Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 181,379	$ 279,313
Receivables	1,869,632	2,880,763
Inventories	2,576,585	2,370,699
Derivative assets	232,017	543,821
Margin deposits	206,062	310,276
Supplier advance payments	249,234	347,600
Other current assets	299,618	202,708
Total current assets	5,614,527	6,935,180
Investments	3,750,993	3,795,976
Property, plant and equipment	5,356,434	5,488,323
Other assets	1,251,802	1,092,656
Total assets	15,973,756	17,312,135
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Notes payable	1,988,215	2,731,479
Current portion of long-term debt	156,345	214,329
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	157,914	208,991
Customer advance payments	413,163	412,823
Accounts payable	1,951,292	1,819,049
Derivative liabilities	316,018	513,599
Accrued expenses	437,527	422,494
Dividends and equities payable	12,121	198,031
Total current liabilities	5,432,595	6,520,795
Long-term debt	2,023,448	2,082,876
Deferred tax liabilities	333,221	487,762
Other liabilities	278,667	354,452
Commitments and contingencies
Equities:
Preferred stock	2,264,038	2,244,132
Equity certificates	4,341,649	4,237,174
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(183,670)	(211,726)
Capital reserves	1,471,217	1,582,380
Total CHS Inc. equities	7,893,234	7,851,960
Noncontrolling interests	12,591	14,290
Total equities	7,905,825	7,866,250
Total liabilities and equities	$ 15,973,756	$ 17,312,135