Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Net income (loss)	$ 178,737	$ 347,115
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit)	5,073	2,101
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit)	(5,872)	(1,307)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)	(839)	(405)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,638)	389
Comprehensive income (loss)	177,099	347,504
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	855	(389)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to CHS	$ 176,244	$ 347,893