Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015
Net income (loss)	$ (30,182)	$ 92,897	$ 235,992	$ 471,228
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	3,227	3,275	6,429	7,006
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(1,298)	143	(739)	773
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(2,185)	(2,167)	(6,520)	(2,409)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(10,691)	(5,802)	(13,670)	(11,008)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(10,947)	(4,551)	(14,500)	(5,638)
Comprehensive Income	(41,129)	88,346	221,492	465,590
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	797	83	496	(289)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to CHS	$ (41,926)	$ 88,263	$ 220,996	$ 465,879