Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Net income	$ 266,174	$ 378,331
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	3,201	3,731
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	560	630
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(4,334)	(242)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(2,980)	(5,206)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(3,553)	(1,087)
Comprehensive Income	262,621	377,244
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(301)	(372)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to CHS	$ 262,922	$ 377,616