STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount					$ 100,000,000.0
Stock repurchase program, shares purchased (shares)	0	139,383	2,255,069	2,902,218
Stock repurchase program, average purchase price per share (in USD per share)		$ 15.97	$ 13.57	$ 14.40
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 27,600,000		$ 27,600,000