Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016
Net income (loss)	$ 14,973	$ (30,182)	$ 223,915	$ 235,992
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit)	3,724	3,227	6,963	6,429
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)	968	(1,298)	1,744	(739)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit)	963	(2,185)	1,618	(6,520)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)	9,123	(10,691)	(10,041)	(13,670)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	14,778	(10,947)	284	(14,500)
Comprehensive Income	29,751	(41,129)	224,199	221,492
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	406	797	198	496
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to CHS	$ 29,345	$ (41,926)	$ 224,001	$ 220,996