Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 8,843,812	$ 7,706,119	$ 18,577,971	$ 15,841,223
Cost of goods sold	8,612,235	7,413,196	17,706,387	15,239,224
Gross profit	231,577	292,923	871,584	601,999
Marketing, general and administrative	126,556	102,392	239,076	200,786
Operating earnings	105,021	190,531	632,508	401,213
Loss (gain) on investments	484	(66)	446	(66)
Interest, net	34,631	18,368	55,438	35,459
Equity income from investments	(19,952)	(41,931)	(44,081)	(79,566)
Income before income taxes	89,858	214,160	620,705	445,386
Income taxes	10,623	2,341	52,588	27,232
Net income	79,235	211,819	568,117	418,154
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	765	17,221	73,439	21,831
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$ 78,470	$ 194,598	$ 494,678	$ 396,323