Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 515,484	$ 279,313
Receivables	3,052,989	2,880,763
Inventories	3,117,935	2,370,699
Derivative assets	419,103	543,821
Margin deposits	312,899	310,276
Supplier advance payments	480,709	347,600
Other current assets	189,896	202,708
Total current assets	8,089,015	6,935,180
Investments	3,828,899	3,795,976
Property, plant and equipment	5,443,079	5,488,323
Other assets	1,069,468	1,092,656
Total assets	18,430,461	17,312,135
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Notes payable	3,227,564	2,731,479
Current portion of long-term debt	206,894	214,329
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	180,850	208,991
Customer advance payments	544,266	412,823
Accounts payable	2,568,533	1,819,049
Derivative liabilities	317,505	513,599
Accrued expenses	389,321	422,494
Dividends and equities payable	275,448	198,031
Total current liabilities	7,710,381	6,520,795
Long-term debt	1,958,907	2,082,876
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	497,283	487,762
Other liabilities	332,610	354,452
Commitments and contingencies
Equities:
Preferred stock	2,244,132	2,244,132
Equity certificates	4,208,336	4,237,174
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(226,220)	(211,726)
Capital reserves	1,691,603	1,582,380
Total CHS Inc. equities	7,917,851	7,851,960
Noncontrolling interests	13,429	14,290
Total equities	7,931,280	7,866,250
Total liabilities and equities	$ 18,430,461	$ 17,312,135