Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 252,129	$ 181,379
Receivables	2,059,623	1,869,632
Inventories	3,046,101	2,576,585
Derivative assets	283,256	232,017
Margin deposits	206,955	206,062
Supplier advance payments	542,139	249,234
Other current assets	289,250	299,618
Total current assets	6,679,453	5,614,527
Investments	3,777,000	3,750,993
Property, plant and equipment	5,266,408	5,356,434
Other assets	1,061,562	1,251,802
Total assets	16,784,423	15,973,756
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Notes payable	2,480,264	1,988,215
Current portion of long-term debt	71,022	156,345
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	139,868	157,914
Customer advance payments	414,441	413,163
Accounts payable	2,380,998	1,951,292
Derivative liabilities	226,279	316,018
Accrued expenses	409,522	437,527
Dividends and equities payable	121,209	12,121
Total current liabilities	6,243,603	5,432,595
Long-term debt	1,936,744	2,023,448
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	350,841	333,221
Other liabilities	315,460	278,667
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Equities:
Preferred stock	2,264,038	2,264,038
Equity certificates	4,319,840	4,341,649
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(178,445)	(183,670)
Capital reserves	1,520,218	1,471,217
Total CHS Inc. equities	7,925,651	7,893,234
Noncontrolling interests	12,124	12,591
Total equities	7,937,775	7,905,825
Total liabilities and equities	$ 16,784,423	$ 15,973,756