Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 155,252	$ 450,617
Receivables	2,976,452	2,460,401
Inventories	3,338,321	2,768,649
Derivative assets	265,155	329,757
Margin and related deposits	239,029	151,150
Supplier advance payments	397,509	288,423
Other current assets	317,885	244,208
Total current assets	7,689,603	6,693,205
Investments	3,738,140	3,711,925
Property, plant and equipment	5,032,324	5,141,719
Other assets	1,113,416	834,329
Total assets	17,573,483	16,381,178
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Notes payable	2,763,225	2,272,196
Current portion of long-term debt	167,772	167,565
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	159,371	137,395
Customer advance payments	490,183	409,088
Accounts payable	2,158,431	1,844,489
Derivative liabilities	308,118	438,465
Accrued expenses	541,164	511,032
Dividends and equities payable	272,978	153,941
Total current liabilities	6,861,242	5,934,171
Long-term debt	1,750,155	1,762,690
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	218,107	182,770
Other liabilities	332,270	336,519
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Equities:
Preferred stock	2,264,038	2,264,038
Equity certificates	4,516,866	4,609,456
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(211,661)	(199,915)
Capital reserves	1,834,030	1,482,003
Total CHS Inc. equities	8,403,273	8,155,582
Noncontrolling interests	8,436	9,446
Total equities	8,411,709	8,165,028
Total liabilities and equities	$ 17,573,483	$ 16,381,178