Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015
Net income (loss)	$ 189,683	$ 177,835	$ 425,675	$ 649,063
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	3,378	3,258	9,806	10,262
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	1,201	(202)	462	570
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	2,574	362	(3,945)	(2,047)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	7,761	(1,290)	(5,910)	(12,295)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	14,914	2,128	413	(3,510)
Comprehensive Income	204,597	179,963	426,088	645,553
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(592)	(215)	(92)	(504)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to CHS	$ 205,189	$ 180,178	$ 426,180	$ 646,057