Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017
Net income (loss)	$ 347,115	$ 187,182
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit)	2,101	1,594
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)	0	3,640
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit)	(1,307)	(4)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)	(405)	(2,211)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	389	3,019
Comprehensive income (loss)	347,504	190,201
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(389)	(464)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to CHS	$ 347,893	$ 190,665