Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Net income (loss)	$ (46,140)	$ 189,683	$ 177,775	$ 425,675
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit)	3,635	3,378	10,599	9,806
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)	(117)	1,201	1,627	462
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit)	375	2,574	1,993	(3,945)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)	(2,151)	7,761	(12,193)	(5,910)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,742	14,914	2,026	413
Comprehensive Income	(44,398)	204,597	179,801	426,088
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(955)	(592)	(757)	(92)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to CHS	$ (43,443)	$ 205,189	$ 180,558	$ 426,180