Receivables (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2018

Feb. 28, 2017

Receivables [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable

	February 28, 2018		August 31, 2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Trade accounts receivable	$	1,105,996	$	1,234,500
CHS Capital notes receivable	96,351		164,807
Deferred purchase price receivable	227,602		202,947
Other	553,862		493,104
	1,983,811		2,095,358
Less allowances and reserves	218,171		225,726
Total receivables	$	1,765,640	$	1,869,632

Schedule of Deferred Purchase Price [Table Text Block]

	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance - as of August 31, 2017	$	548,602
Monthly settlements, net	(33,292		)
Cash collections on DPP	(4,355		)
Fair value adjustment	6,804
Balance - as of February 28, 2018	$	517,759