Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 11,022,955	$ 10,471,672	$ 29,600,926	$ 26,312,895
Cost of goods sold	10,406,699	10,032,184	28,113,086	25,271,408
Gross profit	616,256	439,488	1,487,840	1,041,487
Marketing, general and administrative	129,224	103,596	368,300	304,382
Operating earnings	487,032	335,892	1,119,540	737,105
(Gain) loss on investments	0	(128,722)	446	(128,788)
Interest, net	71,118	19,527	126,556	54,986
Equity income from investments	(24,804)	(20,679)	(68,885)	(100,245)
Income before income taxes	440,718	465,766	1,061,423	911,152
Income taxes	34,000	59,849	86,588	87,081
Net income	406,718	405,917	974,835	824,071
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,656	47,433	75,095	69,264
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$ 405,062	$ 358,484	$ 899,740	$ 754,807