Receivables - Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013
Notes Receivable, Long-Term
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	$ 147.7	$ 127.7	$ 93.3
Percentage of commercial notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	67.00%	59.00%	73.00%
Percentage of producer notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	33.00%	41.00%	27.00%
Interest Income Accrual Term, Discontinued	90 days
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable additional available credit of counterparty	$ 953.9
Minimum [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and Loans Receivable, Current, Term	12 months
Maximum [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and Loans Receivable, Current, Term	14 months
Notes and Loans Receivable, Non Current, Net, Term	10 years