Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Net income	$ 92,897us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 260,621us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 471,228us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 503,649us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	3,275	6,687	7,006	7,096
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	143	(430)	773	1,488
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(2,167)	(11,531)	(2,409)	(14,665)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(5,802)	(2,856)	(11,008)	(2,484)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(4,551)	(8,130)	(5,638)	(8,565)
Comprehensive Income	88,346	252,491	465,590	495,084
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	83	552	(289)	1,394
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to CHS	$ 88,263us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 251,939us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 465,879us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 493,690us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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