Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Net income	$ 177,835	$ 379,873	$ 649,063	$ 883,522
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	3,258	4,385	10,262	11,480
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(202)	32	570	1,520
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	362	131	(2,047)	(14,535)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(1,290)	1,650	(12,295)	(833)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,128	6,198	(3,510)	(2,368)
Comprehensive Income	179,963	386,071	645,553	881,154
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(215)	418	(504)	1,812
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to CHS	$ 180,178	$ 385,653	$ 646,057	$ 879,342