Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 249,801	$ 279,313
Receivables	2,697,699	2,880,763
Inventories	3,752,218	2,370,699
Derivative assets	386,613	543,821
Margin deposits	290,291	310,276
Supplier advance payments	701,705	347,600
Other current assets	200,288	202,708
Total current assets	8,278,615	6,935,180
Investments	3,802,379	3,795,976
Property, plant and equipment	5,404,347	5,488,323
Other assets	1,072,824	1,092,656
Total assets	18,558,165	17,312,135
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Notes payable	3,867,438	2,731,479
Current portion of long-term debt	205,136	214,329
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	149,625	208,991
Customer advance payments	871,370	412,823
Accounts payable	1,877,040	1,819,049
Derivative liabilities	275,484	513,599
Accrued expenses	378,318	422,494
Dividends and equities payable	131,380	198,031
Total current liabilities	7,755,791	6,520,795
Long-term debt	2,051,567	2,082,876
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	516,681	487,762
Other liabilities	272,532	354,452
Commitments and contingencies
Equities:
Preferred stock	2,244,114	2,244,132
Equity certificates	4,201,803	4,237,174
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(211,442)	(211,726)
Capital reserves	1,713,784	1,582,380
Total CHS Inc. equities	7,948,259	7,851,960
Noncontrolling interests	13,335	14,290
Total equities	7,961,594	7,866,250
Total liabilities and equities	$ 18,558,165	$ 17,312,135