Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 11,936,556	$ 11,022,955	$ 33,528,872	$ 29,600,926
Cost of goods sold	11,479,645	10,406,699	32,055,796	28,113,086
Gross profit	456,911	616,256	1,473,076	1,487,840
Marketing, general and administrative	138,769	129,224	397,931	368,300
Operating earnings	318,142	487,032	1,075,145	1,119,540
Loss (gain) on investments	(154)		199	446
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments			199	(446)
Interest, net	66,394	71,118	186,989	126,556
Equity income from investments	(27,574)	(24,804)	(72,406)	(68,885)
Income before income taxes	279,476	440,718	960,761	1,061,423
Income taxes	27,147	34,000	87,033	86,588
Net income	252,329	406,718	873,728	974,835
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,533	1,656	4,139	75,095
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$ 250,796	$ 405,062	$ 869,589	$ 899,740