Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2020	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2020	May 31, 2019
Net income (loss)	$ 97,501	$ 54,713	$ 401,932	$ 650,132
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit)	3,490	1,496	12,309	5,599
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit)	6,817	(15,817)	(4,867)	(7,155)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)	(12,316)	(7,992)	(21,674)	(5,484)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,009)	(22,313)	(14,232)	(7,040)
Comprehensive income (loss)	95,492	32,400	387,700	643,092
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(147)	93	955	(758)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to CHS	$ 95,639	$ 32,307	$ 386,745	$ 643,850