EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC (Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 102,087	$ 74,957	$ 210,549
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	117,496,270	116,677,836	115,861,986
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to CMC	$ 0.87	$ 0.64	$ 1.82
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	117,496,270	116,677,836	115,861,986
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	1,110,836	875,116	921,174
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	118,607,106	117,552,952	116,783,160
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to CMC	$ 0.86	$ 0.64	$ 1.80
Anti-dilutive shares not included above	679,916	1,492,206	2,804,492

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

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This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest.

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The amount of net income (loss) from continuing operations per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) derived from continuing operations during the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of share based payment arrangements using the treasury stock method.

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The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

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