLDERS_ EQUITY AND EARN34

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017
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 nine months ended May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, (in thousands, except share data) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Earnings from continuing operations attributable to CMC $ 39,609 $ 35,111 $ 76,422 $ 71,593 Basic earnings per share: Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 115,886,372 114,677,109 115,574,289 115,373,736 Basic earnings per share attributable to CMC $ 0.34 $ 0.31 $ 0.66 $ 0.62 Diluted earnings per share: Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 115,886,372 114,677,109 115,574,289 115,373,736 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock-based incentive/purchase plans 1,318,997 1,318,406 1,513,052 1,384,980 Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share 117,205,369 115,995,515 117,087,341 116,758,716 Diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC $ 0.34 $ 0.30 $ 0.65 $ 0.61 Anti-dilutive shares not included above — 295,107 — 295,107 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.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES S

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Schedule of Future Purchase Commitments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Purchase Commitments	These future purchase commitments are summarized below: Twelve Months Ending May 31, (in thousands) 2018 $ 762,998 2019 88,483 2020 53,444 2021 32,266 2022 7,210 Thereafter 9,721 Total $ 954,122

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	May 31, 2017
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 May 31, 2017 Americas International (in thousands) Recycling Mills Fabrication Mill Marketing and Distribution Corporate Eliminations Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 247,896 $ 243,934 $ 377,188 $ 167,399 $ 344,290 $ 1,909 $ — $ 1,382,616 Intersegment sales 46,270 183,342 2,788 230 2,823 — (235,453 ) — Net sales 294,166 427,276 379,976 167,629 347,113 1,909 (235,453 ) 1,382,616 Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations 9,286 50,734 1,808 12,953 10,164 (20,880 ) 783 64,848 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017 Americas International (in thousands) Recycling Mills Fabrication Mill Marketing and Distribution Corporate Eliminations Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 590,760 $ 667,872 $ 1,013,847 $ 435,714 $ 891,606 $ 7,501 $ — $ 3,607,300 Intersegment sales 103,442 483,162 8,355 621 5,962 — (601,542 ) — Net sales 694,202 1,151,034 1,022,202 436,335 897,568 7,501 (601,542 ) 3,607,300 Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations 11,954 139,002 9,025 32,356 15,341 (67,210 ) 3 140,471 Total assets as of May 31, 2017* 282,042 919,923 706,319 431,284 637,953 871,040 (574,398 ) 3,274,163 Three Months Ended May 31, 2016 Americas International (in thousands) Recycling Mills Fabrication Mill Marketing and Distribution Corporate Eliminations Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 156,352 $ 227,736 $ 382,607 $ 141,043 $ 315,067 $ 4,585 $ — $ 1,227,390 Intersegment sales 26,125 168,745 2,473 395 4,537 — (202,275 ) — Net sales 182,477 396,481 385,080 141,438 319,604 4,585 (202,275 ) 1,227,390 Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations (1,978 ) 54,976 22,794 5,467 892 (22,542 ) 1,331 60,940 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 Americas International Recycling Mills Fabrication Mill Marketing and Distribution Corporate Eliminations Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 430,829 $ 634,926 $ 1,096,049 $ 368,949 $ 867,084 $ 4,109 $ — $ 3,401,946 Intersegment sales 79,201 482,516 7,489 395 12,433 — (582,034 ) — Net sales 510,030 1,117,442 1,103,538 369,344 879,517 4,109 (582,034 ) 3,401,946 Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations (16,171 ) 164,739 58,964 10,189 (3,570 ) (69,415 ) 2,233 146,969 Total assets as of August 31, 2016* 188,873 798,481 659,165 372,492 564,068 1,034,053 (493,050 ) 3,124,082 _________________ * Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $0.4 million at May 31, 2017 and $6.8 million at August 31, 2016 .
Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit	Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit from continuing operations are provided below: Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Earnings from continuing operations $ 39,609 $ 35,111 $ 76,422 $ 71,593 Income taxes 12,641 10,676 25,284 24,512 Interest expense 12,368 14,737 38,108 49,666 Discounts on sales of accounts receivable 230 416 657 1,198 Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations $ 64,848 $ 60,940 $ 140,471 $ 146,969

CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Financial

CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Financial Information for Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 0	$ 12,321	$ (22)	$ 33,828
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (benefit)	$ (351)	$ (15,785)	$ (542)	$ (16,803)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI38

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (AOCI by Components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (124,990)	$ (131,011)	$ (112,914)	$ (113,535)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	27,477	3,801	16,055	(13,424)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	498	19	(155)	(236)
Income taxes	14	11	13	15
Other comprehensive income (loss)	27,989	3,831	15,913	(13,645)
Ending balance	(97,001)	(127,180)	(97,001)	(127,180)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(124,235)	(130,865)	(112,255)	(113,081)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	27,109	3,817	15,129	(13,967)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	968	0	968	0
Income taxes	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	28,077	3,817	16,097	(13,967)
Ending balance	(96,158)	(127,048)	(96,158)	(127,048)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,108	2,616	2,186	2,305
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	368	(16)	926	543
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(459)	21	(1,090)	(230)
Income taxes	12	11	7	14
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(79)	16	(157)	327
Ending balance	2,029	2,632	2,029	2,632
Defined Benefit Obligation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,863)	(2,762)	(2,845)	(2,759)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(11)	(2)	(33)	(6)
Income taxes	2	0	6	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(9)	(2)	(27)	(5)
Ending balance	$ (2,872)	$ (2,764)	$ (2,872)	$ (2,764)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI39

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Reclassification from AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net of income taxes	$ 333	$ (32)	$ 853	$ 142
Foreign Currency Translation \| SG&A expenses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Translation loss realized upon liquidation of investment in foreign entity	968	0	968	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	459	(21)	1,090	230
Income tax effect	(126)	(11)	(237)	(88)
Net of income taxes	333	(32)	853	142
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives \| Commodity \| Cost of goods sold
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	94	(263)	(31)	(373)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives \| Foreign exchange \| Cost of goods sold
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	19	223	(25)	641
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives \| Foreign exchange \| Net sales
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	124	(168)	368	(561)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives \| Foreign exchange \| SG&A expenses
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	88	53	378	123
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives \| Interest rate \| Interest expense
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before tax	134	134	400	400
Defined benefit obligation
Defined benefit obligation:
Income tax effect	(2)	0	(6)	(1)
Net of income taxes	9	2	27	5
Defined benefit obligation \| SG&A expenses
Defined benefit obligation:
Amortization of prior services	$ 11	$ 2	$ 33	$ 6

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (N

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, PLN in Millions	Jul. 29, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2017PLN	May 31, 2017USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2017USD ($)financial_institution	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from sales of accounts receivable programs					$ 246,000	$ 280,700
Cash payments to the owners of accounts receivable					250,300	279,200
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable			$ 230	$ 416	$ 657	1,198
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable, including discontinued operations				$ 400		$ 1,200
U.S.
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
Number of financial institutions \| financial_institution					2
Maximum advance limit for accounts receivable sold					$ 300,000
Trade accounts receivable sold			307,300		307,300		$ 215,900
Advance payment received on sale of trade account receivable			0		0		0
Polish program
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Current advance limit for accounts receivable sold		PLN 220	59,100
Trade accounts receivable sold			64,200		$ 64,200
Advances, maximum percentage of eligible receivables					90.00%
Polish and Australian programs
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable sold							85,700
Advance payment received on sale of trade account receivable			$ 3,900		$ 3,900		$ 8,300

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (A

SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Activity of Deferred Purchase Price Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
		May 31, 2017		May 31, 2016		May 31, 2017		May 31, 2016
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for Which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance						$ 765,784
Transfers of accounts receivable				$ 13,600				$ 37,000
Collections				(12,300)		(3,700)		(49,100)
Program termination						1,600
Ending balance		$ 869,970				869,970
Deferred purchase price receivables
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for Which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		312,446		231,874		289,748		339,547
Transfers of accounts receivable		777,104		636,929		1,977,546		1,763,122
Collections		(725,336)		(608,292)		(1,869,163)		(1,842,158)
Program termination						(33,917)
Ending balance		364,214		260,511		364,214		260,511
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		258,719		193,035		212,762		269,778
Transfers of accounts receivable		671,429		513,169		1,702,584		1,432,592
Collections		(626,182)		(498,529)		(1,611,380)		(1,494,695)
Program termination						0
Ending balance		303,966		207,675		303,966		207,675
Deferred purchase price receivables \| Australia
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for Which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				13,383	[1]	26,662	[2]	18,038	[3]
Transfers of accounts receivable				47,110	[1]	16,914	[2]	130,440	[3]
Collections				(41,522)	[1]	(9,659)	[2]	(129,507)	[3]
Program termination	[2]					(33,917)
Ending balance		0	[2]	18,971	[1],[3]	0	[2]	18,971	[1],[3]
Deferred purchase price receivables \| Poland
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for Which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		53,727		25,456		50,324		51,731
Transfers of accounts receivable		105,675		76,650		258,048		200,090
Collections		(99,154)		(68,241)		(248,124)		(217,956)
Program termination						0
Ending balance		$ 60,248		$ 33,865		$ 60,248		$ 33,865

[1]	Includes transfers of accounts receivable of $13.6 million and collections of $12.3 million
[2]	collections of $3.7 million and program termination of $1.6 million
[3]	Includes transfers of accounts receivable of $37.0 million and collections of $49.1 million

INVENTORIES, NET (Narrative) (D

INVENTORIES, NET (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of Weighted Average Cost Inventory	64.00%
Percentage of Specific Identification Cost Inventory	36.00%
Raw materials	$ 141.2	$ 77.9

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE43

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Gross carrying amounts of the intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 20.5		$ 20.5		$ 18.6
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$ 0.9	$ 1	$ 1.9	$ 3.1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE44

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016	$ 76,772
Acquisitions	306
Foreign currency translation	93
Balance at May 31, 2017	77,171
Foreign currency translation	(10,399)
Foreign currency translation	(8)
Accumulated impairment losses	(10,407)
Balance at August 31, 2016	66,373
Acquisitions	306
Foreign currency translation	85
Balance at May 31, 2017	66,764
Americas Recycling
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016	9,751
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at May 31, 2017	9,751
Foreign currency translation	(9,751)
Foreign currency translation	0
Accumulated impairment losses	(9,751)
Balance at August 31, 2016	0
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at May 31, 2017	0
Americas Mills
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016	4,970
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at May 31, 2017	4,970
Foreign currency translation	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Balance at August 31, 2016	4,970
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at May 31, 2017	4,970
Americas Fabrication
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016	57,637
Acquisitions	306
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at May 31, 2017	57,943
Foreign currency translation	(493)
Foreign currency translation	0
Accumulated impairment losses	(493)
Balance at August 31, 2016	57,144
Acquisitions	306
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at May 31, 2017	57,450
International Mill
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016	2,432
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	123
Balance at May 31, 2017	2,555
Foreign currency translation	(155)
Foreign currency translation	(8)
Accumulated impairment losses	(163)
Balance at August 31, 2016	2,277
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	115
Balance at May 31, 2017	2,392
International Marketing and Distribution
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2016	1,982
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	(30)
Balance at May 31, 2017	1,952
Foreign currency translation	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Balance at August 31, 2016	1,982
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	(30)
Balance at May 31, 2017	$ 1,952

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative)

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2017USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2017USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012USD ($)	May 31, 2017PLN	May 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	May 31, 2013USD ($)	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2008USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2007USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt		$ 0	$ (115,000)	$ 0	$ (11,480,000)
Net proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps						$ 52,700,000
Unamortized deferred gain on termination of interest rate swaps								$ 5,900,000	$ 11,600,000
Amortization of interest rate swaps termination gain		(1,900,000)	(1,900,000)	(5,698,000)	(5,698,000)
Interest capitalized		2,900,000	600,000	6,600,000	1,600,000
Interest paid		$ 8,300,000	9,100,000	41,400,000	50,000,000
CMCP
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity							PLN 175,000,000	47,000,000
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount								1,500,000	1,500,000
Total borrowing				0
Total payments				$ 0
2023 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount											$ 330,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage											4.875%
Debt instrument, maturity date				May 15, 2023
2018 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount														$ 500,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage														7.35%
Debt instrument, maturity date				August 2,018
Debt instrument, effective interest rate													6.40%
Debt repurchased as a result of cash tender offer	$ 100,200,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt			6,100,000		6,000,000
2017 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount															$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage															6.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date				July 2,017
Debt instrument, effective interest rate												5.74%
Debt repurchased as a result of cash tender offer	$ 100,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt			$ 5,400,000		$ 5,400,000
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity										$ 350,000,000
Revolving credit facility, maturity date				Jun. 26, 2019
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity										500,000,000
Revolving credit facility, amount drawn								0	$ 0
Minimum interest coverage ratio				2.50
Maximum debt to capitalization ratio				0.60
Minimum liquidity required								$ 150,000,000
Actual interest coverage ratio							5.98	5.98
Actual debt to capitalization ratio							0.43	0.43
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								$ 3,000,000

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term Debt, Including the Deferred Gain from the Termination of the Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 1,066,762	$ 1,075,641
Less debt issuance costs	3,432	4,224
Total amounts outstanding	1,063,330	1,071,417
Less current maturities	311,654	313,469
Long-term debt	$ 751,676	757,948
2023 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	4.875%
Total debt	$ 330,000	330,000
2018 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	6.4047%
Total debt	$ 405,406	408,874
2017 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	5.7359%
Total debt	$ 300,372	302,601
Other, including equipment notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 30,984	$ 34,166

NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSA47

NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	May 31, 2017
Fund 222 \| Qualified Equity Investment Loans
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Loans payable	$ 2.1		$ 2.1
Micro-Mill Project
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Capital contribution received under new markets tax program		$ 17.7
Payments for qualified construction, development and equipping activities			21
Restricted cash	0.7		0.7
Micro-Mill Project \| Commonwealth
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Loans receivable		$ 35.3
Loan receivable, interest rate		1.08%
Micro-Mill Project \| Investment Fund
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Qualified equity investment into community development entities			51.5
Micro-Mill Project \| Qualified Equity Investment Loans \| CMC Steel Oklahoma, LLC
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Loans payable	50.7		50.7
Post Shop Project
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Restricted cash	13.3		13.3
Post Shop Project \| Fund 219
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Capital contribution received under new markets tax program	2.8
Loans receivable	$ 10.4		$ 10.4
Loan receivable, interest rate	1.16%		1.16%
Qualified equity investment into community development entities			$ 12.8
Post Shop Project \| Fund 219 \| Qualified Equity Investment Loans \| CMC Steel Oklahoma, LLC
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Loans payable	$ 12.6		12.6
Post Shop Project \| Fund 222
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Capital contribution received under new markets tax program	2.2
Qualified equity investment into community development entities			2.2
Post Shop Project \| Fund 222 \| Qualified Equity Investment Loans \| CMC Steel Oklahoma, LLC
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Loans payable	$ 2.1		$ 2.1

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEME48

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Foreign exchange
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	$ 262.8	$ 290
Commodity
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	$ 36.9	$ 23

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEME49

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Commodity Contract Commitments) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017t
Aluminum \| Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	1,925
Aluminum \| Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	25
Copper \| Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	555
Copper \| Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	5,250
Zinc \| Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	7

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEME50

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	$ 571	$ (6,089)	$ (866)	$ 11,650
Commodity \| Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	1,654	224	(3,121)	2,172
Foreign exchange \| Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	(5)	(9)	(38)	72
Foreign exchange \| Net sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	(2)	0	(2)	(4)
Foreign exchange \| SG&A expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	$ (1,076)	$ (6,304)	$ 2,295	$ 9,410

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEME51

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivatives and Hedged Items Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for fair value hedges	$ 940	$ 779	$ 377	$ 51
Gain (loss) before income taxes for hedged items of fair value hedges	(940)	(779)	(377)	(51)
Foreign exchange \| Net sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for fair value hedges	(102)	(122)	(58)	(39)
Gain (loss) before income taxes for hedged items of fair value hedges	102	122	58	39
Foreign exchange \| Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for fair value hedges	1,042	901	435	90
Gain (loss) before income taxes for hedged items of fair value hedges	$ (1,042)	$ (901)	$ (435)	$ (90)

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEME52

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss), net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI	$ 254	$ (16)	$ 696	$ 469
Commodity
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss), net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI	(9)	(56)	208	(280)
Foreign exchange
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss), net of income taxes, for cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI	$ 263	$ 40	$ 488	$ 749

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEME53

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivative Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)	[1]	$ 3,317	$ 2,736
Commodity \| Designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)		13	4
Commodity \| Not designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)		324	584
Foreign exchange \| Designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)		606	1,398
Foreign exchange \| Not designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets)		$ 2,374	$ 750

[1]	Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges.

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEME54

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivative Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)	[1]	$ 2,144	$ 2,185
Commodity \| Designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)		0	5
Commodity \| Not designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)		238	117
Foreign exchange \| Designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)		101	902
Foreign exchange \| Not designated
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)		$ 1,805	$ 1,161

[1]	Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges.

FAIR VALUE (Narrative) (Details

FAIR VALUE (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	May 31, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2017levels
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of fair value hierarchy \| levels		3
Non-recurring impairment charge	$ 15.8
Foreign currency translation loss	13.5
Fair value less costs to sell component	$ 10.4

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 ($) $ in Thousands		May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	[1]	$ 230,025	$ 278,759
Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	[2]	337	588
Derivative liabilities	[2]	238	122
Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	[2]	2,980	2,148
Derivative liabilities	[2]	1,906	2,063
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	[1]	230,025	278,759
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	[2]	324	584
Derivative liabilities	[2]	238	117
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	[2]	0	0
Derivative liabilities	[2]	0	0
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	[1]	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	[2]	13	4
Derivative liabilities	[2]	0	5
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	[2]	2,980	2,148
Derivative liabilities	[2]	1,906	2,063
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	[1]	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	[2]	0	0
Derivative liabilities	[2]	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	[2]	0	0
Derivative liabilities	[2]	$ 0	$ 0

[1]	s are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by principal plus interest. 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 New York Mercantile Exchange. 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 9, Derivatives and Risk Management.

FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets 57

FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Required to Be Measured at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities		$ 1,066,762	$ 1,075,641
2023 Notes
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities		330,000	330,000
2023 Notes \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities		330,000	330,000
2023 Notes \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	[1]	333,630	332,010
2018 Notes
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities		405,406	408,874
2018 Notes \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities		405,406	408,874
2018 Notes \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	[1]	424,007	432,303
2017 Notes
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities		300,372	302,601
2017 Notes \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities		300,372	302,601
2017 Notes \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	[1]	$ 301,230	$ 311,250

[1]	The fair value of the notes is determined based on indicated market values.

INCOME TAX (Narrative) (Details

INCOME TAX (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
INCOME TAX (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate from continuing operations	24.20%	23.30%	24.90%	25.50%
Statutory income tax rate			35.00%	35.00%
Net income tax payments			$ 28.2	$ 36
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 9.3		9.3		$ 9.5
Possible unrecognized income tax benefits decrease during the next twelve months	9.3		9.3
Unrecognized income tax benefits that would reduce provisions for income taxes	$ 9.3		$ 9.3
Poland
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rate			19.00%

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN59

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expenses from stock modification and increase in value	$ 2,000		$ 2,700
Share-based compensation expense	$ 3,560	$ 6,783	$ 19,716	$ 19,889
Equity method awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted			916,000	1,613,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value			$ 16.04	$ 15.83
Liability method awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted			915,000	465,000
Equivalent shares outstanding	2,144,623		2,144,623
Equivalent shares expected to vest	2,000,000		2,000,000
Fiscal 2017 \| Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years
Fiscal 2017 \| Cliff vesting restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years
Fiscal 2017 \| Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years

STOCKHOLDERS_ EQUITY AND EARN60

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount					$ 100,000,000
Stock repurchase program, shares purchased (shares)	0	0	0	2,255,069
Stock repurchase program, average purchase price per share (in USD per share)				$ 13.57
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 27,600,000		$ 27,600,000

STOCKHOLDERS_ EQUITY AND EARN61

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC (Calculations of the Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to CMC	$ 39,609	$ 35,111	$ 76,422	$ 71,593
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (shares)	115,886,372	114,677,109	115,574,289	115,373,736
Basic earnings per share attributable to CMC: (in USD per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.31	$ 0.66	$ 0.62
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (shares)	115,886,372	114,677,109	115,574,289	115,373,736
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans (shares)	1,318,997	1,318,406	1,513,052	1,384,980
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (shares)	117,205,369	115,995,515	117,087,341	116,758,716
Diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC: (in USD per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.30	$ 0.65	$ 0.61
Anti-dilutive shares not included above (shares)	0	295,107	0	295,107

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Inventory as percentage of total purchase obligations (percent)	76.00%
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies	$ 4	$ 3.3
Accrued environmental loss contingencies, noncurrent	2.1	2.1
CERCLA sites
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies	$ 0.7	$ 0.7

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Future Purchase Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2017USD ($)
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,018	$ 762,998
2,019	88,483
2,020	53,444
2,021	32,266
2,022	7,210
Thereafter	9,721
Total	$ 954,122

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	May 31, 2017segments
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	5

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Summary of C

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Summary of Certain Financial Information from Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 1,382,616	$ 1,227,390	$ 3,607,300	$ 3,401,946
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations		64,848	60,940	140,471	146,969
Total assets		3,274,599		3,274,599		$ 3,130,869
Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		1,382,616	1,227,390	3,607,300	3,401,946
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations		64,848	60,940		146,969
Total assets	[1]	3,274,163		3,274,163		3,124,082
Americas Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		247,896	156,352	590,760	430,829
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations		9,286	(1,978)	11,954	(16,171)
Total assets	[1]	282,042		282,042		188,873
Americas Mills
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		243,934	227,736	667,872	634,926
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations		50,734	54,976	139,002	164,739
Total assets	[1]	919,923		919,923		798,481
Americas Fabrication
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		377,188	382,607	1,013,847	1,096,049
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations		1,808	22,794	9,025	58,964
Total assets	[1]	706,319		706,319		659,165
International Mill
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		167,399	141,043	435,714	368,949
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations		12,953	5,467	32,356	10,189
Total assets	[1]	431,284		431,284		372,492
International Marketing and Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		344,290	315,067	891,606	867,084
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations		10,164	892	15,341	(3,570)
Total assets	[1]	637,953		637,953		564,068
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		1,909	4,585	7,501	4,109
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations		(20,880)	(22,542)	(67,210)	(69,415)
Total assets	[1]	871,040		871,040		1,034,053
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		0	0	0	0
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations		783	1,331	3	2,233
Total assets	[1]	(574,398)		(574,398)		(493,050)
Segments \| Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		1,382,616	1,227,390	3,607,300	3,401,946
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations				140,471
Segments \| Americas Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		294,166	182,477	694,202	510,030
Segments \| Americas Mills
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		427,276	396,481	1,151,034	1,117,442
Segments \| Americas Fabrication
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		379,976	385,080	1,022,202	1,103,538
Segments \| International Mill
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		167,629	141,438	436,335	369,344
Segments \| International Marketing and Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		347,113	319,604	897,568	879,517
Segments \| Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		1,909	4,585	7,501	4,109
Segments \| Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		(235,453)	(202,275)	(601,542)	(582,034)
Intersegment \| Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		0	0	0	0
Intersegment \| Americas Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		46,270	26,125	103,442	79,201
Intersegment \| Americas Mills
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		183,342	168,745	483,162	482,516
Intersegment \| Americas Fabrication
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		2,788	2,473	8,355	7,489
Intersegment \| International Mill
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		230	395	621	395
Intersegment \| International Marketing and Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		2,823	4,537	5,962	12,433
Intersegment \| Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		0	0	0	0
Intersegment \| Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		(235,453)	$ (202,275)	(601,542)	$ (582,034)
Discontinued operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets		$ 400		$ 400		$ 6,800

[1]	Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $0.4 million at May 31, 2017 and $6.8 million at August 31, 2016.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliati

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 39,609	$ 35,111	$ 76,422	$ 71,593
Income taxes	12,641	10,676	25,284	24,512
Interest expense	12,368	14,737	38,108	49,666
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	230	416	657	1,198
Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations	$ 64,848	$ 60,940	$ 140,471	$ 146,969

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 23, 2017	Jun. 26, 2017	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2008
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Financial liabilities			$ 1,066,762,000	$ 1,075,641,000
2018 Notes
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Financial liabilities			$ 405,406,000	$ 408,874,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						7.35%
Amount of debt to be issued						$ 500,000,000
2018 Notes \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Financial liabilities		$ 399,800,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		7.35%
Forecast \| 2018 Notes
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt to be repurchased		$ 300,000,000
Forecast \| 2027 Notes
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Amount of debt to be issued		$ 300,000,000
Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum principal amount					$ 500,000,000
Revolving credit facility \| Term Loan \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum principal amount	$ 150,000,000
Period amounts can be drawn for term loans	270 days