10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)
þ	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012
or
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from          to

Commission file number 1-4304

Commercial Metals Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	75-0725338
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6565 MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX (Address of principal executive offices)	75039 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (214) 689-4300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.  Yes þ     No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 of Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ     No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained herein, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o     No þ

The aggregate market value of the common stock on February 29, 2012, held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price per share on February 29, 2012, on the New York Stock Exchange was approximately $1,532,054,401. (For purposes of determination of this amount, only directors, executive officers and 10% or greater stockholders have been deemed affiliates.)

The number of shares outstanding of common stock as of October 26, 2012 was 116,355,137.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the following document are incorporated by reference into the listed Part of Form 10-K:

Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders — Part III

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I	3
Item 1: Business	3
Item 1A: Risk Factors	10
Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments	17
Item 2: Properties	17
Item 3: Legal Proceedings	18
Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosure	18
PART II	19
Item 5: Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	19
Item 6: Selected Financial Data	21
Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	37
Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	39
Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	67
Item 9A: Controls and Procedures	67
Item 9B: Other Information	68
PART III	68
Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	68
Item 11: Executive Compensation	69
Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	69
Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence	69
Item 14: Principal Accountant Fees and Services	69
PART IV	70
Item 15: Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	70
Signatures	78
Index to Exhibits	79

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

Commercial Metals Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company," "we," "our" or "us") manufacture, recycle and market steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network including steel minimills, steel fabrication and processing plants, construction-related product warehouses, a copper tube minimill, metal recycling facilities and marketing and distribution offices in the United States and in strategic international markets. The CMC Americas Division operates utilizing three segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills and Americas Fabrication. The CMC International Division operates utilizing two segments: International Mill (comprised of all mill, recycling and fabrication operations located outside of the U.S.) and International Marketing and Distribution, which includes all marketing and distribution operations located outside the U.S. as well as two U.S.-based trading and distribution divisions, CMC Cometals, located in Fort Lee, New Jersey and CMC Cometals — Steel, located in Irving, Texas.

We were incorporated in 1946 in the State of Delaware. Our predecessor company, a metals recycling business, has existed since approximately 1915. We maintain our executive offices at 6565 MacArthur Boulevard in Irving, Texas, telephone number (214) 689-4300. Our fiscal year ends August 31 and any reference in this Form 10-K to any year refers to fiscal year ended August 31 of that year unless otherwise noted. Financial information for the last three fiscal years concerning our five business segments and the geographic areas of our operations is incorporated herein by reference from “Note 20, Business Segments” of the notes to consolidated financial statements which are in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports will be made available free of charge through the Investor Relations section of our Internet website,

http://www.cmc.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as otherwise stated in these reports, the information contained on our website or available by hyperlink from our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other documents we file with, or furnish to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We structure our business into five segments. Three of these five segments are in the CMC Americas Division: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills and Americas Fabrication. The other two segments, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution, are in the CMC International Division.

CMC AMERICAS DIVISION OPERATIONS

AMERICAS RECYCLING SEGMENT

The Americas Recycling segment processes scrap metals for use as a raw material by manufacturers of new metal products. This segment operates 33 scrap metal processing facilities with 16 locations in Texas, eight in Florida, two locations in Missouri and one location in each of Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

We purchase ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals, processed and unprocessed, from a variety of sources in a variety of forms for our metals recycling plants. Sources of metal for recycling include manufacturing and industrial plants, metal fabrication plants, electric utilities, machine shops, factories, railroads, refineries, shipyards, ordinance depots, demolition businesses, automobile salvage firms and wrecking firms. Collectively, small scrap metal collection firms are a major supplier.

In 2012, the Americas Recycling segment’s plants shipped approximately 2,439,000 tons of scrap metal compared to 2,469,000 tons in 2011. Ferrous scrap metals comprised the largest tonnage of metals recycled at approximately 2,196,000 tons, a decrease of approximately 6,000 tons as compared to 2011. In addition, this segment shipped approximately 243,000 tons of nonferrous scrap metals, primarily aluminum, copper and stainless steel, a decrease of approximately 24,000 tons as compared to 2011. With the exception of precious metals, our scrap metal recycling plants recycle and process practically all types of metal.

Our scrap metal recycling plants typically consist of an office and warehouse building equipped with specialized equipment for processing both ferrous and nonferrous metal located on several acres of land that we use for receiving, sorting, processing and storing metals. Several of our scrap metal recycling plants use a small portion of their site or a nearby location to display and sell metal products that may be reused for their original purpose without further processing. We equip our larger plants with scales, shears, baling presses, briquetting machines, conveyors and magnetic separators, which enable these plants to efficiently process large volumes of scrap metals.

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Two of our plants have extensive equipment that segregates metallic content from large quantities of insulated wire. To facilitate processing, shipping and receiving, we equip our ferrous metal processing centers with presses, shredders or hydraulic shears to prepare and compress scrap metal for easier handling. We use cranes to handle scrap metals for processing and to load material for shipment. Many facilities have rail access, as we primarily transport processed ferrous scrap to consumers by open gondola railcar or barge when water access is available.

Americas Recycling operates five large shredding machines, three in Texas, one in Florida, and one in Oklahoma capable of pulverizing obsolete automobiles or other sources of scrap metal. We have four additional shredders, two operated by our Americas Mills segment and two by our International Mill segment.

We sell scrap metals to steel mills and foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, brass and bronze ingot makers, copper refineries and mills, secondary lead smelters, specialty steel mills, high temperature alloy manufacturers and other consumers. Ferrous scrap metal is the primary raw material for electric arc furnaces such as those operated by our Americas Mills segment and other minimills. Some minimills periodically supplement purchases of ferrous scrap metal with direct reduced iron and pig iron for certain product lines. Our Irving office coordinates the sales of scrap metals from our scrap metal processing plants to our customers. We negotiate export sales through our network of foreign offices as well as our Irving office.

We are not materially dependent on any single source for the scrap metal we purchase. One customer represents 17% of our Americas Recycling segment’s revenues. Our recycling business competes with other scrap metals processors and primary nonferrous metals producers, both domestic and foreign, for sales of nonferrous materials. Consumers of nonferrous scrap metals frequently can utilize primary or “virgin” ingot processed by mining companies instead of nonferrous scrap metals. The prices of nonferrous scrap metals are closely related to, but generally are less than, the prices of primary or “virgin” ingot.

AMERICAS MILLS SEGMENT

The Americas Mills segment includes the Company's domestic steel mills, including scrap metal shredders and processing facilities that directly support these mills and the domestic copper tube minimill. We conduct our Americas Mills operations through a network of:

• five steel mills, commonly referred to as “minimills,” that produce one or more of reinforcing bar, angles, flats, rounds, small beams, fence-post sections and other shapes;

• two scrap metal shredders and processing facilities that directly support the steel minimills;

• a railroad salvage company; and

• a copper tube minimill.

We operate five steel minimills, which are located in Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Arizona and Arkansas. We utilize a fleet of trucks that we own as well as private haulers to transport finished products from the mills to our customers and our fabricating shops. To minimize the cost of our products, to the extent feasibly consistent with market conditions and working capital demands, we prefer to operate all mills near full capacity. Market conditions such as increases in quantities of competing imported steel, production rates at domestic competitors, customer inventory levels or a decrease in construction activity may reduce demand for our products and limit our ability to operate the mills at full capacity. Through our operations and capital improvements, we strive to increase productivity and capacity at the mills and enhance our product mix. Since the steel mill business is capital intensive, we make substantial capital expenditures on a regular basis to remain competitive with other low cost producers. Over the past three fiscal years we have spent approximately $97 million, or 31% of our total capital expenditures, on projects within our Americas Mills segment.

The following table compares the amount of steel (in short tons) melted, rolled and shipped by our five steel mills in the past three fiscal years:

	2012	2011	2010
Tons melted	2,568,000	2,470,000	2,077,000
Tons rolled	2,206,000	2,088,000	1,734,000
Tons shipped	2,682,000	2,518,000	2,156,000

We acquired our largest steel minimill, located in Seguin, Texas, in 1963. We acquired our minimills in Birmingham, Alabama and Cayce, South Carolina in 1983 and 1994, respectively, and we have operated our smallest steel minimill, located near Magnolia, Arkansas, since 1987. In September 2009, we opened our newest minimill in Mesa, Arizona.

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Our Texas, Alabama and South Carolina minimills each consist of:

• a melt shop with an electric arc furnace that melts ferrous scrap metal;

• continuous casting equipment that shapes the molten metal into billets;

• a reheating furnace that prepares billets for rolling;

• a rolling mill that forms products from heated billets;

• a mechanical cooling bed that receives hot product from the rolling mill;

• finishing facilities that cut, straighten, bundle and prepare products for shipping; and

• supporting facilities such as maintenance, warehouse and office areas.

Descriptions of minimill capacity, particularly rolling capacity, are highly dependent on the specific product mix manufactured. Our minimills roll many different types and sizes of products in their range depending on market conditions including pricing and demand. The actual capacity of our minimills depends on the products we actually produce. The following table provides estimated annual capacities, assuming a typical product mix in tons:

Annual Capacity	Melt	Roll
Texas	1,000,000	900,000
Alabama	700,000	575,000
South Carolina	800,000	900,000
Arkansas	—	150,000
Arizona	300,000	300,000

Our Texas minimill manufactures a full line of bar size products, including reinforcing bar, angles, rounds, channels, flats, and special sections used primarily in building highways, reinforcing concrete structures and manufacturing. It sells primarily to the construction, service center, energy, petrochemical, and original equipment manufacturing industries. The Texas minimill primarily ships its products to customers located in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. It also ships products to approximately 20 other states and to Mexico. Our Texas minimill melted 949,000 tons during 2012 compared to 956,000 tons during 2011, and rolled 761,000 tons, a decrease of 11,000 tons from 2011.

Our Alabama minimill recorded 2012 melt shop production of 586,000 tons, an increase of 3,000 tons from 2011. It rolled 350,000 tons, during 2012, a decrease of 4,000 tons from 2011. This minimill primarily manufactures products that are larger in size relative to products manufactured by our other steel minimills. Such larger size products include mid-size structural steel products including angles, channels, beams of up to eight inches and special bar quality rounds and flats. It does not produce reinforcing bar. Our Alabama minimill sells primarily to service centers, as well as to the construction, manufacturing, and fabricating industries. The Alabama minimill primarily ships its products to customers located in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and Mississippi.

Our South Carolina minimill manufactures a full line of bar size products, which primarily includes steel reinforcing bar. The minimill also manufactures angles, rounds, squares, fence post sections and flats. The South Carolina minimill ships its products to customers located in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, which include the states from Florida through southern New England. During 2012, this minimill melted 727,000 tons and rolled 660,000 tons compared to 659,000 tons melted and 582,000 tons rolled during 2011.

Our minimill in Arizona utilizes a “continuous continuous” design where metal flows uninterrupted from melting to casting to rolling. It is more compact than existing, larger capacity steel minimills and production is dedicated to a limited product range, primarily reinforcing bar. We also operate a reinforcing bar fabrication facility located on the same site. This minimill began full operations in September 2009. During 2012, this minimill melted 306,000 tons and rolled 312,000 tons compared to 272,000 tons melted and 268,000 tons rolled during 2011.

The primary raw material for our Texas, Alabama, South Carolina and Arizona mills is ferrous scrap metal. We purchase raw materials from suppliers generally within a 300 mile radius of each minimill. This segment operates nine scrap metal recycling plants with four located in South Carolina, three located in Texas, and two located in Alabama, which directly support the mills. This segment also includes two automobile shredders. During 2012, these metal recycling plants processed 685,000 tons of ferrous scrap metal. We believe the supply of ferrous scrap metal is adequate to meet our future needs, but it has

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historically been subject to significant price fluctuations which have occurred more rapidly over the last several years. All four mills consume large amounts of electricity and natural gas. We have not had any significant curtailments and believe that supplies are adequate. The supply and demand of regional and national energy and the extent of applicable regulatory oversight of rates charged by providers affect the prices we pay for electricity and natural gas.

The smaller Arkansas minimill does not have a melt shop or continuous casting equipment. The Arkansas minimill manufacturing process begins with a reheating furnace utilizing used rail primarily salvaged from railroad abandonments and billets acquired either from our other mills or unrelated suppliers as its raw material. The remainder of the manufacturing process utilizes a rolling mill, cooling bed and finishing equipment and support facilities similar to, but on a smaller scale, than those at our other minimills. The Arkansas minimill primarily manufactures metal fence post stock, small diameter reinforcing bar and bed frame angles with some flats, angles and squares. At our Arkansas minimill and at our facilities in San Marcos, Texas, Brigham City, Utah, and Cayce, South Carolina, we fabricate fence post stock into studded “T” metal fence posts. Since our Arkansas minimill does not have melting facilities, the minimill depends on an adequate supply of competitively priced used rail or billets. The availability of these raw materials fluctuates with the pace of railroad abandonments, rail replacement by railroads, demand for used rail from competing domestic and foreign rail rerolling mills and the level of excess billet production offered for sale by steel producers. During 2012, the minimill rolled 123,000 tons compared to 113,000 tons rolled during 2011.

Our subsidiary, Howell Metal Company (“CMC Howell”), operates a copper tube minimill in New Market, Virginia, which manufactures copper tube, primarily water tubing, for the plumbing, air conditioning and refrigeration industries. CMC Howell also distributes selected steel products. Both high quality copper scrap and virgin copper are melted, cast, extruded and drawn into tubing. The minimill supplies tubing in straight lengths and coils for use in commercial, industrial and residential construction and by original equipment manufacturers. Our customers, largely wholesale plumbing and HVAC supply firms, large home improvement retailers and equipment manufacturers, are located across the United States and are supplied directly from the minimill as well as from our four warehouses. The demand for copper tube depends on the level of new apartment, hotel/motel, institutional and residential construction and renovation. Copper scrap is readily available, but subject to rapid price fluctuations. The price or supply of virgin copper causes the price of copper scrap to fluctuate rapidly. Our Americas Recycling segment supplies a portion of the copper scrap requirements of by CMC Howell. CMC Howell’s facilities include melting, casting, piercing, extruding, drawing, finishing and office facilities. During 2012, the facility produced approximately 39 million pounds of copper tube. CMC Howell has annual manufacturing capacity of approximately 80 million pounds.

No single customer purchases 10% or more of our Americas Mills segment’s production. Due to the nature of certain stock products we sell in the Americas Mills segment, we do not have a long lead time between receipt of a purchase order and delivery. We generally fill orders for stock products from inventory or with products near completion. As a result, we do not believe that backlog levels are a significant factor in the evaluation of these operations. Backlog for our Americas Mills minimills at August 31, 2012 was approximately $244 million as compared to $261 million at August 31, 2011.

AMERICAS FABRICATION SEGMENT

The Americas Fabrication segment consists of the Company's rebar fabrication operations, fence post manufacturing plants and construction-related and other product facilities. We conduct our Americas Fabrication operations through a network of:

• steel plants that bend, cut, weld and fabricate steel, primarily reinforcing bar;

• warehouses that sell or rent products for the installation of concrete;

• plants that produce steel fence posts; and

• plants that heat-treat steel to strengthen and provide flexibility.

Steel Fabrication Our Americas Fabrication segment operates 49 facilities that we consider to be engaged in the various aspects of steel fabrication. Most of the facilities engage in general fabrication of reinforcing and structural steel, with four facilities fabricating only steel fence posts. We obtain steel for these facilities from our own mills, purchases from other steel manufacturers through our distribution business and directly from unrelated steel vendors. In 2012, we shipped 1,061,000 tons of fabricated steel, an increase of 55,000 tons from 2011. During the third quarter of 2012, we closed two rebar fabrication facilities.

We conduct steel fabrication activities in 16 locations in Texas, five each in California and South Carolina, three in Florida, two each in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia, and one each in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, Tennessee and Utah.

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Fabricated steel products are used primarily in the construction of commercial and non-commercial buildings, hospitals, convention centers, industrial plants, power plants, highways, bridges, arenas, stadiums, and dams. Generally, we sell fabricated steel in response to a bid solicitation from a construction contractor or the project owner. Typically, the contractor or owner of the project awards the job based on the competitive prices of the bids and does not individually negotiate with the bidders.

Construction Services We sell and rent construction related products and equipment to concrete installers and other construction businesses. We have 23 locations in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, where we store and sell these products which, with the exception of a small portion of steel products, are purchased from third-party suppliers. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we closed two construction services locations.

Impact Metals CMC Impact Metals is one of North America’s premier producers of high strength steel products. We operate plants in Chicora, Pennsylvania, Struthers, Ohio and Pell City, Alabama which manufacture armor plate for military vehicles, high strength bar for the truck trailer industry and special bar quality steel for the energy market. CMC Impact Metals works closely with our Alabama minimill, other steel mills and our distribution business that sell specialized heat-treated steel for customer specific use. We have annual operating capacity of approximately 150,000 tons.

Backlog in our steel fabrication operations was approximately $718 million at August 31, 2012 as compared to $620 million at August 31, 2011. We do not consider other backlogs in the Americas Fabrication segment to be material. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of our Americas Fabrication segment’s sales in 2012.

CMC INTERNATIONAL DIVISION OPERATIONS

INTERNATIONAL MILL SEGMENT

Our International Mill segment includes our minimill and recycling operations in Poland and our fabrication operations.

Our subsidiary, CMC Zawiercie S.A. (“CMCZ”), owns a steel minimill and conducts its operations at Zawiercie, Poland. CMCZ, along with our international recycling and fabrication operations, constitute the International Mill segment.

CMCZ operates equipment similar to our domestic steel minimills. We operate three rolling mills; one wire-rod mill and two bar mills including a specialty rod finishing mill. We own all or a substantial interest in several smaller metals related operations, including 14 scrap metals processing facilities in Poland that directly support CMCZ with approximately 40% of its scrap requirements.

CMCZ has annual melting and rolling capacity of approximately 1,900,000 tons. During 2012, the facility melted 1,638,000 tons of steel compared to approximately 1,585,000 tons the prior year; rolled approximately 1,395,000 compared to approximately 1,334,000 tons the prior year and shipped approximately 1,584,000 tons compared to approximately 1,494,000 tons the prior year. Principal products manufactured include rebar and wire rod as well as merchant bar and billets. CMCZ is a significant manufacturer of rebar and wire rod in Central Europe, selling rebar primarily to fabricators, distributors and construction companies. Principal customers for wire rod are meshmakers, end users and distributors. CMCZ’s products are generally sold to customers located within 400 miles of the mill. The majority of sales are to customers within Poland, and CMCZ exports approximately 40% of sales to Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and other countries. Ferrous scrap metal is the principal raw material for CMCZ and is generally obtained from scrap metal processors and generators within 400 miles of the mill. Ferrous scrap metal, electricity, natural gas and other necessary raw materials for the steel manufacturing process are generally readily available, although they are subject to significant price fluctuations. A large capacity scrap metal shredding facility similar to the largest shredder we operate in the United States is located at CMCZ and supplies CMCZ with a portion of its scrap metal requirements.

CMCZ also operates a flexible rolling mill designed to allow efficient and flexible production of a range of medium section merchant bar product, which began operations in the third quarter of 2010. This rolling mill has a second finishing end designed to produce higher grade wire rod. This rolling mill complements the facility’s other two rolling mills dedicated primarily to rebar production and has a rolling capacity of approximately 700,000 tons of rebar and merchant and a wire rod rolling capacity of approximately 550,000 tons of mesh quality wire rod.

Our international fabrication operations have expanded downstream captive uses for a portion of the rebar and wire rod manufactured at CMCZ. We conduct rebar fabrication activities in Zawiercie, Żyrardów and Rzeszów, Poland. These three rebar fabrication facilities are similar to those operated by our domestic fabrication facilities and sell fabricated rebar to contractors for incorporation into construction projects generally within 200 miles of each facility. In addition to fabricated rebar, our units sell fabricated mesh, assembled rebar cages and other rebar byproducts. Total production capacity of these units is approximately 200,000 tons of steel products annually.

Additionally, we operate a fabrication facility in Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland, that produces welded steel mesh, cold rolled wire rod and cold rolled reinforcing bar. This operation enables our international fabrication operations to supplement sales of

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fabricated reinforcing bar by also offering wire mesh to customers including metals service centers as well as construction contractors. At the end of fiscal year 2010, we upgraded this facility with two cold drawing lines and a mesh welding line. Total production capacity of this facility is approximately 160,000 tons per year. With our cold drawn and mesh products we maintain a presence in the Polish market but we also sell to neighboring countries such as the Czech Republic, Germany and Slovakia.

During the first quarter of 2012, we announced the closure of our Croatian Pipe Mill, CMC Sisak, d.o.o. ("CMCS"). After review of the marketplace and our production capabilities, we determined that achieving sustained profitability would take additional time and investment in an operation which is not considered part of our core business. During the second and third quarters of 2012, we shipped all remaining production orders and liquidated all remaining inventory. Effective June 1, 2012, the Company completed the sale of all of the outstanding shares of CMCS for $30.6 million, of which $3.1 million will be paid when certain conditions are met. As part of the share sale, certain assets were excluded from the transaction. On June 13, 2012, the Company completed the sale of a portion of the excluded assets for $6.7 million. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a $13.8 million pre-tax gain for these transactions, including a foreign currency translation gain of $7.5 million. The remaining CMCS assets excluded from these transactions were sold on September 21, 2012 for $3.9 million. Additionally, the Company sold the rebar fabrication shop in Rosslau, Germany for $11.3 million which resulted in a fourth quarter loss of $3.8 million.

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION SEGMENT

International Marketing and Distribution includes international operations for the sales, distribution and processing of steel products, ferrous and nonferrous metals and other industrial products. Additionally, our International Marketing and Distribution segment includes the Company's U.S. based trading and distribution divisions, CMC Cometals and CMC Cometals Steel. Our International Marketing and Distribution business buys and sells primary and secondary metals, fabricated metals, semi-finished, long, flat steel products and other industrial products. During the past year, our International Marketing and Distribution facilities sold approximately 2.1 million tons of steel products in addition to raw material commodities. We market and distribute these products through a network of offices and processing facilities located around the world. We purchase steel products, industrial minerals, ores, metal concentrates and ferroalloys from producers in domestic and foreign markets. We utilize long-term contracts, spot market purchases and trading transactions to purchase materials. To obtain favorable long-term supply agreements, we occasionally offer assistance to producers by arranging structured finance transactions to suit their objectives.

We sell our products to customers, primarily manufacturers, in the steel, nonferrous metals, metal fabrication, chemical, refractory, construction and transportation businesses. We sell directly to our customers through and with the assistance of our offices in Irving, Texas; Fort Lee, New Jersey; Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, Australia; Singapore; Zug, Switzerland; Kürten, Germany; Cardiff, United Kingdom; Temse, Belgium; Hong Kong; Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, China. We have a representative office in Moscow, and we have agents located in significant international markets. Our network of offices shares information regarding demand for our materials, assists with negotiation and performance of contracts and other services for our customers, and identifies and maintains relationships with our sources of supply.

In most transactions, we act as principal by taking title and ownership of the products. We are at times designated as a marketing representative, sometimes exclusively, by product suppliers and on occasion we act as a broker for these products. We buy and sell these products in almost all major markets throughout the world where permitted by United States companies.

As opposed to companies that trade commodity futures contracts and frequently do not take delivery of the commodity, we market physical products. As a result of sophisticated global communications, our customers and suppliers often have easy access to quoted market prices, although such price quotes are not always indicative of actual transaction prices. Therefore, to distinguish ourselves we focus on value-added services for both sellers and buyers. Our services include actual physical market pricing and trend information (in contrast to market information from more speculative metal exchange futures), technical information and assistance, financing, transportation and shipping (including chartering of vessels), storage, warehousing, just-in-time delivery, insurance, hedging and the ability to consolidate smaller purchases and sales into larger, more cost efficient transactions. We perform these services in the normal course of business and the services are included in the transaction price as there is no separate revenue stream for each service. We limit exposure to price fluctuations by offsetting purchases with concurrent sales. We also enter into currency exchange contracts as economic hedges of sales and purchase commitments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar or the functional currency of our international subsidiaries. We design our policies to prohibit speculation on changes in the markets.

We believe we are the largest marketer of imported steel in Australia. We utilize warehouse facilities at several Australian ports to facilitate distribution, including just-in-time delivery and logistics management. Our CMC Coil Steels Group (“Coil Steels”) is a major distributor and processor of steel sheet, coil and long products, which are predominately procured from Australian sources but at times are supplied by our own import operations. Coil Steels operates processing facilities in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, warehouses in Adelaide and Perth and smaller regional sales outlets in various locations,

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including Darwin and Townsville. The Australian operations also operate an industrial products distribution business supplying metals related industries including steel mills, foundries and smelters.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, our Australian operations acquired G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd., based in Melbourne, Australia (“G.A.M.”). G.A.M. is a leading distributor and processor of steel long products and plate in Australia, servicing the structural fabrication, rural and manufacturing segments in the state of Victoria, Australia.

This segment also operates a recycling facility in Singapore. The facility is similar to those operated by our Americas Recycling segment but on a smaller scale, and is operated as part of the International Marketing and Distribution segment due to its oversight by managers in this segment. We have an 11% investment in the outstanding stock of a Czech Republic long products steel mill.

For financial data on the above segments, see “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 20, Business Segments.”

SEASONALITY

Many of our mills and fabrication facilities serve customers in the construction business. Due to the increase in construction during the spring and summer months, our sales are generally higher in the third and fourth quarters than in the first and second quarters of our fiscal year.

COMPETITION

We believe our Americas Recycling segment is one of the largest entities engaged in the recycling of nonferrous scrap metals in the United States. We are also a major regional processor of ferrous scrap metal. The scrap metal recycling business is subject to cyclical fluctuations based upon the availability and price of unprocessed scrap metal and the demand for steel and nonferrous metals. In our Americas Recycling segment, we compete primarily on price and on services we provide to scrap suppliers and generators. The price offered for scrap metal is the principal competitive factor in acquiring material from smaller scrap metals collection firms. Industrial generators of scrap metal may also consider factors other than price, such as supplying appropriate collection containers, timely removal, reliable documentation including accurate and detailed purchase records with customized reports, the ability to service multiple locations, insurance coverage, and the buyer’s financial strength.

Our Americas Mills segment competes with regional, national and foreign manufacturers of steel and copper. We do not produce a significant percentage of the total domestic output of most of our products. However, we are considered a substantial supplier in the markets near our facilities. We compete primarily on the price and quality of our products and our service. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Industry.”

Our Americas Fabrication segment competes with regional and national suppliers. We believe that we are among the largest fabricators of reinforcing bar in the United States. We also believe that we are the largest manufacturer of steel fence posts in the United States.

Our International Mill segment competes with several large manufacturers of rebar and wire rod in Central and Eastern Europe, primarily on the basis of price, quality and product availability. We believe that CMCZ is the second largest supplier of wire rod and the second largest supplier of reinforcing bar in the Polish market.

Our International Marketing and Distribution segment is highly competitive. Our products in the distribution business are standard commodity items. We compete primarily on the price, quality and reliability of our products, our financing alternatives and our additional services. In this business, we compete with other domestic and foreign trading companies, some of which are larger and may have access to greater financial resources. In addition, some of our competitors may be able to pursue business without restriction by the laws of the United States. We also compete with industrial consumers who purchase directly from suppliers, and importers and manufacturers of semi-finished ferrous and nonferrous products. We believe our CMC Coil Steels Group and G.A.M., distributors of steel sheet and coil in Australia, are the third largest distributors of those products in Australia.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

A significant factor in our business is our compliance with environmental laws and regulations. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Industry” below. Compliance with and changes in various environmental requirements and environmental risks applicable to our industry may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Occasionally, we may be required to clean up or take certain remediation action with regard to sites we use or formerly used in our operations. We may also be required to pay for a portion of the costs of clean up or remediation at sites we never owned or on which we never operated if we are found to have arranged for treatment or disposal of hazardous substances on the sites. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), or equivalent state agency, has named us a potentially responsible party

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(“PRP”), at several Federal Superfund sites or similar state sites. These agencies allege that we and other PRPs are responsible for the cleanup of those sites solely because we sold scrap metals or other materials to unrelated manufacturers. With respect to the sale of scrap metals, we contend that an arm’s length sale of valuable scrap metal for use as a raw material in a manufacturing process that we do not control should not constitute “an arrangement for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances” as defined under Federal law. In 2000, the Superfund Recycling Equity Act was signed into law which, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, provides legitimate sellers of scrap metal for recycling with some relief from Superfund liability under Federal law. Despite Congress’ clarification of the intent of the Federal law, some state laws and environmental agencies still seek to impose such liability. We believe efforts to impose such liability are contrary to public policy objectives and legislation encouraging recycling and promoting the use of recycled materials, and we continue to support clarification of state laws and regulations consistent with Congress’ action.

New Federal, state and local laws, regulations and the varying interpretations of such laws by regulatory agencies and the judiciary impact how much money we spend on environmental compliance. In addition, uncertainty regarding adequate control levels, testing and sampling procedures, new pollution control technology and cost benefit analysis based on market conditions impact our future expenditures in order to comply with environmental requirements. We cannot predict the total amount of capital expenditures or increases in operating costs or other expenses that may be required as a result of environmental compliance. We also do not know if we can pass such costs on to our customers through product price increases. During 2012, we incurred environmental costs including disposal, permits, license fees, tests, studies, remediation, consultant fees and environmental personnel expense of approximately $27 million. In addition, we estimate that we spent approximately $8 million during 2012 on capital expenditures for environmental projects. We believe that our facilities are in material compliance with currently applicable environmental laws and regulations. We anticipate capital expenditures for new environmental control facilities during 2013 to be approximately $21 million.

EMPLOYEES

As of August 31, 2012, we had approximately 9,860 employees. The Americas Recycling segment employed approximately 1,430 people, the Americas Mills segment employed approximately 1,990 people, the Americas Fabrication segment employed approximately 2,890 people, the International Mill segment employed approximately 2,280 people and the International Marketing and Distribution segment employed approximately 730 people. As of August 31, 2012, we had approximately 500 employees providing services to our divisions and subsidiaries in shared service operations, general corporate administration (including treasury, tax, information technology, internal audit and other services), and management. Production employees at one metals recycling plant and five fabrication facilities are represented by unions for collective bargaining purposes. Approximately one half of International Mill's employees are represented by unions. We believe that our labor relations are generally good to excellent and our work force is highly motivated. In connection with our announcement of the closure of CMCS, included in the International Mill segment, there was a reduction in workforce of approximately 1,130.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with our business that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Set forth below are descriptions of those risks and uncertainties that we currently believe to be material, but the risks and uncertainties described are not the only risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY

OUR INDUSTRY IS VULNERABLE TO GLOBAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, INCLUDING THE SLOW RECOVERY FROM THE RECENT RECESSION AND THE RISK OF A RECESSION RELAPSE.

Our financial results are substantially dependent upon the overall economic conditions in the United States and the European Union. The sluggish pace of recovery from the deep global recession that began in the United States in December 2007 and officially ended in June 2009 has continued to have an adverse effect on the demand for our products and, consequently, our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, uncertainties in Europe regarding the financial sector and sovereign debt and the potential impact on banks in other regions of the world has continued to weigh on global and domestic growth. Metals industries have historically been vulnerable to significant declines in consumption and product pricing during prolonged periods of economic downturn. Likewise the pace of construction has historically slowed significantly during economic downturns. Our geographic concentration in the southern and southwestern United States as well as Central Europe, Australia, China, and the Middle East exposes us to the local market conditions in these regions. Economic downturns in these areas or decisions by governments that have an impact on the level and pace of overall economic activity in a particular region could also adversely affect our sales and profitability.

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Although we believe that the long-term prospectus for the steel industry remain bright, we are unable to predict the duration of the depressed economic conditions that are contributing to reduced demand for our products. Future economic downturns or a prolonged period of slow growth or economic stagnation could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

OUR INDUSTRY IS CYCLICAL AND PROLONGED PERIODS OF SLOW ECONOMIC GROWTH COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Our business supports cyclical industries such as commercial, residential and government construction, energy, metals service center, petrochemical and original equipment manufacturing. We may experience significant fluctuations in demand for our products from these industries based on economic conditions, energy prices, consumer demand and decisions by governments to fund infrastructure projects such as highways, schools, energy plants and airports. As a result of the volatility in the industries we serve, we may have difficulty increasing or maintaining our level of sales or profitability. Our business, results of operations and financial condition would be adversely affected if the industries we serve suffer a prolonged downturn or anemic growth. Although the residential housing market is not a significant direct factor in our business, related commercial and infrastructure construction activities, such as shopping centers, schools and roads, could be impacted by a prolonged slump in new housing construction.

Our industry is characterized by low backlogs, which means that our business, results of operations and financial condition are promptly affected by short-term economic fluctuations.

THE SCRAP METAL RECYCLING INDUSTRY HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN, AND IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN, HIGHLY CYCLICAL. A PROLONGED PERIOD OF LOW SCRAP PRICES OR A FALL IN SCRAP METAL PRICES, COULD RESULT IN THE WEAKENING OF INBOUND SCRAP FLOWS AND THEREBY REDUCED OUR ABILITY TO OBTAIN, PROCESS AND SELL RECYCLED MATERIALS AND THIS COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR METALS RECYCLING OPERATIONS' RESULTS.

Scrap metal prices are volatile and operating results within the metals recycling industry, in general, have historically been cyclical, and are expected to remain, highly cyclical in nature. Similarly, but not necessarily paralleling the price fluctuations in the steel business, the purchase prices for automobile bodies and various other grades of obsolete and industrial scrap, as well as the selling prices for processed and recycled scrap metals we utilize in our own manufacturing process or we resell to others through our metals recycling operations, are also highly volatile. As a metals recycler, we may attempt to respond to changing recycled metal selling prices by adjusting the scrap metal purchase prices we pay to others, but our ability to do this may be limited by competitive or other factors during periods of low scrap prices, when inbound scrap flow may slow considerably, as scrap generators hold onto their scrap in the hope of getting higher prices later; conversely, increased foreign demand for scrap due to economic expansion in countries such as China, India, Brazil, and Turkey can result in an outflow of available domestic scrap as well as higher scrap prices that cannot always be passed on to domestic scrap consumers further reducing the available domestic scrap flows and scrap margins all of which could adversely affect our sales and profitability.

A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN CHINA'S STEEL CONSUMPTION OR INCREASED CHINESE STEEL PRODUCTION SUBSTANTIALLY EXCEEDING LOCAL DEMAND MAY RESULT IN CHINA BECOMING A LARGE EXPORTER OF STEEL AND DISRUPTION TO WORLD STEEL MARKETS.

Chinese economic expansion has affected the availability and heightened the volatility of many commodities that we market and use in our manufacturing process, including steel. Expansions and contractions in China's economy can have major effects on the price of our finished steel products and many commodities that affect us such as secondary metals, energy, marine freight rates, steel making supplies such as ferroalloys and graphite electrodes, and materials we market, such as iron ore and coke. If Chinese demand weakens or Chinese steel production expands to the point that it significantly exceeds the country's consumption, prices for many of the products that we both sell to and export from China may fall, causing erosion in our gross margins and subjecting us to possible renegotiation of contracts or increases in bad debts. Significant exports from China of steel in the product lines we manufacture would likely cause our selling prices to decline and negatively impact our volumes and gross margins.

RAPID AND SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE PRICE OF METALS COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Prices for most metals in which we deal have experienced increased volatility over the last several years, and such increased price volatility impacts us in several ways. Some of our operations, such as our fabrication operations, may benefit from rapidly decreasing steel prices as their material cost for previously contracted fixed price work declines. Others, such as our Americas Mills and International Mill segments, would likely experience reduced margins and may be forced to liquidate high cost inventory at reduced margins or losses until prices stabilize. Sudden increases could have the opposite effect. Overall, we believe that rapid substantial price changes are not to our industry's benefit. Our customer and supplier base would be impacted due to uncertainty as to future prices. A reluctance to purchase inventory in the face of extreme price decreases or to

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sell quickly during a period of rapid price increases would likely reduce our volume of business. Marginal industry participants or speculators may attempt to participate to an unhealthy extent during a period of rapid price escalation with a substantial risk of contract default if prices suddenly reverse. Risks of default in contract performance by customers or suppliers as well as an increased risk of bad debts and customer credit exposure could increase during periods of rapid and substantial price changes.

EXCESS CAPACITY IN OUR INDUSTRY COULD INCREASE THE LEVEL OF STEEL IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES, RESULTING IN LOWER DOMESTIC PRICES WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR SALES, MARGINS AND PROFITABILITY.

Steel-making capacity exceeds demand for steel products in some countries. Rather than reducing employment by rationalizing capacity with consumption, steel manufacturers in these countries (often with local government assistance or subsidies in various forms) have traditionally periodically exported steel at prices significantly below their home market prices and which may not reflect their costs of production or capital. This supply of imports can decrease the sensitivity of domestic steel prices to increases in demand or decrease our ability to recover our manufacturing costs. The excess capacity may create downward pressure on our steel prices which would adversely affect our sales, margins and profitability.

COMPLIANCE WITH AND CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND REMEDIATION REQUIREMENTS COULD RESULT IN SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND OPERATING COSTS.

Existing laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, and future laws and regulations, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a significant factor in our business. We are subject to local, state, Federal and international environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other matters, waste disposal, air emissions, waste and storm water effluent and disposal and employee health. New facilities that we may build, especially steel minimills, are required to obtain several environmental permits before significant construction or commencement of operations. Delays in obtaining permits or unanticipated conditions in such permits could delay the project or increase construction costs or operating expenses. Our manufacturing and recycling operations produce significant amounts of by-products, some of which are handled as industrial waste or hazardous waste. For example, our minimills generate electric arc furnace dust (“EAF dust”), which the Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) and other regulatory authorities classify as hazardous waste. EAF dust and other industrial waste and hazardous waste require special handling, recycling or disposal.

In addition, the primary feed materials for the shredders operated by our scrap metal recycling facilities are automobile hulks and obsolete household appliances. Approximately 20% of the weight of an automobile hull consists of unrecyclable material known as shredder fluff. After the segregation of ferrous and saleable nonferrous metals, shredder fluff remains. We, along with others in the recycling industry, interpret Federal regulations to require shredder fluff to meet certain criteria and pass a toxic leaching test to avoid classification as a hazardous waste. We also endeavor to remove hazardous contaminants from the feed material prior to shredding. As a result, we believe the shredder fluff we generate is not normally considered or properly classified as hazardous waste. If the laws, regulations or testing methods change with regard to EAF dust or shredder fluff or other by-products, we may incur additional significant expenditures.

Legal requirements are changing frequently and are subject to interpretation. New laws, regulations and changing interpretations by regulatory authorities, together with uncertainty regarding adequate pollution control levels, testing and sampling procedures, new pollution control technology and cost/benefit analysis based on market conditions are all factors that may increase our future expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. Accordingly, we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of future compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations. We cannot predict whether such costs would be able to be passed on to customers through product price increases. Competitors in various regions or countries where environmental regulation is less restrictive, subject to different interpretation or generally not enforced, may enjoy a competitive advantage.

We may also be required to conduct additional clean up at sites where we have already participated in remediation efforts or to take remediation action with regard to sites formerly used in connection with our operations. We may be required to pay for a portion or all of the costs of clean up or remediation at sites we never owned or on which we never operated if we are found to have arranged for treatment or disposal of hazardous substances on the sites. In cases of joint and several liability, we may be obligated to pay a disproportionate share of cleanup costs if other responsible parties are financially insolvent.

INCREASED REGULATION ASSOCIATED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS COULD IMPOSE SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL COSTS ON BOTH OUR STEELMAKING AND METALS RECYCLING OPERATIONS.

The U.S. government and various governmental agencies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to the potential impact of climate change. International treaties or agreements may also result in increasing regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, including the introduction of carbon emissions trading mechanisms. Any such regulation regarding climate change and greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions could impose significant costs on our steelmaking and metals

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recycling operations and on the operations of our customers and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs in order to comply with current or future laws or regulations concerning and limitations imposed on our operations by virtue of climate change and GHG emissions laws and regulations. The potential costs of “allowances,” “offsets” or “credits” that may be part of potential cap-and-trade programs or similar future regulatory measures are still uncertain. Any adopted future climate change and GHG regulations could negatively impact our ability (and that of our customers and suppliers) to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. From a medium and long-term perspective, as a result of these regulatory initiatives, we may see an increase in costs relating to our assets that emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases. These regulatory initiatives will be either voluntary or mandatory and may impact our operations directly or through our suppliers or customers. Until the timing, scope and extent of any future regulation becomes known, we cannot predict the effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPANY

POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS ON OUR ABILITY TO ACCESS CREDIT MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

We could be adversely affected if our banks refused to honor their contract commitments or ceased lending. Events in the global credit markets, including the failure, takeover or rescue by various government entities of major financial institutions, have created uncertainty of credit availability to an extent not experienced in recent decades. Our senior unsecured debt is rated by Standard & Poor's Corporation (BB+) and Moody's Investors Service (Ba2). In determining our credit ratings, the rating agencies consider a number of both quantitative and qualitative factors. These factors include earnings (loss), fixed charges such as interest, cash flows, total debt outstanding, off-balance sheet obligations and other commitments, total capitalization and various ratios calculated from these factors. The rating agencies also consider predictability of cash flows, business strategy and diversity, industry conditions and contingencies.

OUR CUSTOMERS' INABILITY TO OBTAIN CREDIT MAY RESULT IN THEIR DEFAULT ON THE DEBTS THEY OWE TO US.

If the recent constraints on access to credit continue for a prolonged period, some of our customers may struggle or fail to

meet their obligations to pay us, especially if they in turn experience defaults on receivables due from their customers. A continued economic downturn could result in our incurring bad debt costs in excess of our expectations and prior experience. In certain markets, we have experienced a consolidation among those entities to whom we sell. This consolidation, along with higher metals and other commodity prices, has resulted in an increased credit risk spread among fewer customers often without a corresponding strengthening of their financial status. We use credit insurance both in the United States and internationally to mitigate the risk of customer insolvency. However, it is possible that we may not be capable of recovering all of our insured losses if the insurers with whom our accounts receivable are insured experience significant losses threatening their viability. Additionally, credit insurance policies typically have relatively short policy periods and require pre-approval of customers with maximum insured limits established by the customer. If credit insurers incur large losses, the insurance may be more difficult and more costly to secure and may be on less favorable terms. While in many international sales transactions we require letters of credit from financial institutions, which we believe to be financially secure, we may be at risk in the event the financial institution subsequently fails and the customer is unable to pay for the products we sold. A significant amount of our accounts receivable are considered to be open account uninsured accounts receivable. We regularly maintain a substantial amount of accounts receivable ($958.4 million at August 31, 2012).

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF OUR CUSTOMERS' NON COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS.

Most consumers of the metals products we sell have been negatively impacted by the recession and the continued slow recovery therefrom. Due to their economic hardship or the contraction in their operations or due to the fact that the prices for many of the products we sell have declined since the customers entered into the contracts with us, some of our customers have sought to renegotiate or cancel their existing purchase commitments. In addition, some of our customers have breached previously agreed upon contracts to buy our products by refusing delivery of the products. Where appropriate, we have and will in the future pursue litigation to recover our damages resulting from customer contract defaults. A large number of our customers defaulting on existing contractual obligations to purchase our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

THE AGREEMENTS GOVERNING OUR NOTES AND OUR OTHER DEBT CONTAIN FINANCIAL COVENANTS AND IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON OUR BUSINESS.

The indenture governing our 5.625% notes due 2013, 6.50% notes due 2017 and 7.35% notes due 2018 contains restrictions on our ability to create liens, sell assets, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and consolidate or merge. In addition to these restrictions, our credit facility contains covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, enter into transactions with

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affiliates and guarantee the debt of some of our subsidiaries. Our credit facility also requires that we meet certain financial tests and maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum debt to capitalization and interest coverage ratios.

Other agreements that we may enter into in the future may contain covenants imposing significant restrictions on our business that are similar to, or in addition to, the covenants under our existing agreements. These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise.

Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the indenture governing the notes or under our other debt agreements. An event of default under our debt agreements would permit some of our lenders to declare all amounts borrowed from them to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. If we were unable to repay debt to our secured lenders or if we incur secured debt in the future, these lenders could proceed against the collateral securing that debt. In addition, acceleration of our other indebtedness may cause us to be unable to make interest payments on the notes.

FLUCTUATIONS IN THE VALUE OF THE U.S. DOLLAR RELATIVE TO OTHER CURRENCIES MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In particular, major changes in the rate of exchange of China's renminbi or the value of the euro to the U.S. dollar could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. A strong U.S. dollar makes imported metal products less expensive, resulting in more imports of steel products into the United States by our foreign competitors, while a weak U.S. dollar may have the opposite impact on imports. With the exception of exports of nonferrous scrap metal by our Americas Recycling segment, we have not recently been a significant exporter of metal products from our United States operations. Economic difficulties in some large steel producing regions of the world, resulting in lower local demand for steel products, have historically encouraged greater steel exports to the United States at depressed prices which can be exacerbated by a strong dollar. As a result, our products that are made in the United States may become relatively more expensive as compared to imported steel, which has had and in the future could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A strong U.S. dollar hampers our international marketing and distribution business. Weak local currencies limit the amount of U.S. dollar denominated products that we can import for our international operations and limit our ability to be competitive against local producers selling in local currencies.

OPERATING INTERNATIONALLY CARRIES RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Our foreign operations generated approximately 29% of our 2012 revenue. We have significant facilities in Poland and Australia. Our marketing and trading offices are located in most major markets of the world, and our suppliers and customers are located throughout the world. Our marketing and distribution segment relies on substantial international shipments of materials and products in the ordinary course of its business. Our stability, growth and profitability are subject to a number of risks inherent in doing business internationally in addition to the currency exchange risk discussed above, including:

• political, military, terrorist or major pandemic events;

• legal and regulatory requirements or limitations imposed by foreign governments (particularly those with significant steel consumption or steel related production including China, Brazil, Russia and India) including quotas, tariffs or other protectionist trade barriers, adverse tax law changes, nationalization or currency restrictions;

• disruptions or delays in shipments caused by customs compliance or government agencies; and

• potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations.

These types of events may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

WE RELY ON THE AVAILABILITY OF LARGE AMOUNTS OF ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS FOR OUR MINIMILL OPERATIONS. DISRUPTIONS IN DELIVERY OR SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN ENERGY COSTS, INCLUDING CRUDE OIL PRICES, COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Minimills melt steel scrap in electric arc furnaces and use natural gas to heat steel billets for rolling into finished products. As large consumers of electricity and gas, often the largest in the geographic area where our minimills are located, we must have dependable delivery of electricity and natural gas in order to operate. Accordingly, we are at risk in the event of an energy disruption. Prolonged black-outs or brown-outs or disruptions caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes would substantially disrupt our production. While we have not suffered prolonged production delays due to our inability to access electricity or natural gas, several of our competitors have experienced such occurrences. Prolonged substantial increases in

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energy costs would have an adverse effect on the costs of operating our minimills and would negatively impact our gross margins unless we were able to fully pass through the additional expense to our customers. Our finished steel products are typically delivered by truck. Rapid increases in the price of fuel attributable to increases in crude oil prices will increase our costs and adversely affect many of our customers' financial results, which in turn could result in reduced margins and declining demand for our products. Rapid increases in fuel costs may also negatively impact our ability to charter ships for international deliveries at anticipated freight rates, thereby decreasing our margins on those transactions or causing our customers to look for alternative sources.

IF WE LOSE THE SERVICES OF KEY EMPLOYEES WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE OUR OPERATIONS AND MEET OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES.

Our future success depends, in large part, on the continued service of our officers and other key employees and our ability to continue to attract and retain additional highly qualified personnel. These employees are integral to our success based on their expertise and knowledge of our business and products. We compete for such personnel with other companies, including public and private company competitors who may periodically offer more favorable terms of employment. The loss or interruption of the services of a number of our key employees could reduce our ability to effectively manage our operations due to the fact that we may not be able to find in a timely manner, appropriate replacement personnel should the need arise.

WE MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY COMPETING WITH COMPANIES THAT HAVE A LOWER COST STRUCTURE OR ACCESS TO GREATER FINANCIAL RESOURCES.

We compete with regional, national and foreign manufacturers and traders. Consolidation among participants in the steel manufacturing and recycling industries has resulted in fewer competitors but several which are significantly larger than us. Some of our larger competitors have greater financial resources and more diverse businesses than us. Some of our foreign competitors may be able to pursue business opportunities without regard to certain of the laws and regulations with which we must comply, such as environmental regulations. These companies may have a lower cost structure, more operating flexibility and consequently they may be able to offer better prices and more services than we can. There is no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with these companies. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

OUR MINIMILLS REQUIRE CONTINUOUS CAPITAL INVESTMENTS THAT WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN.

We must make regular substantial capital investments in our steel minimills to maintain the minimills, lower production costs and remain competitive. We cannot be certain that we will have sufficient internally generated cash or acceptable external financing to make necessary substantial capital expenditures in the future. The availability of external financing depends on many factors outside of our control, including capital market conditions and the overall performance of the economy. If funding is insufficient, we may be unable to develop or enhance our minimills, take advantage of business opportunities and respond to competitive pressures.

SCRAP AND OTHER SUPPLIES FOR OUR BUSINESSES ARE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT PRICE FLUCTUATIONS, WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

We depend on ferrous scrap, the primary feedstock for our steel minimills, and other supplies such as graphite electrodes and ferroalloys for our steel minimill operations. The price of scrap and other supplies has historically been subject to significant fluctuation, and we may not be able to adjust our product prices to recover the costs of rapid increases in material prices, especially over the short-term and in our domestic fabrication segment's fixed price contracts. Our future profitability will be adversely affected if we are unable to pass on to our customers increased raw material and supply costs.

The raw material used in manufacturing copper tubing is copper scrap, supplemented occasionally by virgin copper ingot. Copper scrap is subject to rapid price fluctuations related to the price and supply of virgin copper. Price increases for high quality copper scrap could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our Arkansas mill does not have melting capacity, so it is dependent on an adequate supply of competitively priced used rail. The availability of used rail fluctuates with the pace of railroad abandonments, rail replacement by railroads in the United States and abroad and demand for used rail from other domestic and foreign rail rerolling mills. Price increases for used rail could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

UNEXPECTED EQUIPMENT FAILURES MAY LEAD TO PRODUCTION CURTAILMENTS OR SHUTDOWNS.

Interruptions in our production capabilities would adversely affect our production costs, steel available for sales and earnings for the affected period. Our manufacturing processes are dependent upon critical pieces of steel-making equipment, such as our furnaces, continuous casters and rolling equipment, as well as electrical equipment, such as transformers. This equipment may, on occasion, be out of service as a result of unanticipated failures. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, material plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a result of such equipment failures. In addition to equipment failures, our facilities are also subject to the risk of catastrophic loss due to unanticipated events such as fires,

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explosions or violent weather conditions.

COMPETITION FROM OTHER MATERIALS MAY HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

In many applications, steel competes with other materials, such as aluminum and plastics (particularly in the automobile industry), cement, composites, glass and wood. Increased use of or additional substitutes for steel products could adversely affect future market prices and demand for steel products.

HEDGING TRANSACTIONS MAY EXPOSE US TO LOSSES OR LIMIT OUR POTENTIAL GAINS.

Our product lines and worldwide operations expose us to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. As part of our risk management program, we use financial instruments, including metals commodity futures, natural gas forward contracts, freight forward contracts, foreign currency exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts. While intended to reduce the effects of the fluctuations, these transactions may limit our potential gains or expose us to losses. If our counterparties to such transactions or the sponsors of the exchanges through which these transactions are offered, such as the London Metal Exchange, fail to honor their obligations due to financial distress we would be exposed to potential losses or the inability to recover anticipated gains from these transactions.

We enter into the foreign currency exchange forward contracts as economic hedges of trade commitments or anticipated commitments denominated in currencies other than the functional currency to mitigate the effects of changes in currency rates. These foreign exchange commitments are dependent on timely performance by our counterparties. Their failure to perform could result in our having to close these hedges without the anticipated underlying transaction and could result in losses if foreign currency exchange rates have changed.

WE ARE INVOLVED AND MAY IN THE FUTURE BECOME INVOLVED IN VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS THAT MAY RESULT IN FINES, PENALTIES OR JUDGMENTS BEING ASSESSED AGAINST US OR LIABILITY IMPOSED UPON US WHICH WE CANNOT PRESENTLY ESTIMATE OR REASONABLY FORESEE AND WHICH MAY HAVE A MATERIAL IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND CASH FLOWS.

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, called CERCLA or Superfund, or similar state statutes, we may have obligations to conduct investigation and remediation activities associated with alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA (or state agencies as applicable) for such activities and to pay for natural resource damages associated with alleged releases. We have been named a potentially responsible party at several Federal and state Superfund sites because the EPA or an equivalent state agency contends that we and other potentially responsible scrap metal suppliers are liable for the cleanup of those sites as a result of having sold scrap metal to unrelated manufacturers for recycling as a raw material in the manufacture of new products. We are involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which we are contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, our liability. In addition, we have received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites.

Although we are unable to estimate precisely the ultimate dollar amount of exposure to loss in connection with various environmental matters or the effect on our consolidated financial position, we make accruals as warranted. In addition, although we do not believe that a reasonably possible range of loss in excess of amounts accrued for pending lawsuits, claims or proceedings would be material to our financial statements, additional developments may occur, and due to inherent uncertainties, including evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors, the amounts we ultimately are required to pay could vary significantly from the amounts we accrue, and this could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

WE ARE SUBJECT TO LITIGATION WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

We are involved in various litigation matters, including regulatory proceedings, administrative proceedings, governmental investigations, environmental matters and construction contract disputes. The nature of our operations also exposes us to possible litigation claims in the future. Because of the uncertain nature of litigation and coverage decisions, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters. These matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Litigation is very costly, and the costs associated with prosecuting and defending litigation matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Although we are unable to estimate precisely the ultimate dollar amount of exposure to loss in connection with litigation matters, we make accruals as warranted. However, the amounts that we accrue could vary significantly from the amounts we actually pay, due to inherent uncertainties and the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors.

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SOME OF OUR OPERATIONS PRESENT SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.

The industrial activities conducted at our facilities present significant risk of serious injury or death to our employees, customers or other visitors to our operations, notwithstanding our safety precautions, including our material compliance with Federal, state and local employee health and safety regulations, and we may be unable to avoid material liabilities for injuries or deaths. We maintain workers' compensation insurance to address the risk of incurring material liabilities for injuries or deaths, but there can be no assurance that the insurance coverage will be adequate or will continue to be available on the terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could result in material liabilities to us for any injuries or deaths.

HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION COULD RESULT IN SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED COSTS AND ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR WORKFORCE.

Recently enacted health care mandates may cause us to evaluate the scope of health benefits offered to our workforce and the method in which they are delivered, and increase our and our employees' costs. If we are not able to offer a competitive level of benefits, our ability to hire and retain qualified personnel may be adversely affected. Higher health care costs may result in (i) an inability to reinvest sufficient capital in our operations, (ii) an inability to sustain dividends, (iii) lowered debt ratings and (iv) an increase in the cost of capital, all of which may have a negative effect on the price of our common stock.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our Texas steel minimill is located on approximately 660 acres of land that we own. Our Texas minimill facilities include several buildings that occupy approximately 850,000 square feet. Our Alabama steel minimill is located on approximately 70 acres of land, and it includes several buildings that occupy approximately 540,000 square feet. We utilize our facilities at the Texas and Alabama steel minimills for manufacturing, storage, office and other related uses. Our South Carolina steel minimill is located on approximately 110 acres of land, and the buildings occupy approximately 700,000 square feet. Our Arkansas steel minimill is located on approximately 140 acres of land, and the buildings occupy approximately 240,000 square feet. Our Arizona steel minimill is located on approximately 230 acres of land, and the buildings occupy approximately 130,000 square feet. We lease approximately 30 acres of land at the Alabama minimill and all the land at the Arkansas and South Carolina minimills in connection with revenue bond financing or property tax incentives. CMC Howell owns approximately 83 acres of land in New Market, Virginia, with buildings occupying approximately 410,000 square feet.

Our domestic recycling operating plants occupy approximately 880 acres of land, of which we lease approximately 60 acres. The facilities of our domestic fabrication and construction service operations utilize approximately 840 acres of land, of which we lease approximately 70 acres.

CMCZ’s steel manufacturing operations are located in Zawiercie in South Central Poland about 40 kilometers from Katowice. CMCZ and its subsidiaries lease approximately 98% of the 2 million square meters of land utilized by the principal operations with the remaining portion owned. The land is leased from the State of Poland under contracts with 99 year durations that are considered to create a right of perpetual usufruct. The leases expire beginning in 2089 through 2100. The principal operations are conducted in buildings having an area of approximately 260,000 square meters. The seven major buildings in use have all been constructed on or after 1974. The real estate is also developed with over 130 other buildings including warehouses, administrative offices, workshops, garage, transformer stations, pumping stations, gas stations, boiler houses, gate houses and contains some structures leased to unrelated parties, CMCZ subsidiaries and affiliated companies. Other much smaller tracts of land are leased or owned in communities nearby Zawiercie including those utilized by six affiliated scrap processing facilities. Our international fabrication operations utilize approximately 136,000 square meters of land, which is either owned or subject to a perpetual usufruct.

We own two warehouse buildings which our operations in Australia utilize, one of which is located on leased real estate. We lease the other warehouse facilities located in Australia as well as our Australian headquarters, marketing and administration offices.

We lease the office space occupied by our corporate headquarters as well as that occupied by all of our marketing and distribution offices.

The leases on the leased properties described above will expire on various dates and, with the exception of the CMCZ leases described above, generally expire over the next six years. Several of the leases have renewal options. We have had little difficulty in the past renewing such leases prior to their expiration. We estimate our minimum annual rental obligation for real estate operating leases in effect at August 31, 2012, to be paid during fiscal 2013, to be approximately $22 million. We also lease a portion of the equipment we use in our plants. We estimate our minimum annual rental obligation for equipment operating leases in effect at August 31, 2012, to be paid during fiscal 2013, to be approximately $14 million.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On September 18, 2008, we were served with a purported class action antitrust lawsuit alleging violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, brought by Standard Iron Works of Scranton, Pennsylvania, against nine steel manufacturing companies, including Commercial Metals Company. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price at which steel products were sold in the United States by artificially restricting the supply of such steel products. The lawsuit, which purports to be brought on behalf of a class consisting of all parties who purchased steel products directly from the defendants between January 1, 2005 and September 2008, seeks treble damages and costs, including reasonable attorney fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. Since the filing of this lawsuit, additional plaintiffs have filed class action lawsuits naming the same defendants and containing allegations substantially identical to those of the Standard Iron Works complaint. We believe that the lawsuits are without merit and plan to aggressively defend the actions.

We have received notices from the EPA or state agencies with similar responsibility that we and numerous other parties are considered PRPs and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), or similar state statutes, to pay for the cost of remedial investigation, feasibility studies and ultimately remediation to correct alleged releases of hazardous substances at ten locations. We may contest our designation as a PRP with regard to certain sites, while at other sites we are participating with other named PRPs in agreements or negotiations that have resulted or that we expect will result in agreements to remediate the sites. The EPA or state agency, as applicable, refers to these locations, none of which involve real estate we ever owned or conducted operations upon: the Sapp Battery Site in Cottondale, Florida, the Interstate Lead Company Site in Leeds, Alabama, the Ross Metals Site in Rossville, Tennessee, the Li Tungsten Site in Glen Cove, New York, the Peak Oil Site in Tampa, Florida, the R&H Oil Site in San Antonio, Texas, the SoGreen/Parramore Site in Tifton, Georgia, the Jensen Drive site in Houston, Texas, and the Industrial Salvage site in Corpus Christi, Texas. During 2010, we acquired a 70% interest in the real property at Jensen Drive as part of the remediation of that site. We have periodically received information requests from government environmental agencies with regard to other sites that are apparently under consideration for designation as listed sites under CERCLA or similar state statutes. Often we do not receive any further communication with regard to these sites, and as of the date of this report, we do not know if any of these inquiries will ultimately result in a demand for payment from us.

The EPA notified us and other alleged PRPs that under Sec. 106 of CERCLA we and the other PRPs could be subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 per day and the imposition of treble damages if we and the other PRPs refuse to clean up the Peak Oil, Sapp Battery, and SoGreen/Parramore sites as ordered by the EPA. We are presently participating in PRP organizations at these sites which are paying for certain site remediation expenses. We do not believe that the EPA will pursue any fines against us if we continue to participate in the PRP groups or if we have adequate defenses to the EPA’s imposition of fines against us in these matters.

We believe that adequate provision has been made in the financial statements for the potential impact of any loss in connection with the above-described legal proceedings, environmental matters, government proceedings, and disputes that could result in additional litigation. Management believes that the outcome of the suits and proceedings mentioned, and other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position or liquidity.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

MARKET AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

The table below summarizes the high and low sales prices reported on the New York Stock Exchange for a share of our common stock and the quarterly cash dividends per share that we paid for the past two fiscal years.

PRICE RANGE

OF COMMON STOCK

2012 FISCAL QUARTER	HIGH		LOW		CASH DIVIDENDS
1st	$	14.50	$	8.64	$	0.12
2nd	16.48		12.57		0.12
3rd	15.40		11.50		0.12
4th	14.09		11.30		0.12

2011 FISCAL QUARTER	HIGH		LOW		CASH DIVIDENDS
1st	$	15.88	$	13.40	$	0.12
2nd	18.20		15.68		0.12
3rd	17.84		14.56		0.12
4th	15.04		10.51		0.12

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The number of shareholders of record of our common stock at October 26, 2012, was 4,568.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

Information about our equity compensation plans as of August 31, 2012 is as follows:

	A.	B.	C.
PLAN CATEGORY	NUMBER OF SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UPON EXERCISE OF OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND RIGHTS	WEIGHTED-AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE OF OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND RIGHTS	NUMBER OF SECURITIES REMAINING AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS (EXCLUDING SECURITIES REFLECTED IN COLUMN (A))
Equity
Compensation plans approved by security holders	2,930,492	$24.81	3,831,278
Equity
Compensation plans not approved by security holders	—	—	—
TOTAL	2,930,492	$24.81	3,831,278

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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative total return of our common stock during the five year period beginning September 1, 2007 and ending August 31, 2012 with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index also known as the “S&P 500” and the Standard & Poor’s Steel Industry Group Index also known as the “S&P Steel Group.” Each index assumes $100 invested at the close of trading August 31, 2007, and reinvestment of dividends.

	8/07	8/08	8/09	8/10	8/11	8/12
Commercial Metals Company	100.00	91.40	61.49	48.79	45.40	51.10
S&P 500	100.00	88.86	72.64	76.20	90.30	106.56
S&P Steel	100.00	100.77	59.79	61.29	65.31	46.81

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The table below sets forth a summary of our selected consolidated financial information for the periods indicated. The per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect any stock dividends.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT RATIO AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

	2012		2011			2010			2009		2008
Net sales *	$	7,828,440	$	7,863,345		$	6,276,928		$	6,364,017	$	9,836,882
Net earnings (loss) attributable to CMC	207,484		(129,617		)	(205,344		)	20,802		231,966
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	1.78		(1.12		)	(1.81		)	0.18		1.97
Total assets	3,441,246		3,683,131			3,706,153			3,687,556		4,746,371
Stockholders’ equity attributable to CMC	1,246,368		1,160,425			1,250,736			1,529,693		1,638,383
Long-term debt	1,157,073		1,167,497			1,197,282			1,181,740		1,197,533
Cash dividends per share	0.48		0.48			0.48			0.48		0.45
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges	2.77		**			**			1.20		4.78

* Excludes the net sales of divisions classified as discontinued operations.

** Earnings for the years ended August 31, 2011 and 2010 were inadequate to cover fixed charges. The coverage deficiencies were approximately $111 million and $267 million for the years ended August 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and business, and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by phrases such as we or our management “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans to,” “ought,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “appears,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “outlook” or other similar words or phrases. There are inherent risks and uncertainties in any forward-looking statements. Developments that could impact our expectations include the following:

• absence of global economic recovery or possible recession relapse;

• solvency of financial institutions and their ability or willingness to lend;

• success or failure of governmental efforts to stimulate the economy including restoring credit availability and confidence in a recovery;

• continued sovereign debt problems in Greece and other countries within the Euro zone;

• customer non-compliance with contracts;

• construction activity or lack thereof;

• decisions by governments affecting the level of steel imports, including tariffs and duties;

• litigation claims and settlements;

• difficulties or delays in the execution of construction contracts resulting in cost overruns or contract disputes;

• metals pricing over which we exert little influence;

• increased capacity and product availability from competing steel minimills and other steel suppliers including import quantities and pricing;

• execution of cost reduction strategies;

• ability to retain key executives;

• court decisions and regulatory rulings;

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• industry consolidation or changes in production capacity or utilization;

• global factors including political and military uncertainties;

• currency fluctuations;

• interest rate changes;

• availability and pricing of raw materials, including scrap metal, energy, insurance and supply prices;

• passage of new, or interpretation of existing, environmental laws and regulations;

• the pace of overall economic activity, particularly in China; and

• business disruptions, costs and future events related to any tender offers and proxy contests initiated by an activist shareholder.

Our forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and beliefs as of the time this report is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or, with respect to any documents incorporated by reference, as of the time such document was prepared. Although we believe that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they are subject to numerous factors, risk and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those indicated in such statements. These factors include those described in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we, undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, new information or changes to future results over time or otherwise. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

Our business is organized into the following five segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution. Our domestic and international distribution business activities consist only of physical transactions and not market speculation.

Americas Recycling Operations

We conduct our recycling operations through metal processing facilities located in the states of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

Americas Mills Operations

We conduct our domestic mills operations through a network of:

• five steel mills, commonly referred to as “minimills,” that produce one or more of reinforcing bar, angles, flats, rounds, small beams, fence-post sections and other shapes;

• two scrap metal shredders and processing facilities that directly support the steel minimills;

• a railroad salvage company; and

• a copper tube minimill which is aggregated with the Company’s steel minimills because it has similar economic characteristics.

Americas Fabrication Operations

We conduct our domestic fabrication operations through a network of:

• steel plants that bend, weld, cut and fabricate steel, primarily reinforcing bar;

• warehouses that sell or rent products for the installation of concrete;

• plants that produce steel fence posts; and

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• plants that treat steel with heat to strengthen and provide flexibility.

International Mill Operations

Our International Mill operations include CMC Zawiercie S.A. (“CMCZ”), which owns a steel minimill and conducts its operations at Zawiercie, Poland, and recycling and fabrication operations in Poland. We conduct our International Mill operations through:

• two rolling mills that produce primarily reinforcing bar and high quality merchant products;

• a rolling mill that produces primarily wire rod;

• a specialty rod finishing mill;

• our scrap processing facilities that directly support the minimill; and

• four steel fabrication plants primarily for reinforcing bar and mesh.

International Marketing and Distribution Operations

We market and distribute steel, copper and aluminum coil, sheet and tubing, ores, metal concentrates, industrial minerals, ferroalloys and chemicals through our network of marketing and distribution offices, processing facilities and joint ventures domestically and internationally. Our customers use these products in a variety of industries.

Consolidated Results of Operations

	Year ended August 31,
(in thousands except per share data)	2012			2011			2010
Net sales*	$	7,828,440		$	7,863,345		$	6,276,928
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	208,983			19,278			(99,447		)
Per diluted share	1.79			0.16			(0.88		)
Adjusted EBITDA	364,235			237,250			14,879
International net sales*	3,153,736			3,500,716			3,061,591
As % of total sales	40		%	45		%	49		%
LIFO income (expense)** effect on net earnings (loss) attributable to CMC	$	29,604		$	(50,049	)	$	7,385
Per diluted share	0.25			(0.43		)	0.07

__________________________________________

* Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations.

** Last in, first out inventory valuation method.

In the table above, we have included a financial statement measure that was not derived in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). We use adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment charges) as a non-GAAP performance measure. In calculating adjusted EBITDA, we exclude our largest recurring non-cash charge, depreciation and amortization as well as impairment charges. Adjusted EBITDA provides a core operational performance measurement that compares results without the need to adjust for Federal, state and local taxes which have considerable variation between domestic jurisdictions. Tax regulations in international operations add additional complexity. Also, we exclude interest cost in our calculation of adjusted EBITDA. The results are, therefore, without consideration of financing alternatives of capital employed. We use adjusted EBITDA as one guideline to assess our unleveraged performance return on our investments. Adjusted EBITDA is also the target benchmark for our long-term cash incentive performance plan for management and part of a debt compliance test for our revolving credit agreement.

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Reconciliations from net earnings (loss) from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA are provided below for the years ended August 31:

(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	208,983		$	19,278		$	(99,447	)
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6		)	(213		)	(236		)
Interest expense	69,496			69,821			74,181
Income taxes (benefit)	(46,190		)	19,328			(61,942		)
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	137,289			178,251			165,316
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	$	369,572		$	286,465		$	77,872
Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations	(5,337		)	(49,215		)	(62,993		)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	364,235		$	237,250		$	14,879

Our adjusted EBITDA does not include interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment charges. Because we have borrowed money in order to finance our operations, interest expense is a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate revenues. Because we use capital assets, depreciation and amortization are also necessary elements of our costs. Impairment charges, when necessary, accelerate the write-off of fixed assets that would otherwise have been accomplished by periodic depreciation charges. Also, the payment of income taxes is a necessary element of our operations. Therefore, any measures that exclude these elements have material limitations. To compensate for these limitations, we believe that it is appropriate to consider both net earnings (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP, as well as adjusted EBITDA, to evaluate our performance. Also, we separately analyze any significant fluctuations in interest expense, depreciation, amortization, impairment charges and income taxes.

The following events and performances had a significant financial impact to the Company's performance during 2012 as compared to 2011 or are expected to be significant for our future operations:

1. Net sales of the Americas Recycling segment decreased 12% and adjusted operating profit decreased $3.6 million during 2012 as compared to the prior year primarily due to lower nonferrous volumes and average selling prices and ferrous margin compression offset by a swing of $20.0 million to LIFO income.

2. Net sales of the Americas Mills segment increased 6% and adjusted operating profit increased $72.2 million from the prior year. The results were primarily impacted by a change of $74.1 million from LIFO expense to income.

3. Net sales of the Americas Fabrication segment increased 13% and the segment reported an improvement in adjusted operating results of $113.4 million due to stable material pricing and improved market conditions in commercial construction markets resulting in stronger volume and pricing. The results were impacted by a change of $21.9 million from LIFO expense to income.

4. Net sales of the International Mill segment were consistent and adjusted operating profit decreased $24.6 million from the prior year primarily due to margin compression and deteriorating economic conditions in Europe. Although the results were unfavorable, CMCZ set record volumes for the year ended August 31, 2012.

5. Net sales of the International Marketing and Distribution segment increased 3% and adjusted operating profit decreased $29.1 million from the prior year primarily due to losses on iron ore contracts, reduced demand in some of our key products and uncertainty concerning economic stimulus in China. The results were impacted by a change of $7.1 million from LIFO expense to income.

6. During the third quarter 2012, we terminated our interest rate swap transactions and received cash proceeds of approximately $53 million.

7. During the first quarter of 2012, we announced the exit of our steel pipe manufacturing operation in Croatia (“CMCS”). Effective June 1, 2012, the Company completed the sale of all of the outstanding shares of CMCS for $30.6 million, of which $3.1 million will be paid when certain conditions are met. As part of the share sale, certain assets were excluded from the transaction. On June 13, 2012, the Company completed the sale of a portion of the excluded assets for $6.7 million. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a $13.8 million pre-tax gain for these transactions, including a foreign currency translation gain of $7.5 million. The remaining CMCS assets excluded from these transactions were sold on September 21, 2012 for $3.9 million.

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8. During the first quarter of 2012, we recognized a tax benefit of $102.1 million in continuing operations related to ordinary worthless stock and bad debt deductions from our investment in CMCS. The Company recorded a tax benefit of $11.5 million during the year ended August 31, 2012 related to federal and state research and experimentation expenditures.

9. We recorded consolidated pre-tax LIFO income of $45.5 million for 2012 compared to pre-tax LIFO expense of $77.0 for 2011.

Segments

Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts below are calculated before income taxes. Financial results for our reportable segments are consistent with the basis and manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information for the purpose of making operating decisions. See Note 20, Business Segments, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

We use adjusted operating profit (loss) to compare and evaluate the financial performance of our segments. Adjusted operating profit (loss) is the sum of our earnings (loss) before income taxes and financing costs.

The following table shows net sales and adjusted operating profit (loss) by business segment:

	Year ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Net sales:
Americas Recycling	$	1,606,161		$	1,829,537		$	1,316,430
Americas Mills	2,155,817			2,036,325			1,478,426
Americas Fabrication	1,381,638			1,225,722			1,140,277
International Mill	1,033,357			1,046,233			699,064
International Marketing and Distribution	2,727,319			2,650,899			2,463,414
Corporate	8,033			6,882			4,249
Eliminations	(1,083,885		)	(932,253		)	(824,932		)
Adjusted operating profit (loss):
Americas Recycling	39,446			43,059			11,416
Americas Mills	233,933			161,731			37,251
Americas Fabrication	(15,697		)	(129,141		)	(107,800		)
International Mill	23,044			47,594			(31,594		)
International Marketing and Distribution	47,287			76,337			74,689
Corporate	(83,035		)	(84,729		)	(70,678		)
Eliminations	(6,251		)	(1,275		)	3,460
Discontinued Operations	(8,675		)	(150,678		)	(101,645		)

LIFO Impact on Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) LIFO is an inventory costing method that assumes the most recent inventory purchases or goods manufactured are sold first. Therefore, current sales prices are offset against current inventory costs. In periods of rising prices, the LIFO inventory costing method has the effect of eliminating inflationary profits from operations. In periods of declining prices, this method has the effect of eliminating deflationary losses from operations. In either case the goal is to reflect economic profit of current market conditions. The table below reflects LIFO income or (expense) representing decreases or (increases) in the LIFO inventory reserve.

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The International Mill segment exclusively uses the FIFO inventory valuation method and thus is not included in this table:

	Three Months Ended August 31,						Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012		2011
Americas Recycling	$	4,056		$	(1,236	)	$	7,007	$	(12,980	)
Americas Mills	21,614			(5,781		)	20,405		(53,648		)
Americas Fabrication	3,663			(1,724		)	15,248		(6,644		)
International Marketing and Distribution	(1,152		)	(902		)	2,884		(4,217		)
Discontinued Operations	—			—			—		491
Consolidated pre-tax LIFO income (expense)	$	28,181		$	(9,643	)	$	45,544	$	(76,998	)

Americas Recycling The decreased adjusted operating profit during 2012 resulted in part from lower nonferrous average selling prices and volumes primarily from reduced export demand within Asia coupled with ferrous margin compression . LIFO income was $7.0 million for 2012 as compared to LIFO expense of $13.0 million for 2011. We exported 6% of our ferrous scrap tonnage and 35% of our nonferrous scrap tonnage during 2012.

The following table reflects our Americas Recycling segment’s average selling prices per ton and tons shipped (in thousands) for the years ended August 31:

					Increase (Decrease)
	2012		2011		Amount			%
Average ferrous selling price	$	345	$	340	$	5		1	%
Average nonferrous selling price	$	2,823	$	3,292	$	(469	)	(14	)%
Ferrous tons shipped	2,196		2,202		(6		)	—	%
Nonferrous tons shipped	243		267		(24		)	(9	)%

Americas Mills We include our five domestic steel mills, including the scrap locations which directly support the steel mills, and our copper tube minimill in our Americas Mills segment.

Within the segment, adjusted operating profit for our five domestic steel mills was $235.9 million for 2012 as compared to $149.2 million for 2011. The results were primarily impacted from the change in LIFO to income of $16.6 million in 2012 as compared to LIFO expense of $48.0 million in 2011. Results were also positively impacted from higher shipments and better margin. The Arizona mill in its third full year of operations has been profitable for the last two years. Our mills ran at 78% utilization during 2012 as compared to 74% during 2011. Rebar accounted for 51% of tonnage shipped, consistent with the prior year. Higher electrical and alloy rates resulted in an overall increase of $7.6 million in electrode, alloys and energy costs. Shipments included 410 thousand tons of billets in 2012 as compared to 430 thousand tons of billets in 2011.

The table below reflects our domestic steel mills' operating statistics (in thousands) and average prices per short ton for the year ended August 31:

					Increase
	2012		2011		Amount		%
Tons melted	2,568		2,470		98		4	%
Tons rolled	2,206		2,088		118		6	%
Tons shipped	2,682		2,518		164		7	%
Average mill selling price (finished goods)	$	730	$	696	$	34	5	%
Average mill selling price (total sales)	706		669		37		6	%
Average cost of ferrous scrap consumed	379		364		15		4	%
Average metal margin	327		305		22		7	%
Average ferrous scrap purchase price	339		329		10		3	%

Our copper tube minimill recorded an adjusted operating loss of $2.0 million during 2012 as compared to an adjusted operating profit of $12.5 million in 2011. The decline in adjusted operating profit was primarily due to lower copper selling prices. The results were impacted positively by the change in LIFO to income of $3.8 million in 2012 as compared to LIFO expense of $5.6 million in 2011.

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The table below reflects our copper tube minimill’s operating statistics for the year ended August 31:

			Increase (Decrease)
(pounds in millions)	2012	2011	Amount		%
Pounds shipped	41.5	41.9	(0.4	)	(1	)%
Pounds produced	39.3	39.2	0.1		—	%

Americas Fabrication This segment recorded an improvement in 2012 adjusted operating results of $113.4 million as compared to 2011. Included in last year's result is impairment, severance and closure costs of $21.7 million for closing certain rebar fabrication and construction services locations. The segment benefited from stable material pricing and improved market conditions in commercial construction markets resulting in stronger volume and pricing. Backlogs increased in both prices and tonnage in 2012 as compared to 2011. We are continuing to see encouraging results of market recovery as this segment’s backlogs continue to be near all-time highs in tonnage and total value. Additionally, LIFO changed to income of $15.2 million in 2012 as compared to LIFO expense of $6.6 million in 2011. The composite average fabrication selling price was $906 per ton in 2012, up from $817 per ton in 2011.

The tables below show our average fabrication selling prices per short ton and total fabrication plant shipments for the year ended August 31:

					Increase
Average selling price (excluding stock and buyout sales)	2012		2011		Amount		%
Rebar	$	864	$	773	$	91	12	%
Structural	2,342		1,980		362		18	%
Post	949		928		21		2	%

			Increase (Decrease)
Tons shipped (in thousands)	2012	2011	Amount		%
Rebar	911	851	60		7	%
Structural	60	56	4		7	%
Post	90	99	(9	)	(9	)%

International Mill This segment had an adjusted operating profit of $23.0 million during 2012 as compared to an adjusted operating profit of $47.6 million during 2011. Included in this year's fourth quarter is a loss of $3.8 million on the sale of a rebar fabrication shop in Rosslau, Germany. As of the date of this report, market conditions in Europe continue to be soft and significant uncertainty remains. On the positive side, our Polish operations recorded improvement in fourth quarter results and set full year production and shipping records in the mill operation in 2012, primarily on the strength of rebar and billet demand. Our mill operated at 85% of capacity in 2012 and 2011. Shipments in 2012 included 205 thousand tons of billets compared to 203 thousand tons of billets in 2011.

The table below reflects our International Mill’s operating statistics (in thousands) and average prices per short ton:

					Increase (Decrease)
	2012		2011		Amount			%
Tons melted	1,638		1,585		53			3	%
Tons rolled	1,395		1,334		61			5	%
Tons shipped	1,584		1,494		90			6	%
Average mill selling price (total sales)	$	601	$	638	$	(37	)	(6	)%
Average ferrous scrap production cost	385		389		(4		)	(1	)%
Average metal margin	216		249		(33		)	(13	)%
Average ferrous scrap purchase price	315		325		(10		)	(3	)%

International Marketing and Distribution This segment reported an increase in sales of 3% and reported an adjusted operating profit of $47.3 million for 2012 as compared to an adjusted operating profit of $76.3 million during 2011, primarily due to losses on iron ore contracts, reduced demand in some of our key products and uncertainty concerning economic stimulus in China. This segment recorded LIFO income of $2.9 million for 2012 compared to LIFO expense of $4.2 million for 2011.

Corporate Our corporate expenses decreased by $1.7 million in 2012 to $83.0 million primarily as a result of our cost containment initiatives, partially offset by $15.0 million in fees and expenses associated with a proxy contest and hostile tender offer.

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CONTINUING OPERATIONS DATA

Consolidated Data The LIFO method of inventory valuation increased our net earnings from continuing operations by approximately $30 million for 2012 as compared to increasing our net loss by approximately $50 million for 2011.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses Our overall SG&A expenses decreased by $30.2 million, or 6%, for 2012 as compared to 2011. The costs were down as a result of our cost containment initiatives offset by expenses associated with a proxy contest and hostile tender offer as discussed above.

Impairment of Assets Our impairment of assets decreased by $23.9 million as a result of 2011 impairments related to closure of certain rebar fabrication and construction services locations. There were no significant impairments in 2012.

Interest Expense Our interest expense decreased by $0.3 million to $69.5 million during 2012 as compared to 2011 primarily from lower average debt outstanding internationally.

Income Taxes Our effective tax rate from continuing operations for the year ended August 31, 2012 was (28.4)% as compared to 50.1% in 2011. For 2013, the Company expects the effective tax rate from continuing operations to be approximately 33%. The Company recognized a tax benefit of $102.1 million for ordinary worthless stock and bad debt deductions on the investment in CMCS. The Company also recorded a tax benefit of $11.5 million in 2012 related to federal and state research and experimentation expenditures. These tax benefits are the primary reason for the variance from the statutory tax rate of 35%. Additionally, the effective tax rate is increased by state and local taxes, while earnings generated in foreign jurisdictions decrease the rate. State and local taxes are generally consistent while the composition of domestic and foreign earnings can create larger fluctuations in the rate.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS DATA

Discontinued operations primarily consist of CMCS, which was classified as a discontinued operation in the first quarter of 2012. These operations reported adjusted operating loss of $8.7 million in 2012 as compared to adjusted operating loss of $150.7 million in the same period in the prior year. The results for 2012 include $18.0 million of severance expense associated with closing the facility and a pre-tax gain of $13.8 million for the sale of all of the shares of the CMCS operation, excluding $3.9 million in assets which were sold in September 2012 with no impact to the statement of operations. The results for 2011 include approximately $110.6 million of impairment and other charges incurred at CMCS.

OUTLOOK

In general we see economic recovery lacking meaningful momentum due to uncertainty on many levels. So far, in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, scrap prices have moved downward but we expect improvement during the winter months of 2013. We believe that, despite weakness in the scrap markets, our Recycling segment has done a good job adjusting to the market volatility and maintaining profitability. Domestically, there is a clear indication that residential construction is improving, which is a leading indicator of increased non-residential activity. Our International Mill segment continues to face difficult markets due to economic uncertainty in the Euro zone. Lastly, our International Marketing and Distribution segment faces substantial headwinds due to reduced demand in raw material division as well as the impact of China's unclear growth outlook. As always, we remain committed to improving our cost structure and cash flows.

2011 Compared to 2010

Americas Recycling Adjusted operating profit increased to $43.1 million for 2011 from $11.4 million for 2010. Strong market demand drove an increase in prices and volumes for both ferrous and nonferrous scrap. LIFO expense was $13.0 million for 2011 as compared to $11.2 million LIFO expense for 2010. We exported 8% of our ferrous scrap tonnage and 38% of our nonferrous scrap tonnage during 2011.

The following table reflects our Americas Recycling segment’s average selling prices per ton and tons shipped (in thousands) for the years ended August 31:

					Increase
	2011		2010		Amount		%
Average ferrous selling price	$	340	$	264	$	76	29	%
Average nonferrous selling price	$	3,292	$	2,636	$	656	25	%
Ferrous tons shipped	2,202		1,900		302		16	%
Nonferrous tons shipped	267		238		29		12	%

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Americas Mills We include our five domestic steel mills, including the scrap locations, which directly support the steel mills, and our copper tube minimill in our Americas Mills segment.

Within the segment, adjusted operating profit for our five domestic steel mills was $149.2 million for 2011 as compared to $33.7 million for 2010. The improvement in adjusted operating profit was driven by margin expansion as selling prices outpaced scrap price increases and higher shipments. Additionally, our mill in Arizona was profitable during 2011 in its secondfull year of operations. We recorded LIFO expense of $48.0 million in 2011 as compared to LIFO expense of $19.1 million in 2010. Our mills ran at 74% utilization during 2011 as compared to 63% during 2010. Rebar accounted for 51% of tonnage shipped, consistent with the prior year. Higher electrical and alloy rates resulted in an overall increase of $25.4 million in electrode, alloys and energy costs. Shipments included 430 thousand tons of billets in 2011 as compared to 363 thousand tons of billets in 2010.

The table below reflects steel and ferrous scrap prices per ton for the year ended August 31:

					Increase
	2011		2010		Amount		%
Average mill selling price (finished goods)*	$	696	$	591	$	105	18	%
Average mill selling price (total sales)*	669		563		106		19	%
Average cost of ferrous scrap consumed	364		292		72		25	%
Average metal margin	305		271		34		13	%
Average ferrous scrap purchase price	329		259		70		27	%

* 2010 domestic selling prices revised to eliminate net freight costs.

			Increase
	2011	2010	Amount	%
Tons melted	2,470	2,077	393	19	%
Tons rolled	2,088	1,734	354	20	%
Tons shipped	2,518	2,156	362	17	%

Our copper tube minimill’s adjusted operating profit increased $9.0 million to $12.5 million during 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily due to higher copper prices and a year-over-year decrease in LIFO expense of $2.5 million partially offset by lower shipments.

The table below reflects our copper tube minimill’s operating statistics for the year ended August 31:

			Decrease
(pounds in millions)	2011	2010	Amount		%
Pounds shipped	41.9	42.6	(0.7	)	(2	)%
Pounds produced	39.2	40.9	(1.7	)	(4	)%

Americas Fabrication This segment continued to face challenging market conditions in 2011 and recorded an adjusted operating loss of $129.1 million as compared to $107.8 million in 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2011, CMC decided to close certain rebar fabrication and construction services locations and recorded impairment, severance and closure costs of $21.7 million. LIFO expense was $6.6 million for 2011 compared to $10.0 million in 2010. During the second half of 2011, this segment showed improvement as mill prices to the downstream fabricating units stabilized resulting in a slight increase in margins. Backlogs as of August 31, 2011 was higher in both prices and tonnage as compared to backlogs as of August 31, 2010. The composite average fabrication selling price was $817 per ton in 2011, up from $768 per ton in 2010. Post and Impact Metals were profitable for the year.

The tables below show our average fabrication selling prices per short ton and total fabrication plant shipments for the year ended August 31:

					Increase
Average selling price (excludes stock and buyout sales)	2011		2010		Amount		%
Rebar	$	773	$	720	$	53	7	%
Structural	1,980		1,835		145		8	%
Post	928		881		47		5	%

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			Increase
Tons shipped (in thousands)	2011	2010	Amount	%
Rebar	851	830	21	3	%
Structural	56	54	2	4	%
Post	99	95	4	4	%

International Mill CMCZ had an adjusted operating profit of $47.6 million during 2011 as compared to an adjusted operating loss of $31.6 million during 2010. In 2011, our Polish mill benefited from a continued strong Polish economy and the increased sales of merchant bar from our new flexible rolling mill which was hot commissioned during the third quarter of 2010. Metal margins expanded in 2011 as compared to 2010, as average selling prices outpaced ferrous scrap prices. Shipments in 2011 included 203 thousand tons of billets compared to 297 thousand tons of billets in the prior year. During the fourth quarter of 2011, we decided to close our fabrication operation in Germany due to challenging market conditions and continued poor operating results. In connection with the closure, we incurred approximately $1 million in impairment charges relating to the fixed assets of the operation.

The table below reflects our International Mill operating statistics (in thousands) and average prices per short ton:

					Increase
	2011		2010		Amount		%
Tons melted	1,585		1,468		117		8	%
Tons rolled	1,334		1,107		227		21	%
Tons shipped	1,494		1,387		107		8	%
Average mill selling price (total sales)	$	638	$	461	$	177	38	%
Average ferrous scrap production cost	$	389	$	295	$	94	32	%
Average metal margin	$	249	$	166	$	83	50	%
Average ferrous scrap purchase price	$	325	$	244	$	81	33	%

International Marketing and Distribution This segment reported an increase in sales of 8% and reported an adjusted operating profit of $76.3 million for 2011 as compared to an adjusted operating profit of $74.7 million during 2010. This segment recorded LIFO expense of $4.2 million for 2011 compared to LIFO income of $40.4 million for 2010. Led by our raw materials marketing operation, each of our major geographic marketing operations was profitable for 2011. Additionally, our domestic steel import business continued its turnaround with strong performance in 2011. Overall, our Australian operations were profitable in 2011 but our Australian distribution suffered in 2011 from the weakened state of the economy in Australia.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we completed the purchase of G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd., based in Melbourne, Australia (“G.A.M.”). G.A.M. is a leading distributor and processor of steel long products and plate, servicing the structural fabrication, rural and manufacturing segments in the state of Victoria, Australia. The acquisition of G.A.M. complements our existing national long products distribution investments in Australia.

CONTINUING OPERATIONS DATA

Corporate Our corporate expenses increased $14.0 million in 2011 to $84.7 million primarily due to higher employee benefit costs, severance costs and information technology costs.

Consolidated Data The LIFO method of inventory valuation increased our net loss from continuing operations by approximately $50 million for 2011 as compared to increasing our net loss by approximately $5 million for 2010.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses Our overall SG&A expenses increased by $7.8 million, or 2%, for 2011 as compared to 2010. SG&A expenses increased due to restructuring costs, including severance, higher employee benefit costs and higher information technology costs.

Interest Expense Our interest expense decreased by $4.4 million to $69.8 million during 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily as a result of the favorable impact of interest rate swap transactions of $10.0 million in 2011, partially offset by less capitalized interest as less capital projects were completed in 2011 as compared 2010.

Income Taxes Our effective tax rate from continuing operations for the year ended August 31, 2011 was 50.1% as compared to 38.4% in 2010.

Asset Impairment Charges We recorded impairment charges of $24.5 million in 2011 as compared to $3.8 million in 2010. The impairment charges in 2011 primarily relate to the closure of certain rebar fabrication and construction services locations discussed above. See discontinued operations below for asset impairment charges related to discontinued operations.

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DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS DATA

Our joist and deck division, classified as a discontinued operation, reported an adjusted operating loss of $3.0 million during 2011 as compared to an adjusted operating loss of $59.8 million during 2010. The results for 2011 include carrying costs for the remaining owned real estate assets offset by a gain on the sale of certain joist facilities of $1.9 million. The results for 2010 include the impairment and closure costs of exiting the joist and deck business offset by LIFO income of $19.4 million.

During the first quarter of 2012, we announced our decision to exit CMCS by way of sale and/or closure of the facility. After review of the marketplace and our production capabilities we determined that achieving sustained profitability would take considerable additional time and investment in a product line that was not considered a core business.

CMCS reported an adjusted operating loss of $147.7 million during 2011 as compared to an adjusted operating loss of $41.9 million during 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2011, we recorded restructuring charges, including impairment charges, of $110.6 million due to the following: we determined that improvements in key operating areas could not be achieved and maintained without additional capital expenditures; we could not achieve adequate market share for billets as the mill is currently designed; the down-turn in the global economy, especially debt issues in Europe, further delayed recovery and will likely result in continued losses in future years; accession to the European Union, which is required to allow our operation to be competitive, was further delayed until 2013 or mid-2014; and uncertainties in the Middle East and North Africa, which are the primary markets for this operation.

2012 Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe we have adequate access to several sources of contractually committed borrowings and other available credit facilities.

While we believe the lending institutions participating in our credit arrangements are financially capable, it is important to note that the banking and capital markets periodically experience volatility that may limit our ability to raise capital. Additionally, changes to our credit rating by any rating agency may negatively impact our ability to raise capital and our financing costs.

The table below reflects our sources, facilities and availability of liquidity as of August 31, 2012:

(in thousands)	Total Facility		Availability
Cash and cash equivalents	$	262,422	$ N/A
Revolving credit facility*	300,000		271,137
Domestic receivable sales facility	200,000		190,000
International accounts receivable sales facilities	198,882		103,765
Bank credit facilities — uncommitted	111,000		86,457
Notes due from 2013 to 2018	1,100,000		**
Equipment notes	14,407		**

* The availability under the revolving credit agreement may be limited by the debt to capitalization ratio covenant. Additionally, the availability under the revolving credit facility is reduced by $28.9 million of stand-by letters of credit issued at August 31, 2012.

** We believe we have access to additional financing and refinancing, if needed.

During the second quarter of 2012, we entered into a third amended and restated credit agreement which reduced the availability under our revolving credit facility to $300 million and extended the maturity date to December 27, 2016. The credit facility may be increased to $400 million with the consent of both parties. Additionally, we amended our domestic sales of receivable facility during the second quarter of 2012, which increased the capacity from $100 million to $200 million and extended the maturity date to December 26, 2014.

During the first quarter of 2012, we repaid our $48.6 million CMCZ term note and subsequently entered into current uncommitted credit facilities of PLN 255 million ($76.9 million) with several banks which expire in October and November of 2012. The Company intends to renew the uncommitted credit facilities upon expiration. At August 31, 2012, we had PLN 81.3 million ($24.5 million) outstanding under these facilities. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2012, we repaid our $18.5 million CMCS term note.

We have $200 million of 5.625% notes due November 2013, $400 million of 6.50% notes due July 2017 and $500 million of 7.35% notes due August 2018. All of these notes require interest only payments until maturity. We previously had interest rate swaps on $800 million of our notes which effectively converted our fixed rate interest to floating rate interest. During the third quarter of 2012, we terminated these transactions and received cash proceeds of approximately $53 million. We expect cash

31

from operations to be sufficient to meet all interest and principal payments due within the next twelve months, and we believe we will be able to obtain additional financing or refinance these notes when they mature.

Certain of our financing agreements include various financial covenants. Our revolving credit facility required us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio (adjusted EBITDA to interest expense, as each is defined in the facility) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 for the twelve month cumulative period ended August 31, 2012. Beginning for the twelve month cumulative period ending November 30, 2012, the Company is required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.00 to 1.00 and for each fiscal quarter on a rolling twelve month cumulative period thereafter. At August 31, 2012, our interest coverage ratio was 5.15 to 1.00. The debt to capitalization ratio covenant under the agreement requires us to maintain a ratio not greater than 0.60 to 1.00. At August 31, 2012, our debt to capitalization ratio was 0.51 to 1.00. The revolving credit facility is used as an alternative source of liquidity. Our public debt does not contain any such covenants.

Our foreign operations generated approximately 29% of our revenue, and as a result, our foreign operations had approximately $108 million and $100 million of cash and cash equivalents at August 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, respectively. Historically, our domestic operations have generated the majority of our cash which has been used to fund the cash needs of our domestic operations as well as our foreign operations. Additionally, our domestic operations have access to the $300 million revolving credit facility and the $200 million sale of receivable program described above. Although not expected, we would be required to provide for taxes on any repatriated earnings from our foreign operations which would result in a higher effective tax rate.

We regularly maintain a substantial amount of accounts receivable. We actively monitor our accounts receivable and record allowances as soon as we believe accounts are uncollectible based on current market conditions and customers' financial condition. Continued pressure on the liquidity of our customers could result in additional reserves as we make our assessments in the future. We use credit insurance both in the U.S. and internationally to mitigate the risk of customer insolvency. We estimate the amount of credit insured receivables (and those covered by export letters of credit) was approximately 60% of total receivables at August 31, 2012.

For added flexibility, we may sell certain accounts receivable both in the U.S. and internationally. See Note 4, Sales of Accounts Receivable, to the consolidated financial statements contained in this report. Our domestic sale of receivables program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur if we default under certain of our credit arrangements, and contains covenants that conform to the same requirements contained in our revolving credit agreement.

Cash Flows Our cash flows from operating activities result primarily from sales of steel and related products, and to a lesser extent, sales of nonferrous metal products and other raw materials used in steel manufacturing. We have a diverse and generally stable customer base. We use futures or forward contracts from time to time to mitigate the risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. See Note 11, Derivatives and Risk Management, to the consolidated financial statements contained in this report.

During 2012, we generated $196.0 million of net cash flows from operating activities as compared to generating $27.7 million during 2011. This increase resulted primarily from a significant improvement in pre-tax earnings and improvements in operations for working capital. Significant fluctuations in working capital were as follows:

• Inventory — inventory decreased during the year ended 2012 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 as inventory levels were matched to lower sales in the fourth quarter 2012 as compared to fourth quarter 2011. Days sales in inventory was 41 days and 45 days for the years ended 2012 and 2011.

• Accounts payable and accrued expenses — accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased as our expenses were lower from decreased sales in the fourth quarter of 2012 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.

During 2012, we used $27.4 million of net cash flows from investing activities as compared to using $61.5 million in 2011. We invested $113.9 million in property, plant and equipment during 2012, an increase of $40.6 million over 2011. Additionally, proceeds from disposal of assets and businesses were $55.4 million in 2012, an increase of $2.0 million over 2011. During 2012, we sold all outstanding shares of CMCS, excluding certain assets that were sold in June and September 2012, and we also sold a rebar fabrication shop in Rosslau, Germany. Additionally, we generated cash of $31.1 million in 2012 from the release of deposits for letters of credit. During 2011, we sold assets of our joist and deck business and sold the forms of our heavy forms rental business.

We expect our total capital expenditures for fiscal 2013 to be approximately $160 million. We regularly assess our capital spending and reevaluate our requirements based on current and expected results.

32

During 2012, we used $121.7 million of net cash flows from financing activities as compared to using $147.0 million during 2011. The change was primarily due to approximately $53 million of proceeds from the termination of our interest rate swaps during 2012 which was partially offset by the increase in cash used of $18.5 million from the decrease in outstanding documentary letters of credit. Our cash dividends remained consistent for 2012 and 2011.

Our contractual obligations for the next twelve months of approximately $760 million are typically expenditures incurred in connection with normal revenue producing activities. We believe our cash flows from operating activities and debt facilities are adequate to fund our ongoing operations and planned capital expenditures.

Contractual Obligations

The following table represents our contractual obligations as of August 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

	Payments Due By Period*
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		More than 5 Years
Long-term debt(1)	$	1,114,407	$	4,252	$	206,510	$	402,717	$	500,928
Notes payable	24,543		24,543		—		—		—
Interest(2)	360,998		74,656		128,601		122,490		35,251
Operating leases(3)	144,836		35,985		55,141		32,099		21,611
Purchase obligations(4)	805,377		618,658		139,838		38,070		8,811
Total contractual cash obligations	$	2,450,161	$	758,094	$	530,090	$	595,376	$	566,601

* We have not discounted the cash obligations in this table.

(1) Total amounts are included in the August 31, 2012 consolidated balance sheet. See Note 10, Credit Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

(2) Interest payments related to our short-term debt are not included in the table as they do not represent a significant obligation as of August 31, 2012.

(3) Includes minimum lease payment obligations for non-cancelable equipment and real-estate leases in effect as of August 31, 2012. See Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

(4) Approximately 67% 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 we are unable to estimate the minimum amounts. Another significant obligation relates to capital expenditures.

The Company also provides certain eligible executives’ benefits pursuant to a nonqualified benefit restoration plan (“BRP Plan”) equal to amounts that would have been available under the tax qualified ERISA plans, but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. The deferred compensation liability under the BRP Plan was $77.0 million at August 31, 2012 and recorded in other long-term liabilities. We generally expect to fund future contributions with cash flows from operating activities. We did not include estimated payments related to BRP in the above contractual obligation table. Refer to Note 16, Employees' Retirement Plans to the consolidated financial Statements included in this report.

A certain number of employees, primarily outside of the U.S., participate in defined benefit plans maintained in accordance with local regulations. At August 31, 2012, the Company’s liability related to the unfunded status of the defined benefit plans was $5.1 million. We generally expect to fund future contributions with cash flows from operating activities. We did not include estimated payments related to defined benefit plans in the table above. We generally expect to fund future contributions with cash flows from operating activities. Refer to Note 16, Employees' Retirement Plans to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

The Company's other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets include deferred tax liabilities, gross unrecognized tax benefits, and the related gross interest and penalties. As of August 31, 2012, the Company had noncurrent deferred tax liabilities of $20.3 million. In addition, as of August 31, 2012, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $15.2 million and an additional $2.0 million for gross interest and penalties classified as noncurrent liabilities. At this time, the Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years in connection with these tax liabilities; therefore, such amounts are not included in the above contractual obligation table.

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Other Commercial Commitments

We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain transactions that our insurance providers and suppliers request. At August 31, 2012, we had committed $30.3 million under these arrangements.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contingencies

In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and government investigations, including environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or judgments because of some of these matters. While we are unable to estimate the ultimate dollar amount of exposure or loss in connection with these matters, we make accruals as warranted. Inherent uncertainties exist in these estimates primarily due to evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions and the uncertainties involved in litigation. We believe that we have adequately provided in our consolidated financial statements for the potential impact of these contingencies. We also believe that the outcomes will not materially affect the results of operations, our financial position or our cash flows.

Environmental and Other Matters

The information set forth in Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report are hereby incorporated by reference.

General We are subject to Federal, state and local pollution control laws and regulations in all locations where we have operating facilities. We anticipate that compliance with these laws and regulations will involve continuing capital expenditures and operating costs.

Our original business and one of our core businesses for over nine decades is metals recycling. In the present era of conservation of natural resources and ecological concerns, we are committed to sound ecological and business conduct. Certain governmental regulations regarding environmental concerns, however well intentioned, may expose us and our industry to potentially significant risks. We believe that recycled materials are commodities that are diverted by recyclers, such as us, from the solid waste streams because of their inherent value. Commodities are materials that are purchased and sold in public and private markets and commodities exchanges every day around the world. They are identified, purchased, sorted, processed and sold in accordance with carefully established industry specifications.

Solid and Hazardous Waste We currently own or lease, and in the past owned or leased, properties that have been used in our operations. Although we used operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, wastes may have been disposed or released on or under the properties or on or under locations where such wastes have been taken for disposal. We are currently involved in the investigation and remediation of several such properties. State and Federal laws applicable to wastes and contaminated properties have gradually become stricter over time. Under new laws, we could be required to remediate properties impacted by previously disposed wastes. We have been named as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) at a number of contaminated sites.

We generate wastes, including hazardous wastes, that are subject to the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and comparable state and local statutes where we operate. These statutes, regulations and laws may have limited disposal options for certain wastes.

Superfund The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or an equivalent state agency has notified us that we are considered a PRP at ten sites, none of which is owned by us. We may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) or a similar state statute to conduct remedial investigation, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities. We are involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which we are contesting, or at the appropriate time we may contest, our liability. In addition, we have received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Because of various factors, including the ambiguity of the regulations, the difficulty of identifying the responsible parties for any particular site, the complexity of determining the relative liability among them, the uncertainty as to the most desirable remediation techniques and the amount of damages and cleanup costs and the extended time periods over which such costs may be incurred, we cannot reasonably estimate our ultimate costs of compliance with CERCLA. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, on August 31, 2012, we had $1.0 million accrued for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with CERCLA sites. We have accrued for these liabilities based upon our best estimates. The amounts paid and the expenses incurred on these sites for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were not material. Historically, the amounts that we have ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material.

34

Clean Water Act The Clean Water Act (“CWA”) imposes restrictions and strict controls regarding the discharge of wastes into waters of the United States, a term broadly defined, or into publicly owned treatment works. These controls have become more stringent over time and it is probable that additional restrictions will be imposed in the future. Permits must generally be obtained to discharge pollutants into Federal waters or into publicly owned treatment works; comparable permits may be required at the state level. The CWA and many state agencies provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants. In addition, the EPA’s regulations and comparable state regulations may require us to obtain permits to discharge storm water runoff. In the event of an unauthorized discharge or non-compliance with permit requirements, we may be liable for penalties and costs.

Clean Air Act Our operations are subject to regulations at the Federal, state and local level for the control of emissions from sources of air pollution. New and modified sources of air pollutants are often required to obtain permits prior to commencing construction, modification or operations. Major sources of air pollutants are subject to more stringent requirements, including the potential need for additional permits and to increased scrutiny in the context of enforcement. The EPA has been implementing its stationary emission control program through expanded enforcement of the New Source Review Program. Under this program, new or modified sources may be required to construct emission sources using what is referred to as the Best Available Control Technology, or in any areas that are not meeting national ambient air quality standards, using methods that satisfy requirements for Lowest Achievable Emission Rate. Additionally, the EPA is implementing new, more stringent standards for ozone and fine particulate matter. The EPA recently has promulgated new national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for steel mills which will require specific sources in this category to meet the standards by reflecting application of maximum achievable control technology. Compliance with the new standards could require additional expenditures.

In 2012, we incurred environmental expenses of $26.8 million. The expenses included the cost of environmental personnel at various divisions, permit and license fees, accruals and payments for studies, tests, assessments, remediation, consultant fees, baghouse dust removal and various other expenses. In addition, we spent $8.3 million in capital expenditures related to costs directly associated with environmental compliance. At August 31, 2012, we accrued $9.0 million for environmental liabilities of which $4.9 million was classified as other long-term liabilities.

Dividends

We have paid quarterly cash dividends in each of the past 192 consecutive quarters. We paid dividends in 2012 at the rate of $0.12 per share for each quarter.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The following are important accounting policies, estimates and assumptions that you should understand as you review our financial statements. We apply these accounting policies and make these estimates and assumptions to prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Our use of these accounting policies, estimates and assumptions affects our results of operations and our reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Where we have used estimates or assumptions, actual results could differ significantly from our estimates.

Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We recognize sales when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered based on the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When we estimate that a contract with one of our customers will result in a loss, we accrue the calculated loss as soon as it is probable and estimable. We account for fabrication projects based on the percentage of completion accounting method. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect our estimate of the uncollectability of accounts receivable. These reserves are based on historical trends, current market conditions and customers’ financial condition.

Income Taxes We periodically assess the likelihood of realizing our deferred tax assets based on the amount of deferred tax assets that we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We base our judgment of the recoverability of our deferred tax asset primarily on historical earnings, our estimate of current and expected future earnings, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, and current and future ownership changes.

Our effective income tax rate may fluctuate on a quarterly basis due to various factors, including, but not limited to, total earnings and the mix of earnings by jurisdiction, the timing of changes in tax laws, and the amount of tax provided for uncertain tax positions.

We establish income tax reserves to remove some or all of the income tax benefit of any of our income tax positions at the time we determine that the positions become uncertain based upon one of the following: (1) the tax position is not "more likely than not" to be sustained, (2) the tax position is "more likely than not" to be sustained, but for a lesser amount, or (3) the tax position is "more likely than not" to be sustained, but not in the financial period in which the tax position was originally taken. Our evaluation of whether or not a tax position is uncertain is based on the following: (1) we presume the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information, (2) the technical merits of a tax

35

position are derived from authorities such as legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings and case law and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position, and (3) each tax position is evaluated without considerations of the possibility of offset or aggregation with other tax positions taken. We adjust these income tax reserves when our judgment changes as a result of new information. Any change will impact income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.

Inventory Cost We determine inventory cost for most domestic inventories by the last-in, first-out method, or LIFO. We calculate our LIFO reserve by using quantities and costs at period end and recording the resulting LIFO income or expense in its entirety. Inventory cost for international and remaining inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out method, or FIFO. We record all inventories at the lower of their cost or market value.

Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, consumable production supplies, maintenance, production, wages and transportation costs. Additionally, the costs of departments that support production, including materials management and quality control, are allocated to inventory.

Goodwill The Company tests for impairment of goodwill by estimating the fair value of each reporting unit compared to its carrying value. Our reporting units are based on our internal reporting structure and represent an operating segment or a reporting level below an operating segment.

Additionally, the reporting units are aggregated based on similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services, nature of production processes, type of customers and distribution methods. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to calculate the fair value of its reporting units. The model includes a number of significant assumptions and estimates regarding future cash flows including discount rates, volumes, prices, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by adverse changes in market conditions. The Company tests for goodwill impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred.

As of August 31, 2012, $51.3 million of goodwill was associated with one of the Company's reporting units, which consists of our Americas Fabrication reporting segment excluding the construction services division. As of August 31, 2012, the Company estimates that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeds the carrying value by approximately 30%. The fair value of this reporting unit could be adversely affected by prolonged weakness in US construction activity, volatility in the price of ferrous scrap, and global economic recession.

Goodwill at the other reporting units is not material and the fair value of these reporting units exceeds their respective carrying values.

Long-Lived Assets We evaluate the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted future cash flows from operations. If an impairment exists, the net book values are reduced to fair values as warranted. Our domestic and international mills, fabrication and recycling businesses are capital intensive. Some of the estimated values for assets that we currently use in our operations are based upon judgments and assumptions of future undiscounted cash flows that the assets will produce. If these assets were for sale, our estimates of their values could be significantly different because of market conditions, specific transaction terms and a buyer's different viewpoint of future cash flows. Also, we depreciate property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciable lives are based on our estimate of the assets' economical useful lives. To the extent that an asset's actual life differs from our estimate, there could be an impact on depreciation expense or a gain/loss on the disposal of the asset in a later period. We expense major maintenance costs as incurred.

Contingencies In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and government investigations, including environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or judgments in connection with some of these matters. While we are unable to estimate the ultimate dollar amount of exposure or loss in connection with these matters, we make accruals as warranted. The amounts we accrue could vary substantially from amounts we pay due to several factors including the following: evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process, and the uncertainties involved in litigation. We believe that we have adequately provided in our consolidated financial statements for the impact of these contingencies. We also believe that the outcomes will not materially affect our results of operations, our financial position or our cash flows.

Other Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

Approach to Mitigating Market Risk See Note 11, Derivatives and Risk Management, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for disclosure regarding our approach to mitigating market risk and summarized market risk information for the preceding fiscal year. Also, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. The following types of derivative instruments were outstanding or utilized by us during 2012, in accordance with our risk management program.

Currency Exchange Forwards We enter into currency exchange forward contracts as economic hedges of international trade commitments denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company or its subsidiaries. No single foreign currency poses a primary risk to us. Fluctuations that cause temporary disruptions in one market segment tend to open opportunities in other segments.

Commodity Prices We base pricing in some of our sales and purchase contracts on metal commodity futures exchange quotes, which we determine at the beginning of the contract. Due to the volatility of the metal commodity indexes, we enter into metal commodity futures contracts for copper, aluminum, nickel and zinc. These futures mitigate the risk of unanticipated declines in gross margin due to the volatility of the commodity prices on these contractual commitments. Physical transaction quantities will not match exactly with standard commodity lot sizes, leading to minimal gains and losses from ineffectiveness.

Natural Gas We enter into natural gas forward contracts as economic hedges of the Company’s Americas Mills operations based on anticipated consumption of natural gas in order to mitigate the risk of unanticipated increases in operating cost due to the volatility of natural gas prices.

Freight We occasionally enter into freight forward contracts when sales commitments to customers include a fixed price freight component in order to mitigate the effect of the volatility of ocean freight rates.

Interest Rates We enter into interest rate swap contracts to maintain a portion of our debt obligations at variable interest rates. These interest rate swap contracts, under which we have agreed to pay variable rates of interest and receive fixed rates of interest, are designated as fair value hedges of fixed rate debt. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company terminated its existing interest rate swap transactions with a notional value of $800 million and received cash proceeds of approximately $53 million, net of customary finance charges.

The following tables provide certain information regarding the foreign exchange and commodity financial instruments discussed above.

Gross foreign currency exchange contract commitments as of August 31, 2012:

Functional Currency		Foreign Currency
Type	Amount (in thousands)	Type	Amount (in thousands)	Range of Hedge Rates (1)	U.S. Equivalent (in thousands)
AUD	223	EUR	183	0.79 — 0.84	$	230
AUD	901	NZD (2)	1,157	1.27 — 1.30	919
AUD	103,015	USD	105,027	0.95 — 1.05	105,027
AUD	5,843	CNY (3)	38,878	6.57 — 6.66	6,144
GBP	5,091	EUR	6,425	0.78 — 0.81	7,993
GBP	1,701	USD	2,653	1.55 — 1.58	2,653
PLN	318,162	EUR	75,822	4.07 — 4.62	95,603
PLN	1,174	USD	345	3.38 — 3.41	345
SGD	2,599	USD	2,074	1.25	2,074
USD	10,646	EUR	8,530	1.22 — 1.30	10,646
USD	70,134	GBP	44,200	1.58 — 1.59	70,134
USD	1,764	JPY	138,987	78.31 — 78.82	1,764
USD	2,194	PLN	7,472	3.33 — 3.48	2,194
					$	305,726

(1) Substantially all foreign currency exchange contracts mature within one year. The range of hedge rates represents functional to foreign currency conversion rates.

(2) New Zealand dollar

(3) Chinese yuan

37

Commodity contract commitments as of August 31, 2012:

Terminal Exchange	Metal	Long/ Short	# of Lots	Standard Lot Size	Total Weight	Range or Amount of Hedge Rates Per MT/lb.	Total Contract Value at Inception (in thousands)
London Metal Exchange	Aluminum	Long	173	25 MT	4,325 MT	1,838.00 — 1,926.00	$	8,216
	Aluminum	Short	157	25 MT	3,925 MT	1,875.00 — 1,919.50	7,414
New York Mercantile Exchange	Copper	Long	51	25,000 lbs.	1,275,000 lbs.	336.70 — 346.90	4,378
	Copper	Short	449	25,000 lbs.	11,225,000 lbs.	329.05 — 354.25	38,593
	Natural Gas	Long	5	10,000 MMBtu	50,000 MMBtu	3.90	195
							$	58,796

MT = Metric ton

MMBtu = One million British thermal units

38

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of August 31, 2012. Deloitte & Touche LLP has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; their attestation report is included on page 40 of this Form 10-K.

39

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Commercial Metals Company

Irving, Texas

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of August 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended August 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated October 30, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Dallas, Texas

October 30, 2012

40

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Commercial Metals Company

Irving, Texas

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of August 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2012. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries at August 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated October 30, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Dallas, Texas

October 30, 2012

41

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands, except share data)	2012			2011			2010
Net sales	$	7,828,440		$	7,863,345		$	6,276,928
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	7,108,938			7,213,674			5,851,373
Selling, general and administrative expenses	486,606			516,778			508,997
Impairment of assets	607			24,466			3,766
Interest expense	69,496			69,821			74,181
	7,665,647			7,824,739			6,438,317
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	162,793			38,606			(161,389		)
Income taxes (benefit)	(46,190		)	19,328			(61,942		)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	208,983			19,278			(99,447		)
Loss from discontinued operations before taxes	(9,912		)	(151,670		)	(102,979		)
Income taxes (benefit)	(8,419		)	(2,988		)	2,682
Loss from discontinued operations	(1,493		)	(148,682		)	(105,661		)
Net earnings (loss)	207,490			(129,404		)	(205,108		)
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	6			213			236
Net earnings (loss) attributable to CMC	$	207,484		$	(129,617	)	$	(205,344	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	1.80		$	0.16		$	(0.88	)
Loss from discontinued operations	(0.01		)	(1.29		)	(0.93		)
Net earnings (loss)	$	1.79		$	(1.13	)	$	(1.81	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	1.79		$	0.16		$	(0.88	)
Loss from discontinued operations	(0.01		)	(1.28		)	(0.93		)
Net earnings (loss)	$	1.78		$	(1.12	)	$	(1.81	)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

42

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
	August 31,
(in thousands, except share data)	2012			2011
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	262,422		$	222,390
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,480 and $16,095)	958,364			956,852
Inventories, net	807,923			908,338
Other	211,122			238,673
Total current assets	2,239,831			2,326,253
Property, plant and equipment:
Land	79,123			93,496
Buildings and improvements	483,708			507,797
Equipment	1,656,328			1,666,682
Construction in process	41,036			42,499
	2,260,195			2,310,474
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,265,891		)	(1,198,459		)
	994,304			1,112,015
Goodwill	76,897			77,638
Other assets	130,214			167,225
Total assets	$	3,441,246		$	3,683,131
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable-trade	$	433,132		$	585,289
Accounts payable-documentary letters of credit	95,870			170,683
Accrued expenses and other payables	343,337			377,774
Notes payable	24,543			6,200
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,252			58,908
Total current liabilities	901,134			1,198,854
Deferred income taxes	20,271			49,572
Other long-term liabilities	116,261			106,560
Long-term debt	1,157,073			1,167,497
Total liabilities	2,194,739			2,522,483
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock	—			—
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued 129,060,664 shares; outstanding 116,351,424 and 115,533,763 shares	1,290			1,290
Additional paid-in capital	365,778			371,616
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(18,136		)	59,473
Retained earnings	1,145,445			993,578
Less treasury stock, 12,709,240 and 13,526,901 shares at cost	(248,009		)	(265,532		)
Stockholders’ equity attributable to CMC	1,246,368			1,160,425
Stockholders’ equity attributable to noncontrolling interests	139			223
Total equity	1,246,507			1,160,648
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,441,246		$	3,683,131

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

43

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$	207,490		$	(129,404	)	$	(205,108	)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	137,310			159,576			168,934
Provision for losses (recoveries) on receivables, net	(2,463		)	306			(2,582		)
Share-based compensation	13,125			12,893			13,132
Amortization of interest rate swaps termination gain	(5,815		)	—			—
Deferred income taxes (benefit)	(59,999		)	(19,856		)	59,286
Tax benefits from stock plans	(1,968		)	(2,355		)	(4,033		)
Net gain on sale of assets and other	(11,932		)	(1,315		)	(4,740		)
Write-down of inventory	13,917			25,503			53,203
Asset impairment	3,316			120,145			35,041
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	68,260			(168,779		)	(106,402		)
Accounts receivable sold (repurchased), net	(77,116		)	78,297			10,239
Decrease (increase) in inventories	53,449			(200,204		)	(60,612		)
Decrease (increase) in other assets	5,001			73,382			(94,313		)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses, other payables and income taxes	(157,025		)	82,642			186,952
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	10,443			(3,084		)	(4,087		)
Net cash flows from operating activities	195,993			27,747			44,910
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(113,853		)	(73,215		)	(127,121		)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other	55,360			53,394			22,887
Proceeds from the sale of equity method investments	—			10,802			—
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			(48,386		)	(2,448		)
Decrease (increase) in deposit for letters of credit	31,053			(4,123		)	(26,930		)
Net cash flows used by investing activities	(27,440		)	(61,528		)	(133,612		)
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in documentary letters of credit	(74,493		)	(55,950		)	117,423
Short-term borrowings, net change	18,607			(10,253		)	14,636
Repayments on long-term debt	(64,801		)	(33,577		)	(29,939		)
Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps	52,733			—			—
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			—			22,438
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(81		)	9,615			10,494
Cash dividends	(55,617		)	(55,177		)	(54,489		)
Tax benefits from stock plans	1,968			2,355			4,033
Contribution from (purchase of) noncontrolling interests	(55		)	(4,027		)	21
Net cash flows from (used by) financing activities	(121,739		)	(147,014		)	84,617
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(6,782		)	3,872			(2,205		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	40,032			(176,923		)	(6,290		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	222,390			399,313			405,603
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	262,422		$	222,390		$	399,313

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

44

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Common Stock			Additional			Accumulated Other						Treasury Stock					Non-
(in thousands, except share data)	Number of Shares	Amount		Paid-In Capital			Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Number of Shares		Amount			Controlling Interests			Total
Balance, September 1, 2009	129,060,664	$	1,290	$	380,737		$	34,257		$	1,438,205		(16,487,231	)	$	(324,796	)	$	2,371		$	1,532,064
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)										(205,344		)						236			(205,108		)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment							(45,607		)									10			(45,597		)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $150							(79		)												(79		)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $620							(1,097		)												(1,097		)
Comprehensive loss																					(251,881		)
Cash dividends										(54,489		)									(54,489		)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures				(24,594		)							1,751,916		35,088						10,494
Share-based compensation				13,132																	13,132
Tax benefits from stock plans				4,033																	4,033
Contribution from noncontrolling interests																		21			21
Balance, August 31, 2010	129,060,664	$	1,290	$	373,308		$	(12,526	)	$	1,178,372		(14,735,315	)	$	(289,708	)	$	2,638		$	1,253,374
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)										(129,617		)						$213			(129,404		)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment							72,987														72,987
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $119							(195		)												(195		)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $28							(793		)												(793		)
Comprehensive loss																					(57,405		)
Cash dividends										(55,177		)									(55,177		)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures				(14,561		)							1,208,414		24,176						9,615
Share-based compensation				11,913																	11,913
Tax benefits from stock plans				2,355																	2,355
Purchase of noncontrolling interest				(1,399		)												(2,628		)	(4,027		)
Balance at August 31, 2011	129,060,664	$	1,290	$	371,616		$	59,473		$	993,578		(13,526,901	)	$	(265,532	)	$	223		$	1,160,648
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings										207,484								6			207,490
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustment							(76,306		)												(76,306		)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $472							(967		)												(967		)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $413							(336		)												(336		)
Comprehensive income																					129,881
Cash dividends										(55,617		)									(55,617		)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures				(17,604		)							817,661		17,523						(81		)
Share-based compensation				9,763																	9,763
Tax benefits from stock plans				1,968																	1,968
Purchase of noncontrolling interests				35														(90		)	(55		)
Balance at August 31, 2012	129,060,664	$	1,290	$	365,778		$	(18,136	)	$	1,145,445		(12,709,240	)	$	(248,009	)	$	139		$	1,246,507

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

45

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Nature of Operations Commercial Metals Company (“CMC”) and its consolidated subsidiaries (CMC and such subsidiaries, collectively, the “Company”) manufactures, recycles and markets steel and metal products, related materials and services. Its domestic recycling facilities, mills, fabrication facilities, and markets are primarily located in the U.S. sunbelt from the mid-Atlantic area through the west. Additionally, the Company operates steel minimills and fabrication shops in Poland, and processing facilities in Australia. Through its global marketing offices, the Company markets and distributes steel and nonferrous metal products and other industrial products worldwide.

Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.

Investments in 20% to 50% owned affiliates with respect to which the Company has the ability to exercise a significant influence over the operating and financial policies are accounted for on the equity method. All investments under 20% are accounted for under the cost method. In 2011, the Company sold all remaining interests in affiliates accounted for under the equity method.

Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make significant estimates regarding assets and liabilities and associated revenues and expenses. Actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes sales when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered based upon the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When the Company estimates that a contract with a customer will result in a loss, the Company accrues the entire loss as soon as it is probable and estimable. The Company accounts for fabrication projects based on the percentage of completion accounting method. As of August 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded in its accounts receivable unbilled revenue related to fabrication projects of $19.2 million and $13.2 million, respectively.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect its estimate of the uncollectability of accounts receivable. These reserves are based on historical trends, current market conditions and customers’ financial condition.

Credit Risk The Company maintains both corporate and divisional credit departments. Credit limits are set for each customer. Some of the Company’s divisions use credit insurance or letters of credit to ensure prompt payment in accordance with terms of sale. Generally, collateral is not required. The Company’s accounts receivable were secured by credit insurance or letters of credit in the amount of approximately 60% and 64% of total receivables at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers temporary investments that are short-term (with original maturities of three months or less) and highly liquid to be cash equivalents.

Inventories The Company records all inventories at the lower of their cost or market value. Inventory cost for most domestic inventories is determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method; cost of international and remaining inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.

Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, consumable production supplies, maintenance, production, wages and transportation costs. Additionally, the costs of departments that support production, including materials management and quality control, are allocated to inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Provision for amortization of leasehold improvements are made at annual rates based upon the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or terms of the leases. Major maintenance is expensed as incurred.

46

At August 31, 2012, the useful lives used for depreciation and amortization were as follows:

Buildings	7	to	40	years
Land improvements	3	to	25	years
Leasehold improvements	3	to	15	years
Equipment	3	to	25	years

Goodwill The Company tests for impairment of goodwill by estimating the fair value of each reporting unit compared to its carrying value. The Company’s reporting units are based on its internal reporting structure and represent an operating segment or a reporting level below an operating segment.

Additionally, the reporting units are aggregated based on similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services, nature of production processes, type of customers and distribution methods. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to calculate the fair value of its reporting units. The model includes a number of significant assumptions and estimates regarding future cash flows including discount rates, volumes, prices, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by adverse changes in market conditions. The Company performs the goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter each fiscal year or when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred.

As of August 31, 2012, $51.3 million of goodwill was associated with one of the Company's reporting units, which consists of our Americas Fabrication reporting segment excluding the construction services division. As of August 31, 2012, the Company estimates that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeds the carrying value by approximately 30%. The fair value of this reporting unit could be adversely affected by prolonged weakness in US construction activity, volatility in the price of ferrous scrap, and global economic recession.

Goodwill at the other reporting units is not material and the fair value of these reporting units exceeds their respective carrying values.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted future cash flows from operations. If an impairment exists, the net book values are reduced to fair values as warranted.

Deposits for Letters of Credit The Company purchases insurance for certain exposures including workers' compensation, auto liability and general liability, as well as property damage and business interruption, which include specified deductibles. The retained or self-insurance components of these programs are secured by letters of credit which were collateralized by cash deposit of $31.1 million included in current assets at August 31, 2011. The Company maintained stand-by letters of credit of $30.3 million for these programs at August 31, 2012. The stand-by letters of credit reduced our availability under the Company credit facilities.

Environmental Costs The Company accrues liabilities for environmental investigation and remediation costs when it is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Environmental costs are based upon estimates regarding the sites for which the Company will be responsible, the scope and cost of work to be performed at each site, the portion of costs that will be shared with other parties and the timing of remediation. Where timing and amounts cannot be reasonably determined, a range is estimated and the lower end of the range is recorded.

Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes stock-based transactions at fair value in the financial statements. The fair value of each stock-based award is estimated at the date of grant using either the Black-Scholes pricing model or a binomial model. Total compensation cost is amortized over the requisite service period using the accelerated method of amortization for grants with graded vesting or using the straight-line method for grants with cliff vesting.

Accounts Payable — Documentary Letters of Credit In order to facilitate certain trade transactions, the Company utilizes documentary letters of credit to provide assurance of payment to its suppliers. These letters of credit may be for prompt payment or for payment at a future date conditional upon the bank determining the documentation presented to be in strict compliance with all terms and conditions of the letter of credit. The banks issue these letters of credit under informal, uncommitted lines of credit which are in addition to the Company’s contractually committed revolving credit agreement. In some cases, if the Company’s suppliers choose to discount the future dated obligation, the Company may pay the discount cost.

Income Taxes The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. The principal differences are described in Note 13, Income Tax. Benefits from tax credits are reflected currently in earnings. The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company records income tax positions based on a more likely than not threshold that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities having full knowledge of all relevant

47

information.

Foreign Currencies The functional currency of most of the Company’s European marketing and distribution operations is the euro. The functional currencies of the Company’s Australian, Polish, United Kingdom and certain Chinese and Singaporean operations are their local currencies. The Company's remaining international subsidiaries’ functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains (losses) from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies, recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, were $2.2 million, $7.1 million and $(2.7) million for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments The Company records derivative instruments on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses from the changes in the values of the derivative instruments and hedged items are recorded in the statements of operations, or are deferred if they are designated for hedge accounting and are highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items during the term of the hedge.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company reports comprehensive income (loss) in its consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings (loss) plus gains and losses affecting stockholders’ equity that, under generally accepted accounting principles, are excluded from net earnings (loss), such as gains and losses related to certain derivative instruments, defined benefit plan obligations and translation effect of foreign currency assets and liabilities, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, is comprised of the following:

(in thousands)	2012			2011
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(17,369	)	$	58,937
Unrealized gain on derivatives	3,710			4,677
Defined benefit obligations	(4,477		)	(4,141		)
Total	$	(18,136	)	$	59,473

Recent Accounting Pronouncements In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") on accounting and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The guidance limits the highest-and-best-use measure to nonfinancial assets, permits certain financial assets and liabilities with offsetting positions in market or counter party credit risks to be measured at a net basis, and provides guidance on the applicability of premiums and discounts. Additionally, the guidance expands the disclosures on Level 3 unobservable inputs. Adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In June 2011, new accounting guidance was issued which amends the disclosure requirements for presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance requires presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance also required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. However, in December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. The implementation of this amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance on the assessment of goodwill impairment. This guidance allows companies to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before performing the two-step goodwill impairment test. The provisions of the new guidance were effective for our 2012 annual goodwill impairment test and guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance enhancing disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity's right to offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The new guidance requires the disclosure of the gross amounts subject to rights of set-off, amounts offset in accordance with the accounting standards followed, and the related net exposure. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning fiscal year 2014. We do not anticipate material impacts on our financial statements upon adoption.

In July 2012, the FASB issued amended guidance that simplifies how entities test indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment. After an assessment of certain qualitative factors, if more likely than not that an indefinite-lived asset is impaired, entities must perform the quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, the quantitative test is optional. The amended

48

guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial results.

NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

Acquisitions For the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2010, the Company did not have any material business acquisitions.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company completed the purchase of G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd., based in Melbourne, Australia (“G.A.M.”) for $48.4 million. G.A.M. is a leading distributor and processor of steel long products and plate, servicing the structural fabrication, rural and manufacturing segments in the state of Victoria. The acquisition of G.A.M. complements the Company’s existing national long products distribution investments in Australia.

The following is a summary of the allocation of the total purchase price, as of the date of acquisition:

(in thousands)	Total
Accounts receivable	$	16,758
Inventories	21,574
Other current assets	146
Property, plant and equipment	8,229
Goodwill	5,047
Intangible assets	4,708
Other assets	1,566
Liabilities	(9,642		)
Net assets acquired	$	48,386

The intangible assets acquired include customer bases and trade names which are being amortized over seven years.

Dispositions During the first quarter of 2012, the Company completed the sale of two properties that were previously joist and deck locations included in discontinued operations in the statement of operations.

Effective June 1, 2012, the Company completed the sale of all of the outstanding shares of our steel pipe manufacturing operation in Croatia ("CMCS") for $30.6 million, of which $3.1 million will be paid when certain conditions are met. As part of the share sale, certain assets were excluded from the transaction. On June 13, 2012, the Company completed the sale of a portion of the excluded assets for $6.7 million. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a $13.8 million pre-tax gain for these transactions, including a foreign currency translation gain of $7.5 million. During 2012 all amounts related to CMCS are included in discontinued operations in the statement of operations The remaining CMCS assets excluded from these transactions were sold on September 21, 2012 for $3.9 million with no impact to the statement of operations.

The Company sold the rebar fabrication shop in Rosslau, Germany for $11.3 million which resulted in a fourth quarter loss of $3.8 million included in continuing operations on the statement of operations.

During the first quarter of 2011, Construction Services, a division of a subsidiary of the Company, completed the sale of heavy forming and shoring equipment for $35 million included in continued operations in the statement of operations. During 2011, the Company completed the sale of the majority of the joist assets resulting in a gain of $1.9 million included in discontinued operations in the statement of operations.

During 2010, the Company completed the sale of the majority of the deck assets resulting in a gain of $2.6 million and LIFO income of $1.9 million from the liquidation of the LIFO reserve included in discontinued operations in the statement of operations.

NOTE 4. SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

The Company has a sale of accounts receivable program which expires on December 26, 2014. Under the program, the Company periodically contributes, and several of its subsidiaries periodically sell without recourse, certain eligible trade accounts receivable to the Company’s wholly-owned consolidated special purpose subsidiary, CMC Receivables, Inc. (“CMCRV”). CMCRV is structured to be a bankruptcy-remote entity and was formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling receivables generated by the Company. Depending on the Company’s level of financing needs, CMCRV sells the trade accounts receivable in their entirety to two third party financial institutions. The third party financial institutions advance up to a maximum of $200 million for all receivables and the remaining portion due to the Company is deferred until the ultimate collection of the underlying receivables. The Company accounts for sales to the financial institutions as true sales and the cash advances for receivables are removed from the consolidated balance sheets and reflected as cash provided by operating activities. Additionally, the receivables program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could

49

occur if the Company defaulted under certain of its credit arrangements. The covenants contained in the receivables purchase agreement are consistent with the credit facility described in Note 10, Credit Arrangements.

At August 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, the Company sold $406.9 million and $557.0 million of receivables, respectively, to the third party financial institutions, and received $10.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, as advance payments. The remaining amounts of $396.9 million and $507.0 million, respectively, are the deferred purchase prices, and are included as trade receivables on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

In addition to the domestic sale of accounts receivable program described above, the Company’s international subsidiaries in Europe and Australia periodically sell accounts receivable without recourse. These arrangements constitute true sales, and once the accounts are sold, they are no longer available to the Company’s creditors in the event of bankruptcy. Uncollected accounts receivable sold under these arrangements and removed from the consolidated balance sheets were $95.1 million and $132.2 million as of August 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, respectively. The Australian program contains financial covenants in which the subsidiary must meet certain coverage and tangible net worth levels, as defined. At August 31, 2012, the Australian subsidiary was not in compliance with these covenants. The Company provided a guarantee of the Australian subsidiary’s performance resulting in the financial covenants being waived at August 31, 2012. The guarantee will cease to be effective when the Australian subsidiary is in compliance with the financial covenants for two consecutive quarters.

During 2012 and 2011, proceeds from the domestic and international sales of receivables were $1.9 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, and cash payments to the owners of receivables were $1.9 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. The Company is responsible for servicing the receivables for a nominal servicing fee. Discounts on domestic and international sales of accounts receivable were $6.4 million, $5.1 million and $4.0 million for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011 and 2010, respectively. These discounts primarily represented the costs of funds and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

NOTE 5. INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost for most domestic inventories is determined by the LIFO method. LIFO inventory reserves were $261.8 million and $307.3 million at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Inventory cost for international inventories and the remaining domestic inventories are determined by the FIFO method.

At August 31, 2012 and 2011, 55% and 49%, respectively, of total inventories were valued at LIFO. The remainder of inventories, valued at FIFO, consisted mainly of material dedicated to CMC Zawiercie S.A. (“CMCZ”) and certain marketing and distribution businesses.

The majority of the Company’s inventories are in the form of finished goods with minimal work in process. At August 31, 2012 and 2011, $68.0 million and $107.7 million, respectively, were in raw materials.

During 2012 and 2010, inventory in certain LIFO pools was reduced. This reduction resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared with the cost of current purchases. The effect for 2012 increased net earnings by $1.0 million. During 2011, there was no liquidation of LIFO inventories. The effect for 2010 decreased net loss by $33.9 million.

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
Balance at August 31, 2010	$	7,267	$	295	$	57,144	$	2,820		$	4,054		$	71,580
G.A.M. acquisition	—		—		—		—			5,047			5,047
Translation	—		—		—		272			739			1,011
Balance at August 31, 2011	7,267		295		57,144		3,092			9,840			77,638
Translation	—		—		—		(407		)	(334		)	(741		)
Balance at August 31, 2012	$	7,267	$	295	$	57,144	$	2,685		$	9,506		$	76,897

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The following intangible assets subject to amortization are included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of August 31:

	2012						2011
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Customer base	$	33,928	$	17,133	$	16,795	$	34,128	$	12,714	$	21,414
Non-competition agreements	—		—		—		4,183		3,281		902
Favorable land leases	6,133		527		5,606		7,063		521		6,542
Brand name	4,113		1,394		2,719		4,207		803		3,404
Other	101		31		70		101		25		76
Total	$	44,275	$	19,085	$	25,190	$	49,682	$	17,344	$	32,338

Excluding goodwill, there are no other significant intangible assets with indefinite lives. Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $5.9 million, $9.9 million, and $11.2 million, respectively. At August 31, 2012, the weighted average remaining useful lives of these intangible assets, excluding the favorable land leases in Poland, were five years. The weighted average lives of the favorable land leases were 77 years. Estimated amounts of amortization expense for the next five years are as follows:

Year	(in thousands)
2013	$	4,928
2014	4,880
2015	4,827
2016	3,191
2017	747

NOTE 7. IMPAIRMENT AND FACILITY CLOSURE COSTS

The Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Facility closures and changes in market conditions and economic environment could impact future operating results and cash flows.

Asset impairment and facility closure costs were not significant for 2012.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company prepared an impairment analysis on its steel pipe manufacturing operation at CMCS based on the following impairment indicators: management determined that improvements in key operating areas could not be achieved and maintained without additional capital expenditures; CMCS could not achieve adequate market share for billets as the mill is currently designed; the down-turn in global economy, especially debt issues in Europe, further delayed recovery and will likely result in continued losses in future years; accession of Croatia to the European Union which is required to allow the operation to be competitive was further delayed until 2013 or mid-2014; and uncertainties in the Middle East and North Africa, the primary markets for CMCS. As a result, the Company recorded impairment charges of $110.6 million to impair the CMCS operation. The operations of CMCS were previously included as part of the International Mill segment and were classified as discontinued operations during 2012 for all periods presented.

Additionally, the Company decided to close certain rebar fabrication and construction services locations and the Company’s fabrication operation in Germany during the fourth quarter of 2011. As a result, the Company recorded impairment charges for these locations. Additionally, the Company determined that based on current market conditions and operating results as part of the Company’s annual budget process, one of the Company’s rebar fabrication customer base intangible assets was not recoverable. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge to reduce the customer base intangible to its estimated fair value. The rebar and construction services operations are included as part of the Americas Fabrication segment and the German fabrication operation is included as part of the International Mill segment.

The impairment of property, plant and equipment was based on the fair values calculated by independent appraisals. The fair values include estimated cost to sell the assets. The construction services locations are leased properties. Lease termination costs represent the estimated fair value of future lease payments less any sub-lease income which the Company recorded at the cease use date of the leased property.

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In connection with these actions, the following pre-tax charges were recorded in 2011:

	(in thousands)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and other assets	$	106,655
Impairment of customer list intangible asset	12,140
Write-down of inventory	8,500
Severance costs	5,051
Lease termination costs	2,196
Other closure costs	7,700

NOTE 8. SEVERANCE

The Company recorded consolidated severance costs of $25.6 million, $8.2 million and $21.5 million during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These severance costs related to involuntary employee terminations initiated as part of the Company’s focus on operating expense management and reductions in headcount to meet then-current production levels. The severance costs recorded during 2012 primarily relate to the Company’s discontinued operations. During 2011, the Company closed several locations which resulted in involuntary employee termination benefits. These termination benefits have been included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of August 31, 2012 and 2011, the remaining liability to be paid in the future related to termination benefits was $2.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively.

NOTE 9. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company announced its decision to exit CMCS by closure of the facility and sale of the assets. The Company determined that the decision to exit this business met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, this business has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods. During the first quarter of 2012, this division recorded severance costs of $18.0 million associated with exiting the business. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company shipped all production orders and in the third quarter of 2012 liquidated all remaining inventory. This operation was in the International Mill segment. See Note 3, Acquisition and Dispositions for sale details.

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company’s Board approved a plan to exit the joist and deck business through the sale of those facilities. The Company determined that the decision to exit this business met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, this business has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods. The Company recorded $26.8 million to impair property, plant and equipment, $4.5 million to write-off intangible assets and goodwill, and $7.4 million of inventory valuation adjustments in 2010. The Company recorded $11.7 million severance expense in 2010 associated with exiting the business. At August 31, 2012, the remaining assets consist of real property for two locations. The joist and deck business was in the Americas Fabrication segment. See Note 3, Acquisition and Dispositions for sale details.

As of August 31, 2012, the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations have been presented as held for sale and included in other current assets and accrued expenses and other payables on the consolidated balance sheets. Financial information for discontinued operations is as follows:

(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
At August 31,
Current assets	$	6,601		$	52,272		$	67,291
Noncurrent assets	—			51,659			127,837
Current liabilities	—			41,115			30,474
Noncurrent liabilities	—			13,653			19,544
Fiscal Year Ended
Revenue	30,567			56,854			152,145
Earnings (loss) before taxes	(9,912		)	(151,670		)	(102,979		)

NOTE 10. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

During the second quarter of 2012, the Company entered into a third amended and restated credit agreement which reduced the availability under our revolving credit facility from $400 million to $300 million and extended the maturity date to December 27, 2016. The maximum availability under this facility can be increased to $400 million with the consent of both parties. The program’s capacity is reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit which totaled $28.9 million at August 31,

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2012. Under the credit facility, the Company was required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio (adjusted EBITDA to interest expense, as each is defined in the facility) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 for the twelve month cumulative period ended August 31, 2012. Beginning for the twelve month cumulative period ending November 30, 2012, the Company is required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.00 to 1.00 and for each fiscal quarter on a rolling twelve month cumulative period thereafter. At August 31, 2012, the Company’s interest coverage ratio was 5.15 to 1.00. The agreement also requires the Company to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio not greater than 0.60 to 1.00. At August 31, 2012, the Company’s debt to capitalization ratio was 0.51 to 1.00. The agreement provides for interest based on the LIBOR, the Eurodollar rate or Bank of America’s prime rate.

During the third quarter of 2011, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to hedge the fair value changes on its 6.50% notes due July 2017 (“2017 Notes”). During the third quarter of 2010, the Company entered into interest rate swap transactions on its 5.625% notes due November 2013 (“2013 Notes”) and 7.35% notes due August 2018 (“2018 Notes”). The swap transactions were designated as fair value hedges at inception and effectively converted all fixed-rate interest to floating rate interest on the Company’s 2013 Notes, and effectively converted fixed-rate interest to floating rate interest with respect to $300 million in principal amount on each of the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company terminated its existing interest rate swap transactions and received cash proceeds of approximately $53 million, net of customary finance charges. The resulting gain is being deferred and amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the respective debt tranches. At August 31, 2012, the unamortized portion was $46.9 million and the amortization of the deferred gain was $5.8 million for the year ended August 31, 2012.

The Company has uncommitted credit facilities available from domestic and international banks. In general, these credit facilities are used to support trade letters of credit (including accounts payable settled under bankers’ acceptances as described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies), foreign exchange transactions and short-term advances which are priced at market rates.

Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps in 2012 and the net effect of interest rate swap revaluation adjustment in 2011, was as follows as of August 31:

(in thousands)	Weighted Average Interest Rate as of August 31, 2012	2012		2011
$200 million notes at 5.625% due November 2013	3.5%	$	204,873	$	207,752
$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017	5.7%	414,491		414,198
$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018	6.4%	527,554		526,699
Other, including equipment notes		14,407		10,632
CMCZ term note		—		48,648
CMCS financing agreement		—		18,476
		1,161,325		1,226,405
Less current maturities		4,252		58,908
		$	1,157,073	$	1,167,497

Interest on the notes is payable semiannually.

The CMCS financing agreement was used for capital expenditures and other uses. The note had scheduled principal and interest payments in semiannual installments and was repaid during the third quarter of 2012.

The CMCZ term note was repaid during the first quarter of 2012. Subsequently, CMCZ entered into current uncommitted credit facilities of $76.9 million with several banks, which expire in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. At August 31, 2012, $24.5 million was outstanding under these facilities and included in notes payable on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The weighted average interest rate on these facilities was 5.9% at August 31, 2012. The outstanding balance at August 31, 2011 is included in current maturities of long-term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

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The scheduled maturities of the Company’s long-term debt for the years ended August 31 are as follows:

(in thousands)
2013	$	4,252
2014	203,437
2015	3,074
2016	1,613
2017	401,104
Thereafter	500,927
Total excluding deferred gain of interest rate swaps	$	1,114,407
Deferred gain of interest rate swaps	46,918
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$	1,161,325

Interest of $1.3 million, $0.8 million and $4.5 million was capitalized in the cost of property, plant and equipment constructed in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest of $74.1 million, $71.4 million and $80.0 million was paid in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

NOTE 11. DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company’s worldwide operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metals 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 metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated declines in gross margin due to the volatility of the commodities’ prices, enters into foreign currency forward contracts that match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and enters into natural gas forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in operating cost due to the volatility of natural gas prices. When sales commitments to customers include a fixed price freight component, the Company occasionally enters into freight forward contracts to reduce the effects of the volatility of ocean freight rates. The Company had entered into interest rate swap contracts to maintain the majority of the Company’s debt obligations at variable interest rates. These interest rate swap contracts, under which the Company has agreed to pay variable rates of interest and receive fixed rates of interest, are designated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate debt. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company terminated its existing interest rate swap transactions having a notional value of $800 million. See Note 10, Credit Arrangements for additional information. 

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 statements of operations, and there were no components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011. Certain of the 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 (underlying) items recognized within the statements of operations (in thousands) for the years ended August 31:

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location	2012			2011			2010
Commodity	Cost of goods sold	$	4,496		$	(10,857	)	$	(5,745	)
Foreign exchange	Net sales	(199		)	38			(898		)
Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold	(537		)	1,412			(1,153		)
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	(872		)	(8,025		)	32
Gain (loss) before taxes		$	2,888		$	(17,432	)	$	(7,764	)

The Company’s fair value hedges are designated for accounting purposes with gains and losses on the hedged (underlying) items offsetting the gain or loss on the related derivative transaction. Hedged (underlying) items relate to firm commitments on commercial sales and purchases and capital expenditures. As of August 31, 2011, fair value hedge accounting for interest rate swap contracts increased the carrying value of debt instruments by $48.6 million.

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Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments		August 31,
	Location	2012		2011			2010
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	$	383	$	(15,053	)	(4,194	)
Interest rate	Interest expense	10,561		33,485			32,438
Gain before taxes		$	10,944	$	18,432		28,244

Hedged (Underlying) Items Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments		August 31,
	Location	2012			2011			2010
Foreign exchange	Net sales	$	—		$	91		39
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	(383		)	14,955			4,147
Interest rate	Interest expense	(10,561		)	(33,485		)	(32,438	)
Loss before taxes		$	(10,944	)	$	(18,439	)	(28,252	)

The Company recognized the impact of actual and estimated net periodic settlements of current interest on active interest rate swaps as adjustments to interest expense. The Company recorded a reduction to interest expense related to interest rate swaps of $6.5 million, $15.7 million and $5.7 million for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These amounts represent the net of the Company’s periodic variable-rate interest obligations and the swap counterparty’s fixed-rate interest obligations. The Company’s variable-rate obligations are based on a spread from the six-month LIBOR.

Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	August 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Commodity	$	—		$	26	27
Foreign exchange	(1,545		)	797		264
Gain (loss), net of taxes	$	(1,545	)	$	823	291

Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		August 31,
	Location	2012			2011		2010
Commodity	Cost of  goods sold	$	27		$	195	(7	)
Foreign exchange	Net sales	(826		)	—		—
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	(300		)	365		(81	)
Interest rate	Interest expense	521			458		458
Gain (loss), net of taxes		$	(578	)	$	1,018	370

The Company’s derivative instruments were recorded at their respective fair values as follows on the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands) for the year ended August 31:

Derivative Assets	2012		2011
Commodity — designated	$	—	$	17
Commodity — not designated	407		2,329
Foreign exchange — designated	670		893
Foreign exchange — not designated	798		970
Current interest rate — designated	—		19,134
Long-term interest rate — designated	—		29,515
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)*	$	1,875	$	52,858

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Derivative Liabilities	2012		2011
Commodity — designated	$	2	$	—
Commodity — not designated	993		2,625
Foreign exchange — designated	1,272		805
Foreign exchange — not designated	1,248		2,258
Other — not designated	32		—
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses, other payables and long-term liabilities)*	$	3,547	$	5,688

 _________________ 

* Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged (underlying) items designated as fair value hedges.

As of August 31, 2012, 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 not entered into for trading purposes.

NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE

The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to 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. When available, the Company uses unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets to measure the fair value and classifies such items within Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use current market-based or independently sourced market parameters. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Fair value of nonqualified benefit plan liabilities in Level 2 is measured based on investments selections from plan participants. The following table summarizes 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)	August 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets  for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant  Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Money market investments	$	172,462	$	172,462	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets	1,875		407		1,468		—
Nonqualified benefit plan assets *	52,929		52,929		—		—
Derivative liabilities	3,547		993		2,554		—
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities *	76,952		—		76,952		—

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	August 31, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets  for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant  Other Observable  Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Money market investments	$	153,839	$	153,839	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets	52,858		2,329		50,529		—
Nonqualified benefit plan assets *	49,357		49,357		—		—
Derivative liabilities	5,688		2,625		3,063		—
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities *	81,167		—		81,167		—

 _________________ 

* The Company provides a nonqualified benefit restoration plan to certain eligible executives equal to amounts that would have been available under tax qualified ERISA plans but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Though under no obligation to fund this plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust. The plan assets and liabilities consist of securities included in various mutual funds.

Fair value of property, plant and equipment held for sale (Level 3) were $9.0 million based on appraised values less costs to sell at August 31, 2012. CMC does not have other assets or intangible assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at August 31, 2012. Impairment charges for property, plant and equipment were $3.3 million for the year ended August 31, 2012.

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The following table summarizes information regarding the Company's nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at August 31, 2011:

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	Year Ended August 31,		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Recognized
(in thousands)	2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Loss
Plant, property and equipment	$	56,795	$	—	$	—	$	56,795	$	89,448
Other assets	2,472		—		—		2,472		18,557
Intangible assets	3,271		—		—		3,271		12,140

The Company’s long-term debt is predominantly publicly held. The fair value was approximately $1.22 billion at August 31, 2012 and $1.24 billion at 2011. Fair value was determined by indicated market values.

NOTE 13. INCOME TAX

The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011			2010
United States	$	114,406	$	(21,377	)	$	(148,829	)
Foreign	48,387		59,983			(12,560		)
Total	$	162,793	$	38,606		$	(161,389	)

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations includes the following:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Current:
United States	$	1,560		$	23,452		$	(104,135	)
Foreign	419			352			(2,684		)
State and local	3,411			5,226			(18,581		)
Current taxes (benefit)	$	5,390		$	29,030		$	(125,400	)
Deferred:
United States	$	(65,710	)	$	(28,048	)	$	39,399
Foreign	7,130			9,742			34,749
State and local	(1,419		)	5,616			(8,008		)
Deferred taxes (benefit)	$	(59,999	)	$	(12,690	)	$	66,140
Total taxes (benefit) on income	$	(54,609	)	$	16,340		$	(59,260	)
Taxes (benefit) on discontinued operations	(8,419		)	(2,988		)	2,682
Taxes (benefit) on continuing operations	$	(46,190	)	$	19,328		$	(61,942	)

The Company paid taxes of $17.2 million in 2012. The Company had net tax refunds of $79.9 million and $38.4 million during the years ended 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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The tax effects of significant temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation and employee benefits	$	52,113		$	49,317
Net operating losses and credits	110,553			63,866
Reserves and other accrued expenses	41,516			44,683
Allowance for doubtful accounts	5,816			10,423
Inventory	1,881			3,603
Intangibles	9,668			11,098
Other	15,062			7,881
Total deferred tax assets	$	236,609		$	190,871
Valuation Allowance for deferred tax assets	(25,779		)	(75,289		)
Deferred tax assets, net	$	210,830		$	115,582
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	$	111,777		$	84,825
Other	5,012			5,996
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	116,789		$	90,821
Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities	$	94,041		$	24,761

Net operating losses giving rise to deferred tax assets consist of $217.2 million federal and $332.8 million state net operating losses that expire during the tax years ending from 2012 to 2032 and foreign net operating losses of $57.5 million that expire during the tax years ending from 2012 to 2017. These assets will be reduced as tax expense is recognized in future periods.

During the year ended August 31, 2012, the Company recorded a decrease to the valuation allowance in the amount of $49.5 million against deferred tax assets as well as the write off of net operating losses related to the disposition of CMCS. The decrease in the valuation allowance was offset by an increase for the benefit of net operating loss carryforwards in certain jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of their realization.

It is the Company’s intention to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which amounts to $472.5 million. As these earnings are considered permanently reinvested, no provisions for U.S. federal or state income taxes are required. Determination of the amount of unrecognized U.S. federal and state deferred tax liabilities on these unremitted earnings is not practicable.

Reconciliations of the United States statutory rates to the effective rates from continuing operations were as follows:

	Year Ended August 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate of 35%	$	56,978		$	13,512		(56,486		)
State and local taxes	4,620			7,351			(12,530		)
Section 199 manufacturing deduction	—			(1,175		)	—
Foreign rate differential	(9,909		)	(9,617		)	(1,096		)
Change in valuation allowance	10,033			—			12,965
Liability for non-US earnings	—			8,848			—
Disposition of CMCS	(102,104		)	—			—
Research and experimentation tax credits	(11,500		)	—			—
Other	5,692			409			(4,795		)
Taxes (benefit) on continuing operations	$	(46,190	)	$	19,328		$	(61,942	)
Effective tax rates from continuing operations	(28.4		)%	50.1		%	38.4		%

The Company’s effective tax rate from discontinued operations for the years ended 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 84.9%, 2.0% and (2.6)%, respectively.

During the year ended August 31, 2012, the Company recognized a tax loss in the amount of $291 million related to its

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investments in its Croatian subsidiary. As a result, a tax benefit of $102.1 million was recorded from these losses in continuing operations for the year ended August 31, 2012. The Company will report and disclose the losses on these investments on its U.S. tax return as ordinary worthless stock and bad debt deductions. These tax benefits are the primary reason for the variance from the statutory tax rate of 35%. The Company also recorded a tax benefit of $11.5 million during the year ended August 31, 2012 related to federal and state research and experimentation expenditures.

As of August 31, 2012, gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $27.4 million and accrued interest and penalties totaled $2.0 million, for an aggregate gross amount of $29.4 million.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Balance at September 1	$	10,762		$	20,367		$	1,532
Change in tax positions of current year	—			2,440			1,640
Change for tax positions of prior years	18,006			(12,045		)	17,302
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities	(600		)	—			—
Reductions due to statute of limitations lapse	(784		)	—			(107		)
Balance at August 31	$	27,384		$	10,762		$	20,367

If these tax positions were recognized, the impact on the effective tax rate would not be significant.

The Company’s policy classifies interest recognized on an underpayment of income taxes and any statutory penalties recognized on a tax position as tax expense and the balances at the end of a reporting period are recorded as part of the current or noncurrent reserve for uncertain income tax positions. For the year ended August 31, 2012, before any tax benefits, the Company recorded an increase of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits of $0.5 million.

During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the statute of limitations may lapse pertaining to positions taken by the Company in prior year tax returns or that income tax audits in various taxing jurisdictions could be finalized. As a result, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease, which could reduce the liability for uncertain tax positions by approximately $12.2 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, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. The following is a summary of tax years subject to examination:

US Federal — 2009 and forward

US States — 2006 and forward

Foreign — 2005 and forward

During the year ended August 31, 2011, the Company settled an examination with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) related to 2006 to 2008 and recorded an expense of $0.8 million. The Company is also under examination by the IRS and state revenue authorities from 2009 to 2011. Management believes the Company's recorded tax liabilities as of August 31, 2012 sufficiently reflect the anticipated outcome of these examinations.

NOTE 14. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Share-Based Compensation The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $13.1 million, $12.9 million and $13.1 million as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At August 31, 2012, the Company had $22.8 million of total unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over three years.

Stock Incentive Plans The 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”) provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock and performance-based restricted units (“PSUs”). As of August 31, 2012, the Company had 3,831,278 shares available for future grants.

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The following table summarizes the total awards granted:

	Stock Options/SARs	Restricted Stock Awards/Units	Performance Awards
2012 Grants	927,312	829,001	693,472
2011 Grants	112,000	690,180	686,548
2010 Grants	126,000	961,518	340,000

Grants of stock options, SARs and restricted stock units generally vest over three years in increments of one-third per year. One of the restricted stock unit grants in 2010 vests over a four-year period in increments of one-half at the end of two years and one-half at the end of four years. Prior to vesting, restricted stock unit recipients do not receive an amount equivalent to any dividend declared on the Company’s common stock. Options and SARs expire seven years after the grant date. All awards are valued at the fair market value at the date of grant.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors approved a grant of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), SARs and PSUs to employees. The PSUs will vest upon the achievement of certain target levels of the performance goals and objectives of the Company over the performance period of approximately three years. The actual number of PSUs granted will be based on the level of achievement. Upon achievement of any of the performance goals, the awards will be paid out in cash. Additionally, a portion of the RSUs and SARs will be settled in cash. The Company accounts for the cash component of stock awards as a liability award and the liability is adjusted at each reporting period based on the share price of the Company’s common stock.

During 2011, the Committee of the Board of Directors approved a grant of PSUs. The PSUs will vest upon the achievement of certain target levels of the performance goals and objectives of the Company over the performance period of approximately three years. The actual number of performance awards granted will be based on the level of achievement. Upon achievement of any of the performance goals, the awards will be paid out 50% in shares of common stock of the Company and 50% in cash. The Company has accounted for the cash component of the performance award as a liability award and the value is adjusted to the current share price of common stock of the Company at each reporting period. Prior to vesting, the performance stock unit recipients do not receive an amount equivalent to any dividend declared on the Company’s common stock.

During 2010, the Committee approved an award of PSUs. The awards vest upon the following performance conditions: (i) 50% of the PSUs shall vest if the Company ranks at the 50th percentile on a total stockholders return basis as compared to its peer group with the total stockholder return based on the average of the closing prices on the principal market for each trading day for the month of June 2010 versus the average of the closing prices on the principal market for each trading day for the month of June 2013; and (ii) 100% of the performance units shall vest if the Company ranks at or greater than the 60th percentile on a total stockholder return basis as compared to its peer group with the total stockholder return based on the average of the closing prices on the principal market for each trading day for the month of June 2010 versus the average of the closing prices on the principal market for each trading day for the month of June 2013. Vesting will be calculated on a straight line interpolation basis for a rank on a total stockholder return basis as compared to our Peer Group between the 50th percentile (at a vesting percentage of 50%) and 60th percentile (with a vesting percentage of 100%) with the total stockholder return based on the average of the closing prices for the month of June 2010 versus the average of the closing prices for the month of June 2013. The determination of whether any vesting criteria have been met is to be made by the Committee. The binomial model was used for these awards. The unvested units will be forfeited on the earlier of the date of the participant’s termination of service or June 30, 2013.

During 2009, the Committee approved an award of PSUs. The awards would vest upon achievement of certain performance conditions. On May 19, 2012, the Committee determined that the vesting criteria had not been met and the unvested units were forfeited.

The 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (“1999 Plan”) provides for grants of either non-qualified stock options, restricted stock or restricted stock units. Awards granted to non-employee directors under the 1999 Plan vest over a two-year period. Prior to vesting, restricted stock award recipients receive an amount equivalent to any dividend declared on the Company’s common stock.

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Combined information for shares subject to options and SARs, excluding the cash component is as follows:

	Number		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	2,807,498		$	27.45
Granted	828,463		11.63
Exercised	(361,478	)	12.34
Forfeited/Expired	(343,991	)	27.78
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	2,930,492		$	24.81	3.3 years	1,104,590
Exercisable at August 31, 2012	2,099,547		$	29.90	2.1 years	223,246

The total intrinsic value of options and SARs exercised during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $0.4 million, $7.4 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

The Black-Scholes pricing model was used for stock options and SARs and the following weighted average assumptions were used for grants in the years ended August 31:

	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest rate	0.43		%	0.59		%	0.86		%
Expected life, years	3.0			2.0			2.0
Expected volatility	59		%	56		%	80		%
Expected dividend yield	4.14		%	2.85		%	3.42		%
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share	$	3.67		$	4.63		$	5.43

Information for restricted stock awards and PSUs (excluding the cash component of PSUs) is as follows:

	Number		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	2,394,140		$	13.44
Granted	489,118		10.68
Vested	(773,947	)	13.90
Forfeited	(425,739	)	10.56
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	1,683,572		$	13.16

The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of restricted stock awards and PSUs was $15.55 and $12.89 for 2011 and 2010, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $10.7 million, $2.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

The binomial model was used for performance-based awards granted in 2010:

	2010
Risk-free interest rate	1.31	%
Expected life, years	3.0
Expected volatility	71	%
Expected dividend yield	—

Share-Based Liability Awards The Company granted 1,132,204 equivalent shares in cash-settled awards during the year ended August 31, 2012.  These awards vest upon the achievement of performance goals and objectives of the Company over the performance period.  The Company has accounted for these awards as a liability and the value is adjusted to the current share price of common stock of the Company at each reporting period.  As of August 31, 2012, the Company had 1,420,608 equivalent shares in awards outstanding.   The Company expects 1,248,280 equivalent shares to vest based upon the probable achievement of the performance goals and objectives.

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Stock Purchase Plan Almost all U.S. resident employees with one year of service at the beginning of each calendar year may participate in the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. Each eligible employee may purchase up to 400 shares annually. The Board of Directors establishes the purchase discount from the market price. The discount was 15% for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Yearly activity of the stock purchase plan is as follows:

	2012		2011		2010
Shares subscribed	299,210		339,620		526,890
Price per share	$	11.85	$	14.34	$	13.63
Shares purchased	198,300		357,180		980,940
Price per share	$	11.76	$	13.63	$	7.94
Shares available for future issuance	4,342,704

NOTE 15. CAPITAL STOCK

Treasury Stock CMC did not purchase any shares during the year ended August 31, 2012 and had remaining authorization to purchase 8,259,647 shares of its common stock at August 31, 2012.

Preferred Stock Preferred stock has a par value of $1.00 a share, with 2,000,000 shares authorized. It may be issued in series, and the shares of each series have such rights and preferences as may be fixed by CMC's Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Stockholder Rights Plan On July 30, 2011, CMC's Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan (“Rights Plan”) pursuant to which the Board declared a dividend to stockholders of record as of August 11, 2011, of one Preferred Stock Purchase Right (“Right”) on each outstanding share of CMC common stock. The Rights initially are represented by and trade with shares of CMC common stock. The Rights will not become exercisable or trade separately from shares of CMC common stock unless one or both of the following conditions are met: a public announcement that a person or group has acquired 10% or more of CMC common stock (including in the form of synthetic ownership through derivative positions), or a tender or exchange offer is made for 10% or more of CMC common stock. If either of these conditions is satisfied and the Rights become exercisable, each Right will entitle the holder to buy one one-thousandth of a share of CMC's Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $70. Each such fractional share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock will have economic and voting terms similar to those of one share of common stock. In addition, under certain circumstances, the Rights will entitle the holders to buy shares of CMC common stock or shares of an acquirer's stock at a 50% discount.

The Rights may be redeemed by CMC for $0.001 per Right at any time until the tenth day following the first public announcement of the acquisition of beneficial ownership of 10% of CMC common stock. The Rights Plan exempts any person or group owning 10% or more of CMC common stock as of the announcement of the Rights Plan. However, the Rights also will be exercisable if a person or group that owns 10% or more of CMC common stock as of such announcement acquires any additional shares (including through derivatives, but other than pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made by CMC or pursuant to a stock split or reclassification). The Rights Plan expires on August 1, 2014.

NOTE 16. EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT PLANS

Substantially all employees in the U.S. are covered by a defined contribution profit sharing and savings plan. This tax qualified plan is maintained and contributions made in accordance with ERISA. The Company also provides certain eligible executives’ benefits pursuant to a nonqualified benefit restoration plan (“BRP Plan”) equal to amounts that would have been available under the tax qualified ERISA plans, but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Company expenses, which are discretionary, for these plans were $13.0 million, $14.1 million and $19.4 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The deferred compensation liability under the BRP Plan was $77.0 million and $81.2 million at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and recorded in other long-term liabilities. Though under no obligation to fund the plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust with a current value at August 31, 2012 and 2011 of $52.9 million and $49.4 million, respectively, recorded in other long-term assets. The net holding gain on these segregated assets was $5.3 million, $6.5 million and $3.2 million for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

A certain number of employees, primarily outside of the U.S., participate in defined benefit plans maintained in accordance with local regulations. Company expenses for these plans were $2.2 million, $3.2 million and $2.4 million for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company provides post retirement defined benefits to employees at certain divisions and recognizes the unfunded status of defined benefit plans as a liability with a corresponding reduction to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes. At August 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s liability related to the unfunded status of the defined benefit plans was $5.1 million and $8.6 million, respectively.

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NOTE 17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Minimum lease commitments payable by the Company for noncancelable operating leases for the years ended August 31 are as follows:

(in thousands)	Equipment		Real Estate
2013	$	13,973	$	22,012
2014	8,856		20,553
2015	5,660		20,072
2016	4,859		14,646
2017	3,536		9,058

Total rental expense was $43.9 million, $45.9 million and $48.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Legal and Environmental Matters

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and government investigations, including environmental matters.

On September 18, 2008, the Company was served with a class action antitrust lawsuit alleging violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, brought by Standard Iron Works of Scranton, Pennsylvania, against nine steel manufacturing companies, including Commercial Metals Company. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price at which steel products were sold in the United States by artificially restricting the supply of such steel products. The lawsuit, which purports to be brought on behalf of a class consisting of all purchasers of steel products directly from the defendants between January 1, 2005 and September 2008, seeks treble damages and costs, including reasonable attorney fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. Document discovery has taken place but motions for class certification are not yet pending nor have any depositions been taken. The Company believes the case is without merit and intends to defend it vigorously.

Since the filing of the direct purchaser lawsuit, a case has been filed in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of a class of indirect purchasers in approximately 28 states naming the same defendants and containing allegations substantially identical to those of the Standard Iron Works complaint. That case has in effect been stayed. Another indirect purchaser action was filed in Tennessee state court, again naming the same defendants but contending that the conspiracy continued through 2010. The case has been removed to federal court and plaintiffs have moved to remand. The motion to remand has not yet been decided and no motion practice or discovery has taken place. The Company believes that the lawsuits are without merit and plans to defend them vigorously. Due to the uncertainty and the information available at this time, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss relating to these cases.

The Company has received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or equivalent state agency that it is considered a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) 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 August 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $1.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, accrued 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 CERCLA sites, were $9.0 million and $16.3 million, of which $4.9 million and $5.1 million were classified as other long-term liabilities, at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 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.

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In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including litigation, proceedings and investigations relating to environmental matters. Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in the consolidated financial statements for the potential impact of these contingencies, and that the outcomes will not materially impact the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company.

Guarantees

In July 2012, the Company entered into a guarantee agreement with a bank in connection with a credit facility granted by the bank to a supplier of the company. The fair value of the guarantee is negligible. As of August 31, 2012, the maximum credit facility with the bank was $4.0 million and the maximum Company exposure was $3.0 million.

NOTE 18. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC

In calculating earnings per share, there were no adjustments to net earnings to arrive at earnings for any periods presented. The reconciliation of the denominators of the earnings per share calculations is as follows:

	2012	2011	2010
Shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share	115,861,986	114,995,616	113,524,836
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	921,174	1,115,507	—
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share	116,783,160	116,111,123	113,524,836

For the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011, SARs with total share commitments of 2.8 million and 2.3 million, respectively, were antidilutive and therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the year ended August 31, 2010, no stock options, restricted stock or SARs were included in the calculation of dilutive shares because the Company recorded losses from continuing operations. All stock options and SARs expire by 2019.

The Company’s restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.

NOTE 19. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES

Significant accrued expenses and other payables were as follows:

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011
Salaries and incentive compensation	$	88,717	$	109,797
Advance billings on contracts	65,241		58,774
Taxes other than income taxes	38,024		26,873
Insurance	27,646		26,817
Contract losses	3,784		20,728

NOTE 20. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company’s reporting segments are based on strategic business areas, which offer different products and services. These segments have different lines of management responsibility as each business requires different marketing strategies and management expertise. The reporting segments are the Company’s operating segments except for the Americas Mills reporting segment which includes the domestic steel mills operating segment and the domestic copper tube minimill operating segment. The domestic copper tube minimill is aggregated with the domestic steel mills because of similar economic characteristics, products, production processes, customers and distribution methods.

The Company structures the business into the following five segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution. The Americas Recycling segment consists of the scrap metal processing and sales operations primarily in Texas, Florida and the southern United States. The Americas Mills segment includes the Company’s domestic steel mills, including the scrap processing facilities that directly support these mills, and the domestic copper tube minimill. The Americas Fabrication segment consists of the Company’s rebar fabrication operations, fence post manufacturing plants and construction-related and other products facilities. The International Mill segment includes the minimill and recycling operations in Poland and fabrication operations in Europe, which have been presented as a separate segment because the economic

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characteristics of their markets and the regulatory environment in which they operate differ from the Company’s domestic mills and rebar fabrication operations. International Marketing and Distribution includes international operations for the sales, distribution and processing of steel products, ferrous and nonferrous metals and other industrial products. Additionally, the International Marketing and Distribution segment includes the Company’s U.S.-based trading and distribution divisions, CMC Cometals and CMC Cometals Steel. The international distribution operations consist only of physical transactions and not positions taken for speculation. Corporate contains expenses of the Company’s corporate headquarters and interest expense related to its long-term public debt.

The financial information presented for the International Mill segment excludes CMCS and the financial information presented for the Americas Fabrication segment excludes its joist and deck fabrication operations. These operations have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations, for more information.

The Company uses adjusted operating profit (loss) to measure segment performance. Intersegment sales are generally priced at prevailing market prices. Certain corporate administrative expenses are allocated to segments based upon the nature of the expense. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment:

	Americas							International
(in thousands)	Recycling		Mills		Fabrication			Mill			Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
2012
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	1,418,717	$	1,378,716	$	1,366,944		$	955,730		$	2,700,300	$	8,033		$	—		$	7,828,440
Intersegment sales	187,444		777,101		14,694			77,627			27,019		—			(1,083,885		)	—
Net sales	1,606,161		2,155,817		1,381,638			1,033,357			2,727,319		8,033			(1,083,885		)	7,828,440
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	39,446		233,933		(15,697		)	23,044			47,287		(83,035		)	(6,251		)	238,727
Interest expense*	1,933		13,004		10,809			10,090			6,548		27,112			—			69,496
Capital expenditures**	40,329		39,356		4,389			14,016			3,314		8,197			—			109,601
Depreciation and amortization***	13,260		43,551		22,056			32,306			5,821		20,295			—			137,289
Total assets****	285,136		676,909		629,970			529,160			870,933		961,654			(519,117		)	3,434,645
2011
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	1,692,824	$	1,308,055	$	1,208,823		$	1,043,267		$	2,603,494	$	6,882		$	—		$	7,863,345
Intersegment sales	136,713		728,270		16,899			2,966			47,405		—			(932,253		)	—
Net sales	1,829,537		2,036,325		1,225,722			1,046,233			2,650,899		6,882			(932,253		)	7,863,345
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	43,059		161,731		(129,141		)	47,594			76,337		(84,729		)	(1,275		)	113,576
Interest expense*	246		12,901		9,717			18,251			2,173		26,533			—			69,821
Capital expenditures**	7,666		25,657		2,029			14,278			2,873		7,896			—			60,399
Depreciation and amortization***	12,860		52,048		48,299			36,528			4,600		23,916			—			178,251
Total assets****	278,120		650,920		590,278			643,748			990,111		1,505,672			(1,079,649		)	3,579,200
2010
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	1,211,815	$	869,014	$	1,131,928		$	621,230		$	2,439,018	$	3,923		$	—		$	6,276,928
Intersegment sales	104,615		609,412		8,349			77,834			24,396		326			(824,932		)	—
Net sales	1,316,430		1,478,426		1,140,277			699,064			2,463,414		4,249			(824,932		)	6,276,928
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	11,416		37,251		(107,800		)	(31,594		)	74,689		(70,678		)	3,460			(83,256		)
Interest expense*	109		12,113		9,076			10,098			3,273		39,512			—			74,181
Capital expenditures**	5,430		32,244		2,948			39,376			7,118		6,913			—			94,029
Depreciation and amortization***	15,802		55,315		42,777			27,889			5,021		18,512			—			165,316
Total assets****	228,781		622,358		622,608			546,356			732,900		1,083,744			(325,722		)	3,511,025

* Includes intercompany interest expense (income) in the segments and is all eliminated within Corporate.

** Excludes capital expenditures from discontinued operations of $4.3 million at August 31, 2012, $12.8 million at August 31,

2011, and $33.1 million at August 31, 2010.

*** Includes asset impairment charges.

**** Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $6.6 million at August 31, 2012, $103.9 million at August 31, 2011 and

$195.1 million at August 31, 2010.

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The following table provides a reconciliation of consolidated adjusted operating profit to net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CMC:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	208,983		$	19,278		$	(99,447	)
Income taxes (benefit)	(46,190		)	19,328			(61,942		)
Interest expense	69,496			69,821			74,181
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	6,438			5,149			3,952
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations	$	238,727		$	113,576		$	(83,256	)
Adjusted operating loss from discontinued operations	(8,675		)	(150,678		)	(101,645		)
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	$	230,052		$	(37,102	)	$	(184,901	)

The following represents the Company’s external net sales from continuing operations by major product and geographic area:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Major product information:
Steel products	$	4,700,854	$	4,414,105	$	3,622,429
Industrial materials	1,147,386		1,134,819		913,019
Nonferrous scrap	765,349		997,771		702,467
Ferrous scrap	763,772		805,067		561,119
Construction materials	177,827		217,741		220,993
Nonferrous products	171,861		196,641		178,844
Other	101,391		97,201		78,057
Net sales	$	7,828,440	$	7,863,345	$	6,276,928

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Geographic area:
United States	$	4,674,704	$	4,362,629	$	3,215,337
Europe	1,313,611		1,581,688		1,268,658
Asia	1,018,675		1,131,332		1,058,842
Australia/New Zealand	617,919		564,084		531,595
Other	203,531		223,612		202,496
Net sales	$	7,828,440	$	7,863,345	$	6,276,928

The following table represents long-lived assets by geographic area:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
United States	$	907,009	$	944,851	$	1,062,080
Europe	250,392		364,207		443,986
Australia/New Zealand	36,097		38,973		16,725
Other	7,917		8,847		8,156
Total long-lived assets	$	1,201,415	$	1,356,878	$	1,530,947

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NOTE 21. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly financial data for fiscal 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands except per share data):

	Three Months Ended 2012
	Nov. 30		Feb. 29		May 31		Aug. 31
Net sales*	$	1,986,820	$	1,956,744	$	2,006,729	$	1,878,147
Gross profit*	172,536		182,778		184,209		179,979
Net earnings attributable to CMC	107,734		28,853		40,682		30,215
Basic EPS attributable to CMC	0.93		0.25		0.35		0.26
Diluted EPS attributable to CMC	0.93		0.25		0.35		0.26

	Three Months Ended 2011
	Nov. 30		Feb. 28			May 31		Aug. 31
Net sales*	$	1,775,092	$	1,781,650		$	2,062,683	$	2,243,920
Gross profit*	160,217		88,603			218,563		182,288
Net earnings (loss) attributable to CMC	651		(46,162		)	36,165		(120,271		)
Basic EPS (loss) attributable to CMC	0.01		(0.40		)	0.31		(1.04		)
Diluted EPS (loss) attributable to CMC	0.01		(0.40		)	0.31		(1.04		)

_________________________

*Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations.

NOTE 22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

One of the Company’s international subsidiaries had a marketing and distribution agreement with a key supplier of which the Company owns an 11% interest. This marketing and distribution agreement expired during the second quarter of 2011. The Company owned a 50% interest in two joint ventures related to this agreement. During 2011, the Company sold both joint ventures for approximately $8.3 million, resulting in a minimal gain. As a result, there were no related party transactions during the year ended August 31, 2012. During the years ended August 31, 2011 and 2010, net sales to this related party were $135.3 million and $329.4 million, respectively, and total purchases were $150.9 million and $352.8 million, respectively.

ITEM 9. CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. This term refers to the controls and procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods, including controls and disclosures designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and they have concluded that as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management concluded that, as of August 31, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. Our Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, as of August 31, 2012, can be found on page 39 of this Form 10-K, and the related Report of Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting can be found on page 40 of this Form 10-K, each of which is incorporated by reference into this Item 9A.

(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. No change to our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Some of the information required in response to this item with regard to directors is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement for our 2013 annual meeting of stockholders (such proxy statement, the “2013 Proxy Statement”). Such information will be included in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Section 16 Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Additional Information Relating to Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors—Audit Committee.”

			EXECUTIVE
NAME	CURRENT TITLE & POSITION	AGE	OFFICER SINCE
James B. Alleman	Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development	58	2006
Joseph Alvarado	President and Chief Executive Officer	60	2010
Ann J. Bruder	Senior Vice President of Law, Government Affairs and Global Compliance; General Counsel and Corporate Secretary	47	2009
Carey J. Dubois	Vice President and Treasurer	52	2012
John Elmore	Senior Vice President and President of CMC International	54	2012
Ludovit Gajdos	President of CMC Europe	44	2005
Adam R. Hickey	Vice President and Controller	37	2012
Tracy L. Porter	Senior Vice President and President, CMC Americas Division	55	2010
Barbara R. Smith	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	53	2011

Our Board of Directors usually elects officers at its first meeting after our annual stockholders meeting. Our executive officers continue to serve for terms set from time to time by our Board of Directors in its discretion.

Joseph Alvarado was hired by the Company in April 2010, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Alvarado was employed as President and Chief Operating Officer at Lone Star Technologies, Inc., a Dallas, Texas-based company and manufacturer and marketer of alloy and carbon welded oil country tubular goods and line pipe. In 2007, U.S. Steel, a steel producer, acquired Lone Star Technologies, Inc. and named him President, U.S. Steel Tubular Products, and he continued to serve in that capacity until he joined the Company. After joining the Company in 2010, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer on April 6, 2011, and in June, 2011, he was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective September 1, 2011. He was appointed to our Board of Directors on September 1, 2011.

James B. Alleman joined the Company in 2006 as Vice President of Human Resources and, in 2010, Mr. Alleman was appointed Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development.

Ann J. Bruder joined the Company in September 2007 as Deputy General Counsel and served in that capacity until September 2009, when she was appointed Senior Vice President of Law, Government Affairs and Global Compliance, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.

Carey J. Dubois was hired by the Company in January 2012 as Vice President and Treasurer. Prior to his appointment at the Company, Mr. Dubois served as Vice President and Treasurer for Peabody Energy Corporation, which he joined after he was employed by Smithfield Foods, Inc. where he served most recently as Vice President, Finance, and in other key financial roles, from 2005.

In July 2012, John Elmore joined the Company as Senior Vice President and President of CMC International. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Elmore was Group Director of Jindal Steel and Power based in New Delhi, a leading transitional player in the steel, power, mining, oil and gas and infrastructure sectors straddling across Asia, Africa, South America and Georgia from November 2009. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Minnesota Steel Industries in Minneapolis from March 2005 to December 2007.

Ludovit Gajdos joined the Company in 2003 and was named President of CMC Zawiercie S.A., Poland in 2005. In 2008,

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Mr. Gajdos was promoted to the position of President of CMC Europe.

Adam R. Hickey was appointed Vice President and Controller of the Company in April 2012. Mr. Hickey joined the Company in February 2004 as a Senior Accountant. Since 2006, Mr. Hickey has held various positions within the Company, including Manager of Cost & Planning, Assistant Controller and Controller of CMC Americas Division.

In July 2010, Tracy L. Porter was appointed Senior Vice President of the Company and President of CMC Americas Division. Prior to such appointment and since April 2010, Mr. Porter served as Vice President of the Company and President of CMC Americas Division. Prior to that, and for nineteen years, Mr. Porter has held various positions within the Company, including General Manager of CMC Steel Arkansas at Magnolia, Arkansas, head of the Company's Rebar Fabrication Division, and Interim President of CMC Americas Division.

Barbara R. Smith joined the Company in May 2011 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From July 2007 until she joined the Company, Ms. Smith served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gerdau Ameristeel Corporation, a mini-mill steel producer.

We have adopted a Financial Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller and any of our other officers that may function as a Chief Accounting Officer. We intend to post any amendments to or waivers from our Financial Code of Ethics on our website (www.cmc.com) to the extent applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller, and any other officer that may function as a Chief Accounting Officer. We hereby undertake to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of our Financial Code of Ethics. Requests may be directed to Commercial Metals Company, 6565 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 800, Irving, Texas 75039, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or by calling (214) 689-4300.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required in response to this Item 11 is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders. We will file our definitive proxy statement no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year. Such information will be included under the caption “Executive Compensation.”

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required in response to this Item 12 is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from the 2013 Proxy Statement. Such information will be included under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

To the extent applicable, information required in response to this Item 13 is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from the 2013 Proxy Statement. Such information will be included under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required in response to this Item 14 is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from the 2013 Proxy Statement. Such information will be included under the caption “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

1. All financial statements are included in Item 8 above.

2. Financial statement schedule: The following financial statement schedule is attached to this report.

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, they are not required or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3. Exhibits:

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
1(a)	Underwriting Agreement, dated July 30, 2008 among Commercial Metals Company and Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as Representatives of the several underwriters named therein (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed August 5, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)	Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(a)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 1, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(a) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(b)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 17, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(b) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(c)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated January 26, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(d)	Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-A filed August 3, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(e)	Certificate of Designation of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-A filed August 1, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(ii)	Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed October 25, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(a)	Indenture between Commercial Metals Company and Chase Manhattan Bank dated as of July 31, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Commercial Metals’ Registration Statement No. 33-60809 on July 18, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(b)	Form of Note for Commercial Metals’ 5.625% Senior Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4(i)(j) to Commercial Metals’ Registration Statement No. 33-112243 on January 27, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

70

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
4(i)(c)	Form of Note for Commercial Metals’ 6.50% Senior Notes due 2017 (filed as Exhibit 4(i)(e) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(d)	Form of Note for Commercial Metals’ 7.35% Senior Notes due 2018 (filed as Exhibit 4(i)(g) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(e)**	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2003, to Indenture dated as of July 31, 1995, by and between Commercial Metals Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank (filed as Exhibit 4(i)(e) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(f)**	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 17, 2007, to Indenture dated as of July 31, 1995, by and between Commercial Metals Company and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N. A. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed July 17, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(g)**	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 4, 2008, to Indenture dated as of July 31, 1995, by and between Commercial Metals Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N. A. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed August 5, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(h)	Rights Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2011, between the Company and Broadridge Corporate Issuers Solutions, Inc., as rights agent (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-A filed August 1, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(a)	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated June 20, 2001, between various entities listed on Schedule 1 as Originators and CMC Receivables, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10(i)(b) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(b)	Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 30, 2008, among CMC Receivables, Inc., as Seller, Liberty Street Funding LLC as a Buyer, Gotham Funding Corporation, as a Buyer, The Bank of Nova Scotia as a Managing Agent, and the Administrative Agent, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch, as a Managing Agent, and Commercial Metals Company as Servicer (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 2, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(c)	Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated April 22, 2004, among CMC Receivables, Inc., CMC Steel Fabricators, Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Howell Metal Company, Owen Electric Steel Company of South Carolina, SMI Steel Inc. and Structural Metals, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10(i)(c) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(d)	Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated April 24, 2009, among CMC Receivables Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed April 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(e)	Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 2009, among CMC Receivables Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 26, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(f)	Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated June 12, 2009, among CMC Receivables Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed June 15, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

71

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
10(i)(g)	Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated November 25, 2009, by and among, CMC Receivables, Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed December 1, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(h)	Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated February 26, 2010, among CMC Receivables, Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(i)	Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated October 7, 2009, between Commercial Metals Company and Banc of America Securities, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 2, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(j)	Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated October 7, 2009, between Commercial Metals Company and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 2, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(k)	ISDA® International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2002, between Commercial Metals Company and Goldman Sachs Capital Markets, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(l)	Schedule to the Master Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2002, between Goldman Sachs Capital Markets, L.P. and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(m)	General Guarantee Agreement, dated December 1, 2008 from The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(a)	First Amended and Restated $400,000,000 3 Year Credit Agreement, dated May 23, 2005, by and among Commercial Metals Company, Bank of America, N.A., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Mellon Bank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Banc of America Securities LLC and the other lending parties listed therein (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 26, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(b)	Second Amended and Restated $400,000,000 3 Year Credit Agreement, dated May 23, 2005, by and among Commercial Metals Company, Bank of America, N.A., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Mellon Bank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Banc of America Securities LLC and the other lending parties listed therein (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed December 1, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(c)	Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated November 24, 2009, by and among Commercial Metals Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the lenders from time to time party thereto, BNP Paribas, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Wells Fargo HSBC Trade Bank, as Co-Syndication Agents, and Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed December 1, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

72

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
10(ii)(d)	First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated February 26, 2010, by and among Commercial Metals Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the lenders from time to time party thereto, BNP Paribas, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Wells Fargo HSBC Trade Bank, as Co-Syndication Agents, and Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., The Bank of Tokyo-MitsubishiUFJ, Ltd., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(e)	Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 27, 2011, by and among Commercial Metals Company, CMCLUX, S.à r.l., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, PNC Bank, National Association, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and RBS Securities Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals' Form 8-K filed January 3, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(f)	Receivables Sale Agreement, by and between Commercial Metals Company and several of its subsidiaries and CMC Receivables, Inc. (a special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary of Commercial Metals Company), dated as of April 5, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(g)	Receivables Purchase Agreement, by and among Commercial Metals Company, CMC Receivables, Inc. (a special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary of Commercial Metals Company), certain purchasers and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the purchasers, dated as of April 5, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(h)	Performance Undertaking executed by Commercial Metals Company in favor of CMC Receivables, Inc. (a special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary of Commercial Metals Company), dated as of April 5, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(i)	Amendment No. 1 to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated December 28, 2011, by and among Commercial Metals Company, CMC Receivables, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and Liberty Street Funding LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals' Form 8-K filed January 3, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(a)*	Key Employee Long-Term Performance Plan description (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(d) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(b)*	Key Employee Annual Incentive Plan description (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(e) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(c)*	Amended and Restated 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(a) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ending February 28, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(d)*	Amendment Number One to the Amended and Restated 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(e)*	Commercial Metals Company 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(i) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(f)*	Commercial Metals Company 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(b) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ending February 28, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).

73

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
10(iii)(g)*	Amendment Number One to Commercial Metals Company 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(h)*	Form of Commercial Metals Company 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(l) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(i)*	Form of Commercial Metals Company 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(m) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(j)*	Commercial Metals Company 2006 Cash Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(c) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ending February 28, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(k)*	Amendment Number One to the Commercial Metals Company 2006 Cash Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(l)*	Commercial Metals Company 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference)
10(iii)(m)*	Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed January 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(n)*	Form of Executive Employment Continuity Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(o)*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 26, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(p)*	Retirement and Consulting Agreement, between Commercial Metals Company and David M. Sudbury, dated as of May 28, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 29, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(q)*	Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(q) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(r)*	Terms and Conditions of Stock Award, Employment and Separation Agreement with William B. Larson dated June 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 (iii)(v) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(s)*	Terms and Conditions of Stock Award, Employment and Separation Agreement with Hanns K. Zoellner dated June 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 (iii)(w) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(t)*	Form of Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10 (iii)(x) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(u)*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10 (iii)(y) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

74

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
10(iii)(v)*	Form of Long-Term Cash and Equity Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(w)*	Form of Long-Term Equity Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(x)*	Employment Agreement, dated April 16, 2010, by and between Joseph Alvarado and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(y)*	First Amendment, dated April 8, 2011, to Employment Agreement by and between Joseph Alvarado and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed April 11, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(z)*	Employment Agreement, dated May 3, 2011, by and between Barbara R. Smith and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(aa)*	Retirement and Transition Agreement, dated May 6, 2011, by and between William B. Larson and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(bb)*	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated May 23, 2011, by and between Murray R. McClean and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(cc)*	Second Amendment, dated May 26, 2011, to Employment Agreement by and between Joseph Alvarado and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(dd)*	Third Amendment, dated September 1, 2011, to Employment Agreement by and between Joseph Alvarado and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(dd) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
12	Statement re computation of earnings to fixed charges (filed herewith).
21	Subsidiaries of Registrant (filed herewith).
23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to incorporation by reference of report dated October 30, 2012, accompanying the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries for the year ended August 31, 2012, into previously filed Registration Statements No. 333-164603, No. 333-164604, No. 333-141663, No. 333-141662, No. 333-90726, No. 333-90724, No. 033-61075, No. 333-27967, and No. 333-42648 on Form S-8 and Registration Statements No. 333-144500 on Form S-3 (filed herewith).
31(a)	Certification of Joseph Alvarado, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
31(b)	Certification of Barbara R. Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

75

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
32(a)	Certification of Joseph Alvarado, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
32(b)	Certification of Barbara R. Smith, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
101***	The following financial information from Commercial Metals Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (submitted electronically herewith).

*    Denotes management contract or compensatory plan.

**    Does not contain Schedules or exhibits. A copy of any such Schedules or exhibits will be furnished to the Securities

and Exchange Commission upon request.

***    In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL information in Exhibit 101 to this annual report on Form

10-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

76

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

			Additions				Deductions
Description (in thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses	Charged to Other Accounts			Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts			Balance at End of Period
Year ended August 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	16,095	2,017	(3,423	)	(1)	(4,480	)	(729	)	(2)	$	9,480
Year ended August 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	29,721	4,037	2,756		(1)	(3,727	)	(16,692	)	(2)	$	16,095
Year ended August 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	42,134	3,058	1,802		(1)	(5,640	)	(11,633	)	(3)	$	29,721

(1) Recoveries and translation adjustments.

(2) Uncollectable accounts charged to the allowance. For the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011, $(5,864) and $12,238 were reclassified to the fair value of the deferred purchase price under our sale of receivables program, respectively.

(3) Uncollectable accounts charged to the allowance.

77

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
By	/s/ Joseph Alvarado
	Joseph Alvarado
	President and Chief Executive Officer Date: October 30, 2012

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

/s/ Joseph Alvarado	/s/ Sarah E. Raiss
Joseph Alvarado, October 30, 2012	Sarah E. Raiss, October 30, 2012
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director	Director
/s/ Anthony A. Massaro	/s/ J. David Smith
Anthony A. Massaro, October 30, 2012	J. David Smith, October 30, 2012
Chairman of the Board of Directors	Director
/s/ Harold L. Adams	/s/ Joseph C. Winkler
Harold L. Adams, October 30, 2012	Joseph C. Winkler, October 30, 2012
Director	Director
/s/ Rhys J. Best	/s/ Robert R. Womack
Rhys J. Best, October 30, 2012	Robert R. Womack, October 30, 2012
Director	Director
/s/ Robert L. Guido	/s/ Barbara R. Smith
Robert L. Guido, October 30, 2012	Barbara R. Smith, October 30, 2012
Director	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
/s/ Richard B. Kelson	/s/ Adam R. Hickey
Richard B. Kelson, October 30, 2012	Adam R. Hickey, October 30, 2012
Director	Vice President and Controller
/s/ Rick J. Mills
Rick J. Mills, October 30, 2012
Director

78

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
1(a)	Underwriting Agreement, dated July 30, 2008 among Commercial Metals Company and Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as Representatives of the several underwriters named therein (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed August 5, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)	Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(a)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 1, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(a) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(b)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 17, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(b) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(c)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated January 26, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(d)	Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-A filed August 3, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(i)(e)	Certificate of Designation of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-A filed August 1, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
3(ii)	Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed October 25, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(a)	Indenture between Commercial Metals Company and Chase Manhattan Bank dated as of July 31, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Commercial Metals’ Registration Statement No. 33-60809 on July 18, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(b)	Form of Note for Commercial Metals’ 5.625% Senior Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4(i)(j) to Commercial Metals’ Registration Statement No. 33-112243 on January 27, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(c)	Form of Note for Commercial Metals’ 6.50% Senior Notes due 2017 (filed as Exhibit 4(i)(e) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(d)	Form of Note for Commercial Metals’ 7.35% Senior Notes due 2018 (filed as Exhibit 4(i)(g) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(e)**	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2003, to Indenture dated as of July 31, 1995, by and between Commercial Metals Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank (filed as Exhibit 4(i)(e) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(f)**	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 17, 2007, to Indenture dated as of July 31, 1995, by and between Commercial Metals Company and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N. A. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed July 17, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).

79

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
4(i)(g)**	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 4, 2008, to Indenture dated as of July 31, 1995, by and between Commercial Metals Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N. A. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed August 5, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
4(i)(h)	Rights Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2011, between the Company and Broadridge Corporate Issuers Solutions, Inc., as rights agent (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-A filed August 1, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(a)	Purchase and Sale Agreement dated June 20, 2001, between various entities listed on Schedule 1 as Originators and CMC Receivables, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10(i)(b) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(b)	Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 30, 2008, among CMC Receivables, Inc., as Seller, Liberty Street Funding LLC as a Buyer, Gotham Funding Corporation, as a Buyer, The Bank of Nova Scotia as a Managing Agent, and the Administrative Agent, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch, as a Managing Agent, and Commercial Metals Company as Servicer (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 2, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(c)	Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated April 22, 2004, among CMC Receivables, Inc., CMC Steel Fabricators, Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Howell Metal Company, Owen Electric Steel Company of South Carolina, SMI Steel Inc. and Structural Metals, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10(i)(c) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(d)	Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated April 24, 2009, among CMC Receivables Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed April 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(e)	Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 2009, among CMC Receivables Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 26, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(f)	Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated June 12, 2009, among CMC Receivables Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed June 15, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(g)	Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated November 25, 2009, by and among, CMC Receivables, Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed December 1, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(h)	Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated February 26, 2010, among CMC Receivables, Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Street Funding LLC, Gotham Funding Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., New York Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

80

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
10(i)(i)	Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated October 7, 2009, between Commercial Metals Company and Banc of America Securities, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 2, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(j)	Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated October 7, 2009, between Commercial Metals Company and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 2, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(k)	ISDA® International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2002, between Commercial Metals Company and Goldman Sachs Capital Markets, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(l)	Schedule to the Master Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2002, between Goldman Sachs Capital Markets, L.P. and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(i)(m)	General Guarantee Agreement, dated December 1, 2008 from The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(a)	First Amended and Restated $400,000,000 3 Year Credit Agreement, dated May 23, 2005, by and among Commercial Metals Company, Bank of America, N.A., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Mellon Bank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Banc of America Securities LLC and the other lending parties listed therein (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 26, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(b)	Second Amended and Restated $400,000,000 3 Year Credit Agreement, dated May 23, 2005, by and among Commercial Metals Company, Bank of America, N.A., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Mellon Bank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Banc of America Securities LLC and the other lending parties listed therein (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed December 1, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(c)	Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated November 24, 2009, by and among Commercial Metals Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the lenders from time to time party thereto, BNP Paribas, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Wells Fargo HSBC Trade Bank, as Co-Syndication Agents, and Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed December 1, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(d)	First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated February 26, 2010, by and among Commercial Metals Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the lenders from time to time party thereto, BNP Paribas, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Wells Fargo HSBC Trade Bank, as Co-Syndication Agents, and Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., The Bank of Tokyo-MitsubishiUFJ, Ltd., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed March 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(e)	Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 27, 2011, by and among Commercial Metals Company, CMCLUX, S.à r.l., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, PNC Bank, National Association, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and RBS Securities Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals' Form 8-K filed January 3, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(f)	Receivables Sale Agreement, by and between Commercial Metals Company and several of its subsidiaries and CMC Receivables, Inc. (a special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary of Commercial Metals Company), dated as of April 5, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

81

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
10(ii)(g)	Receivables Purchase Agreement, by and among Commercial Metals Company, CMC Receivables, Inc. (a special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary of Commercial Metals Company), certain purchasers and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the purchasers, dated as of April 5, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(h)	Performance Undertaking executed by Commercial Metals Company in favor of CMC Receivables, Inc. (a special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary of Commercial Metals Company), dated as of April 5, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(i)	Amendment No. 1 to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated December 28, 2011, by and among Commercial Metals Company, CMC Receivables, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and Liberty Street Funding LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals' Form 8-K filed January 3, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(a)*	Key Employee Long-Term Performance Plan description (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(d) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(b)*	Key Employee Annual Incentive Plan description (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(e) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(c)*	Amended and Restated 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(a) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ending February 28, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(d)*	Amendment Number One to the Amended and Restated 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(e)*	Commercial Metals Company 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(i) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(f)*	Commercial Metals Company 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(b) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ending February 28, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(g)*	Amendment Number One to Commercial Metals Company 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(h)*	Form of Commercial Metals Company 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(l) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(i)*	Form of Commercial Metals Company 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(m) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(j)*	Commercial Metals Company 2006 Cash Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(c) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ending February 28, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).

82

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
10(iii)(k)*	Amendment Number One to the Commercial Metals Company 2006 Cash Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(l)*	Commercial Metals Company 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference)
10(iii)(m)*	Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed January 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(n)*	Form of Executive Employment Continuity Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(o)*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 26, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(p)*	Retirement and Consulting Agreement, between Commercial Metals Company and David M. Sudbury, dated as of May 28, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed May 29, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(q)*	Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(q) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(r)*	Terms and Conditions of Stock Award, Employment and Separation Agreement with William B. Larson dated June 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 (iii)(v) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(s)*	Terms and Conditions of Stock Award, Employment and Separation Agreement with Hanns K. Zoellner dated June 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10 (iii)(w) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(t)*	Form of Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10 (iii)(x) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(u)*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10 (iii)(y) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(v)*	Form of Long-Term Cash and Equity Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(w)*	Form of Long-Term Equity Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(x)*	Employment Agreement, dated April 16, 2010, by and between Joseph Alvarado and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(y)*	First Amendment, dated April 8, 2011, to Employment Agreement by and between Joseph Alvarado and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals’ Form 8-K filed April 11, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(z)*	Employment Agreement, dated May 3, 2011, by and between Barbara R. Smith and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

83

EXHIBIT
NO.	DESCRIPTION
10(iii)(aa)*	Retirement and Transition Agreement, dated May 6, 2011, by and between William B. Larson and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(bb)*	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated May 23, 2011, by and between Murray R. McClean and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(cc)*	Second Amendment, dated May 26, 2011, to Employment Agreement by and between Joseph Alvarado and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(dd)*	Third Amendment, dated September 1, 2011, to Employment Agreement by and between Joseph Alvarado and Commercial Metals Company (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(dd) to Commercial Metals’ Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
12	Statement re computation of earnings to fixed charges (filed herewith).
21	Subsidiaries of Registrant (filed herewith).
23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to incorporation by reference of report dated October 30, 2012, accompanying the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries for the year ended August 31, 2012, into previously filed Registration Statements No. 333-164603, No. 333-164604, No. 333-141663, No. 333-141662, No. 333-90726, No. 333-90724, No. 033-61075, No. 333-27967, and No. 333-42648 on Form S-8 and Registration Statements No. 333-144500 on Form S-3 (filed herewith).
31(a)	Certification of Joseph Alvarado, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
31(b)	Certification of Barbara R. Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32(a)	Certification of Joseph Alvarado, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
32(b)	Certification of Barbara R. Smith, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
101***	The following financial information from Commercial Metals Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (submitted electronically herewith).

*    Denotes management contract or compensatory plan.

**    Does not contain Schedules or exhibits. A copy of any such Schedules or exhibits will be furnished to the Securities

and Exchange Commission upon request.

***    In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL information in Exhibit 101 to this annual report on Form

10-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

84

EX-12

EXHIBIT 12

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(dollars in thousands, except ratios)

	2012		2011			2010			2009		2008
EARNINGS (LOSS):*
EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	152,881	$	(113,064	)	$	(264,368	)	$	33,925	$	337,311
INTEREST EXPENSE	70,733		70,806			75,508			77,562		59,488
INTEREST IMPUTED ON RENT	14,645		15,303			16,311			22,780		21,217
AMORTIZATION OF CAPITALIZED INTEREST	2,341		2,377			1,838			899		728
TOTAL EARNINGS (LOSS)	240,600		(24,578		)	(170,711		)	135,166		418,744
FIXED CHARGES:*
INTEREST EXPENSE	70,733		70,806			75,508			77,562		59,488
INTEREST CAPITALIZED	1,339		794			4,538			12,638		6,877
INTEREST IMPUTED ON RENT	14,645		15,303			16,311			22,780		21,217
TOTAL FIXED CHARGES	86,717		86,903			96,357			112,980		87,582
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES	2.77		**			**			1.2		4.78

_______________________________________________

*    Earnings (loss) and fixed charges include a division classified as discontinued operations.

** Earnings for the year ended August 31, 2011 and 2010 were inadequate to cover fixed charges. The coverage deficiency was $111,481 for 2011 and $267,068 for 2010.

EX-21

EXHIBIT 21

NAME OF SUBSIDIARY	INCORPORATION	OWNED
AHT, Inc.	Pennsylvania	100
Centrum Promocji Jakosci Stali Sp. z o.o.	Poland	50
CMC (Australia) Pty Limited	Australia	100
CMC (Beijing) International Trade Company Limited	China	100
CMC Centrozlom Sp. z o.o.	Poland	100
CMC Cometals Processing, Inc.	Texas	100
CMC Commercial Metals Cyprus Limited	Cyprus	100
CMC Commercial Metals de Mexico S de RL de CV	Mexico	100
CMC Europe GmbH	Switzerland	100
CMC Fareast Limited	Hong Kong	100
CMC GH, LLC	Delaware	100
CMC GH, Ltd.	Bermuda	100
CMC International GmbH	Switzerland	100
CMC Oil Company	Texas	100
CMC Putex Sp. z o.o.	Poland	100
CMC Receivables, Inc.	Delaware	100
CMC Recycling Singapore Pte., Limited	Singapore	100
CMCR, LLC	Delaware	100
CMC S.E. Asia Pte Ltd	Singapore	100
CMC GH Sisak d.o.o.	Croatia	100
CMC Steel Fabricators, Inc.	Texas	100
CMC UK Limited	England	100
CMC Zawiercie S.A.	Poland	99
CMCLUX, S.a r.l.	Luxembourg	100
Coil Steels Group Pty Limited	Australia	100
Coil Steels Properties Pty Limited	Australia	100
Com Met Company, S.a r.l.	Luxembourg	100
Cometals China, Inc.	Texas	100
Cometals Far East, Inc.	Texas	100
Commercial Metals (Bermuda), L.P.	Bermuda	100
Commercial Metals Company US (Luxembourg), S.C.S.	Luxembourg	100
Commercial Metals Company US LLC	Delaware	100
Commercial Metals Deutschland GmbH	Germany	100
Commercial Metals International GmbH	Switzerland	100
Commercial Metals SF/JV Company	Tennessee	100
Commonwealth Acquisitions Holdings, Inc.	Delaware	100
G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd.	Australia	100
Howell Metal Company	Virginia	100
Owen Electric Steel Company of South Carolina	South Carolina	100
Owen Industrial Products, Inc.	South Carolina	100
Scrapena S.A.	Poland	99
SMI Steel LLC	Alabama	100
SMI-Owen Steel Company, Inc.	South Carolina	100
Steel Products de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	100
Structural Metals, Inc.	Texas	100

EX-23

EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-144500 on Form S-3 and Registration Statement No. 333-141663, No. 333-141662, No. 333-90726, No. 333-90724, No. 033-61075, No. 333-27967, No. 333-42648, No. 333-164603, and No. 333-164604 on Form S-8 of our reports dated October 30, 2012, relating to (1) the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries and (2) the effectiveness of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Commercial Metals Company for the year ended August 31, 2012.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Dallas, Texas

October 30, 2012

EX-31.A

EXHIBIT 31(a)

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Joseph Alvarado, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Commercial Metals Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

     (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

     (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

     (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 30, 2012

/s/ Joseph Alvarado

Joseph Alvarado

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.B

EXHIBIT 31(b)

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Barbara R. Smith, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Commercial Metals Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

    (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

     (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

     (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 30, 2012

/s/ Barbara R. Smith

Barbara R. Smith

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.A

EXHIBIT 32(a)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Commercial Metals Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended August 31, 2012 (the “Report”), I, Joseph Alvarado, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Joseph Alvarado

Joseph Alvarado

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: October 30, 2012

The foregoing certification is being furnished as an exhibit to the Form 10-K pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and, accordingly, is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

EX-32.B

EXHIBIT 32(b)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Commercial Metals Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended August 31, 2012 (the “Report”), I, Barbara R. Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

     (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Barbara R. Smith

Barbara R. Smith

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: October 30, 2012

The foregoing certification is being furnished as an exhibit to the Form 10-K pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and, accordingly, is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

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Fair Value (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis

When available, the Company uses unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets to measure the fair value and classifies such items within Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use current market-based or independently sourced market parameters. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Fair value of nonqualified benefit plan liabilities in Level 2 is measured based on investments selections from plan participants. The following table summarizes 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)	August 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets  for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant  Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Money market investments	$	172,462	$	172,462	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets	1,875		407		1,468		—
Nonqualified benefit plan assets *	52,929		52,929		—		—
Derivative liabilities	3,547		993		2,554		—
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities *	76,952		—		76,952		—

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	August 31, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets  for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant  Other Observable  Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Money market investments	$	153,839	$	153,839	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets	52,858		2,329		50,529		—
Nonqualified benefit plan assets *	49,357		49,357		—		—
Derivative liabilities	5,688		2,625		3,063		—
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities *	81,167		—		81,167		—

 _________________ 

* The Company provides a nonqualified benefit restoration plan to certain eligible executives equal to amounts that would have been available under tax qualified ERISA plans but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Though under no obligation to fund this plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust. The plan assets and liabilities consist of securities included in various mutual funds.

Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on non-recurring basis

The following table summarizes information regarding the Company's nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at August 31, 2011:

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	Year Ended August 31,		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Recognized
(in thousands)	2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Loss
Plant, property and equipment	$	56,795	$	—	$	—	$	56,795	$	89,448
Other assets	2,472		—		—		2,472		18,557
Intangible assets	3,271		—		—		3,271		12,140

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Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory, LIFO reserve	$ 261.8	$ 307.3
Percentage of total inventory valued at LIFO	55.00%	49.00%
Raw materials	68.0	107.7
Effect of LIFO Inventory Liquidation on Income	$ 1.0	$ 0	$ 33.9

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Goodwill	$ 76,897,000	$ 77,638,000	$ 71,580,000
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount	28,900,000
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax	2,200,000	7,100,000	(2,700,000)
Americas Fabrication excluding construction services [Member]
Goodwill	51,300,000
Percentage of fair value excluding carrying value	30.00%
Secured Accounts Receivable [Member]
Percentage of accounts receivable secured by credit insurance and/or letters of credit	60.00%	64.00%
Fabrication Projects [Member]
Unbilled revenue	19,200,000	13,200,000
Retained or self-insurance components of purchased insurance [Member]
Deposit for Letter of Credit		31,100,000
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount		$ 30,300,000

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Derivatives And Risk Management (Hedged (Underlying) Items Designated As Fair Value Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for underlying items of fair value hedges	$ (10,944)	$ (18,439)	$ (28,252)
Net sales [Member] | Foreign exchange [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for underlying items of fair value hedges	0	91	39
SG&A expenses [Member] | Foreign exchange [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for underlying items of fair value hedges	(383)	14,955	4,147
Interest expense [Member] | Interest rate [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for underlying items of fair value hedges	$ (10,561)	$ (33,485)	$ (32,438)

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$ 5.9	$ 9.9	$ 11.2
Favorable land leases [Member]
Weighted average remaining useful lives	77 years
Intangible assets excluding favorable land leases [Member]
Weighted average remaining useful lives	5 years

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Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Income tax payments (refunds)		$ 17,200,000	$ (79,900,000)	$ (38,400,000)
Federal net operating losses carry forward		217,200,000
State net operating losses carry forward		332,800,000
Foreign net operating losses carry forward		57,500,000
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets		49,500,000
Reinvestments of Undistributed Earnings of Other Than Domestic Subsidiaries	472,500,000	472,500,000
Effective tax rate from discontinued operations	84.90%		2.00%	(2.60%)
Tax benefit related to federal and state research and development tax credits		11,500,000	0	0
Statutory tax rate		35.00%
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	27,384,000	27,384,000	10,762,000	20,367,000	1,532,000
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	2,000,000	2,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits including accrued interest and penalties	29,400,000	29,400,000
Increase decrease accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits		500,000
Possible unrecognized tax benefit reversal in next 12 months	12,200,000	12,200,000
Statement [Line Items]
Tax benefit related to investment in subsidiary		102,104,000	0	0
CMCS [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Tax loss related to investment in subsidiary		291,000,000
Tax benefit related to investment in subsidiary		102,100,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Income tax expense due to settlement of prior year audit		$ 800,000

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Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012		May 31, 2012		Feb. 29, 2012		Nov. 30, 2011		Aug. 31, 2011		May 31, 2011		Feb. 28, 2011		Nov. 30, 2010		Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,878,147	[1]	$ 2,006,729	[1]	$ 1,956,744	[1]	$ 1,986,820	[1]	$ 2,243,920	[1]	$ 2,062,683	[1]	$ 1,781,650	[1]	$ 1,775,092	[1]	$ 7,828,440	$ 7,863,345	$ 6,276,928
Gross profit	179,979	[1]	184,209	[1]	182,778	[1]	172,536	[1]	182,288	[1]	218,563	[1]	88,603	[1]	160,217	[1]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to CMC	$ 30,215		$ 40,682		$ 28,853		$ 107,734		$ (120,271)		$ 36,165		$ (46,162)		$ 651		$ 207,484	$ (129,617)	$ (205,344)
Basic EPS (loss) attributable to CMC	$ 0.26		$ 0.35		$ 0.25		$ 0.93		$ (1.04)		$ 0.31		$ (0.40)		$ 0.01		$ 1.79	$ (1.13)	$ (1.81)
Diluted EPS (loss) attributable to CMC	$ 0.26		$ 0.35		$ 0.25		$ 0.93		$ (1.04)		$ 0.31		$ (0.40)		$ 0.01		$ 1.78	$ (1.12)	$ (1.81)

[1] *Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations.

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Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) ( (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

Summarized quarterly financial data for fiscal 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands except per share data):

	Three Months Ended 2012
	Nov. 30		Feb. 29		May 31		Aug. 31
Net sales*	$	1,986,820	$	1,956,744	$	2,006,729	$	1,878,147
Gross profit*	172,536		182,778		184,209		179,979
Net earnings attributable to CMC	107,734		28,853		40,682		30,215
Basic EPS attributable to CMC	0.93		0.25		0.35		0.26
Diluted EPS attributable to CMC	0.93		0.25		0.35		0.26

	Three Months Ended 2011
	Nov. 30		Feb. 28			May 31		Aug. 31
Net sales*	$	1,775,092	$	1,781,650		$	2,062,683	$	2,243,920
Gross profit*	160,217		88,603			218,563		182,288
Net earnings (loss) attributable to CMC	651		(46,162		)	36,165		(120,271		)
Basic EPS (loss) attributable to CMC	0.01		(0.40		)	0.31		(1.04		)
Diluted EPS (loss) attributable to CMC	0.01		(0.40		)	0.31		(1.04		)

_________________________

*Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations.

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Acquisitions And Dispositions Acquisitions And Dispositions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2011

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Summary of purchase price allocation of acquisitions

The following is a summary of the allocation of the total purchase price, as of the date of acquisition:

(in thousands)	Total
Accounts receivable	$	16,758
Inventories	21,574
Other current assets	146
Property, plant and equipment	8,229
Goodwill	5,047
Intangible assets	4,708
Other assets	1,566
Liabilities	(9,642		)
Net assets acquired	$	48,386

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Income Taxes Income Taxes (Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Domestic And Foreign) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 114,406	$ (21,377)	$ (148,829)
Foreign	48,387	59,983	(12,560)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$ 162,793	$ 38,606	$ (161,389)

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Derivatives And Risk Management (Derivative Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)	$ 1,875	[1]	$ 52,858	[1]
Commodity [Member] | Designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)	0		17
Commodity [Member] | Not designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)	407		2,329
Foreign exchange [Member] | Designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)	670		893
Foreign exchange [Member] | Not designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)	798		970
Current interest rate [Member] | Designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)	0		19,134
Long-term interest rate [Member] | Designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)	$ 0		$ 29,515

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

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Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation (Assumptions Used in Estimating Fair Value of Performance-based Awards) (Details) (Details) (Performanc-based Awards [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2010
Performanc-based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.31%
Expected life, years	3 years
Expected volatility	71.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 44,275	$ 49,682
Accumulated Amortization	19,085	17,344
Net	25,190	32,338
Customer base [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	33,928	34,128
Accumulated Amortization	17,133	12,714
Net	16,795	21,414
Non-competition agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	0	4,183
Accumulated Amortization	0	3,281
Net	0	902
Favorable land leases [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,133	7,063
Accumulated Amortization	527	521
Net	5,606	6,542
Brand name [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	4,113	4,207
Accumulated Amortization	1,394	803
Net	2,719	3,404
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	101	101
Accumulated Amortization	31	25
Net	$ 70	$ 76

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Fair Value (Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 1,875	[1]	$ 52,858	[1]
Derivative liabilities	3,547	[1]	5,688	[1]
Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	172,462		153,839
Derivative assets	1,875		52,858
Nonqualified benefit plan assets	52,929	[2]	49,357	[2]
Derivative liabilities	3,547		5,688
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities	76,952	[2]	81,167	[2]
Fair value, inputs, level 1 [Member] | Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	172,462		153,839
Derivative assets	407		2,329
Nonqualified benefit plan assets	52,929	[2]	49,357	[2]
Derivative liabilities	993		2,625
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member] | Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	0		0
Derivative assets	1,468		50,529
Nonqualified benefit plan assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative liabilities	2,554		3,063
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities	76,952	[2]	81,167	[2]
Fair value, inputs, level 3 [Member] | Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	0		0
Derivative assets	0		0
Nonqualified benefit plan assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities	$ 0	[2]	$ 0	[2]

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

[2] The Company provides a nonqualified benefit restoration plan to certain eligible executives equal to amounts that would have been available under tax qualified ERISA plans but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Though under no obligation to fund this plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust. The plan assets and liabilities consist of securities included in various mutual funds.

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Share-based Compensation (Shares Subject to Options and SARs Excluding the Cash Component) (Details) (Options and SARs excluding cash component [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012
Options and SARs excluding cash component [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options and SARs, outstanding, number outstanding, beginning balance	2,807,498
Options and SARs, granted, number	828,463
Options and SARs, exercised, number	(361,478)
Options and SARs, forfeited / expired, number	(343,991)
Options and SARs, outstanding, number outstanding, ending balance	2,930,492
Options and SARs, exercisable, number outstanding	2,099,547
Options and SARs, outstanding, weighted average exercise price, beginning balance	$ 27.45
Options and SARs, granted, weighted average exercise price	$ 11.63
Options and SARs, exercised, weighted average exercise price	$ 12.34
Options and SARs, forfeited / expired, weighted average exercise price	$ 27.78
Options and SARs, outstanding, weighted average exercise price, ending balance	$ 24.81
Options and SARs, exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$ 29.90
Options and SARs, outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 3 months 11 days
Options and SARs, exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	2 years 1 month 6 days
Options and SARs, outstanding, aggregated intrinsic value	$ 1,104,590
Options and SARs, exercisable, aggregated intrinsic value	$ 223,246

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Income Taxes Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation and employee benefits	$ 52,113	$ 49,317
Net operating losses and credits	110,553	63,866
Reserves and other accrued expenses	41,516	44,683
Allowance for doubtful accounts	5,816	10,423
Inventory	1,881	3,603
Intangibles	9,668	11,098
Other	15,062	7,881
Total deferred tax assets	236,609	190,871
Valuation Allowance for deferred tax assets	(25,779)	(75,289)
Deferred tax assets, net	210,830	115,582
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed Assets	111,777	84,825
Other	5,012	5,996
Total deferred tax liabilities	116,789	90,821
Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities	$ 94,041	$ 24,761

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Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation (Assumptions Used in Estimating Fair Value of Stock Options and SARs) (Details) (Stock Options and SARs [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Stock Options and SARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.43%	0.59%	0.86%
Expected life, years	3 years	2 years	2 years
Expected volatility	59.00%	56.00%	80.00%
Expected dividend yield	4.14%	2.85%	3.42%
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share	$ 3.67	$ 4.63	$ 5.43

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Fair Value Fair Value (Nonfinancial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment		$ 56,795
Other assets		2,472
Intangible assets		3,271
Fair value, inputs, level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment		0
Other assets		0
Intangible assets		0
Fair value, inputs, level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment		0
Other assets		0
Intangible assets		0
Fair value, inputs, level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment	9,000	56,795
Other assets		2,472
Intangible assets		3,271
Fair value measurements recognized loss [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment	3,300	89,448
Other assets		18,557
Intangible Assets		$ 12,140

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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, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain, (loss), net of taxes for cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI	$ (1,545)	$ 823	$ 291
Commodity [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain, (loss), net of taxes for cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI	0	26	27
Foreign exchange [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain, (loss), net of taxes for cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI	$ (1,545)	$ 797	$ 264

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable To CMC

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Stockholders' equity and earnings per share attributable to CMC

NOTE 18. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC

In calculating earnings per share, there were no adjustments to net earnings to arrive at earnings for any periods presented. The reconciliation of the denominators of the earnings per share calculations is as follows:

	2012	2011	2010
Shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share	115,861,986	114,995,616	113,524,836
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	921,174	1,115,507	—
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share	116,783,160	116,111,123	113,524,836

For the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011, SARs with total share commitments of 2.8 million and 2.3 million, respectively, were antidilutive and therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the year ended August 31, 2010, no stock options, restricted stock or SARs were included in the calculation of dilutive shares because the Company recorded losses from continuing operations. All stock options and SARs expire by 2019.

The Company’s restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ (17,369)	$ 58,937
Unrealized gain on derivatives	3,710	4,677
Defined benefit obligations	(4,477)	(4,141)
Total	$ (18,136)	$ 59,473

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Commitments And Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Minimum lease commitments payable for noncancelable operating leases

Minimum lease commitments payable by the Company for noncancelable operating leases for the years ended August 31 are as follows:

(in thousands)	Equipment		Real Estate
2013	$	13,973	$	22,012
2014	8,856		20,553
2015	5,660		20,072
2016	4,859		14,646
2017	3,536		9,058

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Fair Value (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of fair value hierarchy	3
Fair value of long-term debt, predominantly publicly held	$ 1,220,000,000	$ 1,240,000,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment		56,795,000
Fair value, inputs, level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment	9,000,000	56,795,000
Fair value measurements recognized loss [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment	$ 3,300,000	$ 89,448,000

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Accrued Expenses And Other Payables Accrued Expenses And Other Payables (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Salaries and incentive compensation	$ 88,717	$ 109,797
Advance billings on contracts	65,241	58,774
Taxes other than income taxes	38,024	26,873
Insurance	27,646	26,817
Contract losses	$ 3,784	$ 20,728

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Credit Arrangements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term debt, including the net effect of the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps

Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps in 2012 and the net effect of interest rate swap revaluation adjustment in 2011, was as follows as of August 31:

(in thousands)	Weighted Average Interest Rate as of August 31, 2012	2012		2011
$200 million notes at 5.625% due November 2013	3.5%	$	204,873	$	207,752
$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017	5.7%	414,491		414,198
$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018	6.4%	527,554		526,699
Other, including equipment notes		14,407		10,632
CMCZ term note		—		48,648
CMCS financing agreement		—		18,476
		1,161,325		1,226,405
Less current maturities		4,252		58,908
		$	1,157,073	$	1,167,497

Scheduled maturities of Company's long-term debt

The scheduled maturities of the Company’s long-term debt for the years ended August 31 are as follows:

(in thousands)
2013	$	4,252
2014	203,437
2015	3,074
2016	1,613
2017	401,104
Thereafter	500,927
Total excluding deferred gain of interest rate swaps	$	1,114,407
Deferred gain of interest rate swaps	46,918
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$	1,161,325

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Acquisitions And Dispositions Acquisitions And Dispositions (Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) (G.A.M. [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2011
G.A.M. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$ 16,758
Inventories	21,574
Other current assets	146
Property, plant and equipment	8,229
Goodwill	5,047
Intangible assets	4,708
Other assets	1,566
Liabilities	(9,642)
Net assets acquired	$ 48,386

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Derivatives And Risk Management (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives terminated	$ 800
Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge			48.6
Reduction in interest expense related to interest rate swaps		$ 6.5	$ 15.7	$ 5.7

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Severance Severance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance costs	$ 25.6	$ 8.2	$ 21.5
Termination benefits liability	$ 2.7	$ 5.4

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Nature of Operations Nature of Operations (Narrative) (Details)	Aug. 31, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	20.00%
Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Cost Method Investment Ownership Percentage	20.00%

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of significant accounting policies

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes sales when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered based upon the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When the Company estimates that a contract with a customer will result in a loss, the Company accrues the entire loss as soon as it is probable and estimable. The Company accounts for fabrication projects based on the percentage of completion accounting method. As of August 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded in its accounts receivable unbilled revenue related to fabrication projects of $19.2 million and $13.2 million, respectively.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect its estimate of the uncollectability of accounts receivable. These reserves are based on historical trends, current market conditions and customers’ financial condition.

Credit Risk The Company maintains both corporate and divisional credit departments. Credit limits are set for each customer. Some of the Company’s divisions use credit insurance or letters of credit to ensure prompt payment in accordance with terms of sale. Generally, collateral is not required. The Company’s accounts receivable were secured by credit insurance or letters of credit in the amount of approximately 60% and 64% of total receivables at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers temporary investments that are short-term (with original maturities of three months or less) and highly liquid to be cash equivalents.

Inventories The Company records all inventories at the lower of their cost or market value. Inventory cost for most domestic inventories is determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method; cost of international and remaining inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.

Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, consumable production supplies, maintenance, production, wages and transportation costs. Additionally, the costs of departments that support production, including materials management and quality control, are allocated to inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Provision for amortization of leasehold improvements are made at annual rates based upon the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or terms of the leases. Major maintenance is expensed as incurred.

At August 31, 2012, the useful lives used for depreciation and amortization were as follows:

Buildings	7	to	40	years
Land improvements	3	to	25	years
Leasehold improvements	3	to	15	years
Equipment	3	to	25	years

Goodwill The Company tests for impairment of goodwill by estimating the fair value of each reporting unit compared to its carrying value. The Company’s reporting units are based on its internal reporting structure and represent an operating segment or a reporting level below an operating segment.

Additionally, the reporting units are aggregated based on similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services, nature of production processes, type of customers and distribution methods. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to calculate the fair value of its reporting units. The model includes a number of significant assumptions and estimates regarding future cash flows including discount rates, volumes, prices, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by adverse changes in market conditions. The Company performs the goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter each fiscal year or when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred.

As of August 31, 2012, $51.3 million of goodwill was associated with one of the Company's reporting units, which consists of our Americas Fabrication reporting segment excluding the construction services division. As of August 31, 2012, the Company estimates that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeds the carrying value by approximately 30%. The fair value of this reporting unit could be adversely affected by prolonged weakness in US construction activity, volatility in the price of ferrous scrap, and global economic recession.

Goodwill at the other reporting units is not material and the fair value of these reporting units exceeds their respective carrying values.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted future cash flows from operations. If an impairment exists, the net book values are reduced to fair values as warranted.

Deposits for Letters of Credit The Company purchases insurance for certain exposures including workers' compensation, auto liability and general liability, as well as property damage and business interruption, which include specified deductibles. The retained or self-insurance components of these programs are secured by letters of credit which were collateralized by cash deposit of $31.1 million included in current assets at August 31, 2011. The Company maintained stand-by letters of credit of $30.3 million for these programs at August 31, 2012. The stand-by letters of credit reduced our availability under the Company credit facilities.

Environmental Costs The Company accrues liabilities for environmental investigation and remediation costs when it is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Environmental costs are based upon estimates regarding the sites for which the Company will be responsible, the scope and cost of work to be performed at each site, the portion of costs that will be shared with other parties and the timing of remediation. Where timing and amounts cannot be reasonably determined, a range is estimated and the lower end of the range is recorded.

Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes stock-based transactions at fair value in the financial statements. The fair value of each stock-based award is estimated at the date of grant using either the Black-Scholes pricing model or a binomial model. Total compensation cost is amortized over the requisite service period using the accelerated method of amortization for grants with graded vesting or using the straight-line method for grants with cliff vesting.

Accounts Payable — Documentary Letters of Credit In order to facilitate certain trade transactions, the Company utilizes documentary letters of credit to provide assurance of payment to its suppliers. These letters of credit may be for prompt payment or for payment at a future date conditional upon the bank determining the documentation presented to be in strict compliance with all terms and conditions of the letter of credit. The banks issue these letters of credit under informal, uncommitted lines of credit which are in addition to the Company’s contractually committed revolving credit agreement. In some cases, if the Company’s suppliers choose to discount the future dated obligation, the Company may pay the discount cost.

Income Taxes The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. The principal differences are described in Note 13, Income Tax. Benefits from tax credits are reflected currently in earnings. The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company records income tax positions based on a more likely than not threshold that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities having full knowledge of all relevant information.

Foreign Currencies The functional currency of most of the Company’s European marketing and distribution operations is the euro. The functional currencies of the Company’s Australian, Polish, United Kingdom and certain Chinese and Singaporean operations are their local currencies. The Company's remaining international subsidiaries’ functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains (losses) from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies, recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, were $2.2 million, $7.1 million and $(2.7) million for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments The Company records derivative instruments on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses from the changes in the values of the derivative instruments and hedged items are recorded in the statements of operations, or are deferred if they are designated for hedge accounting and are highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items during the term of the hedge.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company reports comprehensive income (loss) in its consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings (loss) plus gains and losses affecting stockholders’ equity that, under generally accepted accounting principles, are excluded from net earnings (loss), such as gains and losses related to certain derivative instruments, defined benefit plan obligations and translation effect of foreign currency assets and liabilities, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, is comprised of the following:

(in thousands)	2012			2011
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(17,369	)	$	58,937
Unrealized gain on derivatives	3,710			4,677
Defined benefit obligations	(4,477		)	(4,141		)
Total	$	(18,136	)	$	59,473

Recent Accounting Pronouncements In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") on accounting and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The guidance limits the highest-and-best-use measure to nonfinancial assets, permits certain financial assets and liabilities with offsetting positions in market or counter party credit risks to be measured at a net basis, and provides guidance on the applicability of premiums and discounts. Additionally, the guidance expands the disclosures on Level 3 unobservable inputs. Adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In June 2011, new accounting guidance was issued which amends the disclosure requirements for presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance requires presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance also required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. However, in December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. The implementation of this amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance on the assessment of goodwill impairment. This guidance allows companies to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before performing the two-step goodwill impairment test. The provisions of the new guidance were effective for our 2012 annual goodwill impairment test and guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance enhancing disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity's right to offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The new guidance requires the disclosure of the gross amounts subject to rights of set-off, amounts offset in accordance with the accounting standards followed, and the related net exposure. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning fiscal year 2014. We do not anticipate material impacts on our financial statements upon adoption.

In July 2012, the FASB issued amended guidance that simplifies how entities test indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment. After an assessment of certain qualitative factors, if more likely than not that an indefinite-lived asset is impaired, entities must perform the quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, the quantitative test is optional. The amended guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial results.

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Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Nov. 30, 2011 CMCS [Member]	Aug. 31, 2010 Joist and Deck Operations [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 Joist and Deck Operations [Member] properties
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Severance expense	$ 25,600,000	$ 8,200,000	$ 21,500,000	$ 18,000,000	$ 11,700,000
Impairment charges of property, plant and equipment					26,800,000
Intangible asset and goodwill impairment					4,500,000
Inventory valuation adjustments	$ 13,917,000	$ 25,503,000	$ 53,203,000		$ 7,400,000
Number of remaining asset locations						2

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable To CMC (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the denominators of the earnings per share calculations

The reconciliation of the denominators of the earnings per share calculations is as follows:

	2012	2011	2010
Shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share	115,861,986	114,995,616	113,524,836
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	921,174	1,115,507	—
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share	116,783,160	116,111,123	113,524,836

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Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related party transactions

NOTE 22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

One of the Company’s international subsidiaries had a marketing and distribution agreement with a key supplier of which the Company owns an 11% interest. This marketing and distribution agreement expired during the second quarter of 2011. The Company owned a 50% interest in two joint ventures related to this agreement. During 2011, the Company sold both joint ventures for approximately $8.3 million, resulting in a minimal gain. As a result, there were no related party transactions during the year ended August 31, 2012. During the years ended August 31, 2011 and 2010, net sales to this related party were $135.3 million and $329.4 million, respectively, and total purchases were $150.9 million and $352.8 million, respectively.

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Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly financial data (unaudited)

NOTE 21. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly financial data for fiscal 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands except per share data):

	Three Months Ended 2012
	Nov. 30		Feb. 29		May 31		Aug. 31
Net sales*	$	1,986,820	$	1,956,744	$	2,006,729	$	1,878,147
Gross profit*	172,536		182,778		184,209		179,979
Net earnings attributable to CMC	107,734		28,853		40,682		30,215
Basic EPS attributable to CMC	0.93		0.25		0.35		0.26
Diluted EPS attributable to CMC	0.93		0.25		0.35		0.26

	Three Months Ended 2011
	Nov. 30		Feb. 28			May 31		Aug. 31
Net sales*	$	1,775,092	$	1,781,650		$	2,062,683	$	2,243,920
Gross profit*	160,217		88,603			218,563		182,288
Net earnings (loss) attributable to CMC	651		(46,162		)	36,165		(120,271		)
Basic EPS (loss) attributable to CMC	0.01		(0.40		)	0.31		(1.04		)
Diluted EPS (loss) attributable to CMC	0.01		(0.40		)	0.31		(1.04		)

_________________________

*Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations.

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Business Segments (Reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) to Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 208,983	$ 19,278	$ (99,447)
Income taxes (benefit)	(46,190)	19,328	(61,942)
Interest expense	69,496	69,821	74,181
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	6,438	5,149	3,952
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations	238,727	113,576	(83,256)
Adjusted operating loss from discontinued operations	(8,675)	(150,678)	(101,645)
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	$ 230,052	$ (37,102)	$ (184,901)

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 77,638	$ 71,580
G.A.M. Acquisition		5,047
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	(741)	1,011
Goodwill	76,897	77,638
Americas Recycling [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	7,267	7,267
G.A.M. Acquisition		0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	0	0
Goodwill	7,267	7,267
Americas Mills [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	295	295
G.A.M. Acquisition		0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	0	0
Goodwill	295	295
Americas Fabrication [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	57,144	57,144
G.A.M. Acquisition		0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	0	0
Goodwill	57,144	57,144
International Mill [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	3,092	2,820
G.A.M. Acquisition		0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	(407)	272
Goodwill	2,685	3,092
International Marketing and Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	9,840	4,054
G.A.M. Acquisition		5,047
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	(334)	739
Goodwill	$ 9,506	$ 9,840

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Accrued Expenses And Other Payables Accrued Expenses And Other Payables (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued expenses and other payables

Significant accrued expenses and other payables were as follows:

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011
Salaries and incentive compensation	$	88,717	$	109,797
Advance billings on contracts	65,241		58,774
Taxes other than income taxes	38,024		26,873
Insurance	27,646		26,817
Contract losses	3,784		20,728

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Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts And Reserves

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

			Additions				Deductions
Description (in thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses	Charged to Other Accounts			Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts			Balance at End of Period
Year ended August 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	16,095	2,017	(3,423	)	(1)	(4,480	)	(729	)	(2)	$	9,480
Year ended August 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	29,721	4,037	2,756		(1)	(3,727	)	(16,692	)	(2)	$	16,095
Year ended August 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	42,134	3,058	1,802		(1)	(5,640	)	(11,633	)	(3)	$	29,721

(1) Recoveries and translation adjustments.

(2) Uncollectable accounts charged to the allowance. For the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011, $(5,864) and $12,238 were reclassified to the fair value of the deferred purchase price under our sale of receivables program, respectively.

(3) Uncollectable accounts charged to the allowance.

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation

Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.

Investments in 20% to 50% owned affiliates with respect to which the Company has the ability to exercise a significant influence over the operating and financial policies are accounted for on the equity method. All investments under 20% are accounted for under the cost method. In 2011, the Company sold all remaining interests in affiliates accounted for under the equity method.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make significant estimates regarding assets and liabilities and associated revenues and expenses. Actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes sales when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered based upon the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When the Company estimates that a contract with a customer will result in a loss, the Company accrues the entire loss as soon as it is probable and estimable. The Company accounts for fabrication projects based on the percentage of completion accounting method. As of August 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded in its accounts receivable unbilled revenue related to fabrication projects of $19.2 million and $13.2 million, respectively.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect its estimate of the uncollectability of accounts receivable. These reserves are based on historical trends, current market conditions and customers’ financial condition.

Credit Risk

Credit Risk The Company maintains both corporate and divisional credit departments. Credit limits are set for each customer. Some of the Company’s divisions use credit insurance or letters of credit to ensure prompt payment in accordance with terms of sale. Generally, collateral is not required. The Company’s accounts receivable were secured by credit insurance or letters of credit in the amount of approximately 60% and 64% of total receivables

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers temporary investments that are short-term (with original maturities of three months or less) and highly liquid to be cash equivalents.

Inventories

Inventories The Company records all inventories at the lower of their cost or market value. Inventory cost for most domestic inventories is determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method; cost of international and remaining inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.

Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, consumable production supplies, maintenance, production, wages and transportation costs. Additionally, the costs of departments that support production, including materials management and quality control, are allocated to inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment

At August 31, 2012, the useful lives used for depreciation and amortization were as follows:

Buildings	7	to	40	years
Land improvements	3	to	25	years
Leasehold improvements	3	to	15	years
Equipment	3	to	25	years

Goodwill

Goodwill The Company tests for impairment of goodwill by estimating the fair value of each reporting unit compared to its carrying value. The Company’s reporting units are based on its internal reporting structure and represent an operating segment or a reporting level below an operating segment.

Additionally, the reporting units are aggregated based on similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services, nature of production processes, type of customers and distribution methods. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to calculate the fair value of its reporting units. The model includes a number of significant assumptions and estimates regarding future cash flows including discount rates, volumes, prices, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by adverse changes in market conditions. The Company performs the goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter each fiscal year or when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred.

As of August 31, 2012, $51.3 million of goodwill was associated with one of the Company's reporting units, which consists of our Americas Fabrication reporting segment excluding the construction services division. As of August 31, 2012, the Company estimates that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeds the carrying value by approximately 30%. The fair value of this reporting unit could be adversely affected by prolonged weakness in US construction activity, volatility in the price of ferrous scrap, and global economic recession.

Goodwill at the other reporting units is not material and the fair value of these reporting units exceeds their respective carrying values.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted future cash flows from operations. If an impairment exists, the net book values are reduced to fair values as warranted.

Deposits for Letters of Credit

Deposits for Letters of Credit The Company purchases insurance for certain exposures including workers' compensation, auto liability and general liability, as well as property damage and business interruption, which include specified deductibles. The retained or self-insurance components of these programs are secured by letters of credit which were collateralized by cash deposit of $31.1 million included in current assets at August 31, 2011. The Company maintained stand-by letters of credit of $30.3 million for these programs at August 31, 2012. The stand-by letters of credit reduced our availability under the Company credit facilities.

Environmental Costs

Environmental Costs The Company accrues liabilities for environmental investigation and remediation costs when it is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Environmental costs are based upon estimates regarding the sites for which the Company will be responsible, the scope and cost of work to be performed at each site, the portion of costs that will be shared with other parties and the timing of remediation. Where timing and amounts cannot be reasonably determined, a range is estimated and the lower end of the range is recorded.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes stock-based transactions at fair value in the financial statements. The fair value of each stock-based award is estimated at the date of grant using either the Black-Scholes pricing model or a binomial model. Total compensation cost is amortized over the requisite service period using the accelerated method of amortization for grants with graded vesting or using the straight-line method for grants with cliff vesting.

Accounts Payable - Documentary Letters of Credit

Accounts Payable — Documentary Letters of Credit In order to facilitate certain trade transactions, the Company utilizes documentary letters of credit to provide assurance of payment to its suppliers. These letters of credit may be for prompt payment or for payment at a future date conditional upon the bank determining the documentation presented to be in strict compliance with all terms and conditions of the letter of credit. The banks issue these letters of credit under informal, uncommitted lines of credit which are in addition to the Company’s contractually committed revolving credit agreement. In some cases, if the Company’s suppliers choose to discount the future dated obligation, the Company may pay the discount cost.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. The principal differences are described in Note 13, Income Tax. Benefits from tax credits are reflected currently in earnings. The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company records income tax positions based on a more likely than not threshold that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities having full knowledge of all relevant information.

Foreign Currencies

Foreign Currencies The functional currency of most of the Company’s European marketing and distribution operations is the euro. The functional currencies of the Company’s Australian, Polish, United Kingdom and certain Chinese and Singaporean operations are their local currencies. The Company's remaining international subsidiaries’ functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains (losses) from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies, recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, were $2.2 million, $7.1 million and $(2.7) million for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments The Company records derivative instruments on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses from the changes in the values of the derivative instruments and hedged items are recorded in the statements of operations, or are deferred if they are designated for hedge accounting and are highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items during the term of the hedge.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company reports comprehensive income (loss) in its consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings (loss) plus gains and losses affecting stockholders’ equity that, under generally accepted accounting principles, are excluded from net earnings (loss), such as gains and losses related to certain derivative instruments, defined benefit plan obligations and translation effect of foreign currency assets and liabilities, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, is comprised of the following:

(in thousands)	2012			2011
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(17,369	)	$	58,937
Unrealized gain on derivatives	3,710			4,677
Defined benefit obligations	(4,477		)	(4,141		)
Total	$	(18,136	)	$	59,473

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") on accounting and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The guidance limits the highest-and-best-use measure to nonfinancial assets, permits certain financial assets and liabilities with offsetting positions in market or counter party credit risks to be measured at a net basis, and provides guidance on the applicability of premiums and discounts. Additionally, the guidance expands the disclosures on Level 3 unobservable inputs. Adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In June 2011, new accounting guidance was issued which amends the disclosure requirements for presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance requires presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance also required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. However, in December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. The implementation of this amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance on the assessment of goodwill impairment. This guidance allows companies to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before performing the two-step goodwill impairment test. The provisions of the new guidance were effective for our 2012 annual goodwill impairment test and guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance enhancing disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity's right to offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The new guidance requires the disclosure of the gross amounts subject to rights of set-off, amounts offset in accordance with the accounting standards followed, and the related net exposure. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning fiscal year 2014. We do not anticipate material impacts on our financial statements upon adoption.

In July 2012, the FASB issued amended guidance that simplifies how entities test indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment. After an assessment of certain qualitative factors, if more likely than not that an indefinite-lived asset is impaired, entities must perform the quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, the quantitative test is optional. The amended guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial results.

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Nature of Operations

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of operations

NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Nature of Operations Commercial Metals Company (“CMC”) and its consolidated subsidiaries (CMC and such subsidiaries, collectively, the “Company”) manufactures, recycles and markets steel and metal products, related materials and services. Its domestic recycling facilities, mills, fabrication facilities, and markets are primarily located in the U.S. sunbelt from the mid-Atlantic area through the west. Additionally, the Company operates steel minimills and fabrication shops in Poland, and processing facilities in Australia. Through its global marketing offices, the Company markets and distributes steel and nonferrous metal products and other industrial products worldwide.

Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.

Investments in 20% to 50% owned affiliates with respect to which the Company has the ability to exercise a significant influence over the operating and financial policies are accounted for on the equity method. All investments under 20% are accounted for under the cost method. In 2011, the Company sold all remaining interests in affiliates accounted for under the equity method.

Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make significant estimates regarding assets and liabilities and associated revenues and expenses. Actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates.

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Useful lives of property, plant and equipment

At August 31, 2012, the useful lives used for depreciation and amortization were as follows:

Buildings	7	to	40	years
Land improvements	3	to	25	years
Leasehold improvements	3	to	15	years
Equipment	3	to	25	years

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, is comprised of the following:

(in thousands)	2012			2011
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(17,369	)	$	58,937
Unrealized gain on derivatives	3,710			4,677
Defined benefit obligations	(4,477		)	(4,141		)
Total	$	(18,136	)	$	59,473

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Income Taxes Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	$ 10,762	$ 20,367	$ 1,532
Change in tax positions of current year	0	2,440	1,640
Change for tax positions of prior years	18,006	(12,045)	17,302
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities	(600)	0	0
Reductions due to statute of limitations lapse	(784)	0	(107)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$ 27,384	$ 10,762	$ 20,367

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Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Domestic and foreign components of income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes

The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011			2010
United States	$	114,406	$	(21,377	)	$	(148,829	)
Foreign	48,387		59,983			(12,560		)
Total	$	162,793	$	38,606		$	(161,389	)

Provision for income taxes from continuing operations

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations includes the following:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Current:
United States	$	1,560		$	23,452		$	(104,135	)
Foreign	419			352			(2,684		)
State and local	3,411			5,226			(18,581		)
Current taxes (benefit)	$	5,390		$	29,030		$	(125,400	)
Deferred:
United States	$	(65,710	)	$	(28,048	)	$	39,399
Foreign	7,130			9,742			34,749
State and local	(1,419		)	5,616			(8,008		)
Deferred taxes (benefit)	$	(59,999	)	$	(12,690	)	$	66,140
Total taxes (benefit) on income	$	(54,609	)	$	16,340		$	(59,260	)
Taxes (benefit) on discontinued operations	(8,419		)	(2,988		)	2,682
Taxes (benefit) on continuing operations	$	(46,190	)	$	19,328		$	(61,942	)

Tax effects of significant temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities

The tax effects of significant temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation and employee benefits	$	52,113		$	49,317
Net operating losses and credits	110,553			63,866
Reserves and other accrued expenses	41,516			44,683
Allowance for doubtful accounts	5,816			10,423
Inventory	1,881			3,603
Intangibles	9,668			11,098
Other	15,062			7,881
Total deferred tax assets	$	236,609		$	190,871
Valuation Allowance for deferred tax assets	(25,779		)	(75,289		)
Deferred tax assets, net	$	210,830		$	115,582
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	$	111,777		$	84,825
Other	5,012			5,996
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	116,789		$	90,821
Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities	$	94,041		$	24,761

Reconciliations of the United States statutory rates to the effective rates from continuing operations

Reconciliations of the United States statutory rates to the effective rates from continuing operations were as follows:

	Year Ended August 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate of 35%	$	56,978		$	13,512		(56,486		)
State and local taxes	4,620			7,351			(12,530		)
Section 199 manufacturing deduction	—			(1,175		)	—
Foreign rate differential	(9,909		)	(9,617		)	(1,096		)
Change in valuation allowance	10,033			—			12,965
Liability for non-US earnings	—			8,848			—
Disposition of CMCS	(102,104		)	—			—
Research and experimentation tax credits	(11,500		)	—			—
Other	5,692			409			(4,795		)
Taxes (benefit) on continuing operations	$	(46,190	)	$	19,328		$	(61,942	)
Effective tax rates from continuing operations	(28.4		)%	50.1		%	38.4		%

Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Balance at September 1	$	10,762		$	20,367		$	1,532
Change in tax positions of current year	—			2,440			1,640
Change for tax positions of prior years	18,006			(12,045		)	17,302
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities	(600		)	—			—
Reductions due to statute of limitations lapse	(784		)	—			(107		)
Balance at August 31	$	27,384		$	10,762		$	20,367

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Sales Of Accounts Receivable (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Proceed from sales of receivables	$ 1,900,000,000	$ 1,300,000,000
Cash payment to owners of receivables	1,900,000,000	1,200,000,000
Discount on domestic and international sales of accounts receivables	6,438,000	5,149,000	3,952,000
Domestic Sale Of Accounts Receivable [Member]
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Number of financial institutions	2
Accounts receivable sold	406,900,000	557,000,000
Advance payment received on sale of account receivable	10,000,000	50,000,000
Outstanding deferred purchase price of receivables sold	396,900,000	507,000,000
Maximum advance limit for receivables sold	200,000,000
International [Member]
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Accounts receivable sold	$ 95,100,000	$ 132,200,000
Australia [Member]
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Number of Quarters in compliance before discontinuing guarantee	2

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Derivatives And Risk Management (Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss), net of taxes for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	$ (578)	$ 1,018	$ 370
Cost of goods sold [Member] | Commodity [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss), net of taxes for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	27	195	(7)
Net sales [Member] | Foreign exchange [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss), net of taxes for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	(826)	0	0
SG&A expenses [Member] | Foreign exchange [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss), net of taxes for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	(300)	365	(81)
Interest expense [Member] | Interest rate [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss), net of taxes for cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI	$ 521	$ 458	$ 458

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Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 7,828,440	$ 7,863,345	$ 6,276,928
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	7,108,938	7,213,674	5,851,373
Selling, general and administrative expenses	486,606	516,778	508,997
Impairment of assets	607	24,466	3,766
Interest expense	69,496	69,821	74,181
Total costs and expenses	7,665,647	7,824,739	6,438,317
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	162,793	38,606	(161,389)
Income taxes (benefit)	(46,190)	19,328	(61,942)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	208,983	19,278	(99,447)
Loss from discontinued operations before taxes	(9,912)	(151,670)	(102,979)
Income taxes (benefit)	(8,419)	(2,988)	2,682
Loss from discontinued operations	(1,493)	(148,682)	(105,661)
Net earnings (loss)	207,490	(129,404)	(205,108)
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	6	213	236
Net earnings (loss) attributable to CMC	$ 207,484	$ (129,617)	$ (205,344)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 1.80	$ 0.16	$ (0.88)
Loss from discontinued operations	$ (0.01)	$ (1.29)	$ (0.93)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1.79	$ (1.13)	$ (1.81)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 1.79	$ 0.16	$ (0.88)
Loss from discontinued operations	$ (0.01)	$ (1.28)	$ (0.93)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1.78	$ (1.12)	$ (1.81)

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Business Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

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:

	Americas							International
(in thousands)	Recycling		Mills		Fabrication			Mill			Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
2012
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	1,418,717	$	1,378,716	$	1,366,944		$	955,730		$	2,700,300	$	8,033		$	—		$	7,828,440
Intersegment sales	187,444		777,101		14,694			77,627			27,019		—			(1,083,885		)	—
Net sales	1,606,161		2,155,817		1,381,638			1,033,357			2,727,319		8,033			(1,083,885		)	7,828,440
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	39,446		233,933		(15,697		)	23,044			47,287		(83,035		)	(6,251		)	238,727
Interest expense*	1,933		13,004		10,809			10,090			6,548		27,112			—			69,496
Capital expenditures**	40,329		39,356		4,389			14,016			3,314		8,197			—			109,601
Depreciation and amortization***	13,260		43,551		22,056			32,306			5,821		20,295			—			137,289
Total assets****	285,136		676,909		629,970			529,160			870,933		961,654			(519,117		)	3,434,645
2011
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	1,692,824	$	1,308,055	$	1,208,823		$	1,043,267		$	2,603,494	$	6,882		$	—		$	7,863,345
Intersegment sales	136,713		728,270		16,899			2,966			47,405		—			(932,253		)	—
Net sales	1,829,537		2,036,325		1,225,722			1,046,233			2,650,899		6,882			(932,253		)	7,863,345
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	43,059		161,731		(129,141		)	47,594			76,337		(84,729		)	(1,275		)	113,576
Interest expense*	246		12,901		9,717			18,251			2,173		26,533			—			69,821
Capital expenditures**	7,666		25,657		2,029			14,278			2,873		7,896			—			60,399
Depreciation and amortization***	12,860		52,048		48,299			36,528			4,600		23,916			—			178,251
Total assets****	278,120		650,920		590,278			643,748			990,111		1,505,672			(1,079,649		)	3,579,200
2010
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	1,211,815	$	869,014	$	1,131,928		$	621,230		$	2,439,018	$	3,923		$	—		$	6,276,928
Intersegment sales	104,615		609,412		8,349			77,834			24,396		326			(824,932		)	—
Net sales	1,316,430		1,478,426		1,140,277			699,064			2,463,414		4,249			(824,932		)	6,276,928
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	11,416		37,251		(107,800		)	(31,594		)	74,689		(70,678		)	3,460			(83,256		)
Interest expense*	109		12,113		9,076			10,098			3,273		39,512			—			74,181
Capital expenditures**	5,430		32,244		2,948			39,376			7,118		6,913			—			94,029
Depreciation and amortization***	15,802		55,315		42,777			27,889			5,021		18,512			—			165,316
Total assets****	228,781		622,358		622,608			546,356			732,900		1,083,744			(325,722		)	3,511,025

* Includes intercompany interest expense (income) in the segments and is all eliminated within Corporate.

** Excludes capital expenditures from discontinued operations of $4.3 million at August 31, 2012, $12.8 million at August 31,

2011, and $33.1 million at August 31, 2010.

*** Includes asset impairment charges.

**** Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $6.6 million at August 31, 2012, $103.9 million at August 31, 2011 and

$195.1 million at August 31, 2010.

Reconciliation of consolidated adjusted operating profit (loss) to earnings (loss) from continuing operations

The following table provides a reconciliation of consolidated adjusted operating profit to net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CMC:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	208,983		$	19,278		$	(99,447	)
Income taxes (benefit)	(46,190		)	19,328			(61,942		)
Interest expense	69,496			69,821			74,181
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	6,438			5,149			3,952
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations	$	238,727		$	113,576		$	(83,256	)
Adjusted operating loss from discontinued operations	(8,675		)	(150,678		)	(101,645		)
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	$	230,052		$	(37,102	)	$	(184,901	)

External net sales from continuing operations by major product and geographic area and long-lived assets by geographic area

The following represents the Company’s external net sales from continuing operations by major product and geographic area:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Major product information:
Steel products	$	4,700,854	$	4,414,105	$	3,622,429
Industrial materials	1,147,386		1,134,819		913,019
Nonferrous scrap	765,349		997,771		702,467
Ferrous scrap	763,772		805,067		561,119
Construction materials	177,827		217,741		220,993
Nonferrous products	171,861		196,641		178,844
Other	101,391		97,201		78,057
Net sales	$	7,828,440	$	7,863,345	$	6,276,928

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Geographic area:
United States	$	4,674,704	$	4,362,629	$	3,215,337
Europe	1,313,611		1,581,688		1,268,658
Asia	1,018,675		1,131,332		1,058,842
Australia/New Zealand	617,919		564,084		531,595
Other	203,531		223,612		202,496
Net sales	$	7,828,440	$	7,863,345	$	6,276,928

The following table represents long-lived assets by geographic area:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
United States	$	907,009	$	944,851	$	1,062,080
Europe	250,392		364,207		443,986
Australia/New Zealand	36,097		38,973		16,725
Other	7,917		8,847		8,156
Total long-lived assets	$	1,201,415	$	1,356,878	$	1,530,947

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable To CMC (Narrative) (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Number of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	2,800	2,300	0

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Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2009	$ 1,532,064	$ 1,290	$ 380,737	$ 34,257	$ 1,438,205	$ (324,796)	$ 2,371
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2009		129,060,664				(16,487,231)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)	(205,108)				(205,344)		236
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(45,597)			(45,607)			10
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $150, $119 and $472 for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(79)			(79)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $620, $28 and $413 for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(1,097)			(1,097)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(251,881)
Cash dividends	(54,489)				(54,489)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	10,494		(24,594)			35,088
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						1,751,916
Share-based compensation	13,132		13,132
Tax benefits from stock plans	4,033		4,033
Contribution from (Purchase of) noncontrolling interests	21						21
Ending balance at Aug. 31, 2010	1,253,374	1,290	373,308	(12,526)	1,178,372	(289,708)	2,638
Ending balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2010		129,060,664
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)	(129,404)				(129,617)		213
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	72,987			72,987
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $150, $119 and $472 for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(195)			(195)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $620, $28 and $413 for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(793)			(793)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(57,405)
Cash dividends	(55,177)				(55,177)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	9,615		(14,561)			24,176
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						1,208,414
Share-based compensation	11,913		11,913
Tax benefits from stock plans	2,355		2,355
Contribution from (Purchase of) noncontrolling interests	(4,027)		(1,399)				(2,628)
Ending balance at Aug. 31, 2011	1,160,648	1,290	371,616	59,473	993,578	(265,532)	223
Ending balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2011	129,060,664	129,060,664				(13,526,901)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)	207,490				207,484		6
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(76,306)			(76,306)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $150, $119 and $472 for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(967)			(967)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $620, $28 and $413 for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(336)			(336)
Comprehensive income (loss)	129,881
Cash dividends	(55,617)				(55,617)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(81)		(17,604)			17,523
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						817,661
Share-based compensation	9,763		9,763
Tax benefits from stock plans	1,968		1,968
Contribution from (Purchase of) noncontrolling interests	(55)		35				(90)
Ending balance at Aug. 31, 2012	$ 1,246,507	$ 1,290	$ 365,778	$ (18,136)	$ 1,145,445	$ (248,009)	$ 139
Ending balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2012	129,060,664	129,060,664				(12,709,240)

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Commitments And Contingencies Commitments And Contigencies (Minimum Lease Commitments Payable For Noncancelable Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012
Equipment [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
2013	$ 13,973
2014	8,856
2015	5,660
2016	4,859
2017	3,536
Real Estate [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
2013	22,012
2014	20,553
2015	20,072
2016	14,646
2017	$ 9,058

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Impairment and Facility Closure Costs Impairment and Facility Closure Costs (Pretax Charges)(Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Pre-tax charges relating to impairment and closure
Write-down of inventory	$ 13,917	$ 25,503	$ 53,203
Severance costs	25,600	8,200	21,500
Pretax charges relating to asset impairment and facility closure [Member]
Pre-tax charges relating to impairment and closure
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and other assets		106,655
Impairment of customer list intangible asset		12,140
Write-down of inventory		8,500
Severance costs		5,051
Lease termination costs		2,196
Other closure costs		$ 7,700

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Business Segments (Summary of Certain Financial Information from Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012		May 31, 2012		Feb. 29, 2012		Nov. 30, 2011		Aug. 31, 2011		May 31, 2011		Feb. 28, 2011		Nov. 30, 2010		Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2011		Aug. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$ 1,878,147	[1]	$ 2,006,729	[1]	$ 1,956,744	[1]	$ 1,986,820	[1]	$ 2,243,920	[1]	$ 2,062,683	[1]	$ 1,781,650	[1]	$ 1,775,092	[1]	$ 7,828,440		$ 7,863,345		$ 6,276,928
Adjusted operating profit (loss)																	238,727		113,576		(83,256)
Capital expenditures																	113,853		73,215		127,121
Segment, Continuing Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales-unaffiliated customers																	7,828,440		7,863,345		6,276,928
Intersegment sales																	0		0		0
Net sales																	7,828,440		7,863,345		6,276,928
Adjusted operating profit (loss)																	238,727		113,576		(83,256)
Interest expense																	69,496	[2]	69,821	[2]	74,181	[2]
Capital expenditures																	109,601	[3]	60,399	[3]	94,029	[3]
Depreciation and amortization																	137,289	[4]	178,251	[4]	165,316	[4]
Total assets	3,434,645	[5]							3,579,200	[5]							3,434,645	[5]	3,579,200	[5]	3,511,025	[5]
Americas Recycling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales-unaffiliated customers																	1,418,717		1,692,824		1,211,815
Intersegment sales																	187,444		136,713		104,615
Net sales																	1,606,161		1,829,537		1,316,430
Adjusted operating profit (loss)																	39,446		43,059		11,416
Interest expense																	1,933	[2]	246	[2]	109	[2]
Capital expenditures																	40,329	[3]	7,666	[3]	5,430	[3]
Depreciation and amortization																	13,260	[4]	12,860	[4]	15,802	[4]
Total assets	285,136	[5]							278,120	[5]							285,136	[5]	278,120	[5]	228,781	[5]
Americas Mills [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales-unaffiliated customers																	1,378,716		1,308,055		869,014
Intersegment sales																	777,101		728,270		609,412
Net sales																	2,155,817		2,036,325		1,478,426
Adjusted operating profit (loss)																	233,933		161,731		37,251
Interest expense																	13,004	[2]	12,901	[2]	12,113	[2]
Capital expenditures																	39,356	[3]	25,657	[3]	32,244	[3]
Depreciation and amortization																	43,551	[4]	52,048	[4]	55,315	[4]
Total assets	676,909	[5]							650,920	[5]							676,909	[5]	650,920	[5]	622,358	[5]
Americas Fabrication [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales-unaffiliated customers																	1,366,944		1,208,823		1,131,928
Intersegment sales																	14,694		16,899		8,349
Net sales																	1,381,638		1,225,722		1,140,277
Adjusted operating profit (loss)																	(15,697)		(129,141)		(107,800)
Interest expense																	10,809	[2]	9,717	[2]	9,076	[2]
Capital expenditures																	4,389	[3]	2,029	[3]	2,948	[3]
Depreciation and amortization																	22,056	[4]	48,299	[4]	42,777	[4]
Total assets	629,970	[5]							590,278	[5]							629,970	[5]	590,278	[5]	622,608	[5]
International Mill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales-unaffiliated customers																	955,730		1,043,267		621,230
Intersegment sales																	77,627		2,966		77,834
Net sales																	1,033,357		1,046,233		699,064
Adjusted operating profit (loss)																	23,044		47,594		(31,594)
Interest expense																	10,090	[2]	18,251	[2]	10,098	[2]
Capital expenditures																	14,016	[3]	14,278	[3]	39,376	[3]
Depreciation and amortization																	32,306	[4]	36,528	[4]	27,889	[4]
Total assets	529,160	[5]							643,748	[5]							529,160	[5]	643,748	[5]	546,356	[5]
International Marketing and Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales-unaffiliated customers																	2,700,300		2,603,494		2,439,018
Intersegment sales																	27,019		47,405		24,396
Net sales																	2,727,319		2,650,899		2,463,414
Adjusted operating profit (loss)																	47,287		76,337		74,689
Interest expense																	6,548	[2]	2,173	[2]	3,273	[2]
Capital expenditures																	3,314	[3]	2,873	[3]	7,118	[3]
Depreciation and amortization																	5,821	[4]	4,600	[4]	5,021	[4]
Total assets	870,933	[5]							990,111	[5]							870,933	[5]	990,111	[5]	732,900	[5]
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales-unaffiliated customers																	8,033		6,882		3,923
Intersegment sales																	0		0		326
Net sales																	8,033		6,882		4,249
Adjusted operating profit (loss)																	(83,035)		(84,729)		(70,678)
Interest expense																	27,112	[2]	26,533	[2]	39,512	[2]
Capital expenditures																	8,197	[3]	7,896	[3]	6,913	[3]
Depreciation and amortization																	20,295	[4]	23,916	[4]	18,512	[4]
Total assets	961,654	[5]							1,505,672	[5]							961,654	[5]	1,505,672	[5]	1,083,744	[5]
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales-unaffiliated customers																	0		0		0
Intersegment sales																	(1,083,885)		(932,253)		(824,932)
Net sales																	(1,083,885)		(932,253)		(824,932)
Adjusted operating profit (loss)																	(6,251)		(1,275)		3,460
Interest expense																	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Capital expenditures																	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Depreciation and amortization																	0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Total assets	$ (519,117)	[5]							$ (1,079,649)	[5]							$ (519,117)	[5]	$ (1,079,649)	[5]	$ (325,722)	[5]

[1] *Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations.

[2] Includes intercompany interest expense (income) in the segments and is all eliminated within Corporate.

[3] Excludes capital expenditures from discontinued operations of $4.3 million at August 31, 2012, $12.8 million at August 31, 2011, and $33.1 million at August 31, 2010.

[4] Includes asset impairment charges.

[5] Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $6.6 million at August 31, 2012, $103.9 million at August 31, 2011 and $195.1 million at August 31, 2010.

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Impairment and Facility Closure Costs Impairment and Facility Closure Costs (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Pre-tax charges

In connection with these actions, the following pre-tax charges were recorded in 2011:

	(in thousands)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and other assets	$	106,655
Impairment of customer list intangible asset	12,140
Write-down of inventory	8,500
Severance costs	5,051
Lease termination costs	2,196
Other closure costs	7,700

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Credit Arrangements (Long-term Debt, Including the Net Effect of the Deferred Gain from the Termination of the Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$ 1,161,325,000		$ 1,226,405,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,252,000		58,908,000
Long-term debt	1,157,073,000		1,167,497,000
5.625% notes due November 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	200,000,000		200,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.625%		5.625%
Debt instrument, maturity date	November 2013		November 2013
Weighted average interest rate	3.50%	[1]
Total long-term debt including current maturities	204,873,000	[1]	207,752,000	[1]
6.50% notes due July 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	400,000,000		400,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	6.50%		6.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date	July 2017		July 2017
Weighted average interest rate	5.70%	[1]
Total long-term debt including current maturities	414,491,000	[1]	414,198,000	[1]
7.35% notes due August 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	500,000,000		500,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	7.35%		7.35%
Debt instrument, maturity date	August 2018		August 2018
Weighted average interest rate	6.40%	[1]
Total long-term debt including current maturities	527,554,000	[1]	526,699,000	[1]
Other, including equipment notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt including current maturities	14,407,000		10,632,000
CMCZ term note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt including current maturities	0		48,648,000
CMCS financing agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$ 0		$ 18,476,000

[1]

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Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Capital stock

NOTE 15. CAPITAL STOCK

Treasury Stock CMC did not purchase any shares during the year ended August 31, 2012 and had remaining authorization to purchase 8,259,647 shares of its common stock at August 31, 2012.

Preferred Stock Preferred stock has a par value of $1.00 a share, with 2,000,000 shares authorized. It may be issued in series, and the shares of each series have such rights and preferences as may be fixed by CMC's Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Stockholder Rights Plan On July 30, 2011, CMC's Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan (“Rights Plan”) pursuant to which the Board declared a dividend to stockholders of record as of August 11, 2011, of one Preferred Stock Purchase Right (“Right”) on each outstanding share of CMC common stock. The Rights initially are represented by and trade with shares of CMC common stock. The Rights will not become exercisable or trade separately from shares of CMC common stock unless one or both of the following conditions are met: a public announcement that a person or group has acquired 10% or more of CMC common stock (including in the form of synthetic ownership through derivative positions), or a tender or exchange offer is made for 10% or more of CMC common stock. If either of these conditions is satisfied and the Rights become exercisable, each Right will entitle the holder to buy one one-thousandth of a share of CMC's Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $70. Each such fractional share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock will have economic and voting terms similar to those of one share of common stock. In addition, under certain circumstances, the Rights will entitle the holders to buy shares of CMC common stock or shares of an acquirer's stock at a 50% discount.

The Rights may be redeemed by CMC for $0.001 per Right at any time until the tenth day following the first public announcement of the acquisition of beneficial ownership of 10% of CMC common stock. The Rights Plan exempts any person or group owning 10% or more of CMC common stock as of the announcement of the Rights Plan. However, the Rights also will be exercisable if a person or group that owns 10% or more of CMC common stock as of such announcement acquires any additional shares (including through derivatives, but other than pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made by CMC or pursuant to a stock split or reclassification). The Rights Plan expires on August 1, 2014.

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Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Financial information for discontinued operations

Financial information for discontinued operations is as follows:

(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
At August 31,
Current assets	$	6,601		$	52,272		$	67,291
Noncurrent assets	—			51,659			127,837
Current liabilities	—			41,115			30,474
Noncurrent liabilities	—			13,653			19,544
Fiscal Year Ended
Revenue	30,567			56,854			152,145
Earnings (loss) before taxes	(9,912		)	(151,670		)	(102,979		)

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Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012 segments	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments	5
Statement [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 113,853,000	$ 73,215,000	$ 127,121,000
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	4,300,000	12,800,000	33,100,000
Total assets	$ 6,600,000	$ 103,900,000	$ 195,100,000

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Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments And contingencies

NOTE 17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Minimum lease commitments payable by the Company for noncancelable operating leases for the years ended August 31 are as follows:

(in thousands)	Equipment		Real Estate
2013	$	13,973	$	22,012
2014	8,856		20,553
2015	5,660		20,072
2016	4,859		14,646
2017	3,536		9,058

Total rental expense was $43.9 million, $45.9 million and $48.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Legal and Environmental Matters

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and government investigations, including environmental matters.

On September 18, 2008, the Company was served with a class action antitrust lawsuit alleging violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, brought by Standard Iron Works of Scranton, Pennsylvania, against nine steel manufacturing companies, including Commercial Metals Company. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price at which steel products were sold in the United States by artificially restricting the supply of such steel products. The lawsuit, which purports to be brought on behalf of a class consisting of all purchasers of steel products directly from the defendants between January 1, 2005 and September 2008, seeks treble damages and costs, including reasonable attorney fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. Document discovery has taken place but motions for class certification are not yet pending nor have any depositions been taken. The Company believes the case is without merit and intends to defend it vigorously.

Since the filing of the direct purchaser lawsuit, a case has been filed in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of a class of indirect purchasers in approximately 28 states naming the same defendants and containing allegations substantially identical to those of the Standard Iron Works complaint. That case has in effect been stayed. Another indirect purchaser action was filed in Tennessee state court, again naming the same defendants but contending that the conspiracy continued through 2010. The case has been removed to federal court and plaintiffs have moved to remand. The motion to remand has not yet been decided and no motion practice or discovery has taken place. The Company believes that the lawsuits are without merit and plans to defend them vigorously. Due to the uncertainty and the information available at this time, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss relating to these cases.

The Company has received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or equivalent state agency that it is considered a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) 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 August 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $1.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, accrued 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 CERCLA sites, were $9.0 million and $16.3 million, of which $4.9 million and $5.1 million were classified as other long-term liabilities, at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 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.

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including litigation, proceedings and investigations relating to environmental matters. Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in the consolidated financial statements for the potential impact of these contingencies, and that the outcomes will not materially impact the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company.

Guarantees

In July 2012, the Company entered into a guarantee agreement with a bank in connection with a credit facility granted by the bank to a supplier of the company. The fair value of the guarantee is negligible. As of August 31, 2012, the maximum credit facility with the bank was $4.0 million and the maximum Company exposure was $3.0 million.

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Derivatives And Risk Management (Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	$ 2,888	$ (17,432)	$ (7,764)
Commodity [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	4,496	(10,857)	(5,745)
Foreign exchange [Member] | Net sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	(199)	38	(898)
Foreign exchange [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	(537)	1,412	(1,153)
Foreign exchange [Member] | SG&A expenses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	$ (872)	$ (8,025)	$ 32

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Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Taxes on unrealized loss on derivatives	$ 472	$ 119	$ 150
Taxes on defined benefit obligation	$ (413)	$ 28	$ (620)

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 262,422	$ 222,390
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,480 and $16,095)	958,364	956,852
Inventories, net	807,923	908,338
Other	211,122	238,673
Total current assets	2,239,831	2,326,253
Property, plant and equipment:
Land	79,123	93,496
Buildings and improvements	483,708	507,797
Equipment	1,656,328	1,666,682
Construction in process	41,036	42,499
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	2,260,195	2,310,474
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,265,891)	(1,198,459)
Property, plant and equipment, Net	994,304	1,112,015
Goodwill	76,897	77,638
Other assets	130,214	167,225
Total assets	3,441,246	3,683,131
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable-trade	433,132	585,289
Accounts payable-documentary letters of credit	95,870	170,683
Accrued expenses and other payables	343,337	377,774
Notes payable	24,543	6,200
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,252	58,908
Total current liabilities	901,134	1,198,854
Deferred income taxes	20,271	49,572
Other long-term liabilities	116,261	106,560
Long-term debt	1,157,073	1,167,497
Total liabilities	2,194,739	2,522,483
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued 129,060,664 shares; outstanding 116,351,424 and 115,533,763 shares	1,290	1,290
Additional paid-in capital	365,778	371,616
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(18,136)	59,473
Retained earnings	1,145,445	993,578
Less treasury stock, 12,709,240 and 13,526,901 shares at cost	(248,009)	(265,532)
Stockholders' equity attributable to CMC	1,246,368	1,160,425
Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests	139	223
Total equity	1,246,507	1,160,648
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,441,246	$ 3,683,131

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Credit Arrangements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Credit Arrangements

NOTE 10. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

During the second quarter of 2012, the Company entered into a third amended and restated credit agreement which reduced the availability under our revolving credit facility from $400 million to $300 million and extended the maturity date to December 27, 2016. The maximum availability under this facility can be increased to $400 million with the consent of both parties. The program’s capacity is reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit which totaled $28.9 million at August 31, 2012. Under the credit facility, the Company was required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio (adjusted EBITDA to interest expense, as each is defined in the facility) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 for the twelve month cumulative period ended August 31, 2012. Beginning for the twelve month cumulative period ending November 30, 2012, the Company is required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.00 to 1.00 and for each fiscal quarter on a rolling twelve month cumulative period thereafter. At August 31, 2012, the Company’s interest coverage ratio was 5.15 to 1.00. The agreement also requires the Company to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio not greater than 0.60 to 1.00. At August 31, 2012, the Company’s debt to capitalization ratio was 0.51 to 1.00. The agreement provides for interest based on the LIBOR, the Eurodollar rate or Bank of America’s prime rate.

During the third quarter of 2011, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to hedge the fair value changes on its 6.50% notes due July 2017 (“2017 Notes”). During the third quarter of 2010, the Company entered into interest rate swap transactions on its 5.625% notes due November 2013 (“2013 Notes”) and 7.35% notes due August 2018 (“2018 Notes”). The swap transactions were designated as fair value hedges at inception and effectively converted all fixed-rate interest to floating rate interest on the Company’s 2013 Notes, and effectively converted fixed-rate interest to floating rate interest with respect to $300 million in principal amount on each of the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company terminated its existing interest rate swap transactions and received cash proceeds of approximately $53 million, net of customary finance charges. The resulting gain is being deferred and amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the respective debt tranches. At August 31, 2012, the unamortized portion was $46.9 million and the amortization of the deferred gain was $5.8 million for the year ended August 31, 2012.

The Company has uncommitted credit facilities available from domestic and international banks. In general, these credit facilities are used to support trade letters of credit (including accounts payable settled under bankers’ acceptances as described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies), foreign exchange transactions and short-term advances which are priced at market rates.

Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps in 2012 and the net effect of interest rate swap revaluation adjustment in 2011, was as follows as of August 31:

(in thousands)	Weighted Average Interest Rate as of August 31, 2012	2012		2011
$200 million notes at 5.625% due November 2013	3.5%	$	204,873	$	207,752
$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017	5.7%	414,491		414,198
$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018	6.4%	527,554		526,699
Other, including equipment notes		14,407		10,632
CMCZ term note		—		48,648
CMCS financing agreement		—		18,476
		1,161,325		1,226,405
Less current maturities		4,252		58,908
		$	1,157,073	$	1,167,497

Interest on the notes is payable semiannually.

The CMCS financing agreement was used for capital expenditures and other uses. The note had scheduled principal and interest payments in semiannual installments and was repaid during the third quarter of 2012.

The CMCZ term note was repaid during the first quarter of 2012. Subsequently, CMCZ entered into current uncommitted credit facilities of $76.9 million with several banks, which expire in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. At August 31, 2012, $24.5 million was outstanding under these facilities and included in notes payable on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The weighted average interest rate on these facilities was 5.9% at August 31, 2012. The outstanding balance at August 31, 2011 is included in current maturities of long-term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

The scheduled maturities of the Company’s long-term debt for the years ended August 31 are as follows:

(in thousands)
2013	$	4,252
2014	203,437
2015	3,074
2016	1,613
2017	401,104
Thereafter	500,927
Total excluding deferred gain of interest rate swaps	$	1,114,407
Deferred gain of interest rate swaps	46,918
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$	1,161,325

Interest of $1.3 million, $0.8 million and $4.5 million was capitalized in the cost of property, plant and equipment constructed in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest of $74.1 million, $71.4 million and $80.0 million was paid in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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Business Segments Business Segments (Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 1,201,415	$ 1,356,878	$ 1,530,947
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	907,009	944,851	1,062,080
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	250,392	364,207	443,986
Australia/New Zealand [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	36,097	38,973	16,725
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 7,917	$ 8,847	$ 8,156

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Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2012 Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 Class Action Antitrust Lawsuit [Member] states	Sep. 18, 2008 Class Action Antitrust Lawsuit [Member] entities	Aug. 31, 2012 CERCLA sites [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 CERCLA sites [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating leases, rent Expense	$ 43.9	$ 45.9	$ 48.9
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies	9.0	16.3
Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent	4.9	5.1
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of steel manufacturing companies						9
Number of States					28
Environmental Remediation Expense							1.0	1.0
Maximum credit facility				4.0
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure				$ 3.0

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Capital Stock Capital Stock (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	8,259,647
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1.00
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	2,000,000
Shareholders' Warrant or Right Plan [Line Items]
Conditions to Be Followed for Rights to Be Exercisable or Traded Separately	The Rights initially are represented by and trade with shares of CMC common stock. The Rights will not become exercisable or trade separately from shares of CMC common stock unless one or both of the following conditions are met: a public announcement that a person or group has acquired 10% or more of CMC common stock (including in the form of synthetic ownership through derivative positions), or a tender or exchange offer is made for 10% or more of CMC common stock.
Condition for Rights to Be Redeemed By Company	The Rights may be redeemed by CMC for $0.001 per Right at any time until the tenth day following the first public announcement of the acquisition of beneficial ownership of 10% of CMC common stock. The Rights Plan exempts any person or group owning 10% or more of CMC common stock as of the announcement of the Rights Plan. However, the Rights also will be exercisable if a person or group that owns 10% or more of CMC common stock as of such announcement acquires any additional shares (including through derivatives, but other than pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made by CMC or pursuant to a stock split or reclassification).
Stockholders Right Plan Expiration	Aug. 01, 2014
Shareholder Rights Plan [Member]
Shareholders' Warrant or Right Plan [Line Items]
Discount on Company's Common Stock or an Acquirers Stock	50.00%
Value Per Rights in Class of Warrant or Right Number of Securities	0.001
Shareholder Rights Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Shareholders' Warrant or Right Plan [Line Items]
Stockholder Rights Plan Exercise Trigger Threshold Percentage	10.00%
Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Warrant or Right Plan [Line Items]
Number of shares exercisable for stock purchase right	0.001
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	70

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Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Oct. 26, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Trading Symbol	cmc
Entity Registrant Name	COMMERCIAL METALS CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000022444
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.	750725338
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		116,355,137
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Minimum Percentage of Share Ownership Deemed Affiliates			10.00%
Entity Public Float			$ 1,532,054,401

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Derivatives And Risk Management

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives and risk management

NOTE 11. DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company’s worldwide operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metals 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 metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated declines in gross margin due to the volatility of the commodities’ prices, enters into foreign currency forward contracts that match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and enters into natural gas forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in operating cost due to the volatility of natural gas prices. When sales commitments to customers include a fixed price freight component, the Company occasionally enters into freight forward contracts to reduce the effects of the volatility of ocean freight rates. The Company had entered into interest rate swap contracts to maintain the majority of the Company’s debt obligations at variable interest rates. These interest rate swap contracts, under which the Company has agreed to pay variable rates of interest and receive fixed rates of interest, are designated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate debt. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company terminated its existing interest rate swap transactions having a notional value of $800 million. See Note 10, Credit Arrangements for additional information. 

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 statements of operations, and there were no components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011. Certain of the 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 (underlying) items recognized within the statements of operations (in thousands) for the years ended August 31:

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location	2012			2011			2010
Commodity	Cost of goods sold	$	4,496		$	(10,857	)	$	(5,745	)
Foreign exchange	Net sales	(199		)	38			(898		)
Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold	(537		)	1,412			(1,153		)
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	(872		)	(8,025		)	32
Gain (loss) before taxes		$	2,888		$	(17,432	)	$	(7,764	)

The Company’s fair value hedges are designated for accounting purposes with gains and losses on the hedged (underlying) items offsetting the gain or loss on the related derivative transaction. Hedged (underlying) items relate to firm commitments on commercial sales and purchases and capital expenditures. As of August 31, 2011, fair value hedge accounting for interest rate swap contracts increased the carrying value of debt instruments by $48.6 million.

Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments		August 31,
	Location	2012		2011			2010
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	$	383	$	(15,053	)	(4,194	)
Interest rate	Interest expense	10,561		33,485			32,438
Gain before taxes		$	10,944	$	18,432		28,244

Hedged (Underlying) Items Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments		August 31,
	Location	2012			2011			2010
Foreign exchange	Net sales	$	—		$	91		39
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	(383		)	14,955			4,147
Interest rate	Interest expense	(10,561		)	(33,485		)	(32,438	)
Loss before taxes		$	(10,944	)	$	(18,439	)	(28,252	)

The Company recognized the impact of actual and estimated net periodic settlements of current interest on active interest rate swaps as adjustments to interest expense. The Company recorded a reduction to interest expense related to interest rate swaps of $6.5 million, $15.7 million and $5.7 million for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These amounts represent the net of the Company’s periodic variable-rate interest obligations and the swap counterparty’s fixed-rate interest obligations. The Company’s variable-rate obligations are based on a spread from the six-month LIBOR.

Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	August 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Commodity	$	—		$	26	27
Foreign exchange	(1,545		)	797		264
Gain (loss), net of taxes	$	(1,545	)	$	823	291

Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		August 31,
	Location	2012			2011		2010
Commodity	Cost of  goods sold	$	27		$	195	(7	)
Foreign exchange	Net sales	(826		)	—		—
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	(300		)	365		(81	)
Interest rate	Interest expense	521			458		458
Gain (loss), net of taxes		$	(578	)	$	1,018	370

The Company’s derivative instruments were recorded at their respective fair values as follows on the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands) for the year ended August 31:

Derivative Assets	2012		2011
Commodity — designated	$	—	$	17
Commodity — not designated	407		2,329
Foreign exchange — designated	670		893
Foreign exchange — not designated	798		970
Current interest rate — designated	—		19,134
Long-term interest rate — designated	—		29,515
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)*	$	1,875	$	52,858

Derivative Liabilities	2012		2011
Commodity — designated	$	2	$	—
Commodity — not designated	993		2,625
Foreign exchange — designated	1,272		805
Foreign exchange — not designated	1,248		2,258
Other — not designated	32		—
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses, other payables and long-term liabilities)*	$	3,547	$	5,688

 _________________ 

* Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged (underlying) items designated as fair value hedges.

As of August 31, 2012, 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 not entered into for trading purposes.

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Income Taxes Income Taxes (Provision For Income Taxes From Continuing Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Current:
United States	$ 1,560	$ 23,452	$ (104,135)
Foreign	419	352	(2,684)
State and local	3,411	5,226	(18,581)
Current taxes (benefit)	5,390	29,030	(125,400)
Deferred:
United States	(65,710)	(28,048)	39,399
Foreign	7,130	9,742	34,749
State and local	(1,419)	5,616	(8,008)
Deferred taxes	(59,999)	(12,690)	66,140
Total taxes (benefit) on income	(54,609)	16,340	(59,260)
Taxes (benefit) on discontinued operations	(8,419)	(2,988)	2,682
Income taxes (benefit)	$ (46,190)	$ 19,328	$ (61,942)

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Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation (Yearly Activity Of Stock Purchase Plan) (Details) (Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares subscribed	299,210	339,620	526,890
Price per share	$ 11.85	$ 14.34	$ 13.63
Shares purchased	198,300	357,180	980,940
Price per share	$ 11.76	$ 13.63	$ 7.94
Shares available for future issuance	4,342,704

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9,480	$ 16,095
Common stock, par value	$ 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	116,351,424	115,533,763
Treasury stock, shares	12,709,240	13,526,901

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Inventories

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

NOTE 5. INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost for most domestic inventories is determined by the LIFO method. LIFO inventory reserves were $261.8 million and $307.3 million at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Inventory cost for international inventories and the remaining domestic inventories are determined by the FIFO method.

At August 31, 2012 and 2011, 55% and 49%, respectively, of total inventories were valued at LIFO. The remainder of inventories, valued at FIFO, consisted mainly of material dedicated to CMC Zawiercie S.A. (“CMCZ”) and certain marketing and distribution businesses.

The majority of the Company’s inventories are in the form of finished goods with minimal work in process. At August 31, 2012 and 2011, $68.0 million and $107.7 million, respectively, were in raw materials.

During 2012 and 2010, inventory in certain LIFO pools was reduced. This reduction resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared with the cost of current purchases. The effect for 2012 increased net earnings by $1.0 million. During 2011, there was no liquidation of LIFO inventories. The effect for 2010 decreased net loss by $33.9 million.

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Sales Of Accounts Receivable

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]

Sales Of accounts receivable

NOTE 4. SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

The Company has a sale of accounts receivable program which expires on December 26, 2014. Under the program, the Company periodically contributes, and several of its subsidiaries periodically sell without recourse, certain eligible trade accounts receivable to the Company’s wholly-owned consolidated special purpose subsidiary, CMC Receivables, Inc. (“CMCRV”). CMCRV is structured to be a bankruptcy-remote entity and was formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling receivables generated by the Company. Depending on the Company’s level of financing needs, CMCRV sells the trade accounts receivable in their entirety to two third party financial institutions. The third party financial institutions advance up to a maximum of $200 million for all receivables and the remaining portion due to the Company is deferred until the ultimate collection of the underlying receivables. The Company accounts for sales to the financial institutions as true sales and the cash advances for receivables are removed from the consolidated balance sheets and reflected as cash provided by operating activities. Additionally, the receivables program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur if the Company defaulted under certain of its credit arrangements. The covenants contained in the receivables purchase agreement are consistent with the credit facility described in Note 10, Credit Arrangements.

At August 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, the Company sold $406.9 million and $557.0 million of receivables, respectively, to the third party financial institutions, and received $10.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, as advance payments. The remaining amounts of $396.9 million and $507.0 million, respectively, are the deferred purchase prices, and are included as trade receivables on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

In addition to the domestic sale of accounts receivable program described above, the Company’s international subsidiaries in Europe and Australia periodically sell accounts receivable without recourse. These arrangements constitute true sales, and once the accounts are sold, they are no longer available to the Company’s creditors in the event of bankruptcy. Uncollected accounts receivable sold under these arrangements and removed from the consolidated balance sheets were $95.1 million and $132.2 million as of August 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, respectively. The Australian program contains financial covenants in which the subsidiary must meet certain coverage and tangible net worth levels, as defined. At August 31, 2012, the Australian subsidiary was not in compliance with these covenants. The Company provided a guarantee of the Australian subsidiary’s performance resulting in the financial covenants being waived at August 31, 2012. The guarantee will cease to be effective when the Australian subsidiary is in compliance with the financial covenants for two consecutive quarters.

During 2012 and 2011, proceeds from the domestic and international sales of receivables were $1.9 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, and cash payments to the owners of receivables were $1.9 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. The Company is responsible for servicing the receivables for a nominal servicing fee. Discounts on domestic and international sales of accounts receivable were $6.4 million, $5.1 million and $4.0 million for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011 and 2010, respectively. These discounts primarily represented the costs of funds and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

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Employees' Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employees’ retirement plans

NOTE 16. EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT PLANS

Substantially all employees in the U.S. are covered by a defined contribution profit sharing and savings plan. This tax qualified plan is maintained and contributions made in accordance with ERISA. The Company also provides certain eligible executives’ benefits pursuant to a nonqualified benefit restoration plan (“BRP Plan”) equal to amounts that would have been available under the tax qualified ERISA plans, but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Company expenses, which are discretionary, for these plans were $13.0 million, $14.1 million and $19.4 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The deferred compensation liability under the BRP Plan was $77.0 million and $81.2 million at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and recorded in other long-term liabilities. Though under no obligation to fund the plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust with a current value at August 31, 2012 and 2011 of $52.9 million and $49.4 million, respectively, recorded in other long-term assets. The net holding gain on these segregated assets was $5.3 million, $6.5 million and $3.2 million for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

A certain number of employees, primarily outside of the U.S., participate in defined benefit plans maintained in accordance with local regulations. Company expenses for these plans were $2.2 million, $3.2 million and $2.4 million for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company provides post retirement defined benefits to employees at certain divisions and recognizes the unfunded status of defined benefit plans as a liability with a corresponding reduction to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes. At August 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s liability related to the unfunded status of the defined benefit plans was $5.1 million and $8.6 million, respectively.

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Fair Value

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value

NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE

The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to 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. When available, the Company uses unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets to measure the fair value and classifies such items within Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use current market-based or independently sourced market parameters. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Fair value of nonqualified benefit plan liabilities in Level 2 is measured based on investments selections from plan participants. The following table summarizes 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)	August 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets  for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant  Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Money market investments	$	172,462	$	172,462	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets	1,875		407		1,468		—
Nonqualified benefit plan assets *	52,929		52,929		—		—
Derivative liabilities	3,547		993		2,554		—
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities *	76,952		—		76,952		—

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	August 31, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets  for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant  Other Observable  Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Money market investments	$	153,839	$	153,839	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets	52,858		2,329		50,529		—
Nonqualified benefit plan assets *	49,357		49,357		—		—
Derivative liabilities	5,688		2,625		3,063		—
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities *	81,167		—		81,167		—

 _________________ 

* The Company provides a nonqualified benefit restoration plan to certain eligible executives equal to amounts that would have been available under tax qualified ERISA plans but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Though under no obligation to fund this plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust. The plan assets and liabilities consist of securities included in various mutual funds.

Fair value of property, plant and equipment held for sale (Level 3) were $9.0 million based on appraised values less costs to sell at August 31, 2012. CMC does not have other assets or intangible assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at August 31, 2012. Impairment charges for property, plant and equipment were $3.3 million for the year ended August 31, 2012. The following table summarizes information regarding the Company's nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at August 31, 2011:

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	Year Ended August 31,		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Recognized
(in thousands)	2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Loss
Plant, property and equipment	$	56,795	$	—	$	—	$	56,795	$	89,448
Other assets	2,472		—		—		2,472		18,557
Intangible assets	3,271		—		—		3,271		12,140

The Company’s long-term debt is predominantly publicly held. The fair value was approximately $1.22 billion at August 31, 2012 and $1.24 billion at 2011. Fair value was determined by indicated market values.

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Share-based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 13.1	$ 12.9	$ 13.1
Unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost	22.8
Period of unrecognized pre-tax compensation to be recognized	3 years
Fair value of shares vested	10.7	2.9	3.2
2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future grants	3,831,278
Vesting period in years	3 years
Vesting Percentage	33.00%
Stock Options and SARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Option Expiration Date		7 years
2010 RSU Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years		4 years
Increment at the end of two years [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Percentage	50.00%
Increment at the end of four years [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Percentage	50.00%
2011 PSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years	3 years
Payment of award upon achievement of performance goals in share of common stock	50.00%
Payment of award upon achievement of performance goals in Cash	50.00%
2010 PSU [Member] | Performance Condition One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Condition Vesting Percentage	50.00%
Percentile on Stockholders Return in Peer Group	50th
2010 PSU [Member] | Performance Condition Second [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Condition Vesting Percentage	100.00%
Percentile on Stockholders Return in Peer Group	60th
1999 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years		2 years
Stock Options and SARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of options and SARs exercised	$ 0.4	$ 7.4	$ 9.8
Share units granted	927,312	112,000	126,000
Restricted Stock Awards And Psus [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards and PSUs Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 10.68	$ 15.55	$ 12.89
Cash settled phantom share units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share units granted	1,132,204
Equivelant number of shares outstanding	1,420,608
Equivalent number of shares expected to vest	1,248,280
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares per employee	400
Purchase discount from market price	15.00%	15.00%	15.00%

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Severance

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Severance

NOTE 8. SEVERANCE

The Company recorded consolidated severance costs of $25.6 million, $8.2 million and $21.5 million during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These severance costs related to involuntary employee terminations initiated as part of the Company’s focus on operating expense management and reductions in headcount to meet then-current production levels. The severance costs recorded during 2012 primarily relate to the Company’s discontinued operations. During 2011, the Company closed several locations which resulted in involuntary employee termination benefits. These termination benefits have been included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of August 31, 2012 and 2011, the remaining liability to be paid in the future related to termination benefits was $2.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively.

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Impairment and Facility Closure Costs Impairment and Facility Closure Costs (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2011 CMCS [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 3,316	$ 120,145	$ 35,041	$ 110,600

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

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
Balance at August 31, 2010	$	7,267	$	295	$	57,144	$	2,820		$	4,054		$	71,580
G.A.M. acquisition	—		—		—		—			5,047			5,047
Translation	—		—		—		272			739			1,011
Balance at August 31, 2011	7,267		295		57,144		3,092			9,840			77,638
Translation	—		—		—		(407		)	(334		)	(741		)
Balance at August 31, 2012	$	7,267	$	295	$	57,144	$	2,685		$	9,506		$	76,897

The following intangible assets subject to amortization are included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of August 31:

	2012						2011
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Customer base	$	33,928	$	17,133	$	16,795	$	34,128	$	12,714	$	21,414
Non-competition agreements	—		—		—		4,183		3,281		902
Favorable land leases	6,133		527		5,606		7,063		521		6,542
Brand name	4,113		1,394		2,719		4,207		803		3,404
Other	101		31		70		101		25		76
Total	$	44,275	$	19,085	$	25,190	$	49,682	$	17,344	$	32,338

Excluding goodwill, there are no other significant intangible assets with indefinite lives. Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $5.9 million, $9.9 million, and $11.2 million, respectively. At August 31, 2012, the weighted average remaining useful lives of these intangible assets, excluding the favorable land leases in Poland, were five years. The weighted average lives of the favorable land leases were 77 years. Estimated amounts of amortization expense for the next five years are as follows:

Year	(in thousands)
2013	$	4,928
2014	4,880
2015	4,827
2016	3,191
2017	747

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Impairment and Facility Closure Costs

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Impairment and facility closure costs

NOTE 7. IMPAIRMENT AND FACILITY CLOSURE COSTS

The Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Facility closures and changes in market conditions and economic environment could impact future operating results and cash flows.

Asset impairment and facility closure costs were not significant for 2012.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company prepared an impairment analysis on its steel pipe manufacturing operation at CMCS based on the following impairment indicators: management determined that improvements in key operating areas could not be achieved and maintained without additional capital expenditures; CMCS could not achieve adequate market share for billets as the mill is currently designed; the down-turn in global economy, especially debt issues in Europe, further delayed recovery and will likely result in continued losses in future years; accession of Croatia to the European Union which is required to allow the operation to be competitive was further delayed until 2013 or mid-2014; and uncertainties in the Middle East and North Africa, the primary markets for CMCS. As a result, the Company recorded impairment charges of $110.6 million to impair the CMCS operation. The operations of CMCS were previously included as part of the International Mill segment and were classified as discontinued operations during 2012 for all periods presented.

Additionally, the Company decided to close certain rebar fabrication and construction services locations and the Company’s fabrication operation in Germany during the fourth quarter of 2011. As a result, the Company recorded impairment charges for these locations. Additionally, the Company determined that based on current market conditions and operating results as part of the Company’s annual budget process, one of the Company’s rebar fabrication customer base intangible assets was not recoverable. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge to reduce the customer base intangible to its estimated fair value. The rebar and construction services operations are included as part of the Americas Fabrication segment and the German fabrication operation is included as part of the International Mill segment.

The impairment of property, plant and equipment was based on the fair values calculated by independent appraisals. The fair values include estimated cost to sell the assets. The construction services locations are leased properties. Lease termination costs represent the estimated fair value of future lease payments less any sub-lease income which the Company recorded at the cease use date of the leased property.

In connection with these actions, the following pre-tax charges were recorded in 2011:

	(in thousands)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and other assets	$	106,655
Impairment of customer list intangible asset	12,140
Write-down of inventory	8,500
Severance costs	5,051
Lease termination costs	2,196
Other closure costs	7,700

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Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued operations

NOTE 9. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company announced its decision to exit CMCS by closure of the facility and sale of the assets. The Company determined that the decision to exit this business met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, this business has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods. During the first quarter of 2012, this division recorded severance costs of $18.0 million associated with exiting the business. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company shipped all production orders and in the third quarter of 2012 liquidated all remaining inventory. This operation was in the International Mill segment. See Note 3, Acquisition and Dispositions for sale details.

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company’s Board approved a plan to exit the joist and deck business through the sale of those facilities. The Company determined that the decision to exit this business met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, this business has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods. The Company recorded $26.8 million to impair property, plant and equipment, $4.5 million to write-off intangible assets and goodwill, and $7.4 million of inventory valuation adjustments in 2010. The Company recorded $11.7 million severance expense in 2010 associated with exiting the business. At August 31, 2012, the remaining assets consist of real property for two locations. The joist and deck business was in the Americas Fabrication segment. See Note 3, Acquisition and Dispositions for sale details.

As of August 31, 2012, the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations have been presented as held for sale and included in other current assets and accrued expenses and other payables on the consolidated balance sheets. Financial information for discontinued operations is as follows:

(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
At August 31,
Current assets	$	6,601		$	52,272		$	67,291
Noncurrent assets	—			51,659			127,837
Current liabilities	—			41,115			30,474
Noncurrent liabilities	—			13,653			19,544
Fiscal Year Ended
Revenue	30,567			56,854			152,145
Earnings (loss) before taxes	(9,912		)	(151,670		)	(102,979		)

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Credit Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Feb. 29, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility expired						$ 400,000,000
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount	28,900,000		28,900,000
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives terminated	800,000,000
Net proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps		53,000,000	52,733,000	0	0
Deferred gain on termination of interest rate swaps	46,918,000		46,918,000
Amortization of deferred gain from termination of interest rate fair value hedge	5,800,000
Interest costs capitalized			1,300,000	800,000	4,500,000
Interest paid			74,100,000	71,400,000	80,000,000
CMCZ [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	76,900,000		76,900,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	24,500,000		24,500,000
Short-term debt weighted average interest rate	5.90%		5.90%
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	300,000,000		300,000,000
Revolving credit facility, maturity date	Dec. 27, 2016
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	400,000,000		400,000,000
Minimum interest coverage ratio for the twelve month cumulative period ended August 31, 2012	250.00%
Minimum interest coverage ratio for the twelve month cumulative period ending November 30, 2012 and for each fiscal quarter on a rolling twelve month cumulative period thereafter	300.00%
Actual interest coverage ratio	515.00%		515.00%
Maximum debt to capitalization ratio	60.00%
Actual debt to capitalization ratio	51.00%		51.00%
6.50% notes due July 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives terminated	300,000,000
7.35% notes due August 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives terminated	$ 300,000,000

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Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation (Stock Based Awards Granted) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Stock Options and SARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options and SARs, granted, number	927,312	112,000	126,000
Restricted Stock Awards/Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, granted, shares	829,001	690,180	961,518
Performanc-based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, granted, shares	693,472	686,548	340,000

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Credit Arrangements Credit Arrangements (Scheduled Maturities of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2013	$ 4,252	$ 58,908
2014	203,437
2015	3,074
2016	1,613
2017	401,104
Thereafter	500,927
Total excluding deferred gain of interest rate swaps	1,114,407
Deferred gain on termination of interest rate swaps	46,918
Total long-term debt including current maturities	$ 1,161,325	$ 1,226,405

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Business Segments (External Net Sales from Continuing Operations by Geographic Area) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012		May 31, 2012		Feb. 29, 2012		Nov. 30, 2011		Aug. 31, 2011		May 31, 2011		Feb. 28, 2011		Nov. 30, 2010		Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,878,147	[1]	$ 2,006,729	[1]	$ 1,956,744	[1]	$ 1,986,820	[1]	$ 2,243,920	[1]	$ 2,062,683	[1]	$ 1,781,650	[1]	$ 1,775,092	[1]	$ 7,828,440	$ 7,863,345	$ 6,276,928
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	4,674,704	4,362,629	3,215,337
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	1,313,611	1,581,688	1,268,658
Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	1,018,675	1,131,332	1,058,842
Australia/New Zealand [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	617,919	564,084	531,595
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	$ 203,531	$ 223,612	$ 202,496

[1] *Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations.

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Discontinued Operations (Financial Information For Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Financial information for discontinued operations
Current assets	$ 6,601	$ 52,272	$ 67,291
Noncurrent assets	0	51,659	127,837
Current liabilities	0	41,115	30,474
Noncurrent liabilities	0	13,653	19,544
Revenue	30,567	56,854	152,145
Earnings (loss) before taxes	$ (9,912)	$ (151,670)	$ (102,979)

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Employees' Retirement Plans Employees' Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Compensation expense under defined contribution profit sharing and savings plan and BRP Plan	$ 13.0	$ 14.1	$ 19.4
Benefit restoration plan [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation liability	77.0	81.2
Current value of segregated assets	52.9	49.4
Net holding gain (loss) on segregated assets	5.3	6.5	3.2
Foreign Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Company expenses for international plans	2.2	3.2	2.4
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Liability related to unfunded status of defined benefit plans	$ 5.1	$ 8.6

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill

The following table details the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment:

	Americas						International
(in thousands)	Recycling		Mills		Fabrication		Mill			Marketing and Distribution			Consolidated
Balance at August 31, 2010	$	7,267	$	295	$	57,144	$	2,820		$	4,054		$	71,580
G.A.M. acquisition	—		—		—		—			5,047			5,047
Translation	—		—		—		272			739			1,011
Balance at August 31, 2011	7,267		295		57,144		3,092			9,840			77,638
Translation	—		—		—		(407		)	(334		)	(741		)
Balance at August 31, 2012	$	7,267	$	295	$	57,144	$	2,685		$	9,506		$	76,897

Intangible assets subject to amortization

The following intangible assets subject to amortization are included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of August 31:

	2012						2011
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Customer base	$	33,928	$	17,133	$	16,795	$	34,128	$	12,714	$	21,414
Non-competition agreements	—		—		—		4,183		3,281		902
Favorable land leases	6,133		527		5,606		7,063		521		6,542
Brand name	4,113		1,394		2,719		4,207		803		3,404
Other	101		31		70		101		25		76
Total	$	44,275	$	19,085	$	25,190	$	49,682	$	17,344	$	32,338

Intangible assets estimated future amortization expense

Estimated amounts of amortization expense for the next five years are as follows:

Year	(in thousands)
2013	$	4,928
2014	4,880
2015	4,827
2016	3,191
2017	747

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Acquisitions And Dispositions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Nov. 30, 2011 Joist And Deck Operations properties	Aug. 31, 2011 Joist Operations [Member]	Aug. 31, 2010 Deck Operations [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 CMCS [Member]	Sep. 21, 2012 CMCS [Member]	Jun. 13, 2012 CMCS [Member]	Jun. 02, 2012 CMCS [Member]	Nov. 30, 2010 CMC Construction Services	Aug. 31, 2012 Fabrication [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 G.A.M. [Member]
Purchase Price													$ 48,400,000
Useful Life of intangible assets													7 years
Number of properties sold				2
Gain (loss) on sale of property plant equipment	11,932,000	1,315,000	4,740,000
Business Divestiture Disposal Price								3,900,000	6,700,000	30,600,000		11,300,000
Contingent consideration										3,100,000
Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax					1,900,000	2,600,000	13,800,000					(3,800,000)
Foreign currency translation gain realized upon sale or liquidation, before tax							7,500,000
Proceeds from Sale of Machinery and Equipment											35,000,000
LIFO income from liquidation of LIFO reserve						$ 1,900,000

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Share-based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-based compensation

NOTE 14. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Share-Based Compensation The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $13.1 million, $12.9 million and $13.1 million as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At August 31, 2012, the Company had $22.8 million of total unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over three years.

Stock Incentive Plans The 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”) provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock and performance-based restricted units (“PSUs”). As of August 31, 2012, the Company had 3,831,278 shares available for future grants.

The following table summarizes the total awards granted:

	Stock Options/SARs	Restricted Stock Awards/Units	Performance Awards
2012 Grants	927,312	829,001	693,472
2011 Grants	112,000	690,180	686,548
2010 Grants	126,000	961,518	340,000

Grants of stock options, SARs and restricted stock units generally vest over three years in increments of one-third per year. One of the restricted stock unit grants in 2010 vests over a four-year period in increments of one-half at the end of two years and one-half at the end of four years. Prior to vesting, restricted stock unit recipients do not receive an amount equivalent to any dividend declared on the Company’s common stock. Options and SARs expire seven years after the grant date. All awards are valued at the fair market value at the date of grant.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors approved a grant of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), SARs and PSUs to employees. The PSUs will vest upon the achievement of certain target levels of the performance goals and objectives of the Company over the performance period of approximately three years. The actual number of PSUs granted will be based on the level of achievement. Upon achievement of any of the performance goals, the awards will be paid out in cash. Additionally, a portion of the RSUs and SARs will be settled in cash. The Company accounts for the cash component of stock awards as a liability award and the liability is adjusted at each reporting period based on the share price of the Company’s common stock.

During 2011, the Committee of the Board of Directors approved a grant of PSUs. The PSUs will vest upon the achievement of certain target levels of the performance goals and objectives of the Company over the performance period of approximately three years. The actual number of performance awards granted will be based on the level of achievement. Upon achievement of any of the performance goals, the awards will be paid out 50% in shares of common stock of the Company and 50% in cash. The Company has accounted for the cash component of the performance award as a liability award and the value is adjusted to the current share price of common stock of the Company at each reporting period. Prior to vesting, the performance stock unit recipients do not receive an amount equivalent to any dividend declared on the Company’s common stock.

During 2010, the Committee approved an award of PSUs. The awards vest upon the following performance conditions: (i) 50% of the PSUs shall vest if the Company ranks at the 50th percentile on a total stockholders return basis as compared to its peer group with the total stockholder return based on the average of the closing prices on the principal market for each trading day for the month of June 2010 versus the average of the closing prices on the principal market for each trading day for the month of June 2013; and (ii) 100% of the performance units shall vest if the Company ranks at or greater than the 60th percentile on a total stockholder return basis as compared to its peer group with the total stockholder return based on the average of the closing prices on the principal market for each trading day for the month of June 2010 versus the average of the closing prices on the principal market for each trading day for the month of June 2013. Vesting will be calculated on a straight line interpolation basis for a rank on a total stockholder return basis as compared to our Peer Group between the 50th percentile (at a vesting percentage of 50%) and 60th percentile (with a vesting percentage of 100%) with the total stockholder return based on the average of the closing prices for the month of June 2010 versus the average of the closing prices for the month of June 2013. The determination of whether any vesting criteria have been met is to be made by the Committee. The binomial model was used for these awards. The unvested units will be forfeited on the earlier of the date of the participant’s termination of service or June 30, 2013.

During 2009, the Committee approved an award of PSUs. The awards would vest upon achievement of certain performance conditions. On May 19, 2012, the Committee determined that the vesting criteria had not been met and the unvested units were forfeited.

The 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (“1999 Plan”) provides for grants of either non-qualified stock options, restricted stock or restricted stock units. Awards granted to non-employee directors under the 1999 Plan vest over a two-year period. Prior to vesting, restricted stock award recipients receive an amount equivalent to any dividend declared on the Company’s common stock.

Combined information for shares subject to options and SARs, excluding the cash component is as follows:

	Number		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	2,807,498		$	27.45
Granted	828,463		11.63
Exercised	(361,478	)	12.34
Forfeited/Expired	(343,991	)	27.78
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	2,930,492		$	24.81	3.3 years	1,104,590
Exercisable at August 31, 2012	2,099,547		$	29.90	2.1 years	223,246

The total intrinsic value of options and SARs exercised during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $0.4 million, $7.4 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

The Black-Scholes pricing model was used for stock options and SARs and the following weighted average assumptions were used for grants in the years ended August 31:

	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest rate	0.43		%	0.59		%	0.86		%
Expected life, years	3.0			2.0			2.0
Expected volatility	59		%	56		%	80		%
Expected dividend yield	4.14		%	2.85		%	3.42		%
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share	$	3.67		$	4.63		$	5.43

Information for restricted stock awards and PSUs (excluding the cash component of PSUs) is as follows:

	Number		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	2,394,140		$	13.44
Granted	489,118		10.68
Vested	(773,947	)	13.90
Forfeited	(425,739	)	10.56
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	1,683,572		$	13.16

The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of restricted stock awards and PSUs was $15.55 and $12.89 for 2011 and 2010, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $10.7 million, $2.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

The binomial model was used for performance-based awards granted in 2010:

	2010
Risk-free interest rate	1.31	%
Expected life, years	3.0
Expected volatility	71	%
Expected dividend yield	—

Share-Based Liability Awards The Company granted 1,132,204 equivalent shares in cash-settled awards during the year ended August 31, 2012.  These awards vest upon the achievement of performance goals and objectives of the Company over the performance period.  The Company has accounted for these awards as a liability and the value is adjusted to the current share price of common stock of the Company at each reporting period.  As of August 31, 2012, the Company had 1,420,608 equivalent shares in awards outstanding.   The Company expects 1,248,280 equivalent shares to vest based upon the probable achievement of the performance goals and objectives.

Stock Purchase Plan Almost all U.S. resident employees with one year of service at the beginning of each calendar year may participate in the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. Each eligible employee may purchase up to 400 shares annually. The Board of Directors establishes the purchase discount from the market price. The discount was 15% for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Yearly activity of the stock purchase plan is as follows:

	2012		2011		2010
Shares subscribed	299,210		339,620		526,890
Price per share	$	11.85	$	14.34	$	13.63
Shares purchased	198,300		357,180		980,940
Price per share	$	11.76	$	13.63	$	7.94
Shares available for future issuance	4,342,704

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Accrued Expenses And Other Payables

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued expenses and other payables

NOTE 19. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES

Significant accrued expenses and other payables were as follows:

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011
Salaries and incentive compensation	$	88,717	$	109,797
Advance billings on contracts	65,241		58,774
Taxes other than income taxes	38,024		26,873
Insurance	27,646		26,817
Contract losses	3,784		20,728

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable To CMC (Reconciliation of the Denominators of the Earnings Per Share Calculations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of the denominators of the earnings per share
Shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share	115,861,986	114,995,616	113,524,836
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	921,174	1,115,507	0
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share	116,783,160	116,111,123	113,524,836

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Asset Useful Life) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	7 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	40 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	3 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	25 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	3 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	15 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	25 years

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Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from the sale of equity method investments	$ 0	$ 10,802,000	$ 0
Sales	0	135,300,000	329,400,000
Purchases	0	150,900,000	352,800,000
Key Supplier [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of interest owned		11.00%
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of interest owned		50.00%
Number Of Entities Owned		2
Proceeds from the sale of equity method investments		$ 8,300,000

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Share-based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock based awards granted

The following table summarizes the total awards granted:

	Stock Options/SARs	Restricted Stock Awards/Units	Performance Awards
2012 Grants	927,312	829,001	693,472
2011 Grants	112,000	690,180	686,548
2010 Grants	126,000	961,518	340,000

Combined information for shares subject to options and SARs excluding the cash component

Combined information for shares subject to options and SARs, excluding the cash component is as follows:

	Number		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	2,807,498		$	27.45
Granted	828,463		11.63
Exercised	(361,478	)	12.34
Forfeited/Expired	(343,991	)	27.78
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	2,930,492		$	24.81	3.3 years	1,104,590
Exercisable at August 31, 2012	2,099,547		$	29.90	2.1 years	223,246

Valuation assumptions for stock options and SARs

The Black-Scholes pricing model was used for stock options and SARs and the following weighted average assumptions were used for grants in the years ended August 31:

	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest rate	0.43		%	0.59		%	0.86		%
Expected life, years	3.0			2.0			2.0
Expected volatility	59		%	56		%	80		%
Expected dividend yield	4.14		%	2.85		%	3.42		%
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share	$	3.67		$	4.63		$	5.43

Activity of restricted stock awards and PSUs excluding the cash component of PSUs

Information for restricted stock awards and PSUs (excluding the cash component of PSUs) is as follows:

	Number		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	2,394,140		$	13.44
Granted	489,118		10.68
Vested	(773,947	)	13.90
Forfeited	(425,739	)	10.56
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	1,683,572		$	13.16

Valuation assumptions for performance based awards

The binomial model was used for performance-based awards granted in 2010:

	2010
Risk-free interest rate	1.31	%
Expected life, years	3.0
Expected volatility	71	%
Expected dividend yield	—

Yearly activity of the stock purchase plan

Yearly activity of the stock purchase plan is as follows:

	2012		2011		2010
Shares subscribed	299,210		339,620		526,890
Price per share	$	11.85	$	14.34	$	13.63
Shares purchased	198,300		357,180		980,940
Price per share	$	11.76	$	13.63	$	7.94
Shares available for future issuance	4,342,704

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Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ 207,490	$ (129,404)	$ (205,108)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	137,310	159,576	168,934
Provision for losses (recoveries) on receivables, net	(2,463)	306	(2,582)
Share-based compensation	13,125	12,893	13,132
Amortization of interest rate swaps termination gain	(5,815)	0	0
Deferred income taxes (benefit)	(59,999)	(19,856)	59,286
Tax benefits from stock plans	(1,968)	(2,355)	(4,033)
Net gain on sale of assets and other	(11,932)	(1,315)	(4,740)
Write-down of inventory	13,917	25,503	53,203
Asset impairment	3,316	120,145	35,041
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	68,260	(168,779)	(106,402)
Accounts receivable sold (repurchased), net	(77,116)	78,297	10,239
Decrease (increase) in inventories	53,449	(200,204)	(60,612)
Decrease (increase) in other assets	5,001	73,382	(94,313)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses, other payables and income taxes	(157,025)	82,642	186,952
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	10,443	(3,084)	(4,087)
Net cash flows from operating activities	195,993	27,747	44,910
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(113,853)	(73,215)	(127,121)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other	55,360	53,394	22,887
Proceeds from the sale of equity method investments	0	10,802	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(48,386)	(2,448)
Decrease (increase) in deposit for letters of credit	31,053	(4,123)	(26,930)
Net cash flows used by investing activities	(27,440)	(61,528)	(133,612)
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in documentary letters of credit	(74,493)	(55,950)	117,423
Short-term borrowings, net change	18,607	(10,253)	14,636
Repayments on long-term debt	(64,801)	(33,577)	(29,939)
Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps	52,733	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	0	22,438
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(81)	9,615	10,494
Cash dividends	(55,617)	(55,177)	(54,489)
Tax benefits from stock plans	1,968	2,355	4,033
Contribution from (purchase of) noncontrolling interests	(55)	(4,027)	21
Net cash flows from (used by) financing activities	(121,739)	(147,014)	84,617
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(6,782)	3,872	(2,205)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	40,032	(176,923)	(6,290)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	222,390	399,313	405,603
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 262,422	$ 222,390	$ 399,313

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Share-based Compensation (Restricted Stock Awards And PSUs Excluding the Cash Component) (Details) (Restricted Stock Awards And Psus [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Restricted Stock Awards And Psus [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, outstanding shares, beginning balance	2,394,140
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, granted, shares	489,118
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, vested, shares	(773,947)
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, forfeited, shares	(425,739)
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, outstanding shares, ending balance	1,683,572	2,394,140
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, outstanding, weighted average grant-date fair value, beginning balance	$ 13.44
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, granted, weighted average grant-date fair value	$ 10.68	$ 15.55	$ 12.89
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, vested, weighted average grant-date fair value	$ 13.90
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, forfeited, weighted average grant-date fair value	$ 10.56
Restricted stock awards and PSUs, outstanding, weighted average grant-date fair value, ending balance	$ 13.16	$ 13.44

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Acquisitions And Dispositions

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Acquisitions And dispositions

NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

Acquisitions For the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2010, the Company did not have any material business acquisitions.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company completed the purchase of G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd., based in Melbourne, Australia (“G.A.M.”) for $48.4 million. G.A.M. is a leading distributor and processor of steel long products and plate, servicing the structural fabrication, rural and manufacturing segments in the state of Victoria. The acquisition of G.A.M. complements the Company’s existing national long products distribution investments in Australia.

The following is a summary of the allocation of the total purchase price, as of the date of acquisition:

(in thousands)	Total
Accounts receivable	$	16,758
Inventories	21,574
Other current assets	146
Property, plant and equipment	8,229
Goodwill	5,047
Intangible assets	4,708
Other assets	1,566
Liabilities	(9,642		)
Net assets acquired	$	48,386

The intangible assets acquired include customer bases and trade names which are being amortized over seven years.

Dispositions During the first quarter of 2012, the Company completed the sale of two properties that were previously joist and deck locations included in discontinued operations in the statement of operations.

Effective June 1, 2012, the Company completed the sale of all of the outstanding shares of our steel pipe manufacturing operation in Croatia ("CMCS") for $30.6 million, of which $3.1 million will be paid when certain conditions are met. As part of the share sale, certain assets were excluded from the transaction. On June 13, 2012, the Company completed the sale of a portion of the excluded assets for $6.7 million. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a $13.8 million pre-tax gain for these transactions, including a foreign currency translation gain of $7.5 million. During 2012 all amounts related to CMCS are included in discontinued operations in the statement of operations The remaining CMCS assets excluded from these transactions were sold on September 21, 2012 for $3.9 million with no impact to the statement of operations.

The Company sold the rebar fabrication shop in Rosslau, Germany for $11.3 million which resulted in a fourth quarter loss of $3.8 million included in continuing operations on the statement of operations.

During the first quarter of 2011, Construction Services, a division of a subsidiary of the Company, completed the sale of heavy forming and shoring equipment for $35 million included in continued operations in the statement of operations. During 2011, the Company completed the sale of the majority of the joist assets resulting in a gain of $1.9 million included in discontinued operations in the statement of operations.

During 2010, the Company completed the sale of the majority of the deck assets resulting in a gain of $2.6 million and LIFO income of $1.9 million from the liquidation of the LIFO reserve included in discontinued operations in the statement of operations.

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Estimated Future Amortization) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2013	$ 4,928
2014	4,880
2015	4,827
2016	3,191
2017	$ 747

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Income Taxes Reconciliations Of The United States Statutory Rates To Effective Rates From Continuing Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate of 35%	$ 56,978	$ 13,512	$ (56,486)
State and local taxes	4,620	7,351	(12,530)
Section 199 manufacturing deduction	0	(1,175)	0
Foreign rate differential	(9,909)	(9,617)	(1,096)
Change in valuation allowance	10,033	0	12,965
Liability for non-US earnings	0	8,848	0
Disposition of CMCS	(102,104)	0	0
Research and experimentation tax credits	(11,500)	0	0
Other	5,692	409	(4,795)
Taxes (benefit) on continuing operations	$ (46,190)	$ 19,328	$ (61,942)
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	(28.40%)	50.10%	38.40%

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Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts And Reserves Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts And Reserves (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	Aug. 31, 2010 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	Aug. 31, 2009 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Additions [Member]		Aug. 31, 2011 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Additions [Member]		Aug. 31, 2010 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Additions [Member]		Aug. 31, 2012 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Deductions [Member]		Aug. 31, 2011 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Deductions [Member]		Aug. 31, 2010 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Deductions [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance			$ 9,480	$ 16,095	$ 29,721	$ 42,134
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense							2,017		4,037		3,058		(4,480)		(3,727)		(5,640)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts							(3,423)	[1]	2,756	[1]	1,802	[1]	(729)	[2]	(16,692)	[2]	(11,633)	[3]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance			9,480	16,095	29,721	42,134
Valuation Allowances and Reserves Charged Reclassified to Fair Value of Deferred Purchase Price	$ (5,864)	$ 12,238

[1] (1)Recoveries and translation adjustments.

[2] (2)Uncollectable accounts charged to the allowance. For the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011, $(5,864) and $12,238 were reclassified to the fair value of the deferred purchase price under our sale of receivables program, respectively.

[3] (3)Uncollectable accounts charged to the allowance.

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Derivatives And Risk Management (Derivatives Designated As Fair Value Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for fair value hedges	$ 10,944	$ 18,432	$ 28,244
Foreign exchange [Member] | SG&A expenses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for fair value hedges	383	(15,053)	(4,194)
Interest rate [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before taxes for fair value hedges	$ 10,561	$ 33,485	$ 32,438

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Business Segments

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business segments

NOTE 20. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company’s reporting segments are based on strategic business areas, which offer different products and services. These segments have different lines of management responsibility as each business requires different marketing strategies and management expertise. The reporting segments are the Company’s operating segments except for the Americas Mills reporting segment which includes the domestic steel mills operating segment and the domestic copper tube minimill operating segment. The domestic copper tube minimill is aggregated with the domestic steel mills because of similar economic characteristics, products, production processes, customers and distribution methods.

The Company structures the business into the following five segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution. The Americas Recycling segment consists of the scrap metal processing and sales operations primarily in Texas, Florida and the southern United States. The Americas Mills segment includes the Company’s domestic steel mills, including the scrap processing facilities that directly support these mills, and the domestic copper tube minimill. The Americas Fabrication segment consists of the Company’s rebar fabrication operations, fence post manufacturing plants and construction-related and other products facilities. The International Mill segment includes the minimill and recycling operations in Poland and fabrication operations in Europe, which have been presented as a separate segment because the economic characteristics of their markets and the regulatory environment in which they operate differ from the Company’s domestic mills and rebar fabrication operations. International Marketing and Distribution includes international operations for the sales, distribution and processing of steel products, ferrous and nonferrous metals and other industrial products. Additionally, the International Marketing and Distribution segment includes the Company’s U.S.-based trading and distribution divisions, CMC Cometals and CMC Cometals Steel. The international distribution operations consist only of physical transactions and not positions taken for speculation. Corporate contains expenses of the Company’s corporate headquarters and interest expense related to its long-term public debt.

The financial information presented for the International Mill segment excludes CMCS and the financial information presented for the Americas Fabrication segment excludes its joist and deck fabrication operations. These operations have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations, for more information.

The Company uses adjusted operating profit (loss) to measure segment performance. Intersegment sales are generally priced at prevailing market prices. Certain corporate administrative expenses are allocated to segments based upon the nature of the expense. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment:

	Americas							International
(in thousands)	Recycling		Mills		Fabrication			Mill			Marketing and Distribution		Corporate			Eliminations			Continuing Operations
2012
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	1,418,717	$	1,378,716	$	1,366,944		$	955,730		$	2,700,300	$	8,033		$	—		$	7,828,440
Intersegment sales	187,444		777,101		14,694			77,627			27,019		—			(1,083,885		)	—
Net sales	1,606,161		2,155,817		1,381,638			1,033,357			2,727,319		8,033			(1,083,885		)	7,828,440
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	39,446		233,933		(15,697		)	23,044			47,287		(83,035		)	(6,251		)	238,727
Interest expense*	1,933		13,004		10,809			10,090			6,548		27,112			—			69,496
Capital expenditures**	40,329		39,356		4,389			14,016			3,314		8,197			—			109,601
Depreciation and amortization***	13,260		43,551		22,056			32,306			5,821		20,295			—			137,289
Total assets****	285,136		676,909		629,970			529,160			870,933		961,654			(519,117		)	3,434,645
2011
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	1,692,824	$	1,308,055	$	1,208,823		$	1,043,267		$	2,603,494	$	6,882		$	—		$	7,863,345
Intersegment sales	136,713		728,270		16,899			2,966			47,405		—			(932,253		)	—
Net sales	1,829,537		2,036,325		1,225,722			1,046,233			2,650,899		6,882			(932,253		)	7,863,345
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	43,059		161,731		(129,141		)	47,594			76,337		(84,729		)	(1,275		)	113,576
Interest expense*	246		12,901		9,717			18,251			2,173		26,533			—			69,821
Capital expenditures**	7,666		25,657		2,029			14,278			2,873		7,896			—			60,399
Depreciation and amortization***	12,860		52,048		48,299			36,528			4,600		23,916			—			178,251
Total assets****	278,120		650,920		590,278			643,748			990,111		1,505,672			(1,079,649		)	3,579,200
2010
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	$	1,211,815	$	869,014	$	1,131,928		$	621,230		$	2,439,018	$	3,923		$	—		$	6,276,928
Intersegment sales	104,615		609,412		8,349			77,834			24,396		326			(824,932		)	—
Net sales	1,316,430		1,478,426		1,140,277			699,064			2,463,414		4,249			(824,932		)	6,276,928
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	11,416		37,251		(107,800		)	(31,594		)	74,689		(70,678		)	3,460			(83,256		)
Interest expense*	109		12,113		9,076			10,098			3,273		39,512			—			74,181
Capital expenditures**	5,430		32,244		2,948			39,376			7,118		6,913			—			94,029
Depreciation and amortization***	15,802		55,315		42,777			27,889			5,021		18,512			—			165,316
Total assets****	228,781		622,358		622,608			546,356			732,900		1,083,744			(325,722		)	3,511,025

* Includes intercompany interest expense (income) in the segments and is all eliminated within Corporate.

** Excludes capital expenditures from discontinued operations of $4.3 million at August 31, 2012, $12.8 million at August 31,

2011, and $33.1 million at August 31, 2010.

*** Includes asset impairment charges.

**** Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $6.6 million at August 31, 2012, $103.9 million at August 31, 2011 and

$195.1 million at August 31, 2010.

The following table provides a reconciliation of consolidated adjusted operating profit to net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CMC:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	208,983		$	19,278		$	(99,447	)
Income taxes (benefit)	(46,190		)	19,328			(61,942		)
Interest expense	69,496			69,821			74,181
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	6,438			5,149			3,952
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations	$	238,727		$	113,576		$	(83,256	)
Adjusted operating loss from discontinued operations	(8,675		)	(150,678		)	(101,645		)
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	$	230,052		$	(37,102	)	$	(184,901	)

The following represents the Company’s external net sales from continuing operations by major product and geographic area:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Major product information:
Steel products	$	4,700,854	$	4,414,105	$	3,622,429
Industrial materials	1,147,386		1,134,819		913,019
Nonferrous scrap	765,349		997,771		702,467
Ferrous scrap	763,772		805,067		561,119
Construction materials	177,827		217,741		220,993
Nonferrous products	171,861		196,641		178,844
Other	101,391		97,201		78,057
Net sales	$	7,828,440	$	7,863,345	$	6,276,928

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Geographic area:
United States	$	4,674,704	$	4,362,629	$	3,215,337
Europe	1,313,611		1,581,688		1,268,658
Asia	1,018,675		1,131,332		1,058,842
Australia/New Zealand	617,919		564,084		531,595
Other	203,531		223,612		202,496
Net sales	$	7,828,440	$	7,863,345	$	6,276,928

The following table represents long-lived assets by geographic area:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
United States	$	907,009	$	944,851	$	1,062,080
Europe	250,392		364,207		443,986
Australia/New Zealand	36,097		38,973		16,725
Other	7,917		8,847		8,156
Total long-lived assets	$	1,201,415	$	1,356,878	$	1,530,947

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Derivatives And Risk Management (Derivative Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses, other payables and long-term liabilities)	$ 3,547	[1]	$ 5,688	[1]
Commodity [Member] | Designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses, other payables and long-term liabilities)	2		0
Commodity [Member] | Not designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses, other payables and long-term liabilities)	993		2,625
Foreign exchange [Member] | Designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses, other payables and long-term liabilities)	1,272		805
Foreign exchange [Member] | Not designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses, other payables and long-term liabilities)	1,248		2,258
Other [Member] | Not designated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses, other payables and long-term liabilities)	$ 32		$ 0

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

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Derivatives And Risk Management (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

The following tables summarize activities related to the Company’s derivative instruments and hedged (underlying) items recognized within the statements of operations (in thousands) for the years ended August 31:

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location	2012			2011			2010
Commodity	Cost of goods sold	$	4,496		$	(10,857	)	$	(5,745	)
Foreign exchange	Net sales	(199		)	38			(898		)
Foreign exchange	Cost of goods sold	(537		)	1,412			(1,153		)
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	(872		)	(8,025		)	32
Gain (loss) before taxes		$	2,888		$	(17,432	)	$	(7,764	)

Derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments

Hedged (underlying) items relate to firm commitments on commercial sales and purchases and capital expenditures. As of August 31, 2011, fair value hedge accounting for interest rate swap contracts increased the carrying value of debt instruments by $48.6 million.

Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments		August 31,
	Location	2012		2011			2010
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	$	383	$	(15,053	)	(4,194	)
Interest rate	Interest expense	10,561		33,485			32,438
Gain before taxes		$	10,944	$	18,432		28,244

Hedged (underlying) items designated as fair value hedging instruments

Hedged (Underlying) Items Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments		August 31,
	Location	2012			2011			2010
Foreign exchange	Net sales	$	—		$	91		39
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	(383		)	14,955			4,147
Interest rate	Interest expense	(10,561		)	(33,485		)	(32,438	)
Loss before taxes		$	(10,944	)	$	(18,439	)	(28,252	)

Effective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments recognized In accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	August 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Commodity	$	—		$	26	27
Foreign exchange	(1,545		)	797		264
Gain (loss), net of taxes	$	(1,545	)	$	823	291

Effective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		August 31,
	Location	2012			2011		2010
Commodity	Cost of  goods sold	$	27		$	195	(7	)
Foreign exchange	Net sales	(826		)	—		—
Foreign exchange	SG&A expenses	(300		)	365		(81	)
Interest rate	Interest expense	521			458		458
Gain (loss), net of taxes		$	(578	)	$	1,018	370

Derivative assets

The Company’s derivative instruments were recorded at their respective fair values as follows on the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands) for the year ended August 31:

Derivative Assets	2012		2011
Commodity — designated	$	—	$	17
Commodity — not designated	407		2,329
Foreign exchange — designated	670		893
Foreign exchange — not designated	798		970
Current interest rate — designated	—		19,134
Long-term interest rate — designated	—		29,515
Derivative assets (other current assets and other assets)*	$	1,875	$	52,858

Derivative liabilities

Derivative Liabilities	2012		2011
Commodity — designated	$	2	$	—
Commodity — not designated	993		2,625
Foreign exchange — designated	1,272		805
Foreign exchange — not designated	1,248		2,258
Other — not designated	32		—
Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses, other payables and long-term liabilities)*	$	3,547	$	5,688

 _________________ 

* Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged (underlying) items designated as fair value hedges.

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

NOTE 13. INCOME TAX

The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011			2010
United States	$	114,406	$	(21,377	)	$	(148,829	)
Foreign	48,387		59,983			(12,560		)
Total	$	162,793	$	38,606		$	(161,389	)

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations includes the following:

	Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Current:
United States	$	1,560		$	23,452		$	(104,135	)
Foreign	419			352			(2,684		)
State and local	3,411			5,226			(18,581		)
Current taxes (benefit)	$	5,390		$	29,030		$	(125,400	)
Deferred:
United States	$	(65,710	)	$	(28,048	)	$	39,399
Foreign	7,130			9,742			34,749
State and local	(1,419		)	5,616			(8,008		)
Deferred taxes (benefit)	$	(59,999	)	$	(12,690	)	$	66,140
Total taxes (benefit) on income	$	(54,609	)	$	16,340		$	(59,260	)
Taxes (benefit) on discontinued operations	(8,419		)	(2,988		)	2,682
Taxes (benefit) on continuing operations	$	(46,190	)	$	19,328		$	(61,942	)

The Company paid taxes of $17.2 million in 2012. The Company had net tax refunds of $79.9 million and $38.4 million during the years ended 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The tax effects of significant temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation and employee benefits	$	52,113		$	49,317
Net operating losses and credits	110,553			63,866
Reserves and other accrued expenses	41,516			44,683
Allowance for doubtful accounts	5,816			10,423
Inventory	1,881			3,603
Intangibles	9,668			11,098
Other	15,062			7,881
Total deferred tax assets	$	236,609		$	190,871
Valuation Allowance for deferred tax assets	(25,779		)	(75,289		)
Deferred tax assets, net	$	210,830		$	115,582
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	$	111,777		$	84,825
Other	5,012			5,996
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	116,789		$	90,821
Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities	$	94,041		$	24,761

Net operating losses giving rise to deferred tax assets consist of $217.2 million federal and $332.8 million state net operating losses that expire during the tax years ending from 2012 to 2032 and foreign net operating losses of $57.5 million that expire during the tax years ending from 2012 to 2017. These assets will be reduced as tax expense is recognized in future periods.

During the year ended August 31, 2012, the Company recorded a decrease to the valuation allowance in the amount of $49.5 million against deferred tax assets as well as the write off of net operating losses related to the disposition of CMCS. The decrease in the valuation allowance was offset by an increase for the benefit of net operating loss carryforwards in certain jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of their realization.

It is the Company’s intention to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which amounts to $472.5 million. As these earnings are considered permanently reinvested, no provisions for U.S. federal or state income taxes are required. Determination of the amount of unrecognized U.S. federal and state deferred tax liabilities on these unremitted earnings is not practicable.

Reconciliations of the United States statutory rates to the effective rates from continuing operations were as follows:

	Year Ended August 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate of 35%	$	56,978		$	13,512		(56,486		)
State and local taxes	4,620			7,351			(12,530		)
Section 199 manufacturing deduction	—			(1,175		)	—
Foreign rate differential	(9,909		)	(9,617		)	(1,096		)
Change in valuation allowance	10,033			—			12,965
Liability for non-US earnings	—			8,848			—
Disposition of CMCS	(102,104		)	—			—
Research and experimentation tax credits	(11,500		)	—			—
Other	5,692			409			(4,795		)
Taxes (benefit) on continuing operations	$	(46,190	)	$	19,328		$	(61,942	)
Effective tax rates from continuing operations	(28.4		)%	50.1		%	38.4		%

The Company’s effective tax rate from discontinued operations for the years ended 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 84.9%, 2.0% and (2.6)%, respectively.

During the year ended August 31, 2012, the Company recognized a tax loss in the amount of $291 million related to its investments in its Croatian subsidiary. As a result, a tax benefit of $102.1 million was recorded from these losses in continuing operations for the year ended August 31, 2012. The Company will report and disclose the losses on these investments on its U.S. tax return as ordinary worthless stock and bad debt deductions. These tax benefits are the primary reason for the variance from the statutory tax rate of 35%. The Company also recorded a tax benefit of $11.5 million during the year ended August 31, 2012 related to federal and state research and experimentation expenditures.

As of August 31, 2012, gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $27.4 million and accrued interest and penalties totaled $2.0 million, for an aggregate gross amount of $29.4 million.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Balance at September 1	$	10,762		$	20,367		$	1,532
Change in tax positions of current year	—			2,440			1,640
Change for tax positions of prior years	18,006			(12,045		)	17,302
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities	(600		)	—			—
Reductions due to statute of limitations lapse	(784		)	—			(107		)
Balance at August 31	$	27,384		$	10,762		$	20,367

If these tax positions were recognized, the impact on the effective tax rate would not be significant.

The Company’s policy classifies interest recognized on an underpayment of income taxes and any statutory penalties recognized on a tax position as tax expense and the balances at the end of a reporting period are recorded as part of the current or noncurrent reserve for uncertain income tax positions. For the year ended August 31, 2012, before any tax benefits, the Company recorded an increase of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits of $0.5 million.

During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the statute of limitations may lapse pertaining to positions taken by the Company in prior year tax returns or that income tax audits in various taxing jurisdictions could be finalized. As a result, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease, which could reduce the liability for uncertain tax positions by approximately $12.2 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, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. The following is a summary of tax years subject to examination:

US Federal — 2009 and forward

US States — 2006 and forward

Foreign — 2005 and forward

During the year ended August 31, 2011, the Company settled an examination with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) related to 2006 to 2008 and recorded an expense of $0.8 million. The Company is also under examination by the IRS and state revenue authorities from 2009 to 2011. Management believes the Company's recorded tax liabilities as of August 31, 2012 sufficiently reflect the anticipated outcome of these examinations.

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Business Segments (External Net Sales from Continuing Operations by Major Product) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012		May 31, 2012		Feb. 29, 2012		Nov. 30, 2011		Aug. 31, 2011		May 31, 2011		Feb. 28, 2011		Nov. 30, 2010		Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Entity-Wide Information, Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,878,147	[1]	$ 2,006,729	[1]	$ 1,956,744	[1]	$ 1,986,820	[1]	$ 2,243,920	[1]	$ 2,062,683	[1]	$ 1,781,650	[1]	$ 1,775,092	[1]	$ 7,828,440	$ 7,863,345	$ 6,276,928
Steel products [Member]
Entity-Wide Information, Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales																	4,700,854	4,414,105	3,622,429
Industrial materials [Member]
Entity-Wide Information, Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales																	1,147,386	1,134,819	913,019
Nonferrous scrap [Member]
Entity-Wide Information, Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales																	765,349	997,771	702,467
Ferrous scrap [Member]
Entity-Wide Information, Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales																	763,772	805,067	561,119
Construction materials [Member]
Entity-Wide Information, Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales																	177,827	217,741	220,993
Nonferrous products [Member]
Entity-Wide Information, Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales																	171,861	196,641	178,844
Other [Member]
Entity-Wide Information, Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales																	$ 101,391	$ 97,201	$ 78,057

[1] *Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations.