Receivables (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Receivables [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable

	November 30, 2012		August 31, 2012		November 30, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
Trade accounts receivable	$	2,634,587	$	2,817,817	$	2,028,765
CHS Capital notes receivable	682,910		606,514		572,757
Other	380,392		278,196		279,601
	3,697,889		3,702,527		2,881,123
Less allowances and reserves	116,419		111,785		121,364
	$	3,581,470	$	3,590,742	$	2,759,759