CHS (CHSCP) 10-Q 8 Jan 14 2013 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Jan. 08, 2013
DEI [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CHS Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000823277	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Nov-12	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	0
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Public Float	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,142,652	$1,808,532	$1,159,601
Receivables	3,059,165	2,935,478	3,158,631
Inventories	3,030,789	2,664,735	3,641,744
Derivative assets	390,084	499,890	635,684
Margin deposits	279,745	340,905	544,506
Advances on Inventory Purchases	703,817	398,441	813,994
Other current assets	273,207	262,779	247,887
Total current assets	9,879,459	8,910,760	10,202,047
Investments	779,487	765,946	682,021
Property, plant and equipment	3,283,706	3,171,404	2,892,446
Other assets	673,244	656,160	475,900
Total assets	14,615,896	13,504,270	14,252,414
Current liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Notes payable	1,059,814	889,312	876,846
Current portion of long-term debt	156,535	156,612	95,791
Current portion of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	64,803	65,981	64,862
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	265,343	299,364	395,910
Customer advance payments	644,616	432,097	767,460
Checks and drafts outstanding	151,547	185,660	241,578
Accounts payable	2,953,048	2,416,038	3,144,314
Derivative liabilities	407,238	465,066	525,094
Accrued expenses	433,789	485,070	409,750
Dividends and equities payable	474,633	390,153	719,431
Total current liabilities	6,611,366	5,785,353	7,241,036
Long-term debt	1,339,608	1,450,420	1,298,124
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	145,929	209,419	205,513
Other liabilities	958,559	906,331	822,702
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'
Equities:	'	'	'
Equity certificates	3,565,246	3,588,346	3,075,909
Preferred stock	602,347	319,368	319,368
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-157,302	-156,867	-232,342
Capital reserves	1,531,904	1,380,361	1,500,802
Total CHS Inc. equities	5,542,195	5,131,208	4,663,737
Noncontrolling interests	18,239	21,539	21,302
Total equities	5,560,434	5,152,747	4,685,039
Total liabilities and equities	$14,615,896	$13,504,270	$14,252,414

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	$11,026,121	$11,709,938
Cost of goods sold	10,625,205	11,164,420
Gross profit	400,916	545,518
Marketing, general and administrative	133,141	124,482
Operating earnings	267,775	421,036
Interest, net	30,785	67,210
Equity income from investments	-32,678	-28,072
Income before income taxes	269,668	381,898
Income taxes	26,640	36,017
Net income	243,028	345,881
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	842	2,174
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$242,186	$343,707

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$243,028	$345,881
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	409	33
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	1,918	12
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	-3,134	147
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	373	53
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-434	245
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	242,594	346,126
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	842	2,174
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$241,752	$343,952

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax (expense) benefit	($252)	($20)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax expense (benefit)	1,182	7
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax expense (benefit)	-1,931	91
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax expense (benefit)	$229	$34

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$243,028,000	$345,881,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	63,104,000	57,461,000
Amortization of deferred major repair costs	12,519,000	7,390,000
Income from equity investments	-32,678,000	-28,072,000
Distributions from equity investments	37,231,000	29,647,000
Noncash patronage dividends received	-366,000	-968,000
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-1,122,000	-700,000
Loss on crack spread contingent liability	16,857,000	43,105,000
Deferred taxes	638,000	902,000
Other, net	-638,000	1,230,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Receivables	58,994,000	-26,841,000
Inventories	-373,627,000	-422,653,000
Derivative assets	104,742,000	447,163,000
Margin deposits	61,161,000	608,169,000
Increase (Decrease) in Supplier Advance Payments	-305,377,000	-129,175,000
Other current assets and other assets	-8,903,000	-16,819,000
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	-34,263,000	-413,003,000
Customer advance payments	217,116,000	73,550,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	496,197,000	705,760,000
Derivative liabilities	-57,827,000	-216,445,000
Other liabilities	21,716,000	20,820,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	518,502,000	1,086,402,000
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-168,024,000	-138,083,000
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment	1,384,000	1,190,000
Expenditures for major repairs	'	-3,852,000
Investments in joint ventures and other	-10,941,000	-7,718,000
Investments redeemed	19,000	19,000
Changes in notes receivable	-209,789,000	-74,220,000
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-7,873,000	-8,074,000
Other investing activities, net	-3,489,000	-87,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-398,713,000	-230,825,000
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Changes in notes payable	170,502,000	73,224,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	1,426,000	'
Principal payments	-112,267,000	-46,481,000
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest payments	-65,981,000	-65,981,000
Changes in checks and drafts outstanding	-34,113,000	36,518,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock	282,979,000	'
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs	-9,255,000	'
Preferred stock dividends paid	-6,136,000	-6,136,000
Retirements Of Equities	-2,520,000	-2,378,000
Other financing activities, net	-2,236,000	1,114,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Contingent Consideration Paid, Acquisition Date Fair Value Component	8,670,000	'
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	213,729,000	-10,120,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	602,000	115,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	334,120,000	845,572,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,808,532,000	'
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$2,142,652,000	$1,159,601,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation and Revisions
	The unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2013 and 2012, the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, reflect in the opinion of our management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations and cash flows for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full fiscal year because of, among other things, the seasonal nature of our businesses. Our Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of August 31, 2013, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of all of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and limited liability companies, which is primarily National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA), included in our Energy segment. The effects of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended August 31, 2013, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
	We previously reported certain derivative assets and liabilities on a net basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In connection with the issuance of our August 31, 2013 financial statements, we determined that such derivatives should have been reported on a gross basis and have therefore revised our November 30, 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheet, which resulted in an increase in both derivative assets and derivative liabilities of $244.2 million. The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended November 30, 2012, has also been revised for this change with no impact to net operating, investing or financing cash flows. We do not believe these revisions are material.
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” ASU No. 2011-11, and the subsequent amendments issued in ASU No. 2013-01, "Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities," create new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with certain financial instruments and recognized derivative instruments. The disclosure requirements in this update are effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The required disclosures have been included in Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities below.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." ASU No. 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the effects of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, by component, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements and is intended to help improve the transparency of changes in other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. ASU 2013-02 became effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning in fiscal 2014. The required disclosures have been included in Note 6, Equities.
	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Our derivative instruments primarily consist of commodity and freight futures and forward contracts and, to a minor degree, may include foreign currency and interest rate swap contracts. These contracts are economic hedges of price risk, but are not designated or accounted for as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, with the exception of certain interest rate swap contracts which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair values as discussed in Note 9, Fair Value Measurements.
	Even though we have netting arrangements for our exchange-traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter (OTC) contracts, we report our derivatives on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our associated margin deposits are also reported on a gross basis. Many of our derivative contracts with futures and options brokers require us to make both initial margin deposits of cash or other assets and subsequent deposits, depending on changes in commodity prices, in order to comply with applicable regulations. Our margin deposit assets are held by external brokers in segregated accounts and will be used to settle the associated derivative contracts on their specified settlement dates.
	As of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, we had the following outstanding purchase and sales contracts:
		30-Nov-13				31-Aug-13				30-Nov-12
		Purchase		Sales		Purchase		Sales		Purchase		Sales
		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts
		(Units in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed - bushels	671,414		944,517		521,979		806,295		674,866		1,018,510
	Energy products - barrels	27,352		33,110		12,626		21,312		7,483		19,817
	Soy products - tons	12		885		24		847		21		360
	Crop nutrients - tons	986		1,204		968		1,050		1,270		1,428
	Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	2,054		295		1,225		151		1,288		210
	Rail freight - rail cars	201		48		220		43		164		30
	Livestock - pounds			12,480				17,280		2,680		3,280
	The following tables present the gross amounts of derivative assets, derivative liabilities, and margin deposits (cash collateral) recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets along with the related amounts permitted to be offset in accordance with GAAP. We have elected not to offset derivative assets and liabilities when we have the right of offset under ASC 210-10 or when the instruments are subject to master netting arrangements under ASC 815-10-45.
		November 30, 2013
						Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting
		Gross Amounts Recognized				Cash Collateral				Derivative Instruments			Net Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Derivative Assets:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	364,454			$	268			$	41,126		$	323,060
	Foreign exchange derivatives	6,776								1,060			5,716
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	18,854											18,854
		$	390,084			$	268			$	42,186		$	347,630
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	405,346			$	7,374			$	41,126		$	356,846
	Foreign exchange derivatives	1,647								1,060			587
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	245											245
		$	407,238			$	7,374			$	42,186		$	357,678
		August 31, 2013
						Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting
		Gross Amounts Recognized				Cash Collateral				Derivative Instruments			Net Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Derivative Assets:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	468,673							$	53,107		$	415,566
	Foreign exchange derivatives	7,079								957			6,122
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	24,135											24,135
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	3								3
		$	499,890							$	54,067		$	445,823
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	458,893			$	1,591			$	53,107		$	404,195
	Foreign exchange derivatives	5,925								957			4,968
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	248								3			245
		$	465,066			$	1,591			$	54,067		$	409,408
		November 30, 2012
						Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting
		Gross Amounts Recognized				Cash Collateral				Derivative Instruments			Net Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Derivative Assets:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	632,544							$	46,578		$	585,966
	Foreign exchange derivatives	3,140								1			3,139
		$	635,684							$	46,579		$	589,105
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	518,377			$	10,087			$	46,578		$	461,712
Foreign exchange derivatives	6,234								1			6,233
Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	483											483
	$	525,094			$	10,087			$	46,579		$	468,428
The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Location of		2013				2012
	Gain (Loss)
			(Dollars in thousands)
Commodity and freight derivatives	Cost of goods sold		$	(19,789	)		$	(328,284	)
Foreign exchange derivatives	Cost of goods sold		(422		)		(1,685		)
Interest rate derivatives	Interest, net		(1		)		(9		)
			$	(20,212	)		$	(329,978	)
In fiscal 2013, we entered into derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments that expire in fiscal 2014 with a $1.2 million gain expected to be included in earnings during the next 12 months. As of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, the unrealized gains deferred to accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
	30-Nov-13			31-Aug-13			30-Nov-12
	(Dollars in thousands)
Gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax expense of $7.2 million and $9.2 million, respectively	11,663			14,930
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill was $85.3 million, $85.1 million and $82.9 million on November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, respectively, and is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Intangible assets subject to amortization primarily include customer lists, trademarks and agreements not to compete, and are amortized over their respective useful lives (ranging from 2 to 30 years). Excluding goodwill, the gross carrying amount of our intangible assets was $85.1 million, $81.5 million and $81.7 million on November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, respectively. Accumulated amortization was $48.5 million, $46.0 million and $38.2 million as of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, respectively. Intangible assets acquired were $3.0 million during the three-month period ended November 30, 2013. Intangible assets acquired were $1.0 million during the three-month period ended November 30, 2012. Total amortization expense for intangible assets during the three-month periods ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, was $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization for the next five years is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)
Year 1	$	7,511
Year 2	6,516
Year 3	6,066
Year 4	4,376
Year 5	2,043
Thereafter	9,398
	$	35,910
In our Energy segment, major maintenance activities (turnarounds) at our two refineries are accounted for under the deferral method. Turnarounds are the scheduled and required shutdowns of refinery processing units. The costs related to the significant overhaul and refurbishment activities include materials and direct labor costs. The costs of turnarounds are deferred when incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of time estimated to lapse until the next turnaround occurs, which is generally 2 to 4 years. The amortization expense related to turnaround costs are included in cost of goods sold in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The selection of the deferral method, as opposed to expensing the turnaround costs when incurred, results in deferring recognition of the turnaround expenditures. The deferral method also results in the classification of the related cash outflows as investing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, whereas expensing these costs as incurred, would result in classifying the cash outflows as operating activities.
Supplier Advance Payments
Beginning November 30, 2013, supplier advance payments are reported as a separate line item on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Prior period amounts have been reclassified accordingly. Supplier advance payments include amounts paid for in-transit grain purchases from suppliers and amounts paid to crop nutrient suppliers to lock in future supply and pricing.
Customer Advance Payments
Customer advance payments primarily consist of amounts received from customers for in-transit grain shipments and amounts received from crop nutrients customers for future shipments.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, "Liabilities." ASU No. 2013-04 requires an entity to measure
obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope
of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its
arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors.
The guidance in this ASU also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other
information about those obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within
those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption will have on our
consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2015.

Receivables

Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013		November 30, 2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	2,203,805	$	2,338,336	$	2,211,748
	CHS Capital notes receivable	640,631		437,141		682,910
	Other	312,048		254,590		380,392
		3,156,484		3,030,067		3,275,050
	Less allowances and reserves	97,319		94,589		116,419
		$	3,059,165	$	2,935,478	$	3,158,631
	Trade accounts receivable are initially recorded at a selling price, which approximates fair value, upon the sale of goods or services to customers. Subsequently, trade accounts receivable are carried at net realizable value, which includes an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, level of past due accounts, and our relationships with, and the economics status of, our customers.
	CHS Capital, LLC (CHS Capital), our wholly-owned subsidiary, has notes receivable from commercial borrowers and producer borrowings. The short-term notes receivable generally have terms of 12-14 months and are reported at their outstanding principle balances as CHS Capital has the ability and intent to hold these notes to maturity. The carrying value of CHS Capital notes receivable approximates fair value, given their short duration and the use of market pricing adjusted for risk. The notes receivable from commercial borrowers are collateralized by various combinations of mortgages, personal property, accounts and notes receivable, inventories and assignments of certain regional cooperative’s capital stock. These loans are primarily originated in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. CHS Capital also has loans receivable from producer borrowers which are collateralized by various combinations of growing crops, livestock, inventories, accounts receivable, personal property and supplemental mortgages. In addition to the short-term amounts included in the table above, CHS Capital had long-term notes receivable with durations of not more than 10 years of $150.5 million, $127.7 million and $125.7 million at November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, respectively. The long-term notes receivable are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 the commercial notes represented 72%, 59% and 80%, respectively, and the producer notes represented 28%, 41% and 20%, respectively, of the total CHS Capital notes receivable.
	CHS Capital evaluates the collectability of both commercial and producer notes on a specific identification basis, based on the amount and quality of the collateral obtained, and records specific loan loss reserves when appropriate. A general reserve is also maintained based on historical loss experience and various qualitative factors. In total, our specific and general loan loss reserves related to CHS Capital are not material to our consolidated financial statements, nor are the historical write-offs. The accrual of interest income is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well collateralized and in process of collection. The amount of CHS Capital notes that were past due was not significant at any reporting date presented.
	CHS Capital has commitments to extend credit to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. As of November 30, 2013, CHS Capital's customers have additional available credit of $960.8 million.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013		November 30, 2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed	$	1,539,062	$	1,133,555	$	2,089,348
	Energy	717,389		742,194		668,990
	Crop nutrients	261,069		293,370		331,666
	Feed and farm supplies	435,168		407,023		440,050
	Processed grain and oilseed	65,946		79,706		100,059
	Other	12,155		8,887		11,631
		$	3,030,789	$	2,664,735	$	3,641,744
	As of November 30, 2013, we valued approximately 12% of inventories, primarily related to Energy, using the lower of cost, determined on the LIFO method, or market (16% and 10% as of August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, respectively). If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been higher than the reported amount by $498.9 million, $652.6 million and $518.5 million at November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, respectively.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	As of August 31, 2013, we owned 79.2% of NCRA. During fiscal 2012, we entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining shares of NCRA from Growmark Inc. (Growmark) and MFA Oil Company (MFA) in separate closings to be held annually through fiscal 2016. Pursuant to this agreement, we made payments during the first quarters of fiscal 2013 and 2014 of $66.0 million and $66.0 million, respectively, increasing our ownership to 84.0%. The present value of the remaining payments is included as mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest on our Consolidated Balances Sheets. In addition to these payments, we paid $16.5 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 related to the associated crack spread contingent liability. The fair value of the remaining contingent liability was $151.0 million as of November 30, 2013.
	We have a 24% ownership in Horizon Milling, LLC and Horizon Milling G.P., flour milling joint ventures with Cargill, Incorporated (Cargill), which are included in Corporate and Other. On March 4, 2013, we entered into a definitive agreement with Cargill and ConAgra Foods, Inc. to form Ardent Mills, a joint venture combining the North American flour milling operations of the three parent companies, including the Horizon Milling, LLC and Horizon Milling G.P. assets, with CHS holding a 12% interest. Upon closing, Ardent Mills is expected to be financed with funds from third-party borrowings, which would not require credit support from the owners. The borrowings are anticipated to be no less than $600 million with proceeds distributed to each owner in proportion to the ownership interests, adjusted for any deviations in specified working capital target amounts. The transaction is expected to close in fiscal 2014, subject to financing and certain other customary closing conditions. In connection with the closing, the parties will also enter into various ancillary and non-compete agreements, including, among other things, an agreement for CHS to supply Ardent Mills with certain wheat and durum products.
	We are currently taking steps toward construction of a more than $1 billion nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing plant to be located in Spiritwood, North Dakota, which would provide the region’s farmers with enhanced supplies of crop nutrients essential to raising corn and other crops. We plan to spend up to $25 million on an engineering design study to determine the feasibility of the project. We expect the study to be completed in our second quarter of fiscal 2014.
	We have a 50% interest in Ventura Foods, LLC (Ventura Foods), a joint venture which produces and distributes primarily vegetable oil-based products, and is included in Corporate and Other. We account for Ventura Foods as an equity method investment, and as of November 30, 2013, our carrying value of Ventura Foods exceeded our share of their equity by $12.9 million, which represents equity method goodwill. The following provides summarized unaudited financial information for Ventura Foods balance sheets as of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, and statements of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012:
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013		November 30, 2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current assets	$	564,283	$	532,995	$	575,137
	Non-current assets	500,670		503,369		464,028
	Current liabilities	236,815		216,704		200,357
	Non-current liabilities	227,599		226,515		277,943
		For the Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net sales	$	644,990	$	651,487
	Gross profit	71,819		62,123
	Net earnings	29,514		20,728
	Earnings attributable to CHS Inc.	14,757		10,364

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	'
	Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
		November 30,			August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2013			2012
	Notes payable	$	604,447		$	521,864		$	274,960
	CHS Capital notes payable	455,367			367,448			601,886
		$	1,059,814		$	889,312		$	876,846
	On November 30, 2013, our primary committed line of credit was a five-year revolving facility with a committed amount of $2.5 billion. We had no amounts outstanding as of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012.
	Interest, net for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013			2012
	Interest expense	$	23,519		$	24,436
	Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interests	11,124			46,696
	Capitalized interest	(2,265		)	(2,902		)
	Interest income	(1,593		)	(1,020		)
	Interest, net	$	30,785		$	67,210

Equities

Equities	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equities	'
	Equities
	In September 2013, we issued 11,319,175 shares of Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Class B Preferred Stock), with a total redemption value of $283.0 million, excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were $273.7 million.  The Class B Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCO and accumulates dividends at a rate of 7.875% per year, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Preferred Stock may not be redeemed at our option until September 26, 2023.
	Changes in equities are as follows:
		For the three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	CHS Inc. balances, September 1, 2013 and 2012	$	5,131,208		$	4,455,341
	Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	242,186			343,707
	Other comprehensive income (loss)(a)	(434		)	245
	Equities retired	(2,520		)	(2,378		)
	Equity retirements accrued	2,520			2,378
	Equities issued in business combinations	45			14,240
	Preferred stock issuance, net of expenses	273,724
	Preferred stock dividends accrued	(10,160		)	(6,136		)
	Deconsolidation of subsidiary	(8,016		)
	Accrued dividends and equities payable	(87,000		)	(147,091		)
	Other, net	642			3,431
	CHS Inc. balances, November 30, 2013 and 2012	$	5,542,195		$	4,663,737
	Noncontrolling interests balances, September 1, 2013 and 2012	$	21,539		$	17,982
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	842			2,174
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(4,779		)
	Other	637			1,146
	Noncontrolling interests balances, November 30, 2013 and 2012	$	18,239		$	21,302
	______________________________________
	(a) Includes current-period other comprehensive income (loss) as well as current-period reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") into net income. There were no items reclassified out of AOCI in their entirety during the periods presented. Other reclassifications out of AOCI consisted primarily of the amortization of defined benefit pension items (see Note 7, Benefit Plans for details on the computation of net periodic pension cost).

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Benefit plans	'
	Benefit Plans
	Employee benefits information for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Qualified						Non-Qualified				Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits						Pension Benefits
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	Service cost	$	7,467		$	7,216		$	179	$	165	$	482		$	633
	Interest cost	6,698			6,505			336		323		519			616
	Expected return on assets	(12,734		)	(11,956		)
	Prior service cost (credit) amortization	399			399			57		57		(30		)	(4		)
	Actuarial loss amortization	4,644			5,231			227		211					223
	Transition amount amortization											124			175
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	6,474		$	7,395		$	799	$	756	$	1,095		$	1,643
	Employer Contributions:
	Total contributions to be made during fiscal 2014, including the NCRA plan, will depend primarily on market returns on the pension plan assets and minimum funding level requirements. During the three months ended November 30, 2013, CHS and NCRA made no contributions to the pension plans. At this time, we do not anticipate having to make a contribution for our benefit plans in fiscal 2014.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	We have aligned our segments based on an assessment of how our businesses are operated and the products and services they sell.
	Our Energy segment produces and provides primarily for the wholesale distribution of petroleum products and transportation of those products. Our Ag segment purchases and further processes or resells grains and oilseeds originated by our country operations business, by our member cooperatives and by third parties, and also serves as a wholesaler and retailer of crop inputs. Corporate and Other primarily represents the non-consolidated wheat milling and packaged food joint ventures, as well as our business solutions operations, which consist of commodities hedging, insurance and financial services related to crop production.
	Corporate administrative expenses are allocated to each business segment, and Corporate and Other, based on direct usage for services that can be tracked, such as information technology and legal, and other factors or considerations relevant to the costs incurred.
	Many of our business activities are highly seasonal and operating results will vary throughout the year. Historically, our income is generally lowest during the second fiscal quarter and highest during the third fiscal quarter. For example, in our Ag segment, agronomy and country operations businesses experience higher volumes and income during the spring planting season and in the fall, which corresponds to harvest. Also in our Ag segment, our grain marketing operations are subject to fluctuations in volumes and earnings based on producer harvests, world grain prices and demand. Our Energy segment generally experiences higher volumes and profitability in certain operating areas, such as refined products, in the summer and early fall when gasoline and diesel fuel usage is highest and is subject to global supply and demand forces. Other energy products, such as propane, may experience higher volumes and profitability during the winter heating and crop drying seasons.
	Our revenues, assets and cash flows can be significantly affected by global market prices for commodities such as petroleum products, natural gas, grains, oilseeds, crop nutrients and flour. Changes in market prices for commodities that we purchase without a corresponding change in the selling prices of those products can affect revenues and operating earnings. Commodity prices are affected by a wide range of factors beyond our control, including the weather, crop damage due to disease or insects, drought, the availability and adequacy of supply, government regulations and policies, world events, and general political and economic conditions.
	While our revenues and operating results are derived from businesses and operations which are wholly-owned and majority-owned, a portion of our business operations are conducted through companies in which we hold ownership interests of 50% or less and do not control the operations. We account for these investments primarily using the equity method of accounting, wherein we record our proportionate share of income or loss reported by the entity as equity income from investments, without consolidating the revenues and expenses of the entity in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In our Ag segment, this principally includes our 50% ownership in TEMCO, LLC (TEMCO). In Corporate and Other, these investments principally include our 50% ownership in Ventura Foods and our 24% ownership in Horizon Milling, LLC and Horizon Milling G.P.
	Reconciling Amounts represent the elimination of revenues between segments. Such transactions are executed at market prices to more accurately evaluate the profitability of the individual business segments.
	Segment information for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2013:
	Revenues	$	3,679,234		$	7,488,088		$	16,763		$	(157,964	)	$	11,026,121
	Cost of goods sold	3,505,340			7,277,829						(157,964		)	10,625,205
	Gross profit	173,894			210,259			16,763			—			400,916
	Marketing, general and administrative	33,836			85,002			14,303						133,141
	Operating earnings	140,058			125,257			2,460			—			267,775
	Interest, net	12,476			15,065			3,244						30,785
	Equity income from investments	(1,308		)	(6,477		)	(24,893		)				(32,678		)
	Income before income taxes	$	128,890		$	116,669		$	24,109		$	—		$	269,668
	Intersegment revenues	$	(157,964	)							$	157,964		$	—
	Goodwill	$	1,165		$	77,243		$	6,898					$	85,306
	Capital expenditures	$	92,802		$	71,880		$	3,342					$	168,024
	Depreciation and amortization	$	32,909		$	27,558		$	2,637					$	63,104
	Total assets at November 30, 2013	$	4,219,036		$	6,802,559		$	3,594,301					$	14,615,896
	For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2012:
	Revenues	$	3,324,228		$	8,501,741		$	17,575		$	(133,606	)	$	11,709,938
	Cost of goods sold	2,990,842			8,308,115			(931		)	(133,606		)	11,164,420
	Gross profit	333,386			193,626			18,506			—			545,518
	Marketing, general and administrative	36,471			70,987			17,024						124,482
	Operating earnings	296,915			122,639			1,482			—			421,036
	Interest, net	45,783			18,212			3,215						67,210
	Equity income from investments	(1,884		)	(7,947		)	(18,241		)				(28,072		)
	Income before income taxes	$	253,016		$	112,374		$	16,508		$	—		$	381,898
	Intersegment revenues	$	(133,606	)							$	133,606		$	—
	Goodwill	$	1,165		$	74,841		$	6,898					$	82,904
	Capital expenditures	$	90,400		$	46,745		$	938					$	138,083
	Depreciation and amortization	$	28,283		$	24,886		$	4,292					$	57,461
	Total assets at November 30, 2012	$	3,979,166		$	7,688,325		$	2,584,923					$	14,252,414

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The following table presents assets and liabilities, included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy utilized to determine such fair value. Assets and liabilities are classified, in their entirety, based on the lowest level of input that is a significant component of the fair value measurement. The lowest level of input is considered Level 3. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the classification of fair value assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels.
	Fair value measurements at November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 are as follows:
		30-Nov-13
		Quoted Prices in				Significant			Significant		Total
		Active Markets				Other			Unobservable
		for Identical				Observable			Inputs
		Assets				Inputs			(Level 3)
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets:
	Readily marketable inventories					$	1,222,328				$	1,222,328
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	39,948			324,506					364,454
	Foreign currency derivatives	4,186				2,590					6,776
	Interest rate swap derivatives					18,854					18,854
	Other assets	112,521									112,521
	Total Assets	$	156,655			$	1,568,278				$	1,724,933
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	68,362			$	336,984				$	405,346
	Interest rate swap derivatives					245					245
	Foreign currency derivatives	1,644				3					1,647
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments								$	150,991	150,991
	related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
	Total Liabilities	$	70,006			$	337,232		$	150,991	$	558,229
		August 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in				Significant			Significant		Total
		Active Markets				Other			Unobservable
		for Identical				Observable			Inputs
		Assets				Inputs			(Level 3)
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets:
	Readily marketable inventories					$	1,203,383				$	1,203,383
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	58,441			410,233					468,674
	Interest rate swap derivatives					24,139					24,139
	Foreign currency derivatives	6,894				185					7,079
	Other assets	114,084									114,084
	Total Assets	$	179,419			$	1,637,940				$	1,817,359
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	59,184			$	399,710				$	458,894
	Interest rate swap derivatives					248					248
	Foreign currency derivatives	5,925									5,925
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments								$	134,134	134,134
	related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
	Total Liabilities	$	65,109			$	399,958		$	134,134	$	599,201
		30-Nov-12
		Quoted Prices in				Significant			Significant		Total
		Active Markets				Other			Unobservable
		for Identical				Observable			Inputs
		Assets				Inputs			(Level 3)
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets:
	Readily marketable inventories					$	2,186,328				$	2,186,328
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	88,258			544,286					632,544
	Foreign currency derivatives	3,140									3,140
	Other assets	75,873									75,873
	Total Assets	$	167,271			$	2,730,614				$	2,897,885
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	58,310			$	460,067				$	518,377
	Interest rate swap derivatives					483					483
	Foreign currency derivatives	6,234									6,234
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments								$	170,621	170,621
related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
Total Liabilities	$	64,544			$	460,550		$	170,621	$	695,715
Readily marketable inventories — Our readily marketable inventories primarily include grain, oilseed, and minimally processed soy-based inventories that are stated at fair values. These commodities are readily marketable, have quoted market prices and may be sold without significant additional processing. We estimate the fair market values of these inventories included in Level 2 primarily based on exchange quoted prices, adjusted for differences in local markets. Changes in the fair market values of these inventories are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of cost of goods sold.
Commodity, freight and foreign currency derivatives — Exchange traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. Our forward commodity purchase and sales contracts, flat price or basis fixed derivative contracts, ocean freight contracts and other OTC derivatives are determined using inputs that are generally based on exchange traded prices and/or recent market bids and offers, adjusted for location specific inputs, and are classified within Level 2. The location specific inputs are generally broker or dealer quotations, or market transactions in either the listed or OTC markets. Changes in the fair values of these contracts are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of cost of goods sold.
Other assets — Our available-for-sale investments in common stock of other companies and Rabbi Trust assets are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices on active exchanges and are classified within Level 1. Changes in the fair values of these other assets are primarily recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of marketing, general and administrative expenses.
Interest rate swap derivatives — Fair values of our interest rate swap liabilities are determined utilizing valuation models that are widely accepted in the market to value such OTC derivative contracts. The specific terms of the contracts, as well as market observable inputs, such as interest rates and credit risk assumptions, are factored into the models. As all significant inputs are market observable, all interest rate swaps are classified within Level 2. Changes in the fair values of contracts not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of interest, net. Changes in the fair values of contracts designated as hedging instruments are deferred to accumulated other comprehensive loss in the equity section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized into earnings within interest, net over the term of the agreements.
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payment related to purchase of noncontrolling interests — The fair value of the accrued liability was calculated utilizing an average price option model, an adjusted Black-Scholes pricing model commonly used in the energy industry to value options. The model uses market observable inputs and unobservable inputs. Due to significant unobservable inputs used in the pricing model, the liability is classified within Level 3.
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value			Valuation		Range
Item	November 30, 2013			Technique	Unobservable Input	(Weighted Average)
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests	$	150,991		Adjusted Black-Scholes option pricing model	Forward crack spread margin on November 30 (a)	$16.32-$25.30 (21.10)
					Contractual target crack spread margin (b)	$17.50
					Expected volatility (c)	105.25%
					Risk-free interest rate (d)	1.80-2.60% (2.23%)
					Expected life - years (e)	0.75-3.75 (2.37)
(a) Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on future settlement dates
(b) Represents the minimum contractual threshold that would require settlement with the counterparties
(c) Represents quarterly adjusted volatility estimates derived from daily historical market data
(d) Represents yield curves for U.S. Treasury securities
(e) Represents the range in the number of years remaining related to each contingent payment
Valuation processes for Level 3 measurements — Management is responsible for determining the fair value of our Level 3 financial instruments. Option pricing methods are utilized, as indicated above. Inputs used in the option pricing models are based on quotes obtained from third party vendors as well as management estimates for periods in which quotes cannot be obtained. Each reporting period, management reviews the unobservable inputs provided by third-party vendors for reasonableness utilizing relevant information available to us. Management also takes into consideration current and expected market trends and compares the liability’s fair value to hypothetical payments using known historical market data to assess reasonableness of the resulting fair value.
Sensitivity analysis of Level 3 measurements — The significant unobservable inputs that are susceptible to periodic fluctuations used in the fair value measurement of the accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to the purchase of noncontrolling interests are the adjusted forward crack spread margin and the expected volatility. Significant increases (decreases) in either of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Although changes in the expected volatility are driven by fluctuations in the underlying crack spread margin, changes in expected volatility are not necessarily accompanied by a directionally similar change in the forward crack spread margin. Directional changes in the expected volatility can be affected by a multitude of factors including the magnitude of daily fluctuations in the underlying market data, market trends, timing of fluctuations, and other factors.
The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
		Level 3 Liabilities
		Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
Balances, September 1, 2013 and 2012, respectively		$	134,134			$	127,516
Total losses included in cost of goods sold		16,857				43,105
Balances, November 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively		$	150,991			$	170,621
There were no material transfers between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 assets and liabilities.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Unconditional Purchase Obligations
	Long-term unconditional purchase obligations primarily relate to pipeline and grain handling take-or-pay and through-put agreements, and are not recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Minimum future payments required under long-term unconditional purchase obligations as of November 30, 2013 are as follows:
		Payments Due by Period
		Total		Less than		3-Jan		5-Mar		More than
				1 Year		Years		Years		5 Years
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Long-term unconditional purchase obligations	$	530,640	$	57,412	$	142,737	$	88,933	$	241,558
	The discounted, aggregate amount of the minimum required payments under long-term unconditional purchase obligations, based on current exchange rates at November 30, 2013, is $454.5 million.
	Guarantees
	We are a guarantor for lines of credit and performance obligations of related companies. As of November 30, 2013, our bank covenants allowed maximum guarantees of $1.0 billion, of which $97.4 million was outstanding. We have collateral for a portion of these contingent obligations. We have not recorded a liability related to the contingent obligations as we do not expect to pay out any cash related to them, and the fair values are considered immaterial. The underlying loans to the counterparties for which we provide guarantees are current as of November 30, 2013.
	Contingencies
	In May 2013, we initiated a voluntary recall of certain soy protein products produced at our Ashdod, Israel facility following one customer's report to us of a positive test result for salmonella in product purchased from us. We notified applicable food safety regulators, including the Israel Ministry of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, of both the positive test result and our determination to conduct a voluntary recall. We have received no reports of salmonella-related illness in relation to the recalled products. We estimate our range of loss associated with this recall to be between $14.4 million and $39.7 million. During the year ended August 31, 2013, we recorded a reserve of $25.0 million, which is the amount within the range that we believe is the best estimate given the claims experience so far. We maintain product liability and general liability insurance (which includes product liability coverage), which we believe will offset some related product liability expenses. However, as of November 30, 2013, no insurance recoveries have been recorded related to this incident.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Even though we have netting arrangements for our exchange-traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter (OTC) contracts, we report our derivatives on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our associated margin deposits are also reported on a gross basis. Many of our derivative contracts with futures and options brokers require us to make both initial margin deposits of cash or other assets and subsequent deposits, depending on changes in commodity prices, in order to comply with applicable regulations. Our margin deposit assets are held by external brokers in segregated accounts and will be used to settle the associated derivative contracts on their specified settlement dates.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of all of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and limited liability companies, which is primarily National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA), included in our Energy segment. The effects of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Our derivative instruments primarily consist of commodity and freight futures and forward contracts and, to a minor degree, may include foreign currency and interest rate swap contracts. These contracts are economic hedges of price risk, but are not designated or accounted for as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, with the exception of certain interest rate swap contracts which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair values as discussed in Note 9, Fair Value Measurements.
	Even though we have netting arrangements for our exchange-traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter (OTC) contracts, we report our derivatives on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our associated margin deposits are also reported on a gross basis. Many of our derivative contracts with futures and options brokers require us to make both initial margin deposits of cash or other assets and subsequent deposits, depending on changes in commodity prices, in order to comply with applicable regulations. Our margin deposit assets are held by external brokers in segregated accounts and will be used to settle the associated derivative contracts on their specified settlement dates.
	As of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, we had the following outstanding purchase and sales contracts:
		30-Nov-13				31-Aug-13				30-Nov-12
		Purchase		Sales		Purchase		Sales		Purchase		Sales
		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts
		(Units in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed - bushels	671,414		944,517		521,979		806,295		674,866		1,018,510
	Energy products - barrels	27,352		33,110		12,626		21,312		7,483		19,817
	Soy products - tons	12		885		24		847		21		360
	Crop nutrients - tons	986		1,204		968		1,050		1,270		1,428
	Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	2,054		295		1,225		151		1,288		210
	Rail freight - rail cars	201		48		220		43		164		30
	Livestock - pounds			12,480				17,280		2,680		3,280
	The following tables present the gross amounts of derivative assets, derivative liabilities, and margin deposits (cash collateral) recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets along with the related amounts permitted to be offset in accordance with GAAP. We have elected not to offset derivative assets and liabilities when we have the right of offset under ASC 210-10 or when the instruments are subject to master netting arrangements under ASC 815-10-45.
		November 30, 2013
						Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting
		Gross Amounts Recognized				Cash Collateral				Derivative Instruments			Net Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Derivative Assets:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	364,454			$	268			$	41,126		$	323,060
	Foreign exchange derivatives	6,776								1,060			5,716
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	18,854											18,854
		$	390,084			$	268			$	42,186		$	347,630
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	405,346			$	7,374			$	41,126		$	356,846
	Foreign exchange derivatives	1,647								1,060			587
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	245											245
		$	407,238			$	7,374			$	42,186		$	357,678
		August 31, 2013
						Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting
		Gross Amounts Recognized				Cash Collateral				Derivative Instruments			Net Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Derivative Assets:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	468,673							$	53,107		$	415,566
	Foreign exchange derivatives	7,079								957			6,122
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	24,135											24,135
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	3								3
		$	499,890							$	54,067		$	445,823
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	458,893			$	1,591			$	53,107		$	404,195
	Foreign exchange derivatives	5,925								957			4,968
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	248								3			245
		$	465,066			$	1,591			$	54,067		$	409,408
		November 30, 2012
						Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting
		Gross Amounts Recognized				Cash Collateral				Derivative Instruments			Net Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Derivative Assets:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	632,544							$	46,578		$	585,966
	Foreign exchange derivatives	3,140								1			3,139
		$	635,684							$	46,579		$	589,105
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	518,377			$	10,087			$	46,578		$	461,712
	Foreign exchange derivatives	6,234								1			6,233
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	483											483
		$	525,094			$	10,087			$	46,579		$	468,428
	The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012.
		Location of		2013				2012
		Gain (Loss)
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Commodity and freight derivatives	Cost of goods sold		$	(19,789	)		$	(328,284	)
Foreign exchange derivatives	Cost of goods sold		(422		)		(1,685		)
Interest rate derivatives	Interest, net		(1		)		(9		)
			$	(20,212	)		$	(329,978	)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill was $85.3 million, $85.1 million and $82.9 million on November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, respectively, and is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Intangible assets subject to amortization primarily include customer lists, trademarks and agreements not to compete, and are amortized over their respective useful lives (ranging from 2 to 30 years). Excluding goodwill, the gross carrying amount of our intangible assets was $85.1 million, $81.5 million and $81.7 million on November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, respectively. Accumulated amortization was $48.5 million, $46.0 million and $38.2 million as of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, respectively. Intangible assets acquired were $3.0 million during the three-month period ended November 30, 2013. Intangible assets acquired were $1.0 million during the three-month period ended November 30, 2012. Total amortization expense for intangible assets during the three-month periods ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, was $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization for the next five years is as follows:
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Year 1	$	7,511
	Year 2	6,516
	Year 3	6,066
	Year 4	4,376
	Year 5	2,043
	Thereafter	9,398
		$	35,910
	In our Energy segment, major maintenance activities (turnarounds) at our two refineries are accounted for under the deferral method. Turnarounds are the scheduled and required shutdowns of refinery processing units. The costs related to the significant overhaul and refurbishment activities include materials and direct labor costs. The costs of turnarounds are deferred when incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of time estimated to lapse until the next turnaround occurs, which is generally 2 to 4 years. The amortization expense related to turnaround costs are included in cost of goods sold in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The selection of the deferral method, as opposed to expensing the turnaround costs when incurred, results in deferring recognition of the turnaround expenditures. The deferral method also results in the classification of the related cash outflows as investing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, whereas expensing these costs as incurred, would result in classifying the cash outflows as operating activities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, "Liabilities." ASU No. 2013-04 requires an entity to measure
	obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope
	of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its
	arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors.
	The guidance in this ASU also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other
	information about those obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within
	those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption will have on our
	consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2015.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013														Aug. 31, 2013									Nov. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'														'									'
Purchase and Sales Contracts	'														'									'
	As of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, we had the following outstanding purchase and sales contracts:
		30-Nov-13				31-Aug-13				30-Nov-12
		Purchase		Sales		Purchase		Sales		Purchase		Sales
		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts		Contracts
		(Units in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed - bushels	671,414		944,517		521,979		806,295		674,866		1,018,510
	Energy products - barrels	27,352		33,110		12,626		21,312		7,483		19,817
	Soy products - tons	12		885		24		847		21		360
	Crop nutrients - tons	986		1,204		968		1,050		1,270		1,428
	Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	2,054		295		1,225		151		1,288		210
	Rail freight - rail cars	201		48		220		43		164		30
	Livestock - pounds			12,480				17,280		2,680		3,280
Reconciliation of gross and net fair values of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements [Table Text Block]	'														'									'
		November 30, 2013														August 31, 2013									November 30, 2012
						Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting												Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting									Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting
		Gross Amounts Recognized				Cash Collateral				Derivative Instruments			Net Amounts			Gross Amounts Recognized		Cash Collateral		Derivative Instruments		Net Amounts			Gross Amounts Recognized		Cash Collateral		Derivative Instruments		Net Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)														(Dollars in thousands)									(Dollars in thousands)
	Derivative Assets:														Derivative Assets:									Derivative Assets:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	364,454			$	268			$	41,126		$	323,060	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	468,673			$	53,107	$	415,566	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	632,544			$	46,578	$	585,966
	Foreign exchange derivatives	6,776								1,060			5,716		Foreign exchange derivatives	7,079				957		6,122		Foreign exchange derivatives	3,140				1		3,139
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	18,854											18,854		Interest rate derivatives - hedge	24,135						24,135			$	635,684			$	46,579	$	589,105
		$	390,084			$	268			$	42,186		$	347,630	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	3				3
																								Derivative Liabilities:
																$	499,890			$	54,067	$	445,823	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	518,377	$	10,087	$	46,578	$	461,712
	Derivative Liabilities:																							Foreign exchange derivatives	6,234				1		6,233
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	405,346			$	7,374			$	41,126		$	356,846	Derivative Liabilities:
															Commodity and freight derivatives	$	458,893	$	1,591	$	53,107	$	404,195	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	483						483
	Foreign exchange derivatives	1,647								1,060			587
															Foreign exchange derivatives	5,925				957		4,968			$	525,094	$	10,087	$	46,579	$	468,428
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	245											245
															Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	248				3		245
		$	407,238			$	7,374			$	42,186		$	357,678
																$	465,066	$	1,591	$	54,067	$	409,408
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'														'									'
	Even though we have netting arrangements for our exchange-traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter (OTC) contracts, we report our derivatives on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our associated margin deposits are also reported on a gross basis. Many of our derivative contracts with futures and options brokers require us to make both initial margin deposits of cash or other assets and subsequent deposits, depending on changes in commodity prices, in order to comply with applicable regulations. Our margin deposit assets are held by external brokers in segregated accounts and will be used to settle the associated derivative contracts on their specified settlement dates.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Consolidated Statements of Operations	'														'									'
	The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012.
		Location of		2013				2012
		Gain (Loss)
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Commodity and freight derivatives	Cost of goods sold		$	(19,789	)		$	(328,284	)
	Foreign exchange derivatives	Cost of goods sold		(422		)		(1,685		)
	Interest rate derivatives	Interest, net		(1		)		(9		)
				$	(20,212	)		$	(329,978	)
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	'														'									'
	The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization for the next five years is as follows:
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Year 1	$	7,511
	Year 2	6,516
	Year 3	6,066
	Year 4	4,376
	Year 5	2,043
	Thereafter	9,398
		$	35,910

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	'
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013		November 30, 2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	2,203,805	$	2,338,336	$	2,211,748
	CHS Capital notes receivable	640,631		437,141		682,910
	Other	312,048		254,590		380,392
		3,156,484		3,030,067		3,275,050
	Less allowances and reserves	97,319		94,589		116,419
		$	3,059,165	$	2,935,478	$	3,158,631

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current	'
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013		November 30, 2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed	$	1,539,062	$	1,133,555	$	2,089,348
	Energy	717,389		742,194		668,990
	Crop nutrients	261,069		293,370		331,666
	Feed and farm supplies	435,168		407,023		440,050
	Processed grain and oilseed	65,946		79,706		100,059
	Other	12,155		8,887		11,631
		$	3,030,789	$	2,664,735	$	3,641,744

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables) (Ventura Foods, LLC)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Ventura Foods, LLC	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	'
	The following provides summarized unaudited financial information for Ventura Foods balance sheets as of November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, and statements of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012:
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013		November 30, 2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current assets	$	564,283	$	532,995	$	575,137
	Non-current assets	500,670		503,369		464,028
	Current liabilities	236,815		216,704		200,357
	Non-current liabilities	227,599		226,515		277,943
		For the Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net sales	$	644,990	$	651,487
	Gross profit	71,819		62,123
	Net earnings	29,514		20,728
	Earnings attributable to CHS Inc.	14,757		10,364

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb1

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	'
		November 30,			August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2013			2012
	Notes payable	$	604,447		$	521,864		$	274,960
	CHS Capital notes payable	455,367			367,448			601,886
		$	1,059,814		$	889,312		$	876,846
Schedule of Interest,Net	'
	Interest, net for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013			2012
	Interest expense	$	23,519		$	24,436
	Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interests	11,124			46,696
	Capitalized interest	(2,265		)	(2,902		)
	Interest income	(1,593		)	(1,020		)
	Interest, net	$	30,785		$	67,210

Equities_Tables

Equities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in equities are as follows:
		For the three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	CHS Inc. balances, September 1, 2013 and 2012	$	5,131,208		$	4,455,341
	Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	242,186			343,707
	Other comprehensive income (loss)(a)	(434		)	245
	Equities retired	(2,520		)	(2,378		)
	Equity retirements accrued	2,520			2,378
	Equities issued in business combinations	45			14,240
	Preferred stock issuance, net of expenses	273,724
	Preferred stock dividends accrued	(10,160		)	(6,136		)
	Deconsolidation of subsidiary	(8,016		)
	Accrued dividends and equities payable	(87,000		)	(147,091		)
	Other, net	642			3,431
	CHS Inc. balances, November 30, 2013 and 2012	$	5,542,195		$	4,663,737
	Noncontrolling interests balances, September 1, 2013 and 2012	$	21,539		$	17,982
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	842			2,174
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(4,779		)
	Other	637			1,146
	Noncontrolling interests balances, November 30, 2013 and 2012	$	18,239		$	21,302
Effect of changes in NCRA ownership on CHS equities	'

Benefit_Plans_Schedule_of_Net_

Benefit Plans Schedule of Net Benefit Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	'
		Qualified						Non-Qualified				Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits						Pension Benefits
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	Service cost	$	7,467		$	7,216		$	179	$	165	$	482		$	633
	Interest cost	6,698			6,505			336		323		519			616
	Expected return on assets	(12,734		)	(11,956		)
	Prior service cost (credit) amortization	399			399			57		57		(30		)	(4		)
	Actuarial loss amortization	4,644			5,231			227		211					223
	Transition amount amortization											124			175
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	6,474		$	7,395		$	799	$	756	$	1,095		$	1,643

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Segment information for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2013:
	Revenues	$	3,679,234		$	7,488,088		$	16,763		$	(157,964	)	$	11,026,121
	Cost of goods sold	3,505,340			7,277,829						(157,964		)	10,625,205
	Gross profit	173,894			210,259			16,763			—			400,916
	Marketing, general and administrative	33,836			85,002			14,303						133,141
	Operating earnings	140,058			125,257			2,460			—			267,775
	Interest, net	12,476			15,065			3,244						30,785
	Equity income from investments	(1,308		)	(6,477		)	(24,893		)				(32,678		)
	Income before income taxes	$	128,890		$	116,669		$	24,109		$	—		$	269,668
	Intersegment revenues	$	(157,964	)							$	157,964		$	—
	Goodwill	$	1,165		$	77,243		$	6,898					$	85,306
	Capital expenditures	$	92,802		$	71,880		$	3,342					$	168,024
	Depreciation and amortization	$	32,909		$	27,558		$	2,637					$	63,104
	Total assets at November 30, 2013	$	4,219,036		$	6,802,559		$	3,594,301					$	14,615,896
	For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2012:
	Revenues	$	3,324,228		$	8,501,741		$	17,575		$	(133,606	)	$	11,709,938
	Cost of goods sold	2,990,842			8,308,115			(931		)	(133,606		)	11,164,420
	Gross profit	333,386			193,626			18,506			—			545,518
	Marketing, general and administrative	36,471			70,987			17,024						124,482
	Operating earnings	296,915			122,639			1,482			—			421,036
	Interest, net	45,783			18,212			3,215						67,210
	Equity income from investments	(1,884		)	(7,947		)	(18,241		)				(28,072		)
	Income before income taxes	$	253,016		$	112,374		$	16,508		$	—		$	381,898
	Intersegment revenues	$	(133,606	)							$	133,606		$	—
	Goodwill	$	1,165		$	74,841		$	6,898					$	82,904
	Capital expenditures	$	90,400		$	46,745		$	938					$	138,083
	Depreciation and amortization	$	28,283		$	24,886		$	4,292					$	57,461
	Total assets at November 30, 2012	$	3,979,166		$	7,688,325		$	2,584,923					$	14,252,414

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	'
	Fair value measurements at November 30, 2013, August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 are as follows:
		30-Nov-13
		Quoted Prices in				Significant			Significant		Total
		Active Markets				Other			Unobservable
		for Identical				Observable			Inputs
		Assets				Inputs			(Level 3)
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets:
	Readily marketable inventories					$	1,222,328				$	1,222,328
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	39,948			324,506					364,454
	Foreign currency derivatives	4,186				2,590					6,776
	Interest rate swap derivatives					18,854					18,854
	Other assets	112,521									112,521
	Total Assets	$	156,655			$	1,568,278				$	1,724,933
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	68,362			$	336,984				$	405,346
	Interest rate swap derivatives					245					245
	Foreign currency derivatives	1,644				3					1,647
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments								$	150,991	150,991
	related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
	Total Liabilities	$	70,006			$	337,232		$	150,991	$	558,229
		August 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in				Significant			Significant		Total
		Active Markets				Other			Unobservable
		for Identical				Observable			Inputs
		Assets				Inputs			(Level 3)
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets:
	Readily marketable inventories					$	1,203,383				$	1,203,383
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	58,441			410,233					468,674
	Interest rate swap derivatives					24,139					24,139
	Foreign currency derivatives	6,894				185					7,079
	Other assets	114,084									114,084
	Total Assets	$	179,419			$	1,637,940				$	1,817,359
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	59,184			$	399,710				$	458,894
	Interest rate swap derivatives					248					248
	Foreign currency derivatives	5,925									5,925
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments								$	134,134	134,134
	related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
	Total Liabilities	$	65,109			$	399,958		$	134,134	$	599,201
		30-Nov-12
		Quoted Prices in				Significant			Significant		Total
		Active Markets				Other			Unobservable
		for Identical				Observable			Inputs
		Assets				Inputs			(Level 3)
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets:
	Readily marketable inventories					$	2,186,328				$	2,186,328
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	88,258			544,286					632,544
	Foreign currency derivatives	3,140									3,140
	Other assets	75,873									75,873
	Total Assets	$	167,271			$	2,730,614				$	2,897,885
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	58,310			$	460,067				$	518,377
	Interest rate swap derivatives					483					483
	Foreign currency derivatives	6,234									6,234
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments								$	170,621	170,621
	related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
	Total Liabilities	$	64,544			$	460,550		$	170,621	$	695,715
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information	'
	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
		Fair Value			Valuation		Range
	Item	November 30, 2013			Technique	Unobservable Input	(Weighted Average)
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests	$	150,991		Adjusted Black-Scholes option pricing model	Forward crack spread margin on November 30 (a)	$16.32-$25.30 (21.10)
						Contractual target crack spread margin (b)	$17.50
						Expected volatility (c)	105.25%
						Risk-free interest rate (d)	1.80-2.60% (2.23%)
						Expected life - years (e)	0.75-3.75 (2.37)
	(a) Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on future settlement dates
	(b) Represents the minimum contractual threshold that would require settlement with the counterparties
	(c) Represents quarterly adjusted volatility estimates derived from daily historical market data
	(d) Represents yield curves for U.S. Treasury securities
	(e) Represents the range in the number of years remaining related to each contingent payment
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
	The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
			Level 3 Liabilities
			Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
			2013				2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Balances, September 1, 2013 and 2012, respectively		$	134,134			$	127,516
	Total losses included in cost of goods sold		16,857				43,105
	Balances, November 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively		$	150,991			$	170,621

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Quantifying misstatements (Details) (Immaterial Balance Sheet Revision [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013
Immaterial Balance Sheet Revision [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$244.20

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$1,200,000	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	42,186,000	54,067,000	46,579,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	357,678,000	409,408,000	468,428,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	42,186,000	54,067,000	46,579,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	347,630,000	445,823,000	589,105,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	390,084,000	499,890,000	635,684,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	268,000	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	407,238,000	465,066,000	525,094,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	7,374,000	1,591,000	10,087,000
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	41,126,000	53,107,000	46,578,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	356,846,000	404,195,000	461,712,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	41,126,000	53,107,000	46,578,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	323,060,000	415,566,000	585,966,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	364,454,000	468,673,000	632,544,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	268,000	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	405,346,000	458,893,000	518,377,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	7,374,000	1,591,000	10,087,000
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	1,060,000	957,000	1,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	587,000	4,968,000	6,233,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	1,060,000	957,000	1,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	5,716,000	6,122,000	3,139,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	6,776,000	7,079,000	3,140,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,647,000	5,925,000	6,234,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	18,854,000	24,135,000	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,854,000	24,135,000	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	'	3,000	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	245,000	245,000	483,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	'	3,000	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	3,000	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	245,000	248,000	483,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Purchase and Sales Contracts Outstanding (Details)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
	Barrels	t	Bushels
	Bushels	Barrels	t
	T	Bushels	Barrels
Purchase Contracts	'	'	'
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Grain and oilseed - bushels	671,414,000	521,979,000	674,866,000
Energy products - barrels	27,352,000	12,626,000	7,483,000
Soy products - tons	12,000	24,000	21,000
Crop nutrients - tons	986,000	968,000	1,270,000
Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	2,054,000	1,225,000	1,288,000
Derivative, Number of Units, Cargo and Freight Rail Contract	201,000	220,000	164,000
Derivative, Number of Units, Livestock	'	'	2,680,000
Sales Contracts	'	'	'
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]	'	'	'
Grain and oilseed - bushels	944,517,000	806,295,000	1,018,510,000
Energy products - barrels	33,110,000	21,312,000	19,817,000
Soy products - tons	885,000	847,000	360,000
Crop nutrients - tons	1,204,000	1,050,000	1,428,000
Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	295,000	151,000	210,000
Derivative, Number of Units, Cargo and Freight Rail Contract	48,000	43,000	30,000
Derivative, Number of Units, Livestock	12,480,000	17,280,000	3,280,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Derivative Assets and Liabilities Not Designated As Hedging Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, tax effect of unrealized gain or loss deferred into accumulated other comprehensive income	$7,200,000	$9,200,000	'
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	1,200,000	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	390,084,000	499,890,000	635,684,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	268,000	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	42,186,000	54,067,000	46,579,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	347,630,000	445,823,000	589,105,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	407,238,000	465,066,000	525,094,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	7,374,000	1,591,000	10,087,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	42,186,000	54,067,000	46,579,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	357,678,000	409,408,000	468,428,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,854,000	24,135,000	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	18,854,000	24,135,000	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	3,000	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	'	3,000	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	245,000	248,000	483,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	'	3,000	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	245,000	245,000	483,000
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	6,776,000	7,079,000	3,140,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	1,060,000	957,000	1,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	5,716,000	6,122,000	3,139,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,647,000	5,925,000	6,234,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	1,060,000	957,000	1,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	587,000	4,968,000	6,233,000
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	364,454,000	468,673,000	632,544,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	268,000	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	41,126,000	53,107,000	46,578,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	323,060,000	415,566,000	585,966,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	405,346,000	458,893,000	518,377,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	7,374,000	1,591,000	10,087,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	41,126,000	53,107,000	46,578,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	356,846,000	404,195,000	461,712,000
Immaterial Balance Sheet Revision [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	244,200,000	'	'
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	$11,663,000	$14,930,000	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Pretax Gains (Losses) On Derivatives Not Accounted For As Hedging Instruments (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Pretax gain (loss) on derivative instruments	($20,212)	($329,978)
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member] | Cost of goods sold	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Pretax gain (loss) on derivative instruments	-19,789	-328,284
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cost of goods sold	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Pretax gain (loss) on derivative instruments	-422	-1,685
Interest rate derivatives | Interest, net	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Pretax gain (loss) on derivative instruments	($1)	($9)

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Pretax gains and losses on hedging instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
		Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
		Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]
		Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$1,200,000	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	'	$11,663,000	$14,930,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
	Refineries
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$85,306,000	$82,904,000	$85,100,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	85,100,000	81,700,000	81,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	48,500,000	38,200,000	46,000,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	1,000,000	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2,300,000	2,500,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Rolling Twelve Months	7,511,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	6,516,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	6,066,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	4,376,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	2,043,000	'	'
Thereafter	9,398,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$35,910,000	'	'
Number of Refineries	2	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'2 years	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Major Maintenance Activities Requiring Shutdown [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'2 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'30 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Major Maintenance Activities Requiring Shutdown [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'4 years	'	'

Receivables_Schedule_of_Receiv

Receivables - Schedule of Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	$2,203,805	$2,338,336	$2,211,748
CHS Capital notes receivable	640,631	437,141	682,910
Other	312,048	254,590	380,392
Receivables, gross	3,156,484	3,030,067	3,275,050
Less allowances and reserves	97,319	94,589	116,419
Receivables, net	$3,059,165	$2,935,478	$3,158,631

Receivables_Narrative_Details

Receivables - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Notes Receivable, Long-Term	'	'	'
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	$150.50	$127.70	$125.70
Percentage of commercial notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	72.00%	59.00%	80.00%
Percentage of producer notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	28.00%	41.00%	20.00%
Interest income accrual, discontinue, term	'90 days	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Notes Receivable, Short-Term	'	'	'
CHS Capital short-term notes receivable, term	'12 months	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Notes Receivable, Short-Term	'	'	'
CHS Capital short-term notes receivable, term	'14 months	'	'
Notes and Loans Receivable, Net, Noncurrent, Term	'10 years	'	'
CHS [Member]	'	'	'
Notes Receivable, Long-Term	'	'	'
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable additional available credit of counterparty	$960.80	'	'

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Grain and Oilseed	$1,539,062	$1,133,555	$2,089,348
Energy	717,389	742,194	668,990
Crop nutrients	261,069	293,370	331,666
Feed and farm supplies	435,168	407,023	440,050
Processed grain and oilseed	65,946	79,706	100,059
Other	12,155	8,887	11,631
Inventories	$3,030,789	$2,664,735	$3,641,744

Inventories_Narrative_Details

Inventories - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of LIFO inventory	12.00%	16.00%	10.00%
LIFO inventory, difference amount had FIFO inventory valuation method been used	$498.90	$652.60	$518.50

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
		Horizon Milling, LLC [Member]	Ventura Foods, LLC	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	Contingent Liability [Member]	Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
							National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]		Spiritwood fertilizer plant [Member]	Spiritwood fertilizer plant [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage	'	'	'	84.00%	'	79.20%	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$16,500,000	'	'
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Amount	'	'	'	66,000,000	66,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	151,000,000	'	'	'
Ownership percentage	'	24.00%	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity value exceeding carrying value	'	'	12,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected ownership of future joint venture	12.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected borrowings of future joint venture	600,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected future investment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,000,000,000	'
Research and Development Expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25,000,000

Investments_Schedule_of_Equity

Investments - Schedule of Equity Method Investment Balance Sheet and Statement of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Earnings attributable to CHS Inc.	$32,678	$28,072	'
Ventura Foods, LLC	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current assets	564,283	575,137	532,995
Non-current assets	500,670	464,028	503,369
Current liabilities	236,815	200,357	216,704
Non-current liabilities	227,599	277,943	226,515
Net sales	644,990	651,487	'
Gross profit	71,819	62,123	'
Net earnings	29,514	20,728	'
Earnings attributable to CHS Inc.	$14,757	$10,364	'

Investments_Investment_in_NCRA

Investments Investment in NCRA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member]	Contingent Liability [Member]
					National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage	84.00%	'	79.20%	'	'
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Amount	$66	$66	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	'	'	'	16.5	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value	'	'	'	'	$151

Investments_Investment_in_NCRA1

Investments Investment in NCRA entity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member]	Contingent Liability [Member]
					National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage	84.00%	'	79.20%	'	'
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Amount	$66	$66	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	'	'	'	16.5	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value	'	'	'	'	$151

Investments_Acquisition_of_NCR

Investments Acquisition of NCRA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]	Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member]	Contingent Liability [Member]
					National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage	84.00%	'	79.20%	'	'
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Amount	$66	$66	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	'	'	'	16.5	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value	'	'	'	'	$151

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb2

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Footnote Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes payable	$1,059,814,000	$889,312,000	$876,846,000
Five-Year Revolving Facilities [Member] | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	2,500,000,000	'	'
Notes payable | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes payable	604,447,000	521,864,000	274,960,000
CHS Capital notes payable | Notes payable, other payables	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes payable	$455,367,000	$367,448,000	$601,886,000

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb3

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Interest, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Interest expense	$23,519	$24,436
Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interest	11,124	46,696
Interest Costs Capitalized	-2,265	-2,902
Interest income	-1,593	-1,020
Interest Income (Expense), Net	$30,785	$67,210

Equities_Changes_in_Equity_Det

Equities Changes in Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2013	Sep. 03, 2013
				Capital equity certificates [Member]	Capital equity certificates [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Class B Preferred Stock [Member]	Class B Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,319,175
Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$283,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock, net of Issuance Costs	273,724,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-273,700,000	'
Preferred Stock Dividends Accrued	-10,160,000	6,136,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equities Deconsolidated	-8,016,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	5,131,208,000	'	4,455,341,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	242,186,000	343,707,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-434,000	245,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirements Of Equities	-2,520,000	-2,378,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends and equity retirement determination	'	'	'	2,520,000	2,378,000	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Certificates Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	'	'	'	45,000	14,240,000	'	'	'	'	'
Change in Accrued Dividends and Equities Payable	87,000,000	-147,091,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity, Other	642,000	3,431,000	'	'	'	637,000	1,146,000	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	5,542,195,000	4,663,737,000	4,455,341,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	21,539,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	17,982,000	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	842,000	2,174,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$18,239,000	$21,302,000	'	'	'	'	'	$17,982,000	'	'
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7.88%	'

Equities_Effect_of_changes_in_

Equities Effect of changes in NCRA ownership on CHS equities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$242,186	$343,707

Benefit_Plans_Net_Periodic_Ben

Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Qualified Pension Benefits	'	'
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]	'	'
Service costs	$7,467	$7,216
Interest costs	6,698	6,505
Expected return on assets	-12,734	-11,956
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	399	399
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	4,644	5,231
Transition amount amortization	'	'
Periodic benefit costs, net	6,474	7,395
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	0	'
Non-Qualified Pension Benefits	'	'
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]	'	'
Service costs	179	165
Interest costs	336	323
Expected return on assets	'	'
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	57	57
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	227	211
Transition amount amortization	'	'
Periodic benefit costs, net	799	756
Other Benefits	'	'
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]	'	'
Service costs	482	633
Interest costs	519	616
Expected return on assets	'	'
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	-30	-4
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	'	223
Transition amount amortization	124	175
Periodic benefit costs, net	$1,095	$1,643

Segment_Reporting_Narrative_De

Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details)	Nov. 30, 2013
Ventura Foods, LLC	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership in equity method investment	50.00%
Horizon Milling, LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership in equity method investment	24.00%
Ag Business | TEMCO, LLC	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership in equity method investment	50.00%
Corporate and Other | Ventura Foods, LLC	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership in equity method investment	50.00%
Corporate and Other | Horizon Milling, LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership in equity method investment	24.00%

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Info

Segment Reporting - Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	$11,026,121	$11,709,938	'
Cost of goods sold	10,625,205	11,164,420	'
Gross profit	400,916	545,518	'
Marketing, general and administrative	133,141	124,482	'
Operating earnings	267,775	421,036	'
Interest, net	30,785	67,210	'
Equity income from investments	-32,678	-28,072	'
Income before income taxes	269,668	381,898	'
Intersegment Revenue	0	0	'
Goodwill	85,306	82,904	85,100
Capital expenditures	168,024	138,083	'
Depreciation and amortization	63,104	57,461	'
Total identifiable assets	14,615,896	14,252,414	13,504,270
Energy	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	3,679,234	3,324,228	'
Cost of goods sold	3,505,340	2,990,842	'
Gross profit	173,894	333,386	'
Marketing, general and administrative	33,836	36,471	'
Operating earnings	140,058	296,915	'
Interest, net	12,476	45,783	'
Equity income from investments	-1,308	-1,884	'
Income before income taxes	128,890	253,016	'
Intersegment Revenue	-157,964	-133,606	'
Goodwill	1,165	1,165	'
Capital expenditures	92,802	90,400	'
Depreciation and amortization	32,909	28,283	'
Total identifiable assets	4,219,036	3,979,166	'
Ag Business	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	7,488,088	8,501,741	'
Cost of goods sold	7,277,829	8,308,115	'
Gross profit	210,259	193,626	'
Marketing, general and administrative	85,002	70,987	'
Operating earnings	125,257	122,639	'
Interest, net	15,065	18,212	'
Equity income from investments	-6,477	-7,947	'
Income before income taxes	116,669	112,374	'
Goodwill	77,243	74,841	'
Capital expenditures	71,880	46,745	'
Depreciation and amortization	27,558	24,886	'
Total identifiable assets	6,802,559	7,688,325	'
Corporate and Other	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	16,763	17,575	'
Cost of goods sold	'	-931	'
Gross profit	16,763	18,506	'
Marketing, general and administrative	14,303	17,024	'
Operating earnings	2,460	1,482	'
Interest, net	3,244	3,215	'
Equity income from investments	-24,893	-18,241	'
Income before income taxes	24,109	16,508	'
Goodwill	6,898	6,898	'
Capital expenditures	3,342	938	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,637	4,292	'
Total identifiable assets	3,594,301	2,584,923	'
Reconciling Amounts	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	-157,964	-133,606	'
Cost of goods sold	-157,964	-133,606	'
Gross profit	0	0	'
Operating earnings	0	0	'
Income before income taxes	0	0	'
Intersegment Revenue	$157,964	$133,606	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Recurr

Fair Value Measurements Recurring Fair Value Measurements by Level (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$390,084	$499,890	$635,684
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	407,238	465,066	525,094
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	112,521	114,084	75,873
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	156,655	179,419	167,271
Contingent Liability, Fair Value DIsclosure	'	'	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	70,006	65,109	64,544
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	1,222,328	1,203,383	2,186,328
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,568,278	1,637,940	2,730,614
Contingent Liability, Fair Value DIsclosure	'	'	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	337,232	399,958	460,550
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'
Contingent Liability, Fair Value DIsclosure	150,991	134,134	170,621
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	150,991	134,134	170,621
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	1,222,328	1,203,383	2,186,328
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	112,521	114,084	75,873
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,724,933	1,817,359	2,897,885
Contingent Liability, Fair Value DIsclosure	150,991	134,134	170,621
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	558,229	599,201	695,715
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	364,454	468,673	632,544
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	405,346	458,893	518,377
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	39,948	58,441	88,258
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	68,362	59,184	58,310
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	324,506	410,233	544,286
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	336,984	399,710	460,067
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	'	'	'
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	364,454	468,674	632,544
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	405,346	458,894	518,377
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	'	'	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,854	24,139	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	245	248	483
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	'	'	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,854	24,139	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	245	248	483
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	6,776	7,079	3,140
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,647	5,925	6,234
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	4,186	6,894	3,140
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,644	5,925	6,234
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2,590	185	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3	'	'
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	'	'	'
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	6,776	7,079	3,140
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$1,647	$5,925	$6,234

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$390,084	$499,890	$635,684
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	407,238	465,066	525,094
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	364,454	468,673	632,544
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	405,346	458,893	518,377
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	6,776	7,079	3,140
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,647	5,925	6,234
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	112,521	114,084	75,873
Total assets	156,655	179,419	167,271
Contingent Liability, Fair Value DIsclosure	'	'	'
Total liabilities	70,006	65,109	64,544
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	39,948	58,441	88,258
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	68,362	59,184	58,310
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	4,186	6,894	3,140
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,644	5,925	6,234
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	1,222,328	1,203,383	2,186,328
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'
Total assets	1,568,278	1,637,940	2,730,614
Contingent Liability, Fair Value DIsclosure	'	'	'
Total liabilities	337,232	399,958	460,550
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	324,506	410,233	544,286
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	336,984	399,710	460,067
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,854	24,139	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	245	248	483
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2,590	185	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'
Total assets	'	'	'
Contingent Liability, Fair Value DIsclosure	150,991	134,134	170,621
Total liabilities	150,991	134,134	170,621
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	1,222,328	1,203,383	2,186,328
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	112,521	114,084	75,873
Total assets	1,724,933	1,817,359	2,897,885
Contingent Liability, Fair Value DIsclosure	150,991	134,134	170,621
Total liabilities	558,229	599,201	695,715
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	364,454	468,674	632,544
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	405,346	458,894	518,377
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,854	24,139	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	245	248	483
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	6,776	7,079	3,140
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$1,647	$5,925	$6,234

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti

Fair Value Measurements - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3, USD $)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2013

Contingent Liability [Member]

Contingent Liability [Member]

Contingent Liability [Member]

Contingent Liability [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Average

Contingent Liability [Member]

Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent Liability, Fair Value DIsclosure

'

'

'

'

$150,991,000

$134,134,000

$170,621,000

$150,991,000

Forward crack spread margin

'

$16.32

[1]

$25.30

[1]

$21.10

[1]

'

'

'

'

Contractual target crack spread margin (in dollars per share)

$17.50

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected volatility

105.25%

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Own credit risk

'

1.80%

[4]

2.60%

[4]

2.23%

[4]

'

'

'

'

Expected life (years)

'

'9 months

[5]

'3 years 9 months

[5]

'2 years 4 months 13 days

[5]

'

'

'

'

[1]

Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on future settlement dates

[2]

Represents the minimum contractual threshold that would require settlement with the counterparties

[3]

Represents quarterly adjusted volatility estimates derived from daily historical market data

[4]

Represents

[5]

Represents the range in the number of years remaining related to each contingent payment

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V1

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Reconciliation Liabilities Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Details) (Contingent Liability [Member], USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					Cost of Goods, Total	Cost of Goods, Total
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance	$150,991	$134,134	$170,621	$127,516	'	'
Total gains or losses included in cost of goods sold and net interest	'	'	'	'	16,857	43,105
Balance	$150,991	$134,134	$170,621	$127,516	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Unconditional Purchase Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Minimum Amount Required	$454,500,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term	530,640,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term, Due in Next Twelve Months	57,412,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term, Due Within Two to Three Years	142,737,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term, Due Within Four to Five Years	88,933,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term, Due after Five Years	$241,558,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$1,000,000,000
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$97,400,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum	'	$14.40
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum	'	39.7
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	$25	'