Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 40,599,286	$ 36,915,834	$ 25,267,931
Cost of goods sold	38,588,143	35,512,988	24,397,410
Gross profit	2,011,143	1,402,846	870,521
Marketing, general and administrative	498,233	438,498	366,582
Operating earnings	1,512,910	964,348	503,939
Loss (gain) on investments	5,465	(126,729)	(29,433)
Interest, net	193,263	74,835	58,324
Equity income from investments	(102,389)	(131,414)	(108,787)
Income before income taxes	1,416,571	1,147,656	583,835
Income taxes	80,852	86,628	48,438
Net income	1,335,719	1,061,028	535,397
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	75,091	99,673	33,238
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$ 1,260,628	$ 961,355	$ 502,159