Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 11,709,938	$ 9,734,159
Cost of goods sold	11,164,420	9,094,152
Gross profit	545,518	640,007
Marketing, general and administrative	124,482	112,520
Operating earnings	421,036	527,487
Loss (gain) on investments		(38)
Interest, net	67,210	20,807
Equity income from investments	(28,072)	(24,129)
Income before income taxes	381,898	530,847
Income taxes	36,017	41,965
Net income	345,881	488,882
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,174	72,674
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$ 343,707	$ 416,208