<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.10.0.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>479</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>476</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>118</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>14</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEarnings</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002500 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003501 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004001 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlowsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1006000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1006501 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - NATURE OF OPERATIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/NatureOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>NATURE OF OPERATIONS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - CHANGES IN BUSINESS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ChangesInBusiness</Role>
      <ShortName>CHANGES IN BUSINESS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/SalesOfAccountsReceivable</Role>
      <ShortName>SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - INVENTORIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/Inventories</Role>
      <ShortName>INVENTORIES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - LONG-LIVED ASSET IMPAIRMENTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/LongLivedAssetImpairments</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-LIVED ASSET IMPAIRMENTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - EXIT COSTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ExitCosts</Role>
      <ShortName>EXIT COSTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CreditArrangements</Role>
      <ShortName>CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/NewMarketsTaxCreditTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagement</Role>
      <ShortName>DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/FairValue</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTax</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2118100 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - CAPITAL STOCK</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CapitalStock</Role>
      <ShortName>CAPITAL STOCK</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121100 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT PLANS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/EmployeesRetirementPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT PLANS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2122100 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2123100 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>EARNINGS PER SHARE</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2124100 - Disclosure - ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccruedExpensesAndOtherPayables</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2126100 - Disclosure - BUSINESS SEGMENTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegments</Role>
      <ShortName>BUSINESS SEGMENTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2127100 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2130100 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE II ??? VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsAndReserves</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II ??? VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2202201 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302302 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ChangesInBusinessTables</Role>
      <ShortName>CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/ChangesInBusiness</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Activity of the Deferred Purchase Price Receivables) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/SalesOfAccountsReceivableActivityOfDeferredPurchasePriceReceivablesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Activity of the Deferred Purchase Price Receivables) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/SalesOfAccountsReceivable</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CreditArrangementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/CreditArrangements</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2314301 - Disclosure - NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS New Markets Tax Credit Transactions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/NewMarketsTaxCreditTransactionsNewMarketsTaxCreditTransactionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS New Markets Tax Credit Transactions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementTables</Role>
      <ShortName>DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagement</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/FairValueTables</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/FairValue</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317301 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxTables</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTax</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2318301 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2322301 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2323301 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/EarningsPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2324301 - Disclosure - ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccruedExpensesAndOtherPayablesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccruedExpensesAndOtherPayables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2326301 - Disclosure - BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegments</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2327301 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401401 - Disclosure - NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/NatureOfOperationsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/NatureOfOperations</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402403 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402404 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEstimatedUsefulLivesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ChangesInBusinessNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/ChangesInBusinessTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404403 - Disclosure - CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Financial Information for Discontinued Operations) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ChangesInBusinessFinancialInformationForDiscontinuedOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Financial Information for Discontinued Operations) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/ChangesInBusinessTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404404 - Disclosure - CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Businesses Held for Sale) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ChangesInBusinessBusinessesHeldForSaleDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Businesses Held for Sale) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/ChangesInBusinessTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (AOCI by Components) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAociByComponentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (AOCI by Components) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/SalesOfAccountsReceivableNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/SalesOfAccountsReceivableActivityOfDeferredPurchasePriceReceivablesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407403 - Disclosure - SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Activity of the Deferred Purchase Price Receivables) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/SalesOfAccountsReceivableActivityOfDeferredPurchasePriceReceivablesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Activity of the Deferred Purchase Price Receivables) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/SalesOfAccountsReceivableActivityOfDeferredPurchasePriceReceivablesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408401 - Disclosure - INVENTORIES (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/InventoriesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INVENTORIES (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/Inventories</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409404 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Intangible Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Intangible Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409405 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Estimated Future Amortization Expense) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Estimated Future Amortization Expense) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410401 - Disclosure - LONG-LIVED ASSET IMPAIRMENTS Long-lived Asset Impairments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/LongLivedAssetImpairmentsLongLivedAssetImpairmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-LIVED ASSET IMPAIRMENTS Long-lived Asset Impairments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411401 - Disclosure - EXIT COSTS (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ExitCostsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EXIT COSTS (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/ExitCosts</ParentRole>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term Debt) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CreditArrangementsLongTermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term Debt) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/CreditArrangementsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413403 - Disclosure - CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CreditArrangementsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/CreditArrangementsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413404 - Disclosure - CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Scheduled Maturities of Long-term Debt) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CreditArrangementsScheduledMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Scheduled Maturities of Long-term Debt) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/CreditArrangementsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414402 - Disclosure - NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/NewMarketsTaxCreditTransactionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/NewMarketsTaxCreditTransactionsNewMarketsTaxCreditTransactionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415403 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT - Commodity Contract Commitments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementCommodityContractCommitmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT - Commodity Contract Commitments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415404 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415405 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementDerivativesDesignatedAsFairValueHedgingInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415406 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementEffectivePortionOfDerivativesDesignatedAsCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsRecognizedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415407 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivative Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementDerivativeAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivative Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415408 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivative Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementDerivativeLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT (Derivative Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/DerivativesAndRiskManagementTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/FairValueNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/FairValueTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416403 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/FairValueFinancialAssetsAndFinancialLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/FairValueTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416404 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Required to Be Measured at Fair Value) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/FairValueFairValueFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesNotRequiredToBeMeasuredAtFairValueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Required to Be Measured at Fair Value) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417402 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417403 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX (Components of Earnings from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxComponentsOfEarningsFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX (Components of Earnings from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417404 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX (Income Taxes Included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxIncomeTaxesIncludedInConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX (Income Taxes Included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417405 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX (Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate from Continuing Operations) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxReconciliationOfFederalStatutoryRateToEffectiveTaxRateFromContinuingOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX (Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate from Continuing Operations) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417406 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417407 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/IncomeTaxTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418402 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Stock-Based Awards Granted) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansStockBasedAwardsGrantedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Stock-Based Awards Granted) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418403 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418404 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Restricted Stock Awards and Performance Stock Units Excluding the Cash Component) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansRestrictedStockAwardsAndPerformanceStockUnitsExcludingCashComponentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Restricted Stock Awards and Performance Stock Units Excluding the Cash Component) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418405 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Combined Activity for Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Options Excluding the Cash Component) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansCombinedActivityForStockAppreciationRightsAndStockOptionsExcludingCashComponentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Combined Activity for Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Options Excluding the Cash Component) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>90</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418406 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Information Related To Stock Appreciation Rights And Stock Options) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansInformationRelatedToStockAppreciationRightsAndStockOptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Information Related To Stock Appreciation Rights And Stock Options) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>91</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418407 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Yearly Activity of Stock Purchase Plan) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansYearlyActivityOfStockPurchasePlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Yearly Activity of Stock Purchase Plan) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>92</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420401 - Disclosure - CAPITAL STOCK (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CapitalStockNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CAPITAL STOCK (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/CapitalStock</ParentRole>
      <Position>93</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421401 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT PLANS (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/EmployeesRetirementPlansNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT PLANS (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/EmployeesRetirementPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>94</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422402 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Minimum Lease Commitments Payable for Noncancelable Operating Leases) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesMinimumLeaseCommitmentsPayableForNoncancelableOperatingLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Minimum Lease Commitments Payable for Noncancelable Operating Leases) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>95</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R96.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422403 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>96</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R97.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2423402 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE (Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/EarningsPerShareCalculationsOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EARNINGS PER SHARE (Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>97</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R98.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2424402 - Disclosure - ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccruedExpensesAndOtherPayablesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/AccruedExpensesAndOtherPayablesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>98</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R99.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2426402 - Disclosure - BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>99</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R100.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2426403 - Disclosure - BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Summary of Certain Financial Information from Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsSummaryOfCertainFinancialInformationFromContinuingOperationsByReportableSegmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Summary of Certain Financial Information from Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>100</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R101.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2426404 - Disclosure - BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsReconciliationsOfEarningsFromContinuingOperationsToAdjustedOperatingProfitDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>101</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R102.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2426405 - Disclosure - BUSINESS SEGMENTS (External Net Sales from Continuing Operations by Major Product) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsExternalNetSalesFromContinuingOperationsByMajorProductDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BUSINESS SEGMENTS (External Net Sales from Continuing Operations by Major Product) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>102</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R103.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2426406 - Disclosure - BUSINESS SEGMENTS (External Net Sales from Continuing Operations by Geographic Area) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsExternalNetSalesFromContinuingOperationsByGeographicAreaDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BUSINESS SEGMENTS (External Net Sales from Continuing Operations by Geographic Area) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>103</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R104.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2426407 - Disclosure - BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsLongLivedAssetsByGeographicAreaDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>104</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R105.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2427402 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>105</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R106.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2430401 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE II ??? VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsAndReservesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II ??? VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsAndReserves</ParentRole>
      <Position>106</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cmc-20180831.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R107.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2430402 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE II ??? VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cmc.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsAndReservesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II ??? VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.cmc.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsAndReserves</ParentRole>
      <Position>107</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>cmc-20180831.xml</File>
    <File>cmc-20180831.xsd</File>
    <File>cmc-20180831_cal.xml</File>
    <File>cmc-20180831_def.xml</File>
    <File>cmc-20180831_lab.xml</File>
    <File>cmc-20180831_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
