Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 7,320,406	$ 6,639,330	$ 15,368,656	$ 14,368,122
Cost of goods sold	7,079,664	6,550,326	14,775,217	13,867,300
Gross profit	240,742	89,004	593,439	500,822
Marketing, general and administrative	230,235	180,807	396,441	332,811
Operating earnings (loss)	10,507	(91,803)	196,998	168,011
(Gain) loss on investments	(2,782)	(3,050)	4,619	(8,722)
Interest Expense	39,945	25,036	78,210	34,087
Other income	(14,453)	(9,323)	(58,854)	(11,381)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(35,800)	(28,004)	(76,128)	(59,366)
Income (loss) before income taxes	23,597	(76,462)	249,151	213,393
Income tax expense (benefit)	8,624	(46,280)	25,236	(22,599)
Net income (loss)	14,973	(30,182)	223,915	235,992
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	406	797	198	496
Net income (loss) attributable to CHS Inc.	$ 14,567	$ (30,979)	$ 223,717	$ 235,496