Inventories	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	NOTE 6. INVENTORIES Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost for most domestic inventories is determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. LIFO inventory reserves were $185.5 million and $261.8 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Inventory cost for international inventories and the remaining domestic inventories are determined by the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. At August 31, 2013 and 2012, 43% and 55%, respectively, of the Company's total inventories were valued at LIFO. The remainder of inventories, valued at FIFO, consisted mainly of material dedicated to CMC Poland Sp. z.o.o. ("CMCP") (formerly CMC Zawiercie S.A. or "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, 2013 and 2012, inventories of $66.7 million and $68.0 million before LIFO reserves, respectively, were in the form of raw materials. During 2013 and 2012, 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 2013 increased net earnings by $3.5 million. The effect on net earnings for 2012 was not material. During 2011, there was no liquidation of LIFO inventory.

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

NOTE 6. INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost for most domestic inventories is determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. LIFO inventory reserves were $185.5 million and $261.8 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Inventory cost for international inventories and the remaining domestic inventories are determined by the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.

At August 31, 2013 and 2012, 43% and 55%, respectively, of the Company's total inventories were valued at LIFO. The remainder of inventories, valued at FIFO, consisted mainly of material dedicated to CMC Poland Sp. z.o.o. ("CMCP") (formerly CMC Zawiercie S.A. or "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, 2013 and 2012, inventories of $66.7 million and $68.0 million before LIFO reserves, respectively, were in the form of raw materials.

During 2013 and 2012, 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 2013 increased net earnings by $3.5 million. The effect on net earnings for 2012 was not material. During 2011, there was no liquidation of LIFO inventory.