Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 408,115	$ 211,179
Receivables	2,574,207	2,731,209
Inventories	2,818,758	2,854,288
Other current assets	1,258,553	865,919
Total current assets	7,059,633	6,662,595
Investments	3,666,959	3,683,996
Property, plant and equipment	4,999,082	5,088,708
Other assets	1,101,550	1,012,195
Total assets	16,827,224	16,447,494
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Notes payable	2,215,583	2,156,108
Current portion of long-term debt	28,200	39,210
Accounts payable	1,751,354	1,931,415
Accrued expenses	566,258	555,323
Other current liabilities	1,061,487	901,651
Total current liabilities	5,622,882	5,583,707
Long-term debt	1,764,367	1,749,901
Other liabilities	659,689	496,356
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Equities:
Preferred stock	2,264,038	2,264,038
Equity certificates	4,896,148	4,988,877
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(241,165)	(226,933)
Capital reserves	1,852,826	1,584,158
Total CHS Inc. equities	8,771,847	8,610,140
Noncontrolling interests	8,439	7,390
Total equities	8,780,286	8,617,530
Total liabilities and equities	$ 16,827,224	$ 16,447,494