Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Net income (loss)	$ 229,146	$ (46,140)	$ 575,391	$ 177,775
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit)	3,417	3,635	10,755	10,599
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)	6,286	(117)	13,480	1,627
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit)	413	375	1,472	1,993
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)	(11,617)	(2,151)	(11,763)	(12,193)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,501)	1,742	13,944	2,026
Comprehensive income (loss)	227,645	(44,398)	589,335	179,801
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(187)	(955)	(699)	(757)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to CHS	$ 227,832	$ (43,443)	$ 590,034	$ 180,558