Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Net income (loss)	$ 54,713	$ 181,620	$ 650,132	$ 534,761
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit)	1,496	3,417	5,599	8,153
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)	0	6,286	0	13,480
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit)	(15,817)	413	(7,155)	1,472
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)	(7,992)	(10,188)	(5,484)	(10,047)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(22,313)	(72)	(7,040)	13,058
Comprehensive income (loss)	32,400	181,548	643,092	547,819
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	93	(187)	(758)	(699)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to CHS	$ 32,307	$ 181,735	$ 643,850	$ 548,518