CHS (CHSCN) 10-K 5 Nov 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Nov. 05, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
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-K	'
Document Period End Date	31-Aug-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	0
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Public Float	$0	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets [Abstract]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,133,207		$1,808,532
Receivables	2,988,563		2,935,478
Inventories	2,760,253		2,664,735
Derivative assets	603,933		499,890
Margin deposits	301,045		340,905
Supplier advance payments	331,345		398,441
Other current assets	279,304		262,779
Total current assets	9,397,650		8,910,760
Investments	923,227		765,946
Property, plant and equipment	4,031,023		3,171,404
Other assets	795,079		656,160
Total assets	15,146,979		13,504,270
Current liabilities [Abstract]	'		'
Notes payable	1,159,473	[1]	889,312	[1]
Current portion of long-term debt	156,836		156,612
Current portion of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	65,981		65,981
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	265,556		299,364
Customer advance payments	602,374		432,097
Checks and drafts outstanding	167,846		185,660
Accounts payable	2,208,211		2,416,038
Derivative liabilities	599,990		465,066
Accrued expenses	547,781		485,070
Dividends and equities payable	409,961		390,153
Total current liabilities	6,184,009		5,785,353
Long-term debt	1,299,664		1,450,420
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	148,756		209,419
Long-term deferred tax liability	566,647		487,333
Other liabilities	481,059		418,998
Commitments and contingencies	'		'
Equities:	'		'
Preferred stock	1,190,177		319,368
Equity certificates	3,816,428		3,588,346
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-156,757		-156,867
Capital reserves	1,598,660		1,380,361
Total CHS Inc. equities	6,448,508		5,131,208
Noncontrolling interests	18,336		21,539
Total equities	6,466,844		5,152,747
Total liabilities and equities	$15,146,979		$13,504,270
[1]	ur primary committed line of credit is a $2.5 billion five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in June 2018, with a syndication of domestic and international banks, with no amounts outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In October 2013, we entered into a three-year $250.0 million committed revolving credit facility for CHS Agronegocio Industria e Comercio Ltda (CHS Agronegocio) to provide financing for its working capital needs arising from its purchases and sales of grains, fertilizers and other agricultural products. As of August 31, 2014 the full $250.0 million is outstanding.Our wholly-owned subsidiaries, CHS Europe S.a.r.l and CHS Agronegocio, have uncommitted lines of credit to finance their normal trading activities with $327.3 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In addition, other international subsidiaries had lines of credit totaling $263.1 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014, of which $39.0 million was collateralized. We have two commercial paper programs totaling up to $125.0 million with two banks participating in the revolving credit facilities. Terms of our credit facilities allow a maximum usage of $200.0 million to pay principal under any commercial paper facility. On August 31, 2014 we had no commercial paper outstanding. Miscellaneous short-term notes payable totaled $0.3 million as of August 31, 2014.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Revenues	$42,664,033	$44,479,857	$40,599,286
Cost of goods sold	41,016,798	42,706,205	38,588,143
Gross profit	1,647,235	1,773,652	2,011,143
Marketing, general and administrative	602,598	553,623	498,233
Operating earnings	1,044,637	1,220,029	1,512,910
(Gain) loss on investments	-114,162	-182	5,465
Interest, net	134,942	231,567	193,263
Equity (income) loss from investments	-107,446	-97,350	-102,389
Income before income taxes	1,131,303	1,085,994	1,416,571
Income taxes	48,296	89,666	80,852
Net income	1,083,007	996,328	1,335,719
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,572	3,942	75,091
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$1,081,435	$992,386	$1,260,628

Consolidated_Statement_of_Equi

Consolidated Statement of Equities and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balances	$5,152,747	$4,473,323	$4,265,320
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates	386,062	574,718	396,125
Patronage distribution	-286,789	-380,947	-260,666
Redemptions of equities	-99,609	-193,413	-145,722
Equities issued	685,087	18,211	29,155
Capital Equity Certificates Exchanged for Preferred Stock	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	-61,658	-24,544	-24,544
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-575	-1,442	-78,602
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	'	-433,864
Other, net	3,436	855	8,250
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net income	1,083,007	996,328	1,335,719
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	1,081,435	992,386	1,260,628
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,572	3,942	75,091
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	110	75,720	-43,130
Patronage Refunds, Estimated	-264,825	-284,769	-378,719
Equity redemptions, estimate	-130,149	-101,293	-195,999
Balances	6,466,844	5,152,747	4,473,323
Capital Equity Certificates	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balances	3,430,537	3,084,335	2,669,740
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates	-325,862	-395,144	-278,553
Patronage distribution	422,670	595,022	415,584
Redemptions of equities	-99,204	-193,142	-145,473
Equities issued	14,278	14,845	29,155
Capital Equity Certificates Exchanged for Preferred Stock	-200,000	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Other, net	-1,034	-1,241	-1,262
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	'
Patronage Refunds, Estimated	397,237	427,155	591,143
Equity redemptions, estimate	-130,149	-101,293	-195,999
Balances	3,508,473	3,430,537	3,084,335
Nonpatronage Equity Certificates	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balances	23,485	23,746	24,324
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates	'	'	'
Patronage distribution	'	'	'
Redemptions of equities	-229	-232	-222
Equities issued	'	'	'
Capital Equity Certificates Exchanged for Preferred Stock	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Other, net	'	-29	-356
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	'
Patronage Refunds, Estimated	'	'	'
Equity redemptions, estimate	'	'	'
Balances	23,256	23,485	23,746
Non-qualified Equity Certificates [Member]	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balances	134,324	1,535	1,562
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates	-129,462	'	'
Patronage distribution	131,661	'	'
Redemptions of equities	-176	-39	-27
Equities issued	'	3,366	'
Capital Equity Certificates Exchanged for Preferred Stock	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Other, net	-227	'	'
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	'
Patronage Refunds, Estimated	148,579	129,462	'
Equity redemptions, estimate	'	'	'
Balances	284,699	134,324	1,535
Preferred Stock	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balances	319,368	319,368	319,368
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates	'	'	'
Patronage distribution	'	'	'
Redemptions of equities	'	'	'
Equities issued	670,809	'	'
Capital Equity Certificates Exchanged for Preferred Stock	200,000	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Other, net	'	'	'
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	'
Patronage Refunds, Estimated	'	'	'
Equity redemptions, estimate	'	'	'
Balances	1,190,177	319,368	319,368
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balances	-156,867	-232,587	-174,876
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates	'	'	'
Patronage distribution	'	'	'
Redemptions of equities	'	'	'
Equities issued	'	'	'
Capital Equity Certificates Exchanged for Preferred Stock	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	'	-14,581
Other, net	'	'	'
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	110	75,720	-43,130
Patronage Refunds, Estimated	'	'	'
Equity redemptions, estimate	'	'	'
Balances	-156,757	-156,867	-232,587
Capital Reserves	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balances	1,380,361	1,258,944	1,075,474
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates	841,386	969,862	674,678
Patronage distribution	-841,120	-975,969	-676,250
Redemptions of equities	'	'	'
Equities issued	'	'	'
Capital Equity Certificates Exchanged for Preferred Stock	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	-61,658	-24,544	-24,544
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	'	-82,138
Other, net	8,897	1,068	958
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	1,081,435	992,386	1,260,628
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	'
Patronage Refunds, Estimated	-810,641	-841,386	-969,862
Equity redemptions, estimate	'	'	'
Balances	1,598,660	1,380,361	1,258,944
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balances	21,539	17,982	349,728
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates	'	'	'
Patronage distribution	'	'	'
Redemptions of equities	'	'	'
Equities issued	'	'	'
Capital Equity Certificates Exchanged for Preferred Stock	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-575	-1,442	-78,602
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	'	-337,145
Other, net	-4,200	1,057	8,910
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,572	3,942	75,091
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	'
Patronage Refunds, Estimated	'	'	'
Equity redemptions, estimate	'	'	'
Balances	$18,336	$21,539	$17,982

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$1,083,007	$996,328	$1,335,719
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	267,167	241,791	219,632
Amortization of deferred major repair costs	45,070	34,847	33,641
Equity (income) loss from investments	-107,446	-97,350	-102,389
Distributions from equity investments	79,685	62,761	75,468
Noncash patronage dividends received	-16,452	-16,644	-10,461
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	3,316	-6,234	-5,564
Loss (gain) on investments	-114,162	-182	5,465
Unrealized (gain) loss on crack spread contingent liability	-19,217	23,109	22,328
Long-lived asset impairment	74,452	0	0
Deferred taxes	-24,397	92,717	58,624
Other, net	7,777	5,714	481
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Receivables	110,133	-105,899	-376,860
Inventories	-37,792	557,331	-252,842
Derivative assets	-123,132	610,023	-185,930
Margin deposits	39,861	812,616	-51,241
Supplier advance payments	67,688	286,379	-131,636
Other current assets and other assets	-19,694	-36,749	-38,913
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	-34,051	-509,548	56,177
Customer advance payments	164,021	-260,449	61,978
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-164,616	52,897	-167,025
Derivative liabilities	134,925	-276,473	111,481
Other liabilities	11,208	10,815	60,503
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,427,351	2,477,800	718,636
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-943,888	-659,373	-468,611
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment	11,724	7,727	27,839
Expenditures for major repairs	-3,305	-73,701	-23,443
Investments in joint ventures and other	-80,140	-21,364	-94,757
Investments redeemed	138,485	13,021	12,112
Changes in notes receivable	-184,060	211,935	19,040
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-281,490	-12,711	-166,033
Other investing activities, net	1,092	-492	-342
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,341,582	-534,958	-694,195
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Changes in notes payable	247,639	85,910	-27,561
Long-term debt borrowings	1,426	280,000	0
Principal payments	-157,770	-113,583	-96,619
Manditorily redeemable noncontrolling interest payments	-65,981	-65,981	0
Payments for bank fees	0	-9,593	-12,390
Payments on crack spread contingent liability	-8,670	0	0
Changes in checks and drafts outstanding	-17,815	-20,392	6,353
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-575	-1,442	-78,602
Preferred stock issued	702,979	0	0
Preferred Stock Issuance Costs	-23,672	-295	0
Preferred stock dividends paid	-50,761	-24,544	-24,544
Retirements of equities	-99,609	-193,413	-145,722
Cash patronage dividends paid	-286,789	-380,947	-260,666
Other financing activities, net	128	1,106	878
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	240,530	-443,174	-638,873
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,624	-5,165	-9,224
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	324,675	1,494,503	-623,656
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,808,532	314,029	937,685
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$2,133,207	$1,808,532	$314,029

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Net income	$1,083,007	$996,328	$1,335,719
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	13,759	63,116	-38,216
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	2,028	979	355
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-14,407	15,491	586
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-1,270	-3,866	-5,855
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	110	75,720	-43,130
Total comprehensive income	1,083,117	1,072,048	1,292,589
Comprehensive Income, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,572	3,942	75,091
Comprehensive Income, Attributable to Parent	$1,081,545	$1,068,106	$1,217,498

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$8,410	$41,007	($21,710)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	1,251	603	199
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	-8,883	9,551	449
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	($783)	($2,383)	($3,699)

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization
	CHS Inc. (CHS, we, us, our) is one of the nation’s leading integrated agricultural companies. As a cooperative, CHS is owned by farmers and ranchers and their member cooperatives (members) across the United States. We also have preferred stockholders that own shares of our 8% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (8% Preferred Stock), which is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (NASDAQ) under the symbol CHSCP; Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 1 (Class B Series 1 Preferred Stock), which is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCO; and Class B Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 2 (Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock), which is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCN. During September 2014, we issued shares of Class B Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 3 (Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock), which is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCM.
	We buy commodities from and provide products and services to patrons (including member and other non-member customers), both domestic and international. We provide a wide variety of products and services, from initial agricultural inputs such as fuels, farm supplies, crop nutrients and crop protection products, to agricultural outputs that include grains and oilseeds, grain and oilseed processing and food products. A portion of our operations are conducted through equity investments and joint ventures whose operating results are not fully consolidated with our results; rather, a proportionate share of the income or loss from those entities is included as a component in our net income under the equity method of accounting.
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CHS and 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 transactions have been eliminated.
	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 its financial instruments and recognized derivative instruments. The disclosure requirements in this update were effective for our annual and interim reporting period beginning in fiscal 2014. The required disclosures have been included in Note 12, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, "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 No. 2013-02 does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. ASU No. 2013-02 became effective for our annual and interim reporting period beginning in fiscal 2014. The required disclosures have been included in Note 9, Equities.
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents includes short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates the carrying value because of the short maturity of the instruments.
	Inventories
	Grain, processed grain, oilseed, processed oilseed and other minimally processed soy-based inventories are stated at net realizable values which approximate market values. All other inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Costs for inventories produced or modified by us through a manufacturing process include fixed and variable production and raw material costs, and in-bound freight costs for raw materials. Costs for inventories purchased for resale include the cost of products and freight incurred to place the products at our points of sale. The costs of certain energy inventories (wholesale refined products, crude oil and asphalt) are determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method; all other inventories of non-grain products purchased for resale are valued on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) and average cost methods.
	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Our derivative instruments primarily consist of commodity and freight futures and forward contracts and, to a lesser 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 or fair value hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. See Note 12, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities and Note 13, Fair Value Measurements for additional information.
	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.
	Margin Deposits
	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.
	Supplier Advance Payments
	Beginning in fiscal 2014, 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 primarily include amounts paid for in-transit grain purchases from suppliers and amounts paid to crop nutrient suppliers to lock in future supply and pricing.
	Investments
	Joint ventures and other investments, in which we have significant ownership and influence, but not control, are accounted for in our consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Investments in other cooperatives are stated at cost, plus patronage dividends received in the form of capital stock and other equities. Patronage dividends are recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold at the time qualified written notices of allocation are received. Investments in other debt and equity securities are considered available for sale financial instruments and are stated at fair value, with unrealized amounts included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Investments in debt and equity instruments are carried at amounts that approximate fair values. Investments in joint ventures and cooperatives have no quoted market prices.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided on the straight-line method by charges to operations at rates based upon the expected useful lives of individual or groups of assets (15 to 20 years for land and land improvements; 20 to 40 years for buildings; 5 to 20 years for machinery and equipment; and 3 to 10 years for office and other). The cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization of assets sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the related accounts and resulting gains or losses are reflected in operations. Expenditures for maintenance and minor repairs and renewals are expensed, while costs of major repairs and betterments are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of time estimated to lapse until the next major repair occurs. We also capitalize and amortize eligible costs to acquire or develop internal-use software that are incurred during the application development stage.
	Property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets are reviewed in order to assess recoverability based on projected income and related cash flows on an undiscounted basis when triggering events occur. Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized. An impairment loss would be measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
	We have asset retirement obligations with respect to certain of our refineries and other assets due to various legal obligations to clean and/or dispose of the component parts at the time they are retired. In most cases, these assets can be used for extended and indeterminate periods of time, as long as they are properly maintained and/or upgraded. It is our practice and current intent to maintain refineries and related assets and to continue making improvements to those assets based on technological advances. As a result, we believe our refineries and related assets have indeterminate lives for purposes of estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire a refinery and related assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of any component part of a refinery or other asset, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that future cost.
	We have other assets that we may be obligated to dismantle at the end of corresponding lease terms subject to lessor discretion for which we have recorded asset retirement obligations. Based on our estimates of the timing, cost and probability of removal, these obligations are not material.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and other intangible assets are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment conditions arise; and, if impaired, are written down to fair value. For goodwill, annual impairment testing occurs in our third quarter. Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer lists, trademarks and agreements not to compete. Intangible assets subject to amortization are expensed over their respective useful lives (ranging from 2 to 30 years). We have no material intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
	We made certain immaterial acquisitions during the three years ended August 31, 2014, which were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Operating results of the acquisitions were included in our consolidated financial statements since the respective acquisition dates. The respective purchase prices were allocated to the assets, liabilities and identifiable intangible assets acquired based upon the estimated fair values. The excess purchase prices over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired have been reported as goodwill.
	In our Energy segment, major maintenance activities (turnarounds) at the 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. Amortization expense related to turnaround costs is 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.
	Revenue Recognition
	We provide a wide variety of products and services, from production agricultural inputs such as fuels, farm supplies and crop nutrients, to agricultural outputs that include grain and oilseed, processed grains and oilseeds and food products. We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. Grain and oilseed sales are recorded after the commodity has been delivered to its destination and final weights, grades and settlement prices have been agreed upon. All other sales are recognized upon transfer of title, which could occur either upon shipment to or receipt by the customer, depending upon the terms of the transaction. Amounts billed to a customer as part of a sales transaction related to shipping and handling are included in revenues.
	Environmental Expenditures
	Liabilities, including legal costs, related to remediation of contaminated properties are recognized when the related costs are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of environmental costs are based on current available facts, existing technology, undiscounted site-specific costs and currently enacted laws and regulations. Recoveries, if any, are recorded in the period in which recovery is received. Liabilities are monitored and adjusted as new facts or changes in law or technology occur. Environmental expenditures are capitalized when such costs provide future economic benefits.
	Income Taxes
	CHS is a nonexempt agricultural cooperative and files a consolidated federal income tax return with our 80% or more owned subsidiaries. We are subject to tax on income from nonpatronage sources, non-qualified patronage distributions and undistributed patronage-sourced income. Income tax expense is primarily the current tax payable for the period and the change during the period in certain deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for federal and state income tax purposes, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU No. 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose sufficient qualitative and quantitative information surrounding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts from customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The amendments in this standard are effective beginning with our fiscal year starting September 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2018.

Receivables

Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables
	Receivables as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	2,153,929	$	2,338,336
	CHS Capital notes receivable	633,475		437,141
	Other	304,798		254,590
		3,092,202		3,030,067
	Less allowances and reserves	103,639		94,589
	Total receivables	$	2,988,563	$	2,935,478
	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. The carrying value of CHS Capital, LLC (CHS Capital) notes receivable approximates fair value, given their short duration and the use of market pricing adjusted for risk.
	CHS Capital, our wholly-owned subsidiary, has notes receivable from commercial and producer borrowers. The short-term notes receivable generally have maturity terms of 12-14 months and are reported at their outstanding principle balances, as CHS Capital holds these notes to maturity. 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 balances included in the table above, CHS Capital had long-term notes receivable, with durations of not more than 10 years, totaling $159.7 million and $127.7 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The long-term notes receivable are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the commercial notes represented 46% and 59%, respectively, and the producer notes represented 54% and 41%, 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, the specific and general loan loss reserves related to CHS Capital are not material to our consolidated financial statements, nor are the associated 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 customers as long as there are no violations of any contractually established conditions. As of August 31, 2014, CHS Capital's customers have additional available credit of $1.1 billion.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed	$	961,327	$	1,133,555
	Energy	875,719		742,194
	Crop nutrients	374,023		293,370
	Feed and farm supplies	448,454		407,023
	Processed grain and oilseed	84,498		79,706
	Other	16,232		8,887
	Total inventories	$	2,760,253	$	2,664,735
	As of August 31, 2014, we valued approximately 16% of inventories, primarily crude oil and refined fuels within our Energy segment, using the lower of cost, determined on the LIFO method, or market (16% as of August 31, 2013). If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been higher than the reported amount by $538.7 million and $652.6 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	Joint ventures and other investments, in which we have significant ownership and influence, but not control, are accounted for in our consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Our significant equity method investments are summarized below.
	During the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, we had a 24% interest in Horizon Milling, LLC and Horizon Milling, ULC, which were flour milling joint ventures with Cargill, Incorporated (Cargill) and were accounted for as equity method investments included in Corporate and Other. In our third quarter of fiscal 2014, we formed Ardent Mills LLC (Ardent Mills), a joint venture with Cargill and ConAgra Foods, Inc., which combines the North American flour milling operations of the three parent companies, including the Horizon Milling, LLC and Horizon Milling G.P. (Horizon Milling) assets and CHS-owned mills, with CHS holding a 12% interest in Ardent Mills. Prior to closing, we contributed $32.8 million to Horizon Milling to pay off existing debt as a pre-condition to close. Upon closing, Ardent Mills was financed with funds from third-party borrowings, which did not require credit support from the owners. We received $121.2 million of cash proceeds distributed to us in proportion to our ownership interest, adjusted for deviations in specified working capital target amounts, and recognized a gain of $109.2 million associated with this transaction. In connection with the closing, the parties also entered into various ancillary and non-compete agreements including, among other things, an agreement for us to supply Ardent Mills with certain wheat and durum products. As we hold one of the five board seats, we account for Ardent Mills as an equity method investment included in Corporate and Other. As of August 31, 2014, the carrying value of our investment in Ardent Mills was $198.4 million.
	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 August 31, 2014, our carrying value of Ventura Foods exceeded our share of its equity by $12.9 million, which represents equity method goodwill. As of August 31, 2014, the carrying value of our investment in Ventura Foods was $321.3 million.
	TEMCO, LLC (TEMCO) is owned and governed by Cargill (50%) and CHS (50%). During the year ended August 31, 2012, we entered into an amended and restated agreement to expand the scope of the original agreement with Cargill. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, CHS and Cargill each agreed to commit to sell all of their feedgrains, wheat, oilseeds and by-product origination that are tributary to the Pacific Northwest, United States (Pacific Northwest) to TEMCO and to use TEMCO as their exclusive export-marketing vehicle for such grains exported through the Pacific Northwest for a term of 25 years. Cargill's Tacoma, Washington facility will continue to be subleased to TEMCO. We account for TEMCO as an equity method investment included in our Ag segment. As of August 31, 2014, the carrying value of our investment in TEMCO was $68.4 million.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	A summary of property, plant and equipment as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	212,609	$	169,022
	Buildings	686,371		574,834
	Machinery and equipment	4,558,485		4,195,523
	Office and other	133,599		118,442
	Construction in progress	1,018,011		480,703
		6,609,075		5,538,524
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,578,052		2,367,120
	Total property, plant and equipment	$	4,031,023	$	3,171,404
	Depreciation expense for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $253.3 million, $224.5 million and $199.8 million, respectively.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets
	Other assets as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	158,696	$	85,063
	Customer lists, less accumulated amortization of $26,114 and $20,063,	43,748		16,352
	respectively
	Trademarks and other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of	11,706		19,124
	$29,587 and $25,982, respectively
	Notes receivable	166,901		143,343
	Long-term receivable	40,718		38,704
	Prepaid pension and other benefits	186,342		187,270
	Capitalized major maintenance	67,643		109,408
	Other	119,325		56,896
		$	795,079	$	656,160
	During the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, we had acquisitions which resulted in $72.9 million and $8.3 million of goodwill, respectively, for which we paid cash consideration of $281.5 million and $12.7 million, respectively. These acquisitions were primarily within our Ag segment and were not material, individually or in aggregate, to our consolidated financial statements. There were no dispositions resulting in a decrease to goodwill during fiscal 2014 and 2013.
	During the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, intangible assets acquired totaled $38.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and were primarily within our Ag segment.
	Intangible assets amortization expense for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $9.7 million, $10.0 million and $12.7 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	$	6,962
	Year 2	6,610
	Year 3	5,040
	Year 4	3,828
	Year 5	3,210
	Thereafter	29,804
	Total	$	55,454
	The capitalized major maintenance activity is as follows:
		Balance at		Cost		Amortization			Write-Offs		Balance at
		Beginning		Deferred							End of Year
		of Year
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	$	109,408	$	3,305	$	(45,070	)	$	—	$	67,643
	2013	70,554		73,701		(34,847		)	—		109,408
	2012	80,752		23,443		(33,641		)	—		70,554

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	'
	Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
	Our notes payable and long-term debt are subject to various restrictive requirements for maintenance of minimum consolidated net worth and other financial ratios. We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of August 31, 2014.
	Notes Payable
	Notes payable as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of the following:
			Weighted-average Interest Rate
			2014		2013		2014				2013
							(Dollars in thousands)
	Notes payable (a)		1.69%		2.00%		$	840,699			$	521,864
	CHS Capital notes payable (b)		1.07%		1.23%		318,774				367,448
	Total notes payable						$	1,159,473			$	889,312
	_______________________________________
	(a)	Our primary committed line of credit is a $2.5 billion five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in June 2018, with a syndication of domestic and international banks, with no amounts outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In October 2013, we entered into a three-year $250.0 million committed revolving credit facility for CHS Agronegocio Industria e Comercio Ltda (CHS Agronegocio) to provide financing for its working capital needs arising from its purchases and sales of grains, fertilizers and other agricultural products. As of August 31, 2014 the full $250.0 million is outstanding.
	Our wholly-owned subsidiaries, CHS Europe S.a.r.l and CHS Agronegocio, have uncommitted lines of credit to finance their normal trading activities with $327.3 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In addition, other international subsidiaries had lines of credit totaling $263.1 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014, of which $39.0 million was collateralized.
	We have two commercial paper programs totaling up to $125.0 million with two banks participating in the revolving credit facilities. Terms of our credit facilities allow a maximum usage of $200.0 million to pay principal under any commercial paper facility. On August 31, 2014 we had no commercial paper outstanding.
	Miscellaneous short-term notes payable totaled $0.3 million as of August 31, 2014.
	(b)	Cofina Funding, LLC (Cofina Funding), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHS Capital, has available credit totaling $350.0 million as of August 31, 2014, under note purchase agreements with various purchasers, through the issuance of short-term notes payable. CHS Capital sells eligible commercial loans receivable it has originated to Cofina Funding, which are then pledged as collateral under the note purchase agreements. The notes payable issued by Cofina Funding bear interest at variable rates based on commercial paper with a weighted average rate of 1.05% as of August 31, 2014. There were no borrowings by Cofina Funding utilizing the issuance of commercial paper under the note purchase agreements as of August 31, 2014.
	CHS Capital has available credit under master participation agreements with numerous counterparties. Borrowings under these agreements are accounted for as secured borrowings and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 1.81% to 2.66% as of August 31, 2014. As of August 31, 2014, the total funding commitment under these agreements was $164.5 million, of which $17.6 million was borrowed.
	CHS Capital sells loan commitments it has originated to ProPartners Financial (ProPartners) on a recourse basis. The total capacity for commitments under the ProPartners program is $300.0 million. The total outstanding commitments under the program totaled $102.8 million as of August 31, 2014, of which $64.6 million was borrowed under these commitments with an interest rate of 1.58%.
	CHS Capital borrows funds under short-term notes issued as part of a surplus funds program. Borrowings under this program are unsecured and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 0.10% to 0.90% as of August 31, 2014, and are due upon demand. Borrowings under these notes totaled $236.6 million as of August 31, 2014.
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
				2014				2013
				(Dollars in thousands)
	5.59% unsecured revolving term loans from cooperative and other banks, due in equal installments beginning in 2013 through 2018			$	105,000			$	135,000
	6.18% unsecured notes $400 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018			320,000				400,000
	5.60% unsecured notes $60 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2012 through 2018			32,308				41,539
	5.25% unsecured notes $125 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2011 through 2015			25,000				50,000
	5.78% unsecured notes $50 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018			40,000				50,000
	4.00% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2017 through 2021			100,000				100,000
	4.08% unsecured notes $130 million face amount, due in 2019 (a)			130,840				130,000
	4.52% unsecured notes $160 million face amount, due in 2021			160,000				160,000
	4.67% unsecured notes $130 million face amount, due in 2023 (a)			133,360				130,000
	3.85% unsecured notes $80 million face amount, due in 2025			80,000				80,000
	3.80% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in 2025			100,000				100,000
	4.82% unsecured notes $80 million face amount, due in 2026			80,000				80,000
	4.71% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in 2033			100,000				100,000
	Other notes and contracts with interest rates from 1.30% to 15.25% (b)			49,992				50,493
	Total long-term debt			1,456,500				1,607,032
	Less current portion			156,836				156,612
	Long-term portion			$	1,299,664			$	1,450,420
	_______________________________________
	(a)	We have entered into interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedging relationships with these notes. Changes in the fair value of the swaps are recorded each period with a corresponding adjustment to the carrying value of the debt. See Note 12, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for more information.
	(b)	Other notes and contracts payable of $14.3 million were collateralized on August 31, 2014.
	As of August 31, 2014, the carrying value of our long-term debt approximated its fair value, based on quoted market prices of similar debt (a Level 2 classification in the fair value hierarchy).
	Long-term debt outstanding as of August 31, 2014 has aggregate maturities, excluding fair value adjustments, as follows:
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	156,836
	2016	139,326
	2017	149,852
	2018	162,119
	2019	150,622
	Thereafter	693,545
	Total	$	1,452,300
	Interest, net for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest expense	$	79,614			$	99,271			$	94,090
	Interest - purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interests	70,843				149,087				113,184
	Capitalized interest	(8,528		)		(10,579		)		(8,882		)
	Interest income	(6,987		)		(6,212		)		(5,129		)
	Interest, net	$	134,942			$	231,567			$	193,263

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current
	Federal	$	38,653			$	(18,018	)		$	9,565
	State	31,203				11,805				7,851
	Foreign	2,837				3,162				4,812
		72,693				(3,051		)		22,228
	Deferred
	Federal	(23,444		)		92,102				66,707
	State	(1,893		)		1,685				1,617
	Foreign	940				(1,070		)		(9,700		)
		(24,397		)		92,717				58,624
	Total	$	48,296			$	89,666			$	80,852
	Deferred taxes are comprised of basis differences related to investments, accrued liabilities and certain federal and state tax credits. Effective September 1, 2013, NCRA files as part of our consolidated income tax returns and, as such, these items are assessed in conjunction with our deferred tax assets when determining recoverability.
	Domestic income before income taxes was $1.2 billion, $1.1 billion, and $1.4 billion for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively. Foreign activity made up the difference between the total income before income taxes and the domestic amounts.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014				2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued expenses	$	76,255			$	66,973
	Postretirement health care and deferred compensation	83,346				57,130
	Tax credit carryforwards	70,881				97,242
	Loss carryforwards	53,793				57,174
	Other	52,956				40,868
	Deferred tax assets valuation	(111,509		)		(79,623		)
	Total deferred tax assets	225,722				239,764
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Pension	12,855				6,752
	Investments	88,425				91,453
	Major maintenance	26,020				31,960
	Property, plant and equipment	576,007				529,101
	Total deferred tax liabilities	703,307				659,266
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	477,585			$	419,502
	We have total gross loss carry forwards of $247.8 million, of which $152.1 million will expire over periods ranging from fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2036. The remainder will carry forward indefinitely. NCRA’s gross state tax credit carry forwards for income tax are approximately $63.4 million and $88.1 million as of August 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively. During the year ended August 31, 2014, the valuation allowance for NCRA decreased by $8.0 million due to a change in the amount of state tax credits that are estimated to be utilized. NCRA’s valuation allowance is necessary due to the limited amount of taxable income it generates on an annual basis. Based on estimates of future taxable profits and losses in certain foreign tax jurisdictions, we determined that a valuation allowance was required for specific foreign loss carry forwards as of August 31, 2014. If these estimates prove inaccurate, a change in the valuation allowance, up or down, could be required in the future. During 2014, valuation allowances related to foreign operations increased by $39.9 million due to net operating loss carryforwards and other timing differences.
	Our foreign tax credit of $5.6 million will expire on August 31, 2019 and our alternative minimum tax credit of $5.6 million will not expire. Our general business credits of $18.5 million, comprised primarily of low sulfur diesel credits, will begin to expire on August 31, 2026.
	As of August 31, 2014, deferred tax assets of $86.5 million and $2.6 million were included in other current assets and other assets, respectively. As of August 31, 2013, net deferred tax assets of $39.3 million were included in other current assets.
	The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rates to the effective tax rates for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	1.6			0.9			0.5
	Patronage earnings	(20.5	)		(22.9	)		(24.2	)
	Domestic production activities deduction	(10.0	)		(8.5	)		(3.5	)
	Export activities at rates other than the U.S. statutory rate	1.2			0.6			0.4
	Valuation allowance	1.7			2.3			0.6
	Tax credits	(3.1	)		(0.5	)		(1.3	)
	Non-controlling interests	—			(0.1	)		(1.9	)
	Other	(1.6	)		1.5			0.1
	Effective tax rate	4.3	%		8.3	%		5.7	%
	We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. Our uncertain tax positions are affected by the tax years that are under audit or remain subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities. In addition to the current year, fiscal 2006 through 2013 remain subject to examination, at least for certain issues.
	We account for our income tax provisions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740, Income Taxes, which prescribes a minimum threshold that a tax provision is required to meet before being recognized in our consolidated financial statements. This interpretation requires us to recognize in our consolidated financial statements tax positions determined more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. Reconciliation of the gross beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the periods presented follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	67,271			$	67,271			$	67,271
	Additions attributable to prior year tax positions	35,718				—				—
	Reductions attributable to prior year tax positions	(9,867		)		—				—
	Reductions attributable to statute expiration	(20,941		)		—				—
	Balance at end of period	$	72,181			$	67,271			$	67,271
	During fiscal 2014, we increased our unrecognized tax benefits for excise tax credits related to the blending and sale of renewable fuels deducted for income taxes.
	If we were to prevail on all tax positions taken relating to uncertain tax positions, all of the unrecognized tax benefits would benefit the effective tax rate. We do not believe it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease during the next 12 months.
	We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income taxes. No amount was recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended August 31, 2014. For the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits. We recorded no interest payable related to unrecognized tax benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2014 and $0.6 million as of August 31, 2013.

Equities

Equities	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equities	'
	Equities
	In accordance with our bylaws and by action of the Board of Directors, annual net earnings from patronage sources are distributed to consenting patrons following the close of each fiscal year, and are based on amounts using financial statement earnings. The cash portion of the qualified patronage distribution is determined annually by the Board of Directors, with the balance issued in the form of qualified and non-qualified capital equity certificates. Total qualified patronage refunds for fiscal 2014 are estimated to be $662.1 million, with the cash portion estimated to be $264.8 million. The portion to be issued in the form of non-qualified capital equity certificates is estimated to be $148.6 million. The actual patronage refunds and cash portion for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $841.1 million ($286.8 million in cash), $976.0 million ($380.9 million in cash), and $676.3 million ($260.7 million in cash), respectively.
	Annual net savings from patronage or other sources may be added to the unallocated capital reserve or, upon action by the Board of Directors, may be allocated to members in the form of nonpatronage equity certificates. The Board of Directors authorized, in accordance with our bylaws, that 10% of the earnings from patronage business for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 be added to our capital reserves.
	Redemptions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Redemptions of capital equity certificates approved by the Board of Directors are divided into two pools, one for non-individuals (primarily member cooperatives) who may participate in an annual program for equities held by them and another for individual members who are eligible for equity redemptions at age 70 or upon death. In accordance with authorization from the Board of Directors, we expect total redemptions related to the year ended August 31, 2014 that will be distributed in fiscal 2015, to be approximately $130.1 million. These expected distributions are classified as a current liability on the August 31, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet. For the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we redeemed in cash, equities in accordance with authorization from the Board of Directors, in the amounts of $99.6 million, $193.4 million and $145.7 million, respectively. Additionally, in fiscal 2014, we redeemed $200.0 million of patron's equities by issuing 6,752,188 shares of preferred stock in exchange for member's equity certificates.
	Preferred Stock
	Our 8% Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCP. On August 31, 2014, we had 12,272,003 shares of 8% Preferred Stock outstanding with a total redemption value of $306.8 million, excluding accumulated dividends. The 8% Preferred Stock accumulates dividends at a rate of 8% per year, which are payable quarterly. During the year ended August 31, 2013, we amended the terms of our 8% Preferred Stock to provide that it may not be redeemed at our option until July 18, 2023.
	On August 31, 2014, we had 18,071,363 shares of our Class B Series 1 Preferred Stock outstanding with a total redemption value of $451.8 million, excluding accumulated dividends. We issued 11,319,175 shares in September 2013, which yielded net proceeds of approximately $273.3 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us. In addition, we issued an additional 6,752,188 shares in August 2014, to redeem approximately $200.0 million of qualified equity certificates to eligible owners at a market price of $29.62 per share. Our Class B Series 1 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. The Class B Series 1 Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning September 26, 2023.
	In March 2014, we issued 16,800,000 shares of Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock with a total redemption value of $420.0 million excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were $406.3 million. The Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCN and accumulates dividends at a rate of 7.10% per year until March 31, 2024, and at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.298%, not to exceed 8.00% per annum, subsequent to March 31, 2024, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 2 Preferred Stock may not be redeemed at our option until March 31, 2024.
	In June 2014, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Under the shelf registration, which has been declared effective by the SEC, we may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $2.0 billion of our Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock over a three-year period. In September 2014, we issued 19,700,000 shares of Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock with a total redemption value of $492.5 million, excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were approximately $477.0 million. The Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol CHSCM and accumulates dividends at a rate of 6.75% per year until September 30, 2024, and at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.155%, not to exceed 8.00% per annum, subsequent to September 30, 2024, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock may not be redeemed at our option until September 30, 2024.
	We made dividend payments on our Preferred Stock of $50.8 million, $24.5 million, and $24.5 million, during the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of August 31, 2014 we have no authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits			Unrealized Net Gain on Available for Sale Investments		Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	(228,727	)	$	1,391	$	(3,806	)	$	(1,445	)	$	(232,587	)
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	46,471			979		15,491			(3,866		)	59,075
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	16,645			—		—			—			16,645
	Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	63,116			979		15,491			(3,866		)	75,720
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	(165,611	)	$	2,370	$	11,685		$	(5,311	)	$	(156,867	)
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(90		)	2,028		(6,011		)	(1,957		)	(6,030		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	13,849			—		(8,396		)	687			6,140
	Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	13,759			2,028		(14,407		)	(1,270		)	110
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	(151,852	)	$	4,398	$	(2,722	)	$	(6,581	)	$	(156,757	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were related to pension and other postretirement benefits, cash flow hedges and foreign currency translation adjustments, and were recorded to net income. Pension and other postretirement reclassifications include amortization of net actuarial loss, prior service credit and transition amounts as disclosed in Note 10, Benefit Plans. In February 2014, interest rate swaps, which were previously accounted for as cash flow hedges, were terminated as the issuance of the underlying debt was no longer probable. As a result, a $13.5 million gain was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income. This pre-tax gain is included as a component of interest, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended August 31, 2014.
	Noncontrolling Interests
	As described in Note 17, Acquisitions, we have a firm commitment to purchase the remaining NCRA noncontrolling interests. The following table presents the effects of changes in our NCRA ownership interest on CHS Inc. equities for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$	1,081,435		$	992,386	$	1,260,628
	Transfers to noncontrolling interests:
	Decrease in CHS Inc. capital reserves for purchase of noncontrolling interests	—			—		(82,138		)
	Changes from net income attributable to CHS Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests	$	1,081,435		$	992,386	$	1,178,490

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Benefit plans	'
	Benefit Plans
	We have various pension and other defined benefit and defined contribution plans, in which substantially all employees may participate. We also have non-qualified supplemental executive and Board retirement plans.
	Financial information on changes in benefit obligation, plan assets funded and balance sheets status as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Qualified								Non-Qualified								Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits
		2014				2013				2014				2013				2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	641,284			$	671,066			$	36,225			$	34,470			$	45,542		$	64,189
	Service cost	30,417				31,387				860				721				1,729			2,936
	Interest cost	29,900				25,445				1,660				1,316				1,918			2,275
	Actuarial loss (gain)	1,973				12,819				393				3,455				(4,135		)	(5,243		)
	Assumption change	57,406				(64,483		)		2,421				(1,952		)		1,425			(16,693		)
	Plan amendments	647				—				—				—				—			—
	Medicare D	—				—				—				—				—			92
	Benefits paid	(40,734		)		(34,950		)		(3,576		)		(1,785		)		(2,161		)	(2,014		)
	Benefit obligation at end of period	$	720,893			$	641,284			$	37,983			$	36,225			$	44,318		$	45,542
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	$	730,628			$	688,196			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Actual gain (loss) on plan assets	106,531				53,582				—				—				—			—
	Company contributions	25,700				23,800				3,576				1,785				2,161			2,014
	Benefits paid	(40,734		)		(34,950		)		(3,576		)		(1,785		)		(2,161		)	(2,014		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period	$	822,125			$	730,628			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Funded status at end of period	$	101,232			$	89,344			$	(37,983	)		$	(36,225	)		$	(44,318	)	$	(45,542	)
	Amounts recognized on balance sheet:
	Non-current assets	$	103,125			$	89,930			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Accrued benefit cost:
	Current liabilities	—				—				(3,222		)		(3,051		)		(2,787		)	(2,919		)
	Non-current liabilities	(1,893		)		(586		)		(34,761		)		(33,174		)		(41,531		)	(42,623		)
	Ending balance	$	101,232			$	89,344			$	(37,983	)		$	(36,225	)		$	(44,318	)	$	(45,542	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax):
	Prior service cost (credit)	$	6,848			$	7,794			$	859			$	1,088			$	(592	)	$	(712	)
	Net (gain) loss	235,564				253,288				12,542				10,685				(7,573		)	(5,415		)
	Ending balance	$	242,412			$	261,082			$	13,401			$	11,773			$	(8,165	)	$	(6,127	)
	The accumulated benefit obligation of the qualified pension plans was $682.1 million and $605.6 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation of the non-qualified pension plans was $22.7 million and $20.1 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The assumption changes for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 were related to increases in and reductions to the discount rates for both CHS and NCRA qualified pension plans, respectively. The changes in the discount rates were due to changes in the yield curves for investment grade corporate bonds that CHS and NCRA have historically used.
	Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Qualified												Non-Qualified										Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits												Pension Benefits
		2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit costs:
	Service cost	$	30,417			$	31,387			$	26,010			$	860			$	721		$	279		$	1,729		$	2,936		$	2,556
	Interest cost	29,900				25,445				24,119				1,660				1,316			1,343			1,918			2,275			2,638
	Expected return on assets	(47,655		)		(49,728		)		(40,904		)		—				—			—			—			—			—
	Settlement of retiree obligations	—				—				—				—				—			—			—			—			—
	Prior service cost (credit) amortization	1,593				1,597				1,831				229				228			228			(493		)	(120		)	(104		)
	Actuarial loss amortization	18,228				22,615				15,131				957				921			428			(180		)	1,104			891
	Transition amount amortization	—				—				—				—				—			—			—			562			936
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	32,483			$	31,316			$	26,187			$	3,706			$	3,186		$	2,278		$	2,974		$	6,757		$	6,917
	Weighted-average assumptions to determine the net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	4.8		%		3.8		%		5		%		4.5		%		4.25		%	5		%	3.75		%	3.75		%	4.75		%
	Expected return on plan assets	6.75		%		7.25		%		7.25		%		N/A				N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
	Rate of compensation increase	4.85		%		4.5		%		4.5		%		4.75		%		4.75		%	4.75		%	4.5		%	4.5		%	4.5		%
	Weighted-average assumptions to determine the benefit obligations:
	Discount rate	4		%		4.8		%		3.8		%		4.5		%		4.5		%	4		%	4.6		%	3.75		%	3.75		%
	Rate of compensation increase	4.9		%		4.85		%		4.5		%		4.8		%		4.75		%	4.75		%	4.5		%	4.5		%	4.5		%
	The estimated amortization in fiscal 2015 from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost is as follows:
		Qualified				Non-Qualified				Other
		Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits				Benefits
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	$	1,648			$	229			$	(120	)
	Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	19,604				1,044				(421		)
For measurement purposes, a 6.9% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for the year ended August 31, 2014. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.8% by 2026 and remain at that level thereafter.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
	1% Increase				1% Decrease
	(Dollars in thousands)
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	390			$	(370	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	5,000				(4,800		)
We provide defined life insurance and health care benefits for certain retired employees and Board of Directors participants. The plan is contributory based on years of service and family status, with retiree contributions adjusted annually.
We have other contributory defined contribution plans covering substantially all employees. Total contributions by us to these plans were $24.6 million, $22.9 million and $20.6 million, for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
We voluntarily contributed $25.7 million to qualified pension plans in fiscal 2014. Based on the funded status of the qualified pension plans as of August 31, 2014, we do not believe we will be required to contribute to these plans in fiscal 2015, although we may voluntarily elect to do so. We expect to pay $6.0 million to participants of the non-qualified pension and postretirement benefit plans during fiscal 2015.
Our retiree benefit payments which reflect expected future service are anticipated to be paid as follows:
	Qualified				Non-Qualified				Other Benefits
	Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits				Gross				Medicare D
	(Dollars in thousands)
2015	$	35,797			$	3,222			$	2,787			$	100
2016	44,287				721				2,911				100
2017	49,495				3,474				3,085				100
2018	49,844				1,461				3,222				100
2019	52,956				5,575				3,280				100
2020-2024	295,700				23,145				18,101				500
We have trusts that hold the assets for the defined benefit plans. CHS and NCRA have qualified plan committees that set investment guidelines with the assistance of external consultants. Investment objectives for the plans' assets are as follows:
•	optimization of the long-term returns on plan assets at an acceptable level of risk
•	maintenance of a broad diversification across asset classes and among investment managers
•	focus on long-term return objectives
Asset allocation targets promote optimal expected return and volatility characteristics given the long-term time horizon for fulfilling the obligations of the pension plans. During fiscal 2013, the CHS pension plans' investment policy strategy was adjusted so that liabilities match assets, which was accomplished through changes to the asset portfolio mix to reduce volatility and de-risk the plan. Thus, the plans’ target allocation percentages were changed to 50% in fiscal 2013 for fixed income securities, and 50% in fiscal 2013 for equity securities. An annual analysis of the risk versus the return of the investment portfolio is conducted to justify the expected long-term rate of return assumption. We generally use long-term historical return information for the targeted asset mix identified in asset and liability studies. Adjustments are made to the expected long-term rate of return assumption, when deemed necessary, based upon revised expectations of future investment performance of the overall investment markets.
The discount rate reflects the rate at which the associated benefits could be effectively settled as of the measurement date. In estimating this rate, we look at rates of return on fixed-income investments of similar duration to the liabilities in the plans that receive high, investment-grade ratings by recognized ratings agencies.
The investment portfolio contains a diversified portfolio of investment categories, including domestic and international equities, fixed-income securities and real estate. Securities are also diversified in terms of domestic and international securities, short and long-term securities, growth and value equities, large and small cap stocks, as well as active and passive management styles.
The committees believe that with prudent risk tolerance and asset diversification, the plans should be able to meet pension obligations in the future.
Our pension plans’ fair value measurements at August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	2014
	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,218			$	—			$	—			$	4,218
Equities:
Mutual funds	84,830				66,485				—				151,315
Fixed income securities:
Mutual funds	138,458				488,526				1,749				628,733
Partnership and joint venture interests	—				28,157				9,492				37,649
Other	—				—				210				210
Total	$	227,506			$	583,168			$	11,451			$	822,125
	2013
	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	667			$	—			$	—			$	667
Equities:
Mutual funds	113,982				80,619				—				194,601
Fixed income securities:
Mutual funds	75,729				409,996				1,940				487,665
Partnership and joint venture interests	—				26,014				3,403				29,417
Other	—				—				18,278				18,278
Total	$	190,378			$	516,629			$	23,621			$	730,628
Definitions for valuation levels are found in Note 13, Fair Value Measurements. We use the following valuation methodologies for assets measured at fair value.
Mutual funds:  Valued at quoted market prices, which are based on the net asset value of shares held by the plan at year end. Mutual funds traded in active markets are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Certain of the mutual fund investments held by the plan have observable inputs other than Level 1 and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Partnership and joint venture interests: Valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plan at year end as a practical expedient for fair value. The net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the trust, minus its liabilities then divided by the number of units outstanding. Certain of these investments have observable inputs other than Level 1 and are classified accordingly within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Other investments in this category are valued using significant unobservable inputs and are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of the net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. The following tables set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the plan’s Level 3 assets for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:
	2014
	Mutual Funds				Partnership and Joint Venture Interests				Real				Hedge				Total
									Estate				Funds
									Funds
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balances at beginning of period	$	1,940			$	3,403			$	18,156			$	122			$	23,621
Unrealized gains (losses)	(3		)		118				543				5				663
Realized gains (losses)	79				187				—				—				266
Sales	(12		)		—				(18,604		)		(14		)		(18,630		)
Purchases	—				5,784				2				—				5,786
Transfers out of level 3	(255		)		—				—				—				(255		)
Total	$	1,749			$	9,492			$	97			$	113			$	11,451
	2013
	Mutual Funds				Partnership and Joint Venture Interests				Real				Hedge				Total
									Estate				Funds
									Funds
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balances at beginning of period	$	1,868			$	—			$	16,257			$	127			$	18,252
Unrealized gains (losses)	(4		)		—				1,894				7				1,897
Realized gains (losses)	82				—				(10		)		—				72
Sales	(12		)		—				—				(12		)		(24		)
Purchases	—				3,403				15				—				3,418
Transfers into level 3	6				—				—				—				6
Total	$	1,940			$	3,403			$	18,156			$	122			$	23,621
We are one of approximately 400 employers that contribute to the Co-op Retirement Plan (Co-op Plan), which is a defined benefit plan constituting a “multiple employer plan” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and a “multiemployer plan” under the accounting standards. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:
•	Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;
•	If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers; and
•	If we choose to stop participating in the multiemployer plan, we may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
Our participation in the Co-op Plan for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is outlined in the table below:
				Contributions of CHS
				(Dollars in thousands)
Plan Name		EIN/Plan Number		2014				2013				2012				Surcharge Imposed		Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement
Co-op Retirement Plan		01-0689331 / 001		$	2,079			$	2,095			$	1,885			N/A		N/A
Our contributions for the years stated above did not represent more than 5% of total contributions to the Co-op Plan as indicated in the Co-op Plan's most recently available annual report (Form 5500).
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) does not apply to the Co-op Plan because it is covered and defined as a single-employer plan. There is a special exemption for cooperative plans defining them under the single-employer plan as long as the plan is maintained by more than one employer and at least 85% of the employers are rural cooperatives or cooperative organizations owned by agricultural producers. In the Co-op Plan, a “zone status” determination is not required, and therefore not determined. In addition, the accumulated benefit obligations and plan assets are not determined or allocated separately by individual employer. The most recent financial statements available in 2014 and 2013 are for the Co-op Plan's year-end at March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In total, the Co-op Plan was at least 80% funded on those dates based on the total plan assets and accumulated benefit obligations.
Because the provisions of the PPA do not apply to the Co-op Plan, funding improvement plans and surcharges are not applicable. Future contribution requirements are determined each year as part of the actuarial valuation of the plan and may change as a result of plan experience.
In addition to the contributions to the Co-op Plan listed above, total contributions to individually insignificant multi-employer pension plans were immaterial in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
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 our non-consolidated wheat milling and packaged food joint ventures, as well as our business solutions operations, which consists of commodities hedging, insurance and financial services related to crop production.
	Corporate administrative expenses and interest 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, our 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. In Corporate and Other, these investments principally include our 50% ownership in Ventura Foods and our 12% ownership in Ardent Mills.
	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 years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	For the year ended August 31, 2014:
	Revenues	$	14,319,979		$	28,894,816		$	70,707		$	(621,469	)	$	42,664,033
	Cost of goods sold	13,364,872			28,273,515			(120		)	(621,469		)	41,016,798
	Gross profit	955,107			621,301			70,827			—			1,647,235
	Marketing, general and administrative	154,992			379,714			67,892			—			602,598
	Operating earnings	800,115			241,587			2,935			—			1,044,637
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			(1,949		)	(112,213		)	—			(114,162		)
	Interest, net	68,434			56,544			9,964			—			134,942
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(4,014		)	(22,279		)	(81,153		)	—			(107,446		)
	Income before income taxes	$	735,695		$	209,271		$	186,337		$	—		$	1,131,303
	Intersegment revenues	$	(577,539	)	$	(43,930	)	$	—		$	621,469		$	—
	Goodwill	$	1,165		$	150,633		$	6,898		$	—		$	158,696
	Capital expenditures	$	564,104		$	329,664		$	50,120		$	—		$	943,888
	Depreciation and amortization	$	133,757		$	122,132		$	11,278		$	—		$	267,167
	Total identifiable assets	$	4,601,122		$	6,657,840		$	3,888,017		$	—		$	15,146,979
	For the year ended August 31, 2013:
	Revenues	$	12,982,293		$	31,909,791		$	69,238		$	(481,465	)	$	44,479,857
	Cost of goods sold	11,846,458			31,341,453			(241		)	(481,465		)	42,706,205
	Gross profit	1,135,835			568,338			69,479			—			1,773,652
	Marketing, general and administrative	172,136			312,616			68,871			—			553,623
	Operating earnings	963,699			255,722			608			—			1,220,029
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			(27		)	(155		)	—			(182		)
	Interest, net	148,366			71,597			11,604			—			231,567
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(1,357		)	(15,194		)	(80,799		)	—			(97,350		)
	Income before income taxes	$	816,690		$	199,346		$	69,958		$	—		$	1,085,994
	Intersegment revenues	$	(481,465	)	$	—		$	—		$	481,465		$	—
	Goodwill	$	1,165		$	77,000		$	6,898		$	—		$	85,063
	Capital expenditures	$	452,859		$	198,892		$	7,622		$	—		$	659,373
	Depreciation and amortization	$	120,447		$	105,654		$	15,690		$	—		$	241,791
	Total identifiable assets	$	4,409,594		$	6,146,547		$	2,948,129		$	—		$	13,504,270
	For the year ended August 31, 2012:
	Revenues	$	12,816,542		$	28,181,445		$	68,882		$	(467,583	)	$	40,599,286
	Cost of goods sold	11,514,463			27,544,040			(2,777		)	(467,583		)	38,588,143
	Gross profit	1,302,079			637,405			71,659			—			2,011,143
	Marketing, general and administrative	155,786			273,757			68,690			—			498,233
	Operating earnings	1,146,293			363,648			2,969			—			1,512,910
	(Gain) loss on investments	4,008			1,049			408			—			5,465
	Interest, net	122,302			57,915			13,046			—			193,263
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(7,537		)	(22,737		)	(72,115		)	—			(102,389		)
	Income before income taxes	$	1,027,520		$	327,421		$	61,630		$	—		$	1,416,571
	Intersegment revenues	$	(467,583	)	$	—		$	—		$	467,583		$	—
	Capital expenditures	$	294,560		$	168,825		$	5,226		$	—		$	468,611
	Depreciation and amortization	$	109,496		$	92,538		$	17,598		$	—		$	219,632
	We have international sales, which are predominantly in our Ag segment. The following table represents our product sales, based on the geographic locations in which the sales originated, for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	North America	$	37,947		$	39,918		$	37,503
	South America	2,119			2,511			1,444
	Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)	1,594			1,040			1,064
	Asia Pacific (APAC)	642			680			290
		$	42,302		$	44,149		$	40,301

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
	We determine fair values of readily marketable inventories, derivative contracts and certain other assets, based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC Topic 820, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. ASC Topic 820 describes three levels within its hierarchy that may be used to measure fair value, and our assessment of relevant instruments within those levels is as follows:
	Level 1:  Values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These assets and liabilities include exchange traded derivative contracts, Rabbi Trust investments, deferred compensation investments and available-for-sale investments.
	Level 2:  Values are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. These assets and liabilities include marketable inventories, interest rate swaps, forward commodity and freight purchase and sales contracts, flat price or basis fixed derivative contracts and other OTC derivatives whose value is determined with inputs that are based on exchange traded prices, adjusted for location specific inputs that are primarily observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
	Level 3:  Values are generated from unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are a significant component of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. These unobservable inputs would reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing related assets or liabilities. Valuation techniques might include the use of pricing models, discounted cash flow models or similar techniques.
	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.
	Recurring fair value measurements at August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014
		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	$	—			$	921,554			$	—	$	921,554
	Commodity and freight derivatives	78,590				518,620				—		597,210
	Interest rate swap derivatives	—				4,200				—		4,200
	Foreign currency derivatives	2,523				—				—		2,523
	Deferred compensation assets	83,217				—				—		83,217
	Other assets	8,778				—				—		8,778
		$	173,108			$	1,444,374			$	—	$	1,617,482
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	117,690			$	479,922			$	—	$	597,612
	Interest rate swap derivatives	—				130				—		130
	Foreign currency derivatives	2,248				—				—		2,248
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments	—				—				114,917		114,917
	related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
		$	119,938			$	480,052			$	114,917	$	714,907
		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
	Deferred compensation assets	105,936				—				—		105,936
	Other assets	8,148				—				—		8,148
		$	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
		$	65,109			$	399,958			$	134,134	$	599,201
	Readily marketable inventories — Our readily marketable inventories primarily include grain, processed grain, oilseed, processed oilseed and other 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, deferred compensation investments 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 derivatives 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 payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests — The fair value of the contingent consideration 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			Range
	Item	August 31, 2014	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	(Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests	$114,917	Adjusted Black-Scholes option pricing model	Forward crack spread margin on August 31, 2014 (a)	$13.58-$17.07 ($15.64)
				Contractual target crack spread margin (b)	$17.50
Expected volatility (c)				132.37%
Risk-free interest rate (d)				0.09-0.94% (0.53%)
Expected life - years (e)				1.00-3.00 (2.07)
(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 years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Level 3 Liabilities
		Accrued Liability for Contingent Crack Spread Payments Related to Purchase of Noncontrolling Interests
		2014				2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
Balance - beginning of year		$	134,134			$	127,516
Amounts currently payable		—				(16,491		)
Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold		(19,217		)		23,109
Balance - end of year		$	114,917			$	134,134

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and contingencies disclosure	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Environmental
	We are required to comply with various environmental laws and regulations incidental to our normal business operations. In order to meet our compliance requirements, we establish reserves for the probable future costs of remediation of identified issues, which are included in cost of goods sold and marketing, general and administrative in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The resolution of any such matters may affect consolidated net income for any fiscal period; however, management believes any resulting liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows during any fiscal year.
	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 claims loss associated with this recall to be $18.0 million. As of August 31, 2014, $11.5 million of claims had been settled. 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 August 31, 2014, no insurance recoveries have been recorded related to this incident.
	Other Litigation and Claims
	We are involved as a defendant in various lawsuits, claims and disputes, which are in the normal course of our business. The resolution of any such matters may affect consolidated net income for any fiscal period; however, management believes any resulting liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows during any fiscal year.
	Guarantees
	We are a guarantor for lines of credit and performance obligations of related companies. Our bank covenants allow maximum guarantees of $1.0 billion, of which $105.2 million was outstanding on August 31, 2014. 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 August 31, 2014.
	Credit Commitments
	CHS Capital has commitments to extend credit to customers as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contracts. As of August 31, 2014, CHS Capital’s customers have additional available credit of $1.1 billion.
	Lease Commitments
	We are committed under operating lease agreements for approximately 3,000 rail cars with remaining terms of one to 12 years. In addition, we have commitments under other operating leases for various refinery, manufacturing and transportation equipment, vehicles and office space. Some leases include purchase options at not less than fair market value at the end of the lease terms.
	Total rental expense for all operating leases was $91.8 million, $81.5 million and $74.6 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Minimum future lease payments required under noncancelable operating leases as of August 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Rail Cars		Vehicles		Equipment		Total
						and Other
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	24,329	$	15,344	$	61,653	$	101,326
	2016	23,286		10,568		40,635		74,489
	2017	21,926		7,761		36,286		65,973
	2018	17,027		5,309		28,349		50,685
	2019	11,682		2,406		20,102		34,190
	Thereafter	11,261		1,791		90,039		103,091
	Total minimum future lease payments	$	109,511	$	43,179	$	277,064	$	429,754
	Unconditional Purchase Obligations
	Unconditional purchase obligations are commitments to transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Our long-term unconditional purchase obligations primarily relate to pipeline and grain handling take-or-pay and through-put agreements. Minimum future payments required under these agreements as of August 31, 2014 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	$	485,739	$	68,008	$	124,367	$	87,809	$	205,555
	The discounted, aggregate amount of the minimum required payments under long-term unconditional purchase obligations, based on current exchange rates at August 31, 2014, was $415.0 million. Total payments under these arrangements were $65.5 million, $62.4 million and $47.8 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_and_Oth

Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information
	Additional information concerning supplemental disclosures of cash flow activities for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net cash paid during the period for:
	Interest	$	161,213	$	256,538	$	155,888
	Income taxes	23,363		23,228		27,671
	Other significant noncash investing and financing transactions:
	Capital equity certificates redeemed with preferred stock	200,000		—		—
	Capital equity certificates issued in exchange for Ag acquisitions	14,278		18,211		29,155
	Accrual of dividends and equities payable	409,961		390,153		578,809
	Assets contributed to Ardent Mills joint venture	205,040		—		—

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	Related party transactions with equity investees for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and balances as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Sales	$	3,247,197	$	2,963,468	$	2,185,348
	Purchases	1,648,030		1,535,176		1,143,285
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Receivables	$	16,737	$	25,159
	Payables	43,361		31,485
	The related party transactions were primarily with TEMCO, Horizon Milling, Ardent Mills and Ventura Foods.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition	'
	Acquisitions
	During the year ended August 31, 2014, we paid $281.5 million in consideration to acquire various businesses that related primarily to our Ag segment. These acquisitions were not material, individually or in aggregate, to our consolidated financial statements. Included among these transactions was the acquisition of Illinois River Energy LLC, which operates an ethanol plant that will expand our grain origination opportunities and increase renewable fuels capacity. Additionally, we acquired the fertilizer business and assets of Terral RiverService, a transportation service company specializing in the bulk storage and handling of dry and liquid materials along the Mississippi River system, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and inland waterways of Louisiana and southern Arkansas. See Note 6, Other Assets for information about the amounts of goodwill and intangible assets recorded as a result of these transactions.
	NCRA
	On November 29, 2011, our Board of Directors approved a stock transfer agreement, dated as of November 29, 2011, between us and GROWMARK, Inc. (Growmark), and a stock transfer agreement, dated as of November 29, 2011, between us and MFA Oil Company (MFA). Pursuant to these agreements, we began to acquire from Growmark and MFA shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock of NCRA representing approximately 25.571% of NCRA’s outstanding capital stock. Prior to the first closing, we owned the remaining approximately 74.429% of NCRA’s outstanding capital stock as of August 31, 2012 and accordingly, upon completion of the acquisitions contemplated by these agreements, NCRA will be a wholly-owned subsidiary. As of August 31, 2014, our ownership was 84.0% and with the closing in September 2014, our ownership increased to 88.9%.
	Pursuant to the agreement with Growmark, we will acquire stock representing approximately 18.616% of NCRA’s outstanding capital stock in four separate closings held or to be held on September 1, 2012, September 1, 2013, September 1, 2014 and September 1, 2015, for an aggregate base purchase price of $255.5 million (approximately $48.0 million of which has been paid at each of the first three closings, and $111.4 million of which will be paid at the final closing). In addition, Growmark is entitled to receive up to two contingent purchase price payments following each individual closing, calculated as set forth in the agreement with Growmark, if the average crack spread margin referred to therein over the year ending on August 31 of the calendar year in which the contingent payment date falls exceeds a specified target.
	Pursuant to the agreement with MFA, we will acquire stock representing approximately 6.955% of NCRA’s outstanding capital stock in four separate closings held or to be held on September 1, 2012, September 1, 2013, September 1, 2014 and September 1, 2015, for an aggregate base purchase price of $95.5 million (approximately $18.0 million of which has been paid at each of the first three closings, and $41.6 million of which will be paid at the final closing). In addition, MFA is entitled to receive up to two contingent purchase price payments following each individual closing, calculated as set forth in the agreement with MFA, if the average crack spread margin referred to therein over the year ending on August 31 of the calendar year in which the contingent payment date falls exceeds a specified target.
	As all conditions associated with the purchase have been met, we have accounted for this transaction as a forward purchase contract which required recognition in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 in accordance with ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity. As a result, we are no longer including the noncontrolling interests related to NCRA as a component of equity. Instead, we recorded the present value of the future payments to be made to Growmark and MFA as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2011. The liability as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 was $214.7 million and $275.4 million, including interest accretion of $5.3 million and $6.7 million, respectively. Noncontrolling interests in the amount of $337.1 million was reclassified and an additional adjustment to equity in the amount of $96.7 million was recorded as a result of the transaction in fiscal 2012. The equity adjustment included the initial fair value of the crack spread contingent payments of $105.2 million. The fair value of the liability associated with the crack spread contingent payments was calculated utilizing an average price option model, an adjusted Black-Scholes pricing model commonly used in the energy industry to value options. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the amounts recognized as liabilities for these crack spread payments are $114.9 million and $150.6 million, respectively, and are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in other liabilities with a gain of $19.2 million and a loss of $23.1 million included in cost of goods sold in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The first crack spread contingent payment in the amount of $16.5 million was made in October 2013. Based on the average crack spread margin during fiscal 2014, no payment was made in October 2014. The portion of NCRA earnings attributable to Growmark and MFA for the first quarter of fiscal 2012, prior to the transaction date, were included in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, in accordance with ASC Topic 480, earnings are no longer attributable to the noncontrolling interests, and patronage earned by Growmark and MFA is included as interest, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, $65.5 million and $142.4 million, respectively, was included in interest for the patronage earned by Growmark and MFA.
	Solbar
	On February 9, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Solbar Industries Ltd., an Israeli company (Solbar), included in our Ag segment, for total cash consideration of $128.7 million, net of cash acquired of $6.6 million. Solbar provides soy protein ingredients to manufacturers in the meat, vegetarian, beverage, bars and crisps, confectionary, bakery, and pharmaceutical manufacturing markets. Solbar and its subsidiaries operate primarily in the countries of Israel, China and the U.S.
	During fiscal 2014, due to the prolonged decrease in demand for certain products produced in Solbar's facilities in Israel, partially as a result of the impacts of the recall described in Note 14, Contingencies, we evaluated our long-lived assets in Israel for impairment under ASC Topic 360-10. Based on our cash flow projections, as well as our best estimate of the residual value of the assets, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $74.5 million, which amounts to substantially all of the book value of the long-lived assets in this asset group. This impairment charge is recorded in cost of goods sold in our Ag segment.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	'
	SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
		Balance at		Additions:			Deductions:			Balance at
		Beginning		Charged to Costs			Write-offs, net			End
		of Year		and Expenses *			of Recoveries			of Year
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
	2014	$	94,589	$	9,313		$	(263	)	$	103,639
	2013	111,785		(13,130		)	(4,066		)	94,589
	2012	119,026		7,380			(14,621		)	111,785
	Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
	2014	$	79,623	$	40,095		$	(8,209	)	$	111,509
	2013	56,659		27,046			(4,082		)	79,623
	2012	47,599		12,404			(3,344		)	56,659
	*net of reserve adjustments

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CHS and 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 transactions have been eliminated.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents includes short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Grain, processed grain, oilseed, processed oilseed and other minimally processed soy-based inventories are stated at net realizable values which approximate market values. All other inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Costs for inventories produced or modified by us through a manufacturing process include fixed and variable production and raw material costs, and in-bound freight costs for raw materials. Costs for inventories purchased for resale include the cost of products and freight incurred to place the products at our points of sale. The costs of certain energy inventories (wholesale refined products, crude oil and asphalt) are determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method; all other inventories of non-grain products purchased for resale are valued on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) and average cost methods.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Our derivative instruments primarily consist of commodity and freight futures and forward contracts and, to a lesser 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 or fair value hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. See Note 12, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities and Note 13, Fair Value Measurements for additional information.
	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.
	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 or fair value hedges as described below. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values as described in Note 13, Fair Value Measurements.
	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 U.S. GAAP. We have elected not to offset derivative assets and liabilities when we have the right of offset under ASC Topic 210-20, Balance Sheet - Offsetting; or when the instruments are subject to master netting arrangements under ASC Topic 815-10-45, Derivatives and Hedging - Overall.
		August 31, 2014
						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	$	597,210			$	—			$	42,229			$	554,981
	Foreign exchange derivatives	2,523				—				1,174				1,349
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	4,200				—				—				4,200
	Total	$	603,933			$	—			$	43,403			$	560,530
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	597,612			$	2,504			$	42,229			$	552,879
	Foreign exchange derivatives	2,248				—				1,174				1,074
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	130				—				—				130
	Total	$	599,990			$	2,504			$	43,403			$	554,083
		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				—
	Total	$	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
	Total	$	465,066			$	1,591			$	54,067			$	409,408
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	The majority of our derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments. The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Location of		2014				2013				2012
		Gain (Loss)
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Commodity and freight derivatives	Cost of goods sold		$	210,164			$	(482,352	)		$	311,167
	Foreign exchange derivatives	Cost of goods sold		(5,595		)		(452		)		(5,219		)
	Interest rate derivatives	Interest, net		114				300				206
	Total			$	204,683			$	(482,504	)		$	306,154
	Commodity and Freight Contracts:
	When we enter into a commodity or freight purchase or sales contract, we incur risks related to price changes and performance (including delivery, quality, quantity, and counterparty credit). We are exposed to risk of loss in the market value of positions held, consisting of inventory and purchase contracts at a fixed or partially fixed price in the event market prices decrease. We are also exposed to risk of loss on fixed or partially fixed price sales contracts in the event market prices increase.
	Our commodity contracts primarily relate to grain, oilseed, energy (crude, refined products and propane) and fertilizer commodities. Our freight contracts primarily relate to rail, barge and ocean freight transactions. Our use of commodity and freight contracts reduces the effects of price volatility, thereby protecting us against adverse short-term price movements, while limiting the benefits of short-term price movements. To reduce the price change risks associated with holding fixed price commitments, we generally take opposite and offsetting positions by entering into commodity futures contracts or options in order to arrive at a net commodity position within the formal position limits we have established and deemed prudent for each commodity. These contracts are purchased and sold through regulated commodity futures exchanges for grain, and regulated mercantile exchanges for refined products and crude oil. We also use OTC instruments to hedge our exposure to price fluctuations on commodities and fixed price arrangements. The price risk we encounter for crude oil and most of the grain and oilseed volumes we handle can be hedged. Price risk associated with fertilizer and certain grains cannot be hedged with futures because there are no futures for these commodities and, as a result, risk is managed through the use of forward sales contracts and other pricing arrangements and, to some extent, cross-commodity futures hedging. Certain fertilizer and propane contracts are accounted for as normal purchase and normal sales transactions. We expect all normal purchase and normal sales transactions to result in physical settlement.
	When a futures contract is entered into, an initial margin deposit must be sent to the applicable exchange or broker. The amount of the deposit is set by the exchange and varies by commodity. If the market price of a short futures contract increases, then an additional maintenance margin deposit would be required. Similarly, if the price of a long futures contract decreases, a maintenance margin deposit would be required and sent to the applicable exchange. Subsequent price changes could require additional maintenance margins or could result in the return of maintenance margins.
	Our policy is to primarily maintain hedged positions in grain and oilseed. Our profitability from operations is primarily derived from margins on products sold and grain merchandised, not from hedging transactions. At any one time, inventory and purchase contracts for delivery to us may be substantial. Our risk management policies and procedures include net position limits. These limits are defined for each commodity and include both trader and management limits. The policy and procedures in our grain marketing operations require a review by operations management when any trader is outside of position limits and also a review by senior management if operating areas are outside of position limits. A similar process is used in energy and wholesale crop nutrients operations. Position limits are reviewed, at least annually, with management and the Board of Directors. We monitor current market conditions and may expand or reduce our net position limits or procedures in response to changes in conditions. In addition, all purchase and sales contracts are subject to credit approvals and appropriate terms and conditions.
	Hedging arrangements do not protect against nonperformance by counterparties to contracts. We primarily use exchange traded instruments which minimize exposure to counterparties' nonperformance. We evaluate exposure by reviewing contracts and adjusting the values to reflect potential nonperformance. Risk of nonperformance by counterparties includes the inability to perform because of the counterparty’s financial condition and also the risk that the counterparty will refuse to perform on a contract during periods of price fluctuations where contract prices are significantly different than current market prices. We manage risks by entering into fixed price purchase and sales contracts with preapproved producers and by establishing appropriate limits for individual suppliers. Fixed price contracts are entered into with customers of acceptable creditworthiness, as internally evaluated. Historically, we have not experienced significant events of nonperformance on open contracts. Accordingly, we only adjust the estimated fair values of specifically identified contracts for nonperformance. Although we have established policies and procedures, we make no assurances that historical nonperformance experience will carry forward to future periods.
	As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, we had the following outstanding purchase and sale contracts:
		2014					2013
		Purchase			Sale		Purchase			Sale
		Contracts			Contracts		Contracts			Contracts
		(Units in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed - bushels	665,690			938,140		521,979			806,295
	Energy products - barrels	27,754			50,450		12,626			21,312
	Soy products - tons	37			1,212		24			847
	Crop nutrients - tons	1,613			1,607		968			1,050
	Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	5,423			4,005		1,225			151
	Rail freight - rail cars	321			186		220			43
	Livestock - pounds	—			46,280		—			17,280
	Foreign Exchange Contracts:
We conduct essentially all of our business in U.S. dollars, except for some grain marketing transactions primarily in South America and Europe, and purchases of products from Canada. We had minimal risk regarding foreign currency fluctuations during fiscal 2014 and in prior years, as substantially all international sales were denominated in U.S. dollars. From time to time, we enter into foreign currency futures contracts to mitigate currency fluctuations. Foreign currency fluctuations do, however, impact the ability of foreign buyers to purchase U.S. agricultural products and the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products compared to the same products offered by alternative sources of world supply. As of August 31, 2014, we had $2.5 million included in derivative assets and $2.2 million included in derivative liabilities associated with foreign currency contracts.
Interest Rate Contracts:
CHS Capital, our wholly-owned finance subsidiary, has interest rate swaps that lock the interest rates of the underlying loans with a combined notional amount of $5.0 million expiring at various times through fiscal 2018, with $0.4 million of the notional amount expiring during fiscal 2015. None of CHS Capital’s interest rate swaps qualify for hedge accounting and as a result, changes in fair value are recorded in earnings within interest, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Long-term debt used to finance non-current assets carries various fixed interest rates and is payable at various dates to minimize the effects of market interest rate changes. The weighted-average interest rate on fixed rate debt outstanding on August 31, 2014 was approximately 5.6%.
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedging Strategies
As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, we have certain derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. As of August 31, 2014 we have certain derivatives designated as fair value hedges.
Interest Rate Contracts:
In fiscal 2013, we entered into derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments that were terminated in February 2014 as the issuance of the underlying debt was no longer probable. As a result, a $13.5 million gain was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income. This pre-tax gain is included as a component of interest, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended August 31, 2014.
In fiscal 2014, we entered into interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $260.0 million designated as fair value hedges of portions of our fixed-rate debt. Our objective is to offset changes in the fair value of the debt associated with the risk of variability in the 3-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR interest rate, in essence converting the fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt. Offsetting changes in the fair values of both the swap instruments and the hedged debt are recorded contemporaneously each period and only create an impact to earnings to the extent that the hedge is ineffective. During fiscal 2014 we recorded offsetting fair value adjustments of $4.2 million, with no ineffectiveness recorded in earnings.
Margin Deposits	'
	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.
Investments	'
	Investments
	Joint ventures and other investments, in which we have significant ownership and influence, but not control, are accounted for in our consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Investments in other cooperatives are stated at cost, plus patronage dividends received in the form of capital stock and other equities. Patronage dividends are recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold at the time qualified written notices of allocation are received. Investments in other debt and equity securities are considered available for sale financial instruments and are stated at fair value, with unrealized amounts included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Investments in debt and equity instruments are carried at amounts that approximate fair values. Investments in joint ventures and cooperatives have no quoted market prices.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided on the straight-line method by charges to operations at rates based upon the expected useful lives of individual or groups of assets (15 to 20 years for land and land improvements; 20 to 40 years for buildings; 5 to 20 years for machinery and equipment; and 3 to 10 years for office and other). The cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization of assets sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the related accounts and resulting gains or losses are reflected in operations. Expenditures for maintenance and minor repairs and renewals are expensed, while costs of major repairs and betterments are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of time estimated to lapse until the next major repair occurs. We also capitalize and amortize eligible costs to acquire or develop internal-use software that are incurred during the application development stage.
	Property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets are reviewed in order to assess recoverability based on projected income and related cash flows on an undiscounted basis when triggering events occur. Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized. An impairment loss would be measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
	We have asset retirement obligations with respect to certain of our refineries and other assets due to various legal obligations to clean and/or dispose of the component parts at the time they are retired. In most cases, these assets can be used for extended and indeterminate periods of time, as long as they are properly maintained and/or upgraded. It is our practice and current intent to maintain refineries and related assets and to continue making improvements to those assets based on technological advances. As a result, we believe our refineries and related assets have indeterminate lives for purposes of estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire a refinery and related assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of any component part of a refinery or other asset, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that future cost.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and other intangible assets are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment conditions arise; and, if impaired, are written down to fair value. For goodwill, annual impairment testing occurs in our third quarter. Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer lists, trademarks and agreements not to compete. Intangible assets subject to amortization are expensed over their respective useful lives (ranging from 2 to 30 years). We have no material intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
	We made certain immaterial acquisitions during the three years ended August 31, 2014, which were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Operating results of the acquisitions were included in our consolidated financial statements since the respective acquisition dates. The respective purchase prices were allocated to the assets, liabilities and identifiable intangible assets acquired based upon the estimated fair values. The excess purchase prices over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired have been reported as goodwill.
	In our Energy segment, major maintenance activities (turnarounds) at the 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. Amortization expense related to turnaround costs is 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.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	We provide a wide variety of products and services, from production agricultural inputs such as fuels, farm supplies and crop nutrients, to agricultural outputs that include grain and oilseed, processed grains and oilseeds and food products. We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. Grain and oilseed sales are recorded after the commodity has been delivered to its destination and final weights, grades and settlement prices have been agreed upon. All other sales are recognized upon transfer of title, which could occur either upon shipment to or receipt by the customer, depending upon the terms of the transaction. Amounts billed to a customer as part of a sales transaction related to shipping and handling are included in revenues.
Environmental Expenditures	'
	Environmental Expenditures
	Liabilities, including legal costs, related to remediation of contaminated properties are recognized when the related costs are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of environmental costs are based on current available facts, existing technology, undiscounted site-specific costs and currently enacted laws and regulations. Recoveries, if any, are recorded in the period in which recovery is received. Liabilities are monitored and adjusted as new facts or changes in law or technology occur. Environmental expenditures are capitalized when such costs provide future economic benefits.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	CHS is a nonexempt agricultural cooperative and files a consolidated federal income tax return with our 80% or more owned subsidiaries. We are subject to tax on income from nonpatronage sources, non-qualified patronage distributions and undistributed patronage-sourced income. Income tax expense is primarily the current tax payable for the period and the change during the period in certain deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for federal and state income tax purposes, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU No. 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose sufficient qualitative and quantitative information surrounding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts from customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The amendments in this standard are effective beginning with our fiscal year starting September 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2018.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
	We determine fair values of readily marketable inventories, derivative contracts and certain other assets, based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC Topic 820, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. ASC Topic 820 describes three levels within its hierarchy that may be used to measure fair value, and our assessment of relevant instruments within those levels is as follows:
	Level 1:  Values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These assets and liabilities include exchange traded derivative contracts, Rabbi Trust investments, deferred compensation investments and available-for-sale investments.
	Level 2:  Values are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. These assets and liabilities include marketable inventories, interest rate swaps, forward commodity and freight purchase and sales contracts, flat price or basis fixed derivative contracts and other OTC derivatives whose value is determined with inputs that are based on exchange traded prices, adjusted for location specific inputs that are primarily observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
	Level 3:  Values are generated from unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are a significant component of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. These unobservable inputs would reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing related assets or liabilities. Valuation techniques might include the use of pricing models, discounted cash flow models or similar techniques.
	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.

Derivatives_Policies

Derivatives (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Derivatives Policy [Abstract]	'
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Our derivative instruments primarily consist of commodity and freight futures and forward contracts and, to a lesser 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 or fair value hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. See Note 12, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities and Note 13, Fair Value Measurements for additional information.
	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.
	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 or fair value hedges as described below. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values as described in Note 13, Fair Value Measurements.
	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 U.S. GAAP. We have elected not to offset derivative assets and liabilities when we have the right of offset under ASC Topic 210-20, Balance Sheet - Offsetting; or when the instruments are subject to master netting arrangements under ASC Topic 815-10-45, Derivatives and Hedging - Overall.
		August 31, 2014
						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	$	597,210			$	—			$	42,229			$	554,981
	Foreign exchange derivatives	2,523				—				1,174				1,349
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	4,200				—				—				4,200
	Total	$	603,933			$	—			$	43,403			$	560,530
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	597,612			$	2,504			$	42,229			$	552,879
	Foreign exchange derivatives	2,248				—				1,174				1,074
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	130				—				—				130
	Total	$	599,990			$	2,504			$	43,403			$	554,083
		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				—
	Total	$	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
	Total	$	465,066			$	1,591			$	54,067			$	409,408
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	The majority of our derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments. The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Location of		2014				2013				2012
		Gain (Loss)
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Commodity and freight derivatives	Cost of goods sold		$	210,164			$	(482,352	)		$	311,167
	Foreign exchange derivatives	Cost of goods sold		(5,595		)		(452		)		(5,219		)
	Interest rate derivatives	Interest, net		114				300				206
	Total			$	204,683			$	(482,504	)		$	306,154
	Commodity and Freight Contracts:
	When we enter into a commodity or freight purchase or sales contract, we incur risks related to price changes and performance (including delivery, quality, quantity, and counterparty credit). We are exposed to risk of loss in the market value of positions held, consisting of inventory and purchase contracts at a fixed or partially fixed price in the event market prices decrease. We are also exposed to risk of loss on fixed or partially fixed price sales contracts in the event market prices increase.
	Our commodity contracts primarily relate to grain, oilseed, energy (crude, refined products and propane) and fertilizer commodities. Our freight contracts primarily relate to rail, barge and ocean freight transactions. Our use of commodity and freight contracts reduces the effects of price volatility, thereby protecting us against adverse short-term price movements, while limiting the benefits of short-term price movements. To reduce the price change risks associated with holding fixed price commitments, we generally take opposite and offsetting positions by entering into commodity futures contracts or options in order to arrive at a net commodity position within the formal position limits we have established and deemed prudent for each commodity. These contracts are purchased and sold through regulated commodity futures exchanges for grain, and regulated mercantile exchanges for refined products and crude oil. We also use OTC instruments to hedge our exposure to price fluctuations on commodities and fixed price arrangements. The price risk we encounter for crude oil and most of the grain and oilseed volumes we handle can be hedged. Price risk associated with fertilizer and certain grains cannot be hedged with futures because there are no futures for these commodities and, as a result, risk is managed through the use of forward sales contracts and other pricing arrangements and, to some extent, cross-commodity futures hedging. Certain fertilizer and propane contracts are accounted for as normal purchase and normal sales transactions. We expect all normal purchase and normal sales transactions to result in physical settlement.
	When a futures contract is entered into, an initial margin deposit must be sent to the applicable exchange or broker. The amount of the deposit is set by the exchange and varies by commodity. If the market price of a short futures contract increases, then an additional maintenance margin deposit would be required. Similarly, if the price of a long futures contract decreases, a maintenance margin deposit would be required and sent to the applicable exchange. Subsequent price changes could require additional maintenance margins or could result in the return of maintenance margins.
	Our policy is to primarily maintain hedged positions in grain and oilseed. Our profitability from operations is primarily derived from margins on products sold and grain merchandised, not from hedging transactions. At any one time, inventory and purchase contracts for delivery to us may be substantial. Our risk management policies and procedures include net position limits. These limits are defined for each commodity and include both trader and management limits. The policy and procedures in our grain marketing operations require a review by operations management when any trader is outside of position limits and also a review by senior management if operating areas are outside of position limits. A similar process is used in energy and wholesale crop nutrients operations. Position limits are reviewed, at least annually, with management and the Board of Directors. We monitor current market conditions and may expand or reduce our net position limits or procedures in response to changes in conditions. In addition, all purchase and sales contracts are subject to credit approvals and appropriate terms and conditions.
	Hedging arrangements do not protect against nonperformance by counterparties to contracts. We primarily use exchange traded instruments which minimize exposure to counterparties' nonperformance. We evaluate exposure by reviewing contracts and adjusting the values to reflect potential nonperformance. Risk of nonperformance by counterparties includes the inability to perform because of the counterparty’s financial condition and also the risk that the counterparty will refuse to perform on a contract during periods of price fluctuations where contract prices are significantly different than current market prices. We manage risks by entering into fixed price purchase and sales contracts with preapproved producers and by establishing appropriate limits for individual suppliers. Fixed price contracts are entered into with customers of acceptable creditworthiness, as internally evaluated. Historically, we have not experienced significant events of nonperformance on open contracts. Accordingly, we only adjust the estimated fair values of specifically identified contracts for nonperformance. Although we have established policies and procedures, we make no assurances that historical nonperformance experience will carry forward to future periods.
	As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, we had the following outstanding purchase and sale contracts:
		2014					2013
		Purchase			Sale		Purchase			Sale
		Contracts			Contracts		Contracts			Contracts
		(Units in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed - bushels	665,690			938,140		521,979			806,295
	Energy products - barrels	27,754			50,450		12,626			21,312
	Soy products - tons	37			1,212		24			847
	Crop nutrients - tons	1,613			1,607		968			1,050
	Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	5,423			4,005		1,225			151
	Rail freight - rail cars	321			186		220			43
	Livestock - pounds	—			46,280		—			17,280
	Foreign Exchange Contracts:
We conduct essentially all of our business in U.S. dollars, except for some grain marketing transactions primarily in South America and Europe, and purchases of products from Canada. We had minimal risk regarding foreign currency fluctuations during fiscal 2014 and in prior years, as substantially all international sales were denominated in U.S. dollars. From time to time, we enter into foreign currency futures contracts to mitigate currency fluctuations. Foreign currency fluctuations do, however, impact the ability of foreign buyers to purchase U.S. agricultural products and the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products compared to the same products offered by alternative sources of world supply. As of August 31, 2014, we had $2.5 million included in derivative assets and $2.2 million included in derivative liabilities associated with foreign currency contracts.
Interest Rate Contracts:
CHS Capital, our wholly-owned finance subsidiary, has interest rate swaps that lock the interest rates of the underlying loans with a combined notional amount of $5.0 million expiring at various times through fiscal 2018, with $0.4 million of the notional amount expiring during fiscal 2015. None of CHS Capital’s interest rate swaps qualify for hedge accounting and as a result, changes in fair value are recorded in earnings within interest, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Long-term debt used to finance non-current assets carries various fixed interest rates and is payable at various dates to minimize the effects of market interest rate changes. The weighted-average interest rate on fixed rate debt outstanding on August 31, 2014 was approximately 5.6%.
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedging Strategies
As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, we have certain derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. As of August 31, 2014 we have certain derivatives designated as fair value hedges.
Interest Rate Contracts:
In fiscal 2013, we entered into derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments that were terminated in February 2014 as the issuance of the underlying debt was no longer probable. As a result, a $13.5 million gain was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income. This pre-tax gain is included as a component of interest, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended August 31, 2014.
In fiscal 2014, we entered into interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $260.0 million designated as fair value hedges of portions of our fixed-rate debt. Our objective is to offset changes in the fair value of the debt associated with the risk of variability in the 3-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR interest rate, in essence converting the fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt. Offsetting changes in the fair values of both the swap instruments and the hedged debt are recorded contemporaneously each period and only create an impact to earnings to the extent that the hedge is ineffective. During fiscal 2014 we recorded offsetting fair value adjustments of $4.2 million, with no ineffectiveness recorded in earnings.

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	'
	Receivables as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	2,153,929	$	2,338,336
	CHS Capital notes receivable	633,475		437,141
	Other	304,798		254,590
		3,092,202		3,030,067
	Less allowances and reserves	103,639		94,589
	Total receivables	$	2,988,563	$	2,935,478

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current	'
	Inventories as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed	$	961,327	$	1,133,555
	Energy	875,719		742,194
	Crop nutrients	374,023		293,370
	Feed and farm supplies	448,454		407,023
	Processed grain and oilseed	84,498		79,706
	Other	16,232		8,887
	Total inventories	$	2,760,253	$	2,664,735

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	A summary of property, plant and equipment as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	212,609	$	169,022
	Buildings	686,371		574,834
	Machinery and equipment	4,558,485		4,195,523
	Office and other	133,599		118,442
	Construction in progress	1,018,011		480,703
		6,609,075		5,538,524
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,578,052		2,367,120
	Total property, plant and equipment	$	4,031,023	$	3,171,404

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Assets	'
	Other assets as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	158,696	$	85,063
	Customer lists, less accumulated amortization of $26,114 and $20,063,	43,748		16,352
	respectively
	Trademarks and other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of	11,706		19,124
	$29,587 and $25,982, respectively
	Notes receivable	166,901		143,343
	Long-term receivable	40,718		38,704
	Prepaid pension and other benefits	186,342		187,270
	Capitalized major maintenance	67,643		109,408
	Other	119,325		56,896
		$	795,079	$	656,160
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	$	6,962
	Year 2	6,610
	Year 3	5,040
	Year 4	3,828
	Year 5	3,210
	Thereafter	29,804
	Total	$	55,454
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure	'
	The capitalized major maintenance activity is as follows:
		Balance at		Cost		Amortization			Write-Offs		Balance at
		Beginning		Deferred							End of Year
		of Year
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	$	109,408	$	3,305	$	(45,070	)	$	—	$	67,643
	2013	70,554		73,701		(34,847		)	—		109,408
	2012	80,752		23,443		(33,641		)	—		70,554

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb1

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
			Weighted-average Interest Rate
			2014		2013		2014				2013
							(Dollars in thousands)
	Notes payable (a)		1.69%		2.00%		$	840,699			$	521,864
	CHS Capital notes payable (b)		1.07%		1.23%		318,774				367,448
	Total notes payable						$	1,159,473			$	889,312
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	'
	Long-term debt as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
				2014				2013
				(Dollars in thousands)
	5.59% unsecured revolving term loans from cooperative and other banks, due in equal installments beginning in 2013 through 2018			$	105,000			$	135,000
	6.18% unsecured notes $400 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018			320,000				400,000
	5.60% unsecured notes $60 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2012 through 2018			32,308				41,539
	5.25% unsecured notes $125 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2011 through 2015			25,000				50,000
	5.78% unsecured notes $50 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018			40,000				50,000
	4.00% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in equal installments beginning in 2017 through 2021			100,000				100,000
	4.08% unsecured notes $130 million face amount, due in 2019 (a)			130,840				130,000
	4.52% unsecured notes $160 million face amount, due in 2021			160,000				160,000
	4.67% unsecured notes $130 million face amount, due in 2023 (a)			133,360				130,000
	3.85% unsecured notes $80 million face amount, due in 2025			80,000				80,000
	3.80% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in 2025			100,000				100,000
	4.82% unsecured notes $80 million face amount, due in 2026			80,000				80,000
	4.71% unsecured notes $100 million face amount, due in 2033			100,000				100,000
	Other notes and contracts with interest rates from 1.30% to 15.25% (b)			49,992				50,493
	Total long-term debt			1,456,500				1,607,032
	Less current portion			156,836				156,612
	Long-term portion			$	1,299,664			$	1,450,420
	_______________________________________
	(a)	We have entered into interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedging relationships with these notes. Changes in the fair value of the swaps are recorded each period with a corresponding adjustment to the carrying value of the debt. See Note 12, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for more information.
	(b)	Other notes and contracts payable of $14.3 million were collateralized on August 31, 2014.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt outstanding as of August 31, 2014 has aggregate maturities, excluding fair value adjustments, as follows:
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	156,836
	2016	139,326
	2017	149,852
	2018	162,119
	2019	150,622
	Thereafter	693,545
	Total	$	1,452,300
Schedule of Interest,Net	'
	Interest, net for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest expense	$	79,614			$	99,271			$	94,090
	Interest - purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interests	70,843				149,087				113,184
	Capitalized interest	(8,528		)		(10,579		)		(8,882		)
	Interest income	(6,987		)		(6,212		)		(5,129		)
	Interest, net	$	134,942			$	231,567			$	193,263

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014												Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'												'
Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit)	'												'
	The provision for income taxes for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current
	Federal	$	38,653			$	(18,018	)		$	9,565
	State	31,203				11,805				7,851
	Foreign	2,837				3,162				4,812
		72,693				(3,051		)		22,228
	Deferred
	Federal	(23,444		)		92,102				66,707
	State	(1,893		)		1,685				1,617
	Foreign	940				(1,070		)		(9,700		)
		(24,397		)		92,717				58,624
	Total	$	48,296			$	89,666			$	80,852
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'												'
													Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
														2014			2013
														(Dollars in thousands)
													Deferred tax assets:
													Accrued expenses	$	76,255		$	66,973
													Postretirement health care and deferred compensation	83,346			57,130
													Tax credit carryforwards	70,881			97,242
													Loss carryforwards	53,793			57,174
													Other	52,956			40,868
													Deferred tax assets valuation	(111,509		)	(79,623		)
													Total deferred tax assets	225,722			239,764
													Deferred tax liabilities:
													Pension	12,855			6,752
													Investments	88,425			91,453
													Major maintenance	26,020			31,960
													Property, plant and equipment	576,007			529,101
													Total deferred tax liabilities	703,307			659,266
													Net deferred tax liabilities	$	477,585		$	419,502
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation	'												'
	The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rates to the effective tax rates for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	1.6			0.9			0.5
	Patronage earnings	(20.5	)		(22.9	)		(24.2	)
	Domestic production activities deduction	(10.0	)		(8.5	)		(3.5	)
	Export activities at rates other than the U.S. statutory rate	1.2			0.6			0.4
	Valuation allowance	1.7			2.3			0.6
	Tax credits	(3.1	)		(0.5	)		(1.3	)
	Non-controlling interests	—			(0.1	)		(1.9	)
	Other	(1.6	)		1.5			0.1
	Effective tax rate	4.3	%		8.3	%		5.7	%
Schedule of unrecognized tax benefits roll forward	'												'
	econciliation of the gross beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the periods presented follows:
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	67,271			$	67,271			$	67,271
	Additions attributable to prior year tax positions	35,718				—				—
	Reductions attributable to prior year tax positions	(9,867		)		—				—
	Reductions attributable to statute expiration	(20,941		)		—				—
	Balance at end of period	$	72,181			$	67,271			$	67,271

Equities_Tables

Equities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits			Unrealized Net Gain on Available for Sale Investments		Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	(228,727	)	$	1,391	$	(3,806	)	$	(1,445	)	$	(232,587	)
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	46,471			979		15,491			(3,866		)	59,075
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	16,645			—		—			—			16,645
	Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	63,116			979		15,491			(3,866		)	75,720
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	(165,611	)	$	2,370	$	11,685		$	(5,311	)	$	(156,867	)
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(90		)	2,028		(6,011		)	(1,957		)	(6,030		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	13,849			—		(8,396		)	687			6,140
	Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	13,759			2,028		(14,407		)	(1,270		)	110
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	(151,852	)	$	4,398	$	(2,722	)	$	(6,581	)	$	(156,757	)
Consolidation, less than wholly owned subsidiary, parent ownership interest, effects of changes, net	'
	The following table presents the effects of changes in our NCRA ownership interest on CHS Inc. equities for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$	1,081,435		$	992,386	$	1,260,628
	Transfers to noncontrolling interests:
	Decrease in CHS Inc. capital reserves for purchase of noncontrolling interests	—			—		(82,138		)
	Changes from net income attributable to CHS Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests	$	1,081,435		$	992,386	$	1,178,490

Benefit_Plans_Tables

Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of defined benefit plans disclosures	'
	Financial information on changes in benefit obligation, plan assets funded and balance sheets status as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Qualified								Non-Qualified								Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits								Pension Benefits
		2014				2013				2014				2013				2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	641,284			$	671,066			$	36,225			$	34,470			$	45,542		$	64,189
	Service cost	30,417				31,387				860				721				1,729			2,936
	Interest cost	29,900				25,445				1,660				1,316				1,918			2,275
	Actuarial loss (gain)	1,973				12,819				393				3,455				(4,135		)	(5,243		)
	Assumption change	57,406				(64,483		)		2,421				(1,952		)		1,425			(16,693		)
	Plan amendments	647				—				—				—				—			—
	Medicare D	—				—				—				—				—			92
	Benefits paid	(40,734		)		(34,950		)		(3,576		)		(1,785		)		(2,161		)	(2,014		)
	Benefit obligation at end of period	$	720,893			$	641,284			$	37,983			$	36,225			$	44,318		$	45,542
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	$	730,628			$	688,196			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Actual gain (loss) on plan assets	106,531				53,582				—				—				—			—
	Company contributions	25,700				23,800				3,576				1,785				2,161			2,014
	Benefits paid	(40,734		)		(34,950		)		(3,576		)		(1,785		)		(2,161		)	(2,014		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period	$	822,125			$	730,628			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Funded status at end of period	$	101,232			$	89,344			$	(37,983	)		$	(36,225	)		$	(44,318	)	$	(45,542	)
	Amounts recognized on balance sheet:
	Non-current assets	$	103,125			$	89,930			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Accrued benefit cost:
	Current liabilities	—				—				(3,222		)		(3,051		)		(2,787		)	(2,919		)
	Non-current liabilities	(1,893		)		(586		)		(34,761		)		(33,174		)		(41,531		)	(42,623		)
	Ending balance	$	101,232			$	89,344			$	(37,983	)		$	(36,225	)		$	(44,318	)	$	(45,542	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax):
	Prior service cost (credit)	$	6,848			$	7,794			$	859			$	1,088			$	(592	)	$	(712	)
	Net (gain) loss	235,564				253,288				12,542				10,685				(7,573		)	(5,415		)
	Ending balance	$	242,412			$	261,082			$	13,401			$	11,773			$	(8,165	)	$	(6,127	)
Schedule of net benefit costs of assumptions used	'
	Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Qualified												Non-Qualified										Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits												Pension Benefits
		2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit costs:
	Service cost	$	30,417			$	31,387			$	26,010			$	860			$	721		$	279		$	1,729		$	2,936		$	2,556
	Interest cost	29,900				25,445				24,119				1,660				1,316			1,343			1,918			2,275			2,638
	Expected return on assets	(47,655		)		(49,728		)		(40,904		)		—				—			—			—			—			—
	Settlement of retiree obligations	—				—				—				—				—			—			—			—			—
	Prior service cost (credit) amortization	1,593				1,597				1,831				229				228			228			(493		)	(120		)	(104		)
	Actuarial loss amortization	18,228				22,615				15,131				957				921			428			(180		)	1,104			891
	Transition amount amortization	—				—				—				—				—			—			—			562			936
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	32,483			$	31,316			$	26,187			$	3,706			$	3,186		$	2,278		$	2,974		$	6,757		$	6,917
	Weighted-average assumptions to determine the net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	4.8		%		3.8		%		5		%		4.5		%		4.25		%	5		%	3.75		%	3.75		%	4.75		%
	Expected return on plan assets	6.75		%		7.25		%		7.25		%		N/A				N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
	Rate of compensation increase	4.85		%		4.5		%		4.5		%		4.75		%		4.75		%	4.75		%	4.5		%	4.5		%	4.5		%
	Weighted-average assumptions to determine the benefit obligations:
	Discount rate	4		%		4.8		%		3.8		%		4.5		%		4.5		%	4		%	4.6		%	3.75		%	3.75		%
	Rate of compensation increase	4.9		%		4.85		%		4.5		%		4.8		%		4.75		%	4.75		%	4.5		%	4.5		%	4.5		%
Schedule of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be recognized over next fiscal year	'
	The estimated amortization in fiscal 2015 from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost is as follows:
		Qualified				Non-Qualified				Other
		Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits				Benefits
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	$	1,648			$	229			$	(120	)
	Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	19,604				1,044				(421		)
Schedule of effect of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates	'
	A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
		1% Increase				1% Decrease
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	390			$	(370	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	5,000				(4,800		)
Schedule of expected benefit payments	'
	retiree benefit payments which reflect expected future service are anticipated to be paid as follows:
		Qualified				Non-Qualified				Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits				Pension Benefits				Gross				Medicare D
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	35,797			$	3,222			$	2,787			$	100
	2016	44,287				721				2,911				100
	2017	49,495				3,474				3,085				100
	2018	49,844				1,461				3,222				100
	2019	52,956				5,575				3,280				100
	2020-2024	295,700				23,145				18,101				500
Schedule of defined benefit plans, fair value disclosure	'
	pension plans’ fair value measurements at August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,218			$	—			$	—			$	4,218
	Equities:
	Mutual funds	84,830				66,485				—				151,315
	Fixed income securities:
	Mutual funds	138,458				488,526				1,749				628,733
	Partnership and joint venture interests	—				28,157				9,492				37,649
	Other	—				—				210				210
	Total	$	227,506			$	583,168			$	11,451			$	822,125
		2013
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	667			$	—			$	—			$	667
	Equities:
	Mutual funds	113,982				80,619				—				194,601
	Fixed income securities:
	Mutual funds	75,729				409,996				1,940				487,665
	Partnership and joint venture interests	—				26,014				3,403				29,417
	Other	—				—				18,278				18,278
	Total	$	190,378			$	516,629			$	23,621			$	730,628
Schedule of changes in fair value of plan assets	'
	The following tables set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the plan’s Level 3 assets for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014
		Mutual Funds				Partnership and Joint Venture Interests				Real				Hedge				Total
										Estate				Funds
										Funds
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balances at beginning of period	$	1,940			$	3,403			$	18,156			$	122			$	23,621
	Unrealized gains (losses)	(3		)		118				543				5				663
	Realized gains (losses)	79				187				—				—				266
	Sales	(12		)		—				(18,604		)		(14		)		(18,630		)
	Purchases	—				5,784				2				—				5,786
	Transfers out of level 3	(255		)		—				—				—				(255		)
	Total	$	1,749			$	9,492			$	97			$	113			$	11,451
		2013
		Mutual Funds				Partnership and Joint Venture Interests				Real				Hedge				Total
										Estate				Funds
										Funds
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balances at beginning of period	$	1,868			$	—			$	16,257			$	127			$	18,252
	Unrealized gains (losses)	(4		)		—				1,894				7				1,897
	Realized gains (losses)	82				—				(10		)		—				72
	Sales	(12		)		—				—				(12		)		(24		)
	Purchases	—				3,403				15				—				3,418
	Transfers into level 3	6				—				—				—				6
	Total	$	1,940			$	3,403			$	18,156			$	122			$	23,621
Schedule of multiemployer plans	'
	participation in the Co-op Plan for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is outlined in the table below:
					Contributions of CHS
					(Dollars in thousands)
	Plan Name		EIN/Plan Number		2014				2013				2012				Surcharge Imposed		Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement
	Co-op Retirement Plan		01-0689331 / 001		$	2,079			$	2,095			$	1,885			N/A		N/A

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Segment information for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	For the year ended August 31, 2014:
	Revenues	$	14,319,979		$	28,894,816		$	70,707		$	(621,469	)	$	42,664,033
	Cost of goods sold	13,364,872			28,273,515			(120		)	(621,469		)	41,016,798
	Gross profit	955,107			621,301			70,827			—			1,647,235
	Marketing, general and administrative	154,992			379,714			67,892			—			602,598
	Operating earnings	800,115			241,587			2,935			—			1,044,637
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			(1,949		)	(112,213		)	—			(114,162		)
	Interest, net	68,434			56,544			9,964			—			134,942
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(4,014		)	(22,279		)	(81,153		)	—			(107,446		)
	Income before income taxes	$	735,695		$	209,271		$	186,337		$	—		$	1,131,303
	Intersegment revenues	$	(577,539	)	$	(43,930	)	$	—		$	621,469		$	—
	Goodwill	$	1,165		$	150,633		$	6,898		$	—		$	158,696
	Capital expenditures	$	564,104		$	329,664		$	50,120		$	—		$	943,888
	Depreciation and amortization	$	133,757		$	122,132		$	11,278		$	—		$	267,167
	Total identifiable assets	$	4,601,122		$	6,657,840		$	3,888,017		$	—		$	15,146,979
	For the year ended August 31, 2013:
	Revenues	$	12,982,293		$	31,909,791		$	69,238		$	(481,465	)	$	44,479,857
	Cost of goods sold	11,846,458			31,341,453			(241		)	(481,465		)	42,706,205
	Gross profit	1,135,835			568,338			69,479			—			1,773,652
	Marketing, general and administrative	172,136			312,616			68,871			—			553,623
	Operating earnings	963,699			255,722			608			—			1,220,029
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			(27		)	(155		)	—			(182		)
	Interest, net	148,366			71,597			11,604			—			231,567
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(1,357		)	(15,194		)	(80,799		)	—			(97,350		)
	Income before income taxes	$	816,690		$	199,346		$	69,958		$	—		$	1,085,994
	Intersegment revenues	$	(481,465	)	$	—		$	—		$	481,465		$	—
	Goodwill	$	1,165		$	77,000		$	6,898		$	—		$	85,063
	Capital expenditures	$	452,859		$	198,892		$	7,622		$	—		$	659,373
	Depreciation and amortization	$	120,447		$	105,654		$	15,690		$	—		$	241,791
	Total identifiable assets	$	4,409,594		$	6,146,547		$	2,948,129		$	—		$	13,504,270
	For the year ended August 31, 2012:
	Revenues	$	12,816,542		$	28,181,445		$	68,882		$	(467,583	)	$	40,599,286
	Cost of goods sold	11,514,463			27,544,040			(2,777		)	(467,583		)	38,588,143
	Gross profit	1,302,079			637,405			71,659			—			2,011,143
	Marketing, general and administrative	155,786			273,757			68,690			—			498,233
	Operating earnings	1,146,293			363,648			2,969			—			1,512,910
	(Gain) loss on investments	4,008			1,049			408			—			5,465
	Interest, net	122,302			57,915			13,046			—			193,263
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(7,537		)	(22,737		)	(72,115		)	—			(102,389		)
	Income before income taxes	$	1,027,520		$	327,421		$	61,630		$	—		$	1,416,571
	Intersegment revenues	$	(467,583	)	$	—		$	—		$	467,583		$	—
	Capital expenditures	$	294,560		$	168,825		$	5,226		$	—		$	468,611
	Depreciation and amortization	$	109,496		$	92,538		$	17,598		$	—		$	219,632
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area	'
	years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	North America	$	37,947		$	39,918		$	37,503
	South America	2,119			2,511			1,444
	Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)	1,594			1,040			1,064
	Asia Pacific (APAC)	642			680			290
		$	42,302		$	44,149		$	40,301

Derivatives_Tables

Derivatives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Derivatives Policy [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Purchase and Sales Contracts [Table Text Block]	'
	As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, we had the following outstanding purchase and sale contracts:
		2014					2013
		Purchase			Sale		Purchase			Sale
		Contracts			Contracts		Contracts			Contracts
		(Units in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed - bushels	665,690			938,140		521,979			806,295
	Energy products - barrels	27,754			50,450		12,626			21,312
	Soy products - tons	37			1,212		24			847
	Crop nutrients - tons	1,613			1,607		968			1,050
	Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	5,423			4,005		1,225			151
	Rail freight - rail cars	321			186		220			43
	Livestock - pounds	—			46,280		—			17,280
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	'
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	The majority of our derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments. The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Location of		2014				2013				2012
		Gain (Loss)
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Commodity and freight derivatives	Cost of goods sold		$	210,164			$	(482,352	)		$	311,167
	Foreign exchange derivatives	Cost of goods sold		(5,595		)		(452		)		(5,219		)
	Interest rate derivatives	Interest, net		114				300				206
	Total			$	204,683			$	(482,504	)		$	306,154
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	During fiscal 2014 we recorded offsetting fair value adjustments of $4.2 million, with no ineffectiveness recorded in earnings.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	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 U.S. GAAP. We have elected not to offset derivative assets and liabilities when we have the right of offset under ASC Topic 210-20, Balance Sheet - Offsetting; or when the instruments are subject to master netting arrangements under ASC Topic 815-10-45, Derivatives and Hedging - Overall.
		August 31, 2014
						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	$	597,210			$	—			$	42,229			$	554,981
	Foreign exchange derivatives	2,523				—				1,174				1,349
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	4,200				—				—				4,200
	Total	$	603,933			$	—			$	43,403			$	560,530
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	597,612			$	2,504			$	42,229			$	552,879
	Foreign exchange derivatives	2,248				—				1,174				1,074
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	130				—				—				130
	Total	$	599,990			$	2,504			$	43,403			$	554,083
		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				—
	Total	$	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
	Total	$	465,066			$	1,591			$	54,067			$	409,408
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	'
	air value measurements at August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014
		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	$	—			$	921,554			$	—	$	921,554
	Commodity and freight derivatives	78,590				518,620				—		597,210
	Interest rate swap derivatives	—				4,200				—		4,200
	Foreign currency derivatives	2,523				—				—		2,523
	Deferred compensation assets	83,217				—				—		83,217
	Other assets	8,778				—				—		8,778
		$	173,108			$	1,444,374			$	—	$	1,617,482
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	117,690			$	479,922			$	—	$	597,612
	Interest rate swap derivatives	—				130				—		130
	Foreign currency derivatives	2,248				—				—		2,248
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments	—				—				114,917		114,917
	related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
		$	119,938			$	480,052			$	114,917	$	714,907
		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
	Deferred compensation assets	105,936				—				—		105,936
	Other assets	8,148				—				—		8,148
		$	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
		$	65,109			$	399,958			$	134,134	$	599,201
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information	'
	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
		Fair Value			Range
	Item	August 31, 2014	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	(Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests	$114,917	Adjusted Black-Scholes option pricing model	Forward crack spread margin on August 31, 2014 (a)	$13.58-$17.07 ($15.64)
				Contractual target crack spread margin (b)	$17.50
				Expected volatility (c)	132.37%
				Risk-free interest rate (d)	0.09-0.94% (0.53%)
				Expected life - years (e)	1.00-3.00 (2.07)
	(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 years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Level 3 Liabilities
			Accrued Liability for Contingent Crack Spread Payments Related to Purchase of Noncontrolling Interests
			2014				2013
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance - beginning of year		$	134,134			$	127,516
	Amounts currently payable		—				(16,491		)
	Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold		(19,217		)		23,109
	Balance - end of year		$	114,917			$	134,134

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of future minimum rental payments for operating leases	'
		Rail Cars		Vehicles		Equipment		Total
						and Other
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	24,329	$	15,344	$	61,653	$	101,326
	2016	23,286		10,568		40,635		74,489
	2017	21,926		7,761		36,286		65,973
	2018	17,027		5,309		28,349		50,685
	2019	11,682		2,406		20,102		34,190
	Thereafter	11,261		1,791		90,039		103,091
	Total minimum future lease payments	$	109,511	$	43,179	$	277,064	$	429,754
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligations disclosure	'
	Minimum future payments required under these agreements as of August 31, 2014 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	$	485,739	$	68,008	$	124,367	$	87,809	$	205,555

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_and_Oth1

Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	'
	Additional information concerning supplemental disclosures of cash flow activities for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net cash paid during the period for:
	Interest	$	161,213	$	256,538	$	155,888
	Income taxes	23,363		23,228		27,671
	Other significant noncash investing and financing transactions:
	Capital equity certificates redeemed with preferred stock	200,000		—		—
	Capital equity certificates issued in exchange for Ag acquisitions	14,278		18,211		29,155
	Accrual of dividends and equities payable	409,961		390,153		578,809
	Assets contributed to Ardent Mills joint venture	205,040		—		—

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	'
	Related party transactions with equity investees for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and balances as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Sales	$	3,247,197	$	2,963,468	$	2,185,348
	Purchases	1,648,030		1,535,176		1,143,285
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Receivables	$	16,737	$	25,159
	Payables	43,361		31,485

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	'
Number of Refineries	2
Minimum | Subsidiaries	'
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Subsidiaries Ownership Percentage	80.00%
Minimum | Customer Lists, Trademarks and Agreements Not to Compete	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'2 years
Minimum | Major Maintenace Activities Requiring Shutdown	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'2 years
Minimum | Land Improvements [Member]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'15 years
Minimum | Building	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'20 years
Minimum | Machinery, Equipment, Office and Other	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'5 years
Minimum | Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years
Maximum | Customer Lists, Trademarks and Agreements Not to Compete	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'30 years
Maximum | Major Maintenace Activities Requiring Shutdown	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'4 years
Maximum | Land Improvements [Member]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'20 years
Maximum | Building	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'40 years
Maximum | Machinery, Equipment, Office and Other	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'20 years
Maximum | Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years
8% Preferred Stock [Member]	'
Equity	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage	8.00%

Receivables_Narrative_Details

Receivables - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Notes Receivable, Long-Term	'	'
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	$159,700,000	$127,700,000
Percentage of commercial notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	46.00%	59.00%
Percentage of producer notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	54.00%	41.00%
Interest income accrual, discontinue, term	'90 days	'
Minimum	'	'
Notes Receivable, Short-Term	'	'
CHS Capital short-term notes receivable, term	'12 months	'
Maximum	'	'
Notes Receivable, Short-Term	'	'
CHS Capital short-term notes receivable, term	'14 months	'
Notes and Loans Receivable, Net, Noncurrent, Term	'10 years	'
CHS Capital [Member]	'	'
Notes Receivable, Long-Term	'	'
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable additional available credit of counterparty	$1,100,000,000	'

Receivables_Schedule_of_Receiv

Receivables - Schedule of Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	$2,153,929	$2,338,336
CHS Capital notes receivable	633,475	437,141
Other	304,798	254,590
Receivables, gross	3,092,202	3,030,067
Less allowances and reserves	103,639	94,589
Receivables, net	$2,988,563	$2,935,478

Inventories_Narrative_Details

Inventories - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage of LIFO inventory	16.00%	16.00%
Inventory, LIFO Reserve	$538.70	$652.60

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Grain and Oilseed	$961,327	$1,133,555
Energy	875,719	742,194
Crop nutrients	374,023	293,370
Feed and farm supplies	448,454	407,023
Processed grain and oilseed	84,498	79,706
Other	16,232	8,887
Inventories	$2,760,253	$2,664,735

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
Horizon Milling, LLC [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	'	24.00%
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$109.20	'
Ventura Foods, LLC	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'
Equity value exceeding carrying value	$12.90	'

Investments_Schedule_of_Invest

Investments - Schedule of Investments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Joint venture contract, term	'25 years	'
Ventura Foods, LLC	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'
Equity Method Investments	$321.30	'
Ardent Mills LLC [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	12.00%	'
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	121.2	'
Equity Method Investments	198.4	'
Horizon Milling, LLC [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	'	24.00%
Equity Method Investment, Additional Cash Contribution	32.8	'
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal	109.2	'
TEMCO, LLC [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'
Equity Method Investments	$68.40	'
Cargill, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership of joint venture partner	50.00%	'

Investments_Schedule_of_Equity

Investments - Schedule of Equity Method Investment Balance Sheet and Statement of Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity (income) loss from investments	$107,446	$97,350	$102,389

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$253.30	$224.50	$199.80

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$6,609,075	$5,538,524
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,578,052	2,367,120
Property, plant and equipment,net	4,031,023	3,171,404
Land and land improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	212,609	169,022
Building	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	686,371	574,834
Machinery and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,558,485	4,195,523
Office and other	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	133,599	118,442
Construction in progress	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$1,018,011	$480,703

Other_Assets_Narrative_Details

Other Assets - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill, acquired during period	$72.90	$8.30	'
Amortization of intangible assets	9.7	10	12.7
Ag Business	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	38.8	1.5	'
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Assets, Investing Activities	$281.50	$12.70	'

Other_Assets_Schedule_of_Other

Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$158,696	$85,063	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	55,454	'	'	'
Notes receivable	166,901	143,343	'	'
Long-term receivable	40,718	38,704	'	'
Prepaid pension and other benefits	186,342	187,270	'	'
Capitalized major maintenance	67,643	109,408	70,554	80,752
Other	119,325	56,896	'	'
Other assets	795,079	656,160	'	'
Customer lists	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	43,748	16,352	'	'
Accumulated amortization	26,114	20,063	'	'
Trademarks and other intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	11,706	19,124	'	'
Accumulated amortization	$29,587	$25,982	'	'

Other_Assets_Schedule_of_Defin

Other Assets - Schedule of Definite Lived Intagible Assets Estimated Annual Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]	'
Year 1	$6,962
Year 2	6,610
Year 3	5,040
Year 4	3,828
Year 5	3,210
Thereafter	29,804
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$55,454

Other_Assets_Rollforward_of_Ca

Other Assets - Rollforward of Capitalized Maintenance Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Capitalized Maintenance Expense [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Cost Deferred	$3,305	$73,701	$23,443	'
Amortization	-45,070	-34,847	-33,641	'
Write-Offs	0	0	0	'
Capitalized major maintenance	$67,643	$109,408	$70,554	$80,752

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb2

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Footnote Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	$1,159,473,000	[1]	$889,312,000	[1]
Five-year revolving facilities | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	2,500,000,000		'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	0		'
Three-Year Revolving Facility [Member] | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	250,000,000		'
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	250,000,000		'
Uncommitted lines of credit | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent	327,300,000		'
Other international subsidiaries, lines of credit | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	263,100,000		'
Line Of Credit, Collateralized Amount	39,000,000		'
Credit facilities, commercial paper programs | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	125,000,000		'
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent	0		'
Line of credit facility maximum usage allowed to pay principal	200,000,000		'
Miscellaneous short-term notes payable | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	300,000		'
Revolving term loans from cooperative and other banks | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	5.59%		'
Private placement, payable in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	6.18%		'
Private placement, payable in installments through 2018 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	5.60%		'
Private placement, payable in equal installments beginning in 2011 through 2015 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	5.25%		'
Private placement, note purchase and private shelf agreement with Prudential Capital Group, payable in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018 | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	5.78%		'
Private placement, note purchase and private shelf agreement with Prudential Capital Group, payable in equal installments beginning in 2017 through 2021 | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	4.00%		'
Other notes and contracts | Secured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt, gross	14,300,000		'
CHS Capital notes payable	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.07%	[2]	1.23%	[2]
Notes payable	318,774,000	[2]	367,448,000	[2]
Short-term notes payable, note purchase agreements | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Cofina Funding, LLC	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	0		'
Short-term bank loans and notes payable current borrowing capacity	350,000,000		'
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.69%	[1]	2.00%	[1]
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Cofina Funding, LLC	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.05%	[1]	'
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	840,699,000	[1]	521,864,000	[1]
Master participation agreements | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term bank loans and notes payable current borrowing capacity	164,500,000		'
Notes payable	17,600,000		'
Master participation agreements | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Minimum	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	1.81%		'
Master participation agreements | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Maximum	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	2.66%		'
Recourse loan commitments | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term bank loans and notes payable current borrowing capacity	102,800,000		'
Short-term debt, maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000		'
Notes payable	64,600,000		'
Interest rate	1.58%		'
Short-Term Notes Payable, Surplus Funds Program [Member] | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	$236,600,000		'
Short-Term Notes Payable, Surplus Funds Program [Member] | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Minimum	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	0.10%		'
Short-Term Notes Payable, Surplus Funds Program [Member] | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Maximum	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	0.90%		'
[1]	ur primary committed line of credit is a $2.5 billion five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in June 2018, with a syndication of domestic and international banks, with no amounts outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In October 2013, we entered into a three-year $250.0 million committed revolving credit facility for CHS Agronegocio Industria e Comercio Ltda (CHS Agronegocio) to provide financing for its working capital needs arising from its purchases and sales of grains, fertilizers and other agricultural products. As of August 31, 2014 the full $250.0 million is outstanding.Our wholly-owned subsidiaries, CHS Europe S.a.r.l and CHS Agronegocio, have uncommitted lines of credit to finance their normal trading activities with $327.3 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In addition, other international subsidiaries had lines of credit totaling $263.1 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014, of which $39.0 million was collateralized. We have two commercial paper programs totaling up to $125.0 million with two banks participating in the revolving credit facilities. Terms of our credit facilities allow a maximum usage of $200.0 million to pay principal under any commercial paper facility. On August 31, 2014 we had no commercial paper outstanding. Miscellaneous short-term notes payable totaled $0.3 million as of August 31, 2014.
[2]	Cofina Funding, LLC (Cofina Funding), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHS Capital, has available credit totaling $350.0 million as of August 31, 2014, under note purchase agreements with various purchasers, through the issuance of short-term notes payable. CHS Capital sells eligible commercial loans receivable it has originated to Cofina Funding, which are then pledged as collateral under the note purchase agreements. The notes payable issued by Cofina Funding bear interest at variable rates based on commercial paper with a weighted average rate of 1.05% as of August 31, 2014. There were no borrowings by Cofina Funding utilizing the issuance of commercial paper under the note purchase agreements as of August 31, 2014. CHS Capital has available credit under master participation agreements with numerous counterparties. Borrowings under these agreements are accounted for as secured borrowings and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 1.81% to 2.66% as of August 31, 2014. As of August 31, 2014, the total funding commitment under these agreements was $164.5 million, of which $17.6 million was borrowed. CHS Capital sells loan commitments it has originated to ProPartners Financial (ProPartners) on a recourse basis. The total capacity for commitments under the ProPartners program is $300.0 million. The total outstanding commitments under the program totaled $102.8 million as of August 31, 2014, of which $64.6 million was borrowed under these commitments with an interest rate of 1.58%. CHS Capital borrows funds under short-term notes issued as part of a surplus funds program. Borrowings under this program are unsecured and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 0.10% to 0.90% as of August 31, 2014, and are due upon demand. Borrowings under these notes totaled $236.6 million as of August 31, 2014.

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb3

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of short-term debt (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	$1,159,473,000	[1]	$889,312,000	[1]
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.69%	[1]	2.00%	[1]
CHS Capital notes payable	'		'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.07%	[2]	1.23%	[2]
Notes payable	318,774,000	[2]	367,448,000	[2]
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Recourse loan commitments	'		'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	64,600,000		'
Short-term bank loans and notes payable current borrowing capacity	102,800,000		'
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Short-Term Notes Payable, Surplus Funds Program [Member]	'		'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	236,600,000		'
Revolving credit facility | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	840,699,000	[1]	521,864,000	[1]
Revolving credit facility | Line of credit | Three-Year Revolving Facility [Member]	'		'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'		'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	250,000,000		'
Cofina Funding, LLC | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.05%	[1]	'
Cofina Funding, LLC | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Short-term notes payable, note purchase agreements	'		'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term bank loans and notes payable current borrowing capacity	$350,000,000		'
[1]	ur primary committed line of credit is a $2.5 billion five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in June 2018, with a syndication of domestic and international banks, with no amounts outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In October 2013, we entered into a three-year $250.0 million committed revolving credit facility for CHS Agronegocio Industria e Comercio Ltda (CHS Agronegocio) to provide financing for its working capital needs arising from its purchases and sales of grains, fertilizers and other agricultural products. As of August 31, 2014 the full $250.0 million is outstanding.Our wholly-owned subsidiaries, CHS Europe S.a.r.l and CHS Agronegocio, have uncommitted lines of credit to finance their normal trading activities with $327.3 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In addition, other international subsidiaries had lines of credit totaling $263.1 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014, of which $39.0 million was collateralized. We have two commercial paper programs totaling up to $125.0 million with two banks participating in the revolving credit facilities. Terms of our credit facilities allow a maximum usage of $200.0 million to pay principal under any commercial paper facility. On August 31, 2014 we had no commercial paper outstanding. Miscellaneous short-term notes payable totaled $0.3 million as of August 31, 2014.
[2]	Cofina Funding, LLC (Cofina Funding), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHS Capital, has available credit totaling $350.0 million as of August 31, 2014, under note purchase agreements with various purchasers, through the issuance of short-term notes payable. CHS Capital sells eligible commercial loans receivable it has originated to Cofina Funding, which are then pledged as collateral under the note purchase agreements. The notes payable issued by Cofina Funding bear interest at variable rates based on commercial paper with a weighted average rate of 1.05% as of August 31, 2014. There were no borrowings by Cofina Funding utilizing the issuance of commercial paper under the note purchase agreements as of August 31, 2014. CHS Capital has available credit under master participation agreements with numerous counterparties. Borrowings under these agreements are accounted for as secured borrowings and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 1.81% to 2.66% as of August 31, 2014. As of August 31, 2014, the total funding commitment under these agreements was $164.5 million, of which $17.6 million was borrowed. CHS Capital sells loan commitments it has originated to ProPartners Financial (ProPartners) on a recourse basis. The total capacity for commitments under the ProPartners program is $300.0 million. The total outstanding commitments under the program totaled $102.8 million as of August 31, 2014, of which $64.6 million was borrowed under these commitments with an interest rate of 1.58%. CHS Capital borrows funds under short-term notes issued as part of a surplus funds program. Borrowings under this program are unsecured and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 0.10% to 0.90% as of August 31, 2014, and are due upon demand. Borrowings under these notes totaled $236.6 million as of August 31, 2014.

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb4

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	$1,159,473	[1]	$889,312	[1]
Total long-term debt	1,452,300		'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	1,456,500		1,607,032
Less current portion	156,836		156,612
Long-term portion	1,299,664		1,450,420
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.69%	[1]	2.00%	[1]
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	840,699	[1]	521,864	[1]
CHS Capital notes payable	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.07%	[2]	1.23%	[2]
Notes payable	318,774	[2]	367,448	[2]
Revolving term loans from cooperative and other banks | Line of credit | Revolving credit facility	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	5.59%		'
Total long-term debt	105,000		135,000
Private placement, payable in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	6.18%		'
Total long-term debt	320,000		400,000
Private placement, payable in installments through 2018 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	5.60%		'
Total long-term debt	32,308		41,539
Private placement, payable in equal installments beginning in 2011 through 2015 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	5.25%		'
Total long-term debt	25,000		50,000
Private placement, note purchase and private shelf agreement with Prudential Capital Group, payable in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018 | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	5.78%		'
Total long-term debt	40,000		50,000
Private placement, note purchase and private shelf agreement with Prudential Capital Group, payable in equal installments beginning in 2017 through 2021 | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	4.00%		'
Total long-term debt	100,000		100,000
Private placement, payable in its entirety in 2019 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	4.08%		'
Total long-term debt	130,840		130,000
Private placement, payable in its entirety in 2021 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	4.52%		'
Total long-term debt	160,000		160,000
Private placement, payable in its entirety in 2023 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	4.67%		'
Total long-term debt	133,360		130,000
Private placement, payable in 2025 80k [Member] | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	3.85%		'
Total long-term debt	80,000		80,000
Private placement, payable in 2025 100k [Member] | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	3.80%		'
Total long-term debt	100,000		100,000
Private placement, payable in its entirety in 2026 | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	4.82%		'
Total long-term debt	80,000		80,000
Private placement, payable in its entirety 2033 [Member] | Unsecured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate	4.71%		'
Total long-term debt	100,000		100,000
Other notes and contracts | Secured debt	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total long-term debt	$49,992	[3]	$50,493	[3]
[1]	ur primary committed line of credit is a $2.5 billion five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in June 2018, with a syndication of domestic and international banks, with no amounts outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In October 2013, we entered into a three-year $250.0 million committed revolving credit facility for CHS Agronegocio Industria e Comercio Ltda (CHS Agronegocio) to provide financing for its working capital needs arising from its purchases and sales of grains, fertilizers and other agricultural products. As of August 31, 2014 the full $250.0 million is outstanding.Our wholly-owned subsidiaries, CHS Europe S.a.r.l and CHS Agronegocio, have uncommitted lines of credit to finance their normal trading activities with $327.3 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In addition, other international subsidiaries had lines of credit totaling $263.1 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014, of which $39.0 million was collateralized. We have two commercial paper programs totaling up to $125.0 million with two banks participating in the revolving credit facilities. Terms of our credit facilities allow a maximum usage of $200.0 million to pay principal under any commercial paper facility. On August 31, 2014 we had no commercial paper outstanding. Miscellaneous short-term notes payable totaled $0.3 million as of August 31, 2014.
[2]	Cofina Funding, LLC (Cofina Funding), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHS Capital, has available credit totaling $350.0 million as of August 31, 2014, under note purchase agreements with various purchasers, through the issuance of short-term notes payable. CHS Capital sells eligible commercial loans receivable it has originated to Cofina Funding, which are then pledged as collateral under the note purchase agreements. The notes payable issued by Cofina Funding bear interest at variable rates based on commercial paper with a weighted average rate of 1.05% as of August 31, 2014. There were no borrowings by Cofina Funding utilizing the issuance of commercial paper under the note purchase agreements as of August 31, 2014. CHS Capital has available credit under master participation agreements with numerous counterparties. Borrowings under these agreements are accounted for as secured borrowings and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 1.81% to 2.66% as of August 31, 2014. As of August 31, 2014, the total funding commitment under these agreements was $164.5 million, of which $17.6 million was borrowed. CHS Capital sells loan commitments it has originated to ProPartners Financial (ProPartners) on a recourse basis. The total capacity for commitments under the ProPartners program is $300.0 million. The total outstanding commitments under the program totaled $102.8 million as of August 31, 2014, of which $64.6 million was borrowed under these commitments with an interest rate of 1.58%. CHS Capital borrows funds under short-term notes issued as part of a surplus funds program. Borrowings under this program are unsecured and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 0.10% to 0.90% as of August 31, 2014, and are due upon demand. Borrowings under these notes totaled $236.6 million as of August 31, 2014.
[3]	Other notes and contracts payable of $14.3 million were collateralized on August 31, 2014.

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb5

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Weighted Average Interest Rates (Details)	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.69%	[1]	2.00%	[1]
CHS Capital notes payable	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable, weighted average interest rate	1.07%	[2]	1.23%	[2]
[1]	ur primary committed line of credit is a $2.5 billion five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in June 2018, with a syndication of domestic and international banks, with no amounts outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In October 2013, we entered into a three-year $250.0 million committed revolving credit facility for CHS Agronegocio Industria e Comercio Ltda (CHS Agronegocio) to provide financing for its working capital needs arising from its purchases and sales of grains, fertilizers and other agricultural products. As of August 31, 2014 the full $250.0 million is outstanding.Our wholly-owned subsidiaries, CHS Europe S.a.r.l and CHS Agronegocio, have uncommitted lines of credit to finance their normal trading activities with $327.3 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014. In addition, other international subsidiaries had lines of credit totaling $263.1 million outstanding as of August 31, 2014, of which $39.0 million was collateralized. We have two commercial paper programs totaling up to $125.0 million with two banks participating in the revolving credit facilities. Terms of our credit facilities allow a maximum usage of $200.0 million to pay principal under any commercial paper facility. On August 31, 2014 we had no commercial paper outstanding. Miscellaneous short-term notes payable totaled $0.3 million as of August 31, 2014.
[2]	Cofina Funding, LLC (Cofina Funding), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHS Capital, has available credit totaling $350.0 million as of August 31, 2014, under note purchase agreements with various purchasers, through the issuance of short-term notes payable. CHS Capital sells eligible commercial loans receivable it has originated to Cofina Funding, which are then pledged as collateral under the note purchase agreements. The notes payable issued by Cofina Funding bear interest at variable rates based on commercial paper with a weighted average rate of 1.05% as of August 31, 2014. There were no borrowings by Cofina Funding utilizing the issuance of commercial paper under the note purchase agreements as of August 31, 2014. CHS Capital has available credit under master participation agreements with numerous counterparties. Borrowings under these agreements are accounted for as secured borrowings and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 1.81% to 2.66% as of August 31, 2014. As of August 31, 2014, the total funding commitment under these agreements was $164.5 million, of which $17.6 million was borrowed. CHS Capital sells loan commitments it has originated to ProPartners Financial (ProPartners) on a recourse basis. The total capacity for commitments under the ProPartners program is $300.0 million. The total outstanding commitments under the program totaled $102.8 million as of August 31, 2014, of which $64.6 million was borrowed under these commitments with an interest rate of 1.58%. CHS Capital borrows funds under short-term notes issued as part of a surplus funds program. Borrowings under this program are unsecured and bear interest at variable rates ranging from 0.10% to 0.90% as of August 31, 2014, and are due upon demand. Borrowings under these notes totaled $236.6 million as of August 31, 2014.

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb6

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt Payable (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt, Repayments in 2015	$156,836
Long-term Debt, Repayments in 2016	139,326
Long-term Debt, Repayments in 2017	149,852
Long-term Debt, Repayments in 2018	162,119
Long-term Debt, Repayments in 2019	150,622
Long-term Debt, Repayments after 2019	693,545
Total long-term debt	$1,452,300

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb7

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Interest, Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest expense	$79,614	$99,271	$94,090
Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interest	70,843	149,087	113,184
Capitalized Interest	-8,528	-10,579	-8,882
Interest income	-6,987	-6,212	-5,129
Interest, net	$134,942	$231,567	$193,263

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb8

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt Phantom (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	1.30%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	15.25%
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	6.18%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in equal installments through 2013 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	6.81%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	225
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in installments through 2018	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	5.60%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	60
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in equal installments beginning in 2011 through 2015	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	5.25%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	125
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in its entirety in 2019	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	4.08%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	130
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in its entirety in 2021	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	4.52%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	160
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in its entirety in 2023	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	4.67%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	130
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in 2025 80k [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	3.85%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	80
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in 2025 100k [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	3.80%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	100
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in its entirety in 2026	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	4.82%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	80
Unsecured debt | Private placement, payable in its entirety 2033 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	4.71%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	100
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Private placement, note purchase and private shelf agreement with Prudential Capital Group, payable in equal installments beginning in 2014 through 2018	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	5.78%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	50
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Private placement, note purchase and private shelf agreement with Prudential Capital Group, payable in equal installments beginning in 2017 through 2021 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	4.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	100
Revolving credit facility | Line of credit | Revolving term loans from cooperative and other banks	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	5.59%

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	$1,200,000,000	$1,100,000,000	$1,400,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	0	200,000	200,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	247,800,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	152,100,000	'	'
Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax asset	39,900,000	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	0	600,000	'
Current assets	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Current	86,500,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	'	2,600,000	'
Net deferred tax assets	'	39,300,000	'
Foreign tax credit	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward, amount	5,600,000	'	'
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward, amount	5,600,000	'	'
General business tax credit carryforward	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward, amount	18,500,000	'	'
NCRA [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	63,400,000	88,100,000	'
Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax asset	$8,000,000	'	'

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Provision (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Current	'	'	'
Federal	$38,653	($18,018)	$9,565
State	31,203	11,805	7,851
Foreign	2,837	3,162	4,812
Current Total	72,693	-3,051	22,228
Deferred	'	'	'
Federal	-23,444	92,102	66,707
State	-1,893	1,685	1,617
Foreign	940	-1,070	-9,700
Deferred Total	-24,397	92,717	58,624
Total	$48,296	$89,666	$80,852

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$247,800,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued expenses	76,255,000	66,973,000
Postretirment health care and deferred compensation	83,346,000	57,130,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	70,881,000	97,242,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	53,793,000	57,174,000
Other	52,956,000	40,868,000
Deferred tax assets valuation	-111,509,000	-79,623,000
Deferred tax assets	225,722,000	239,764,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract]	'	'
Pension	12,855,000	6,752,000
Investments	88,425,000	91,453,000
Major maintenance	26,020,000	31,960,000
Property, plant and equipment	576,007,000	529,101,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	703,307,000	659,266,000
Net deferred tax liabilities	477,585,000	419,502,000
NCRA [Member]	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$63,400,000	$88,100,000

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the Statutory Tax Rates to the Effective Tax Rates (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	1.60%	0.90%	0.50%
Patronage earnings	-20.50%	-22.90%	-24.20%
Domestic production activities deduction	-10.00%	-8.50%	-3.50%
Export activities at rates other than the U.S. statutory rate	1.20%	0.60%	0.40%
Valuation allowance	1.70%	2.30%	0.60%
Tax credits	-3.10%	-0.50%	-1.30%
Non-controlling interests	0.00%	-0.10%	-1.90%
Other	-1.60%	1.50%	0.10%
Effective tax rate	4.30%	8.30%	5.70%

Income_Taxes_Rollforward_of_Un

Income Taxes - Rollforward of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balances	$67,271	$67,271	$67,271
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	35,718	0	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	-9,867	0	0
Reductions attributable to statute expiration	-20,941	0	0
Balances at August 31	$72,181	$67,271	$67,271

Equities_Narrative_Details

Equities - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 21, 2014

Sep. 13, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Nov. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2014

pools

Non-qualified Equity Certificates [Member]

Non-qualified Equity Certificates [Member]

Non-qualified Equity Certificates [Member]

Patronage refunds and capital stock

Patronage refunds and capital stock

Patronage refunds and capital stock

Cash Distribution [Member]

Cash Distribution [Member]

Cash Distribution [Member]

Capital Equity Certificates

Capital Equity Certificates

Capital Equity Certificates

8% Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 1 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 1 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 1 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 1 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 2 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 2 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B Preferred Stock [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Maximum

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Class B, Series 2 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 2 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 3 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 3 Preferred Stock [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Maximum

Class B, Series 3 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class B, Series 3 Preferred Stock [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Patronage Refunds, payable in next fiscal year

$662,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Patronage Refunds

286,789,000

380,947,000

260,666,000

-131,661,000

'

'

841,100,000

976,000,000

676,300,000

286,800,000

380,900,000

260,700,000

-422,670,000

-595,022,000

-415,584,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Patronage distribution

'

'

'

148,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash partonage dividends payable

264,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Patronage source earnings, percentage allocated to reserves

10.00%

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital equity certificates, number of pools

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity redemptions, age

'70 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated payments for redemptions of equities

-130,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retirements of equities

-99,609,000

-193,413,000

-145,722,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.00%

'

7.88%

'

'

'

7.10%

'

'

'

6.75%

'

'

'

Preferred stock, shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,272,003

'

18,071,363

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, redemption amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

306,800,000

'

451,800,000

'

'

'

420,000,000

'

'

'

'

492,500,000

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

273,300,000

'

'

'

406,300,000

'

'

'

'

477,000,000

'

'

'

Preferred stock dividends paid

-50,761,000

-24,544,000

-24,544,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, Value registered

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Shares Issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,752,188

11,319,175

16,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

19,700,000

'

'

Preferred Stock, Basis Spread on Dividends, Percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.30%

8.00%

'

'

4.16%

8.00%

Patron equities to be redeemed, value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Price per Share

$29.62

'

'

'

'

'

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Equities_Accumulated_Other_Com

Equities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($156,757,000)	($156,867,000)	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	110,000	75,720,000	-43,130,000
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,398,000	2,370,000	1,391,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	2,028,000	979,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	0	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,028,000	979,000	'
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,722,000	11,685,000	-3,806,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-6,011,000	15,491,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-8,396,000	0	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-14,407,000	15,491,000	'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,581,000	-5,311,000	-1,445,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-1,957,000	-3,866,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	687,000	0	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1,270,000	-3,866,000	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-156,757,000	-156,867,000	-232,587,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-6,030,000	59,075,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	6,140,000	16,645,000	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	110,000	75,720,000	-43,130,000
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-151,852,000	-165,611,000	-228,727,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-90,000	46,471,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	13,849,000	16,645,000	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	13,759,000	63,116,000	'
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring	$13,500,000	'	'

Equities_Noncontrolling_Intere

Equities - Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income	$1,083,007	$996,328	$1,335,719
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	1,081,435	992,386	1,260,628
Transfers To Noncontrolling Interests:	'	'	'
Decrease in CHS Inc. capital reserves for purchase of noncontrolling interests	0	0	-82,138
Changes from net income attributable to CHS Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests	$1,081,435	$992,386	$1,178,490

Benefit_Plans_Narative_Details

Benefit Plans - Narative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, health care benefits annual rate of increase in the per capita cost	6.90%	'	'
Defined benefit plan, health care benefits annual rate of increase in the per capita cost trend rate	4.80%	'	'
Defined contribution plan, contributions by employer	$24,600,000	$22,900,000	$20,600,000
Pension protection act, percentage of employers that are rural cooperatives or cooperative organizations owned by agricultural producers, criteria	85.00%	'	'
Fixed Income Securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage	50.00%	'	'
Equity Securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage	50.00%	'	'
Qualified Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	682,100,000	605,600,000	'
Company contributions	25,700,000	23,800,000	'
Defined benefit plan, expected future benefit payments, next twelve months	35,797,000	'	'
Qualified Pension Benefits | Multiemployer Plans, Pension | Co-op Retirement Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of employers contributing to Co-op Retirement Plan (in number of employers)	400	'	'
Co-op Retirement Plan - Contributions of CHS	2,079,000	2,095,000	1,885,000
Pension Plans And Postretirement Plans, Defined Benefit, Non-Qualified	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, expected future benefit payments, next twelve months	6,000,000	'	'
Other Benefits	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Company contributions	2,161,000	2,014,000	'
Non-Qualified Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	22,700,000	20,100,000	'
Company contributions	3,576,000	1,785,000	'
Defined benefit plan, expected future benefit payments, next twelve months	$3,222,000	'	'
Maximum | Qualified Pension Benefits | Multiemployer Plans, Pension | Co-op Retirement Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employer contributions as percent of total contributions of all contributing employers	5.00%	'	'
Minimum | Qualified Pension Benefits | Multiemployer Plans, Pension | Co-op Retirement Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, funded percentage	80.00%	'	'

Benefit_Plans_Changes_in_Benef

Benefit Plans - Changes in Benefit Obligation and Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Qualified Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation: [Rollforward]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$641,284,000	$671,066,000	'
Service cost	30,417,000	31,387,000	26,010,000
Interest cost	29,900,000	25,445,000	24,119,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,973,000	12,819,000	'
Assumption change	57,406,000	-64,483,000	'
Plan Amendments	647,000	0	'
Medicare D	0	0	'
Benefits Paid	-40,734,000	-34,950,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of period	720,893,000	641,284,000	671,066,000
Change in plan assets: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	730,628,000	688,196,000	'
Actual gain on plan assets	106,531,000	53,582,000	'
Company contributions	25,700,000	23,800,000	'
Benefits Paid	-40,734,000	-34,950,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	822,125,000	730,628,000	688,196,000
Funded Status of Plan	101,232,000	89,344,000	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Non-current assets	103,125,000	89,930,000	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current liabilities	0	0	'
Non-current liabilities	-1,893,000	-586,000	'
Ending balance	101,232,000	89,344,000	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax): [Abstract]	'	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	6,848,000	7,794,000	'
Net loss	235,564,000	253,288,000	'
Ending balance	242,412,000	261,082,000	'
Non-Qualified Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation: [Rollforward]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	36,225,000	34,470,000	'
Service cost	860,000	721,000	279,000
Interest cost	1,660,000	1,316,000	1,343,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	393,000	3,455,000	'
Assumption change	2,421,000	-1,952,000	'
Plan Amendments	0	0	'
Medicare D	0	0	'
Benefits Paid	-3,576,000	-1,785,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of period	37,983,000	36,225,000	34,470,000
Change in plan assets: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	0	0	'
Actual gain on plan assets	0	0	'
Company contributions	3,576,000	1,785,000	'
Benefits Paid	-3,576,000	-1,785,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	0
Funded Status of Plan	-37,983,000	-36,225,000	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Non-current assets	0	0	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current liabilities	-3,222,000	-3,051,000	'
Non-current liabilities	-34,761,000	-33,174,000	'
Ending balance	-37,983,000	-36,225,000	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax): [Abstract]	'	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	859,000	1,088,000	'
Net loss	12,542,000	10,685,000	'
Ending balance	13,401,000	11,773,000	'
Other Benefits	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation: [Rollforward]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	45,542,000	64,189,000	'
Service cost	1,729,000	2,936,000	2,556,000
Interest cost	1,918,000	2,275,000	2,638,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	-4,135,000	-5,243,000	'
Assumption change	1,425,000	-16,693,000	'
Plan Amendments	0	0	'
Medicare D	0	92,000	'
Benefits Paid	-2,161,000	-2,014,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of period	44,318,000	45,542,000	64,189,000
Change in plan assets: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	0	0	'
Actual gain on plan assets	0	0	'
Company contributions	2,161,000	2,014,000	'
Benefits Paid	-2,161,000	-2,014,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	0
Funded Status of Plan	-44,318,000	-45,542,000	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Non-current assets	0	0	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current liabilities	-2,787,000	-2,919,000	'
Non-current liabilities	-41,531,000	-42,623,000	'
Ending balance	-44,318,000	-45,542,000	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax): [Abstract]	'	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	-592,000	-712,000	'
Net loss	-7,573,000	-5,415,000	'
Ending balance	($8,165,000)	($6,127,000)	'

Benefit_Plans_Rollforward_of_B

Benefit Plans - Rollforward of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets Funded (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Qualified Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service costs	$30,417	$31,387	$26,010
Interest costs	29,900	25,445	24,119
Expected return on assets	-47,655	-49,728	-40,904
Settlement of retiree obligations	0	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	1,593	1,597	1,831
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	18,228	22,615	15,131
Transition amount amortization	0	0	0
Periodic benefit costs, net	32,483	31,316	26,187
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.80%	3.80%	5.00%
Expected return on plan assets	6.75%	7.25%	7.25%
Rate of compensation increase	4.85%	4.50%	4.50%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.00%	4.80%	3.80%
Rate of compensation increase	4.90%	4.85%	4.50%
Non-Qualified Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service costs	860	721	279
Interest costs	1,660	1,316	1,343
Expected return on assets	0	0	0
Settlement of retiree obligations	0	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	229	228	228
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	957	921	428
Transition amount amortization	0	0	0
Periodic benefit costs, net	3,706	3,186	2,278
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.50%	4.25%	5.00%
Rate of compensation increase	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.50%	4.50%	4.00%
Rate of compensation increase	4.80%	4.75%	4.75%
Other Benefits	'	'	'
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service costs	1,729	2,936	2,556
Interest costs	1,918	2,275	2,638
Expected return on assets	0	0	0
Settlement of retiree obligations	0	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	-493	-120	-104
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	-180	1,104	891
Transition amount amortization	0	562	936
Periodic benefit costs, net	$2,974	$6,757	$6,917
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.75%	3.75%	4.75%
Rate of compensation increase	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the net periodic benefit cost: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.60%	3.75%	3.75%
Rate of compensation increase	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%

Benefit_Plans_Schedule_of_Amor

Benefit Plans - Schedule of Amortization From Other Accumulated Comprehensive Income into Net Period Benefit Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan, health care benefits annual rate of increase in the per capita cost	6.90%
Defined benefit plan, health care benefits annual rate of increase in the per capita cost trend rate	4.80%
Qualified Pension Benefits	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	1,648
Amortization of net actuarial loss	19,604
Non-Qualified Pension Benefits	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	229
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,044
Other Benefits	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	-120
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-421

Benefit_Plans_Schedule_of_the_

Benefit Plans - Schedule of the Effect a Percentage Point Change in the Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Effect on total of service and interest cost components (1% increase)	$390
Effect on total of service and interest cost components (1% decrease)	-370
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation (1% increase)	5,000
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation (1% decrease)	($4,800)

Benefit_Plans_Expected_Future_

Benefit Plans - Expected Future Retiree Benefit Payments (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Qualified Pension Benefits	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2015	$35,797
2016	44,287
2017	49,495
2018	49,844
2019	52,956
2020-2024	295,700
Non-Qualified Pension Benefits	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2015	3,222
2016	721
2017	3,474
2018	1,461
2019	5,575
2020-2024	23,145
Other Benefits, Gross	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2015	2,787
2016	2,911
2017	3,085
2018	3,222
2019	3,280
2020-2024	18,101
Other Benefits, Medicare D	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2015	100
2016	100
2017	100
2018	100
2019	100
2020-2024	$500

Benefit_Plans_Schedule_of_Pens

Benefit Plans - Schedule of Pension Plans' Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit, USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	$822,125,000	$730,628,000	$688,196,000
Level 1	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	227,506,000	190,378,000	'
Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	4,218,000	667,000	'
Level 1 | Mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	84,830,000	113,982,000	'
Level 1 | Mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	138,458,000	75,729,000	'
Level 1 | Partnership and joint venture interests	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	0	0	'
Level 1 | Hedge funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	0	0	'
Level 2	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	583,168,000	516,629,000	'
Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	0	0	'
Level 2 | Mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	66,485,000	80,619,000	'
Level 2 | Mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	488,526,000	409,996,000	'
Level 2 | Partnership and joint venture interests	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	28,157,000	26,014,000	'
Level 2 | Hedge funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	0	0	'
Level 3	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	11,451,000	23,621,000	'
Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	0	0	'
Level 3 | Mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	0	0	'
Level 3 | Mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	1,749,000	1,940,000	'
Level 3 | Partnership and joint venture interests	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	9,492,000	3,403,000	'
Level 3 | Hedge funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	210,000	18,278,000	'
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	822,125,000	730,628,000	'
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	4,218,000	667,000	'
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	151,315,000	194,601,000	'
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	628,733,000	487,665,000	'
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Partnership and joint venture interests	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	37,649,000	29,417,000	'
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Hedge funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension plans assets, fair value	$210,000	$18,278,000	'

Benefit_Plans_Schedule_of_Chan

Benefit Plans - Schedule of Changes in the Fair value of the Plan's Level 3 Valued Assets (Details) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balances at beginning of period	$23,621	$18,252
Unrealized gains (losses)	663	1,897
Realized losses (gains)	266	72
Sales	-18,630	-24
Purchases	5,786	3,418
Transfers out of level 3	-255	'
Transfers Into Level 3	'	6
Total	11,451	23,621
Other Investment Companies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balances at beginning of period	1,940	1,868
Unrealized gains (losses)	-3	-4
Realized losses (gains)	79	82
Sales	-12	-12
Purchases	0	0
Transfers out of level 3	-255	'
Transfers Into Level 3	'	6
Total	1,749	1,940
Partnership and joint venture interests	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balances at beginning of period	3,403	0
Unrealized gains (losses)	118	0
Realized losses (gains)	187	0
Sales	0	0
Purchases	5,784	3,403
Transfers out of level 3	0	'
Transfers Into Level 3	'	0
Total	9,492	3,403
Real Estate Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balances at beginning of period	18,156	16,257
Unrealized gains (losses)	543	1,894
Realized losses (gains)	0	-10
Sales	-18,604	0
Purchases	2	15
Transfers out of level 3	0	'
Transfers Into Level 3	'	0
Total	97	18,156
Hedge funds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balances at beginning of period	122	127
Unrealized gains (losses)	5	7
Realized losses (gains)	0	0
Sales	-14	-12
Purchases	0	0
Transfers out of level 3	0	'
Transfers Into Level 3	'	0
Total	$113	$122

Benefit_Plans_Multiemployer_Co

Benefit Plans - Multiemployer Co-op Retirement Plan (Details) (Co-op Retirement Plan, Multiemployer Plans, Pension, Pension Plans, Defined Benefit, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Co-op Retirement Plan | Multiemployer Plans, Pension | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Co-op Retirement Plan - Contributions of CHS	$2,079	$2,095	$1,885

Segment_Reporting_Narrative_De

Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details)	Aug. 31, 2014
TEMCO, LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership in equity method investment	50.00%
Ventura Foods, LLC	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership in equity method investment	50.00%
Ardent Mills LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership in equity method investment	12.00%
Ag Business | TEMCO, LLC [Member]	'
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 | Ardent Mills LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership in equity method investment	12.00%

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Info

Segment Reporting - Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	$42,664,033	$44,479,857	$40,599,286
Cost of goods sold	41,016,798	42,706,205	38,588,143
Gross profit	1,647,235	1,773,652	2,011,143
Marketing, general and administrative	602,598	553,623	498,233
Operating earnings	1,044,637	1,220,029	1,512,910
(Gain) loss on investments	-114,162	-182	5,465
Interest, net	134,942	231,567	193,263
Equity (income) loss from investments	-107,446	-97,350	-102,389
Income before income taxes	1,131,303	1,085,994	1,416,571
Sales	0	0	0
Goodwill	158,696	85,063	'
Capital expenditures	943,888	659,373	468,611
Depreciation and amortization	267,167	241,791	219,632
Total identifiable assets	15,146,979	13,504,270	'
Energy	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	14,319,979	12,982,293	12,816,542
Cost of goods sold	13,364,872	11,846,458	11,514,463
Gross profit	955,107	1,135,835	1,302,079
Marketing, general and administrative	154,992	172,136	155,786
Operating earnings	800,115	963,699	1,146,293
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0	4,008
Interest, net	68,434	148,366	122,302
Equity (income) loss from investments	-4,014	-1,357	-7,537
Income before income taxes	735,695	816,690	1,027,520
Sales	-577,539	-481,465	-467,583
Goodwill	1,165	1,165	'
Capital expenditures	564,104	452,859	294,560
Depreciation and amortization	133,757	120,447	109,496
Total identifiable assets	4,601,122	4,409,594	'
Ag Business	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	28,894,816	31,909,791	28,181,445
Cost of goods sold	28,273,515	31,341,453	27,544,040
Gross profit	621,301	568,338	637,405
Marketing, general and administrative	379,714	312,616	273,757
Operating earnings	241,587	255,722	363,648
(Gain) loss on investments	-1,949	-27	1,049
Interest, net	56,544	71,597	57,915
Equity (income) loss from investments	-22,279	-15,194	-22,737
Income before income taxes	209,271	199,346	327,421
Sales	-43,930	0	'
Goodwill	150,633	77,000	'
Capital expenditures	329,664	198,892	168,825
Depreciation and amortization	122,132	105,654	92,538
Total identifiable assets	6,657,840	6,146,547	'
Corporate and Other	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	70,707	69,238	68,882
Cost of goods sold	-120	-241	-2,777
Gross profit	70,827	69,479	71,659
Marketing, general and administrative	67,892	68,871	68,690
Operating earnings	2,935	608	2,969
(Gain) loss on investments	-112,213	-155	408
Interest, net	9,964	11,604	13,046
Equity (income) loss from investments	-81,153	-80,799	-72,115
Income before income taxes	186,337	69,958	61,630
Sales	0	0	'
Goodwill	6,898	6,898	'
Capital expenditures	50,120	7,622	5,226
Depreciation and amortization	11,278	15,690	17,598
Total identifiable assets	3,888,017	2,948,129	'
Reconciling Amounts	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	-621,469	-481,465	-467,583
Cost of goods sold	-621,469	-481,465	-467,583
Gross profit	0	0	0
Marketing, general and administrative	0	0	0
Operating earnings	0	0	0
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0	0
Interest, net	0	0	0
Equity (income) loss from investments	0	0	0
Income before income taxes	0	0	0
Sales	621,469	481,465	467,583
Goodwill	0	0	'
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Total identifiable assets	$0	$0	'

Segment_Reporting_Sales_By_Geo

Segment Reporting - Sales By Geographic Regions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	$42,302	$44,149	$40,301
North America	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	37,947	39,918	37,503
South America	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	2,119	2,511	1,444
Europe	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	1,594	1,040	1,064
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	$642	$680	$290

Derivatives_Purchase_and_Sales

Derivatives Purchase and Sales Contracts Outstanding (Details) (Forward Contracts [Member])	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
	Bushels	Bushels
Grain and oilseed contracts [Member] | Long [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	665,690,000	521,979,000
Grain and oilseed contracts [Member] | Short [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	938,140,000	806,295,000
Energy products [Member] | Long [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	27,754,000	12,626,000
Energy products [Member] | Short [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	50,450,000	21,312,000
Soy product contracts [Member] | Long [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	37,000	24,000
Soy product contracts [Member] | Short [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	1,212,000	847,000
Derivative number of units Crop nutrients contracts [Member] | Long [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	1,613,000	968,000
Derivative number of units Crop nutrients contracts [Member] | Short [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	1,607,000	1,050,000
Derivative number of units barge and freight [Member] | Long [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	5,423,000	1,225,000
Derivative number of units barge and freight [Member] | Short [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	4,005,000	151,000
Derivative number of units cargo and freight rail contracts [Member] | Long [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	321,000	220,000
Derivative number of units cargo and freight rail contracts [Member] | Short [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	186,000	43,000
Derivative number of units livestock [Member] | Long [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	0	0
Derivative number of units livestock [Member] | Short [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	46,280,000	17,280,000

Derivatives_Derivative_Assets_

Derivatives Derivative Assets and Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$210,164,000	($482,352,000)	$311,167,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	-5,595,000	-452,000	-5,219,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	114,000	300,000	206,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	204,683,000	-482,504,000	306,154,000
Interest Rate Contracts, Expiring During Fiscal 2015	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	400,000	'	'
Interest Rate Contracts, Expiring At Various Times Through Fiscal 2018 [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$5,000,000	'	'

Derivatives_Derivative_Instrum

Derivatives Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$599,990,000	$465,066,000
Derivative Assets	603,933,000	499,890,000
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	4,200,000	24,135,000
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	130,000	248,000
Derivative Assets	'	3,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$260,000,000	'

Derivatives_Narrative_Details

Derivatives Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.60%
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	$2.50
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	2.2
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4.2
Interest Rate Contracts, Expiring At Various Times Through Fiscal 2018 [Member]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	5
Interest Rate Contracts, Expiring During Fiscal 2015	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	0.4
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Gain on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring	$13.50

Derivatives_Reconcilation_of_G

Derivatives Reconcilation of Gross and Net (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Reconciliation of gross and net fair value of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	$603,933	$499,890
Derivative asset, fair value, gross amount not offset on Balance sheet	43,403	54,067
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	560,530	445,823
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	599,990	465,066
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	2,504	1,591
Derivative liability, fair value, gross amount not offset on balance sheet	43,403	54,067
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	554,083	409,408
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'
Reconciliation of gross and net fair value of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	2,523	7,079
Derivative asset, fair value, gross amount not offset on Balance sheet	1,174	957
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	1,349	6,122
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	2,248	5,925
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0
Derivative liability, fair value, gross amount not offset on balance sheet	1,174	957
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	1,074	4,968
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'
Reconciliation of gross and net fair value of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	597,210	468,673
Derivative asset, fair value, gross amount not offset on Balance sheet	42,229	53,107
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	554,981	415,566
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	597,612	458,893
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	2,504	1,591
Derivative liability, fair value, gross amount not offset on balance sheet	42,229	53,107
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	552,879	404,195
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]	'	'
Reconciliation of gross and net fair value of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	4,200	24,135
Derivative asset, fair value, gross amount not offset on Balance sheet	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	4,200	24,135
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]	'	'
Reconciliation of gross and net fair value of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	'	3
Derivative asset, fair value, gross amount not offset on Balance sheet	'	3
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	'	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	130	248
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0
Derivative liability, fair value, gross amount not offset on balance sheet	0	3
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	$130	$245

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
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	$0	$0
Deferred Compensation Assets, at Fair Value	83,217	105,936
Other assets	8,778	8,148
Total assets	173,108	179,419
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	2,248	5,925
Total liabilities	119,938	65,109
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]	'	'
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	2,523	6,894
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	78,590	58,441
Derivative Liability	117,690	59,184
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	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	921,554	1,203,383
Deferred Compensation Assets, at Fair Value	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	1,444,374	1,637,940
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total liabilities	480,052	399,958
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	0	185
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	518,620	410,233
Derivative Liability	479,922	399,710
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	4,200	24,139
Derivative Liability	130	248
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Deferred Compensation Assets, at Fair Value	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total liabilities	114,917	134,134
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
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	921,554	1,203,383
Deferred Compensation Assets, at Fair Value	83,217	105,936
Other assets	8,778	8,148
Total assets	1,617,482	1,817,359
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	2,248	5,925
Total liabilities	714,907	599,201
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]	'	'
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	2,523	7,079
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	597,210	468,674
Derivative Liability	597,612	458,894
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	4,200	24,139
Derivative Liability	130	248
NCRA [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	0
NCRA [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	0
NCRA [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interest	114,917	134,134
NCRA [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interest	$114,917	$134,134

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti

Fair Value Measurements - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3, Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontroling interests, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Contractual target crack spread margin (in dollars per share)	$17.50	[1]
Expected volatility	132.37%	[2]
Minimum	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Fair Value Inputs, Forward Crack Spread Margin Quotes and Management Estimates Based on Future Settlement	$13.58	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	0.09%	[4]
Expected life (years)	'1 year 0 months	[5]
Average	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Fair Value Inputs, Forward Crack Spread Margin Quotes and Management Estimates Based on Future Settlement	15.64	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	0.53%	[4]
Expected life (years)	'2 years 0 months 7 days	[5]
Maximum	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Fair Value Inputs, Forward Crack Spread Margin Quotes and Management Estimates Based on Future Settlement	17.07	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	0.94%	[4]
Expected life (years)	'3 years 0 months	[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interest	$114,917,000
[1]	Represents the minimum contractual threshold that would require settlement with the counterparties
[2]	Represents quarterly adjusted volatility estimates derived from daily historical market data
[3]	Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on future settlement dates
[4]	Represents yield curves for U.S. Treasury securities
[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) (Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontroling interests, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Balance - beginning	$134,134	$127,516
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0	-16,491
Balance - ending	114,917	134,134
Cost of Goods, Total	'	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Total gains included in cost of goods sold and net interest	($19,217)	$23,109

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	$18,000,000	'	'
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments	11,500,000	'	'
Insurance Recoveries	0	'	'
Guarantees [Abstract]	'	'	'
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	1,000,000,000	'	'
Guarantor obligations, current carrying value	105,200,000	'	'
Lease Commitments	'	'	'
Number of rail cars under operating lease commitments	3,000	'	'
Operating leases, rent expense, net	91,800,000	81,500,000	74,600,000
CHS Capital [Member]	'	'	'
Credit Commitments [Abstract]	'	'	'
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable additional available credit of counterparty	$1,100,000,000	'	'
Minimum	'	'	'
Lease Commitments	'	'	'
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	'1 year	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Lease Commitments	'	'	'
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	'12 years	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Noncancellable Operating Lease Payments (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments on Operating Lease Commitments	'
2015	$101,326
2016	74,489
2017	65,973
2018	50,685
2019	34,190
Thereafter	103,091
Total minimum future lease payments	429,754
Rail Cars	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments on Operating Lease Commitments	'
2015	24,329
2016	23,286
2017	21,926
2018	17,027
2019	11,682
Thereafter	11,261
Total minimum future lease payments	109,511
Vehicles	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments on Operating Lease Commitments	'
2015	15,344
2016	10,568
2017	7,761
2018	5,309
2019	2,406
Thereafter	1,791
Total minimum future lease payments	43,179
Equipment and Other	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments on Operating Lease Commitments	'
2015	61,653
2016	40,635
2017	36,286
2018	28,349
2019	20,102
Thereafter	90,039
Total minimum future lease payments	$277,064

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Purchase Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term unconditional purchase obligations, Total	$485,739,000	'	'
Long-term unconditional purchase obligations, Less than 1 Year	68,008,000	'	'
Long-term unconditional purchase obligations, 1 - 3 Years	124,367,000	'	'
Long-term unconditional purchase obligations, 3 - 5 Years	87,809,000	'	'
Long-term unconditional purchase obligations, More than 5 Years	205,555,000	'	'
Long-term unconditional purchase obligations, minimum amount required	415,000,000	'	'
Long-term unconditional purchase obligations, period amount purchase	$65,500,000	$62,400,000	$47,800,000

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_and_Oth2

Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Net cash paid during the period for:	'	'	'
Interest	$161,213	$256,538	$155,888
Income taxes	23,363	23,228	27,671
Other significant noncash investing and financing transactions:	'	'	'
Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted	200,000	0	0
Capital equity certificates issued in exchange for Ag Business acquisitions	14,278	18,211	29,155
Dividends and equities payable	409,961	390,153	578,809
Ardent Mills LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contribution of Property	$205,040	$0	$0

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	$0	$0	$0
Primarily TEMCO, Horizon Milling, United Harvest and Ventura Foods	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	3,247,197	2,963,468	2,185,348
Purchases	1,648,030	1,535,176	1,143,285
Receivables	16,737	25,159	'
Payables	$43,361	$31,485	'

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) (Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Payments to Acquire Assets, Investing Activities	$281.50	$12.70

Acquisitions_National_Cooperat

Acquisitions - National Cooperative Refinery Association Acquisition (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

37 Months Ended

46 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 29, 2011

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 29, 2011

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 29, 2011

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 29, 2011

Nov. 29, 2011

Nov. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Nov. 30, 2014

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Parent

Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontroling interests

Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontroling interests

Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontroling interests

Interest, Net

Interest, Net

Growmark

MFA

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

National Cooperative Refinery Association

Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member]

contingent_payments

contingent_payments

Growmark

MFA

Closings

Closings

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of voting interest acquired

'

'

'

25.57%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18.62%

6.96%

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of voting interest, owned before transaction

'

'

'

74.43%

84.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

88.90%

'

'

'

Number of separate closings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

4

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate base purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$255,500,000

$95,500,000

'

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Future Payments Due, First Three Closings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,000,000

18,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate base purchase price, amount paid at the second closing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,000,000

18,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate base purchase price, amount paid at the third closing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,000,000

18,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate base purchase price, amount paid at the final closing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

111,400,000

41,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

Number of purchase price payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

2

'

'

'

'

'

Current portion of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest

'

65,981,000

65,981,000

'

214,700,000

275,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares Subject To Mandatory Redemption, Interest Accretion

'

'

'

'

5,300,000

6,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase of noncontrolling interests

433,864,000

'

'

337,100,000

'

'

96,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

114,900,000

150,600,000

105,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-19,200,000

23,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Cash Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,500,000

'

'

'

0

Patronage earned by member

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$65,500,000

$142,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_Solbar_Industries

Acquisitions - Solbar Industries Ltd. Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Feb. 09, 2012
				Ag Business
				Solbar Industries Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$281,490,000	$12,711,000	$166,033,000	$128,700,000
Cash acquired in acquisition	'	'	'	6,600,000
Asset Impairment Charges	$74,500,000	'	'	'

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Valuation Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$94,589	$111,785	$119,026
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	9,313	-13,130	7,380
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	-263	-4,066	-14,621
Balance at End of Year	103,639	94,589	111,785
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	79,623	56,659	47,599
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	40,095	27,046	12,404
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	-8,209	-4,082	-3,344
Balance at End of Year	$111,509	$79,623	$56,659