Receivables (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2013

Receivables [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable

	November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013		November 30, 2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Trade accounts receivable	$	2,203,805	$	2,338,336	$	2,211,748
CHS Capital notes receivable	640,631		437,141		682,910
Other	312,048		254,590		380,392
	3,156,484		3,030,067		3,275,050
Less allowances and reserves	97,319		94,589		116,419
	$	3,059,165	$	2,935,478	$	3,158,631