Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Net income (loss)	$ 208,942	$ 266,174
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit)	3,239	3,201
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)	777	560
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit)	654	(4,334)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)	(19,164)	(2,980)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(14,494)	(3,553)
Comprehensive Income	194,448	262,621
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(208)	(301)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to CHS	$ 194,656	$ 262,922