Equities Effect of changes in NCRA ownership on CHS equities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 250,796	$ 405,062	$ 869,589	$ 899,740
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Purchase of Interest by Parent				82,138
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net			$ 869,589	$ 817,602