CHS (CHSCP) 10-Q 8 Apr 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Apr. 08, 2015
DEI [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CHS Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	823277
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-23
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
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

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,262,360	$2,133,207
Receivables	2,514,849	2,988,563
Inventories	3,697,524	2,760,253
Derivative assets	614,004	603,933
Margin deposits	289,662	301,045
Supplier advance payments	841,339	331,345
Other current assets	566,401	279,304
Total current assets	9,786,139	9,397,650
Investments	995,279	923,227
Property, plant and equipment	4,404,578	4,031,023
Other assets	787,047	795,079
Total assets	15,973,043	15,146,979
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Notes payable	1,361,615	1,159,473
Current portion of long-term debt	150,172	156,836
Current portion of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	150,654	65,981
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	220,060	265,556
Customer advance payments	1,197,480	602,374
Checks and Drafts Outstanding	195,276	167,846
Accounts payable	1,615,943	2,208,211
Derivative liabilities	482,590	599,990
Accrued expenses	483,411	547,781
Dividends and equities payable	225,853	409,961
Total current liabilities	6,083,054	6,184,009
Long-term debt	1,168,236	1,299,664
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	148,756
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	609,916	566,647
Other liabilities	451,851	481,059
Commitments and contingencies
Equities:
Preferred stock	2,167,575	1,190,177
Equity certificates	3,777,984	3,816,428
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-162,395	-156,757
Capital reserves	1,865,364	1,598,660
Total CHS Inc. equities	7,648,528	6,448,508
Noncontrolling interests	11,458	18,336
Total equities	7,659,986	6,466,844
Total liabilities and equities	$15,973,043	$15,146,979

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$8,355,728	$9,680,274	$17,855,196	$20,706,395
Cost of goods sold	8,111,365	9,238,840	17,020,110	19,864,045
Gross profit	244,363	441,434	835,086	842,350
Marketing, general and administrative	170,775	155,771	332,743	288,912
Operating earnings	73,588	285,663	502,343	553,438
Loss (gain) on investments	-2,199	-2,609	-5,074	-2,609
Interest, net	9,490	28,989	30,091	59,774
Equity (income) loss from investments	-24,169	-31,049	-48,798	-63,727
Income before income taxes	90,466	290,332	526,124	560,000
Income taxes	-2,431	29,711	54,896	56,351
Net income	92,897	260,621	471,228	503,649
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	83	552	-289	1,394
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	$92,814	$260,069	$471,517	$502,255

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Net income	$92,897	$260,621	$471,228	$503,649
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	3,275	6,687	7,006	7,096
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	143	-430	773	1,488
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-2,167	-11,531	-2,409	-14,665
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-5,802	-2,856	-11,008	-2,484
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-4,551	-8,130	-5,638	-8,565
Comprehensive Income	88,346	252,491	465,590	495,084
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	83	552	-289	1,394
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to CHS	$88,263	$251,939	$465,879	$493,690

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Tax	$2,042	$4,123	$4,366	$4,375
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax expense (benefit)	88	-265	476	917
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax expense (benefit)	-1,336	-7,110	-1,485	-9,042
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax expense (benefit)	($3,576)	($1,760)	($6,786)	$1,531

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$471,228	$503,649
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	148,784	127,199
Amortization of deferred major repair costs	20,442	25,033
Equity (income) loss from investments	-48,798	-63,727
Distributions from equity investments	34,761	48,357
Noncash patronage dividends received	-3,999	-4,779
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-1,520	-1,520
Gain on investments	-5,074	-2,609
Unrealized (gain) loss on crack spread contingent liability	6,153	6,497
Deferred taxes	49,723	2,372
Other, net	20,483	11,520
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables	438,607	460,197
Inventories	-913,037	-693,903
Derivative assets	-1,479	-145,339
Margin deposits	11,565	-32,527
Supplier advance payments	-509,994	-637,003
Other current assets and other assets	33,814	-40,070
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	-74,746	-48,675
Customer advance payments	595,106	871,878
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-666,428	-558,254
Derivative liabilities	-121,696	88,628
Other liabilities	-42,171	51,862
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-558,276	-31,214
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-512,510	-389,537
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment	4,142	3,081
Expenditures for Major Repairs	-8,347	0
Purchase of short-term investments	-315,000	0
Investments in joint ventures and other	-57,418	-19,849
Investments redeemed	3,189	4,164
Proceeds from sale of investments	8,284	2,725
Changes in notes receivable	14,363	-243,247
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-2,371	-97,858
Other investing activities, net	-4,554	-3,577
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-870,222	-744,098
Cash flows from financing activities:
Changes in notes payable	201,333	184,948
Long-term debt borrowings	3,546	1,426
Principal payments on long-term debt	-150,354	-136,389
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest payments	-65,981	-65,981
Payments on crack spread contingent liability	0	-8,670
Changes in checks and drafts outstanding	28,715	16,253
Preferred stock issued	1,010,000	282,979
Preferred stock issuance costs	-32,602	-9,655
Preferred stock dividends paid	-54,759	-18,153
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-430	-575
Retirements of equities	-108,723	-79,656
Cash Patronage Dividends Paid	-275,553	-287,736
Other financing activities, net	-282	1,172
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	554,910	-120,037
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,741	-4,014
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-870,847	-899,363
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,133,207	1,808,532
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$1,262,360	$909,169

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 28, 2015, the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, reflect in the opinion of our management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations and cash flows for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full fiscal year because of, among other things, the seasonal nature of our businesses. Our Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of August 31, 2014, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
	The notes to our consolidated financial statements make reference to our Energy and Ag reportable segments, as well as our Corporate and Other category, which represents an aggregation of individually immaterial operating segments. See Note 10, Segment Reporting for more information.
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CHS and all of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and limited liability companies, including National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA) in our Energy segment. The effects of all significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
	These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended August 31, 2014, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
	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 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities and Note 12, 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.
	Major Maintenance Activities
	In our Energy segment, major maintenance activities (turnarounds) at our two refineries are accounted for under the deferral method. Turnarounds are the scheduled and required shutdowns of refinery processing units. The costs related to the significant overhaul and refurbishment activities include materials and direct labor costs. The costs of turnarounds are deferred when incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of time estimated to lapse until the next turnaround occurs, which is generally 2 to 4 years. The amortization expense related to turnaround costs 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.
	For the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, major repairs turnaround expenditures were $7.2 million and $8.3 million, respectively. There were no turnaround expenditures for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." ASU No. 2015-02 amended the process that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2015, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2017.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, "Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity." The amendments in this ASU do not change the current criteria in GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. The amendments clarify that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features, including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation, in evaluating the nature of the host contract. The ASU applies to all entities that are issuers of, or investors in, hybrid financial instruments that are issued in the form of a share and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-16 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2016.
	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 good 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 for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method and we are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2018.

Receivables

Receivables	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables
		February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	1,659,243	$	2,153,929
	CHS Capital notes receivable	645,195		633,475
	Other	313,288		304,798
		2,617,726		3,092,202
	Less allowances and reserves	102,877		103,639
	Total receivables	$	2,514,849	$	2,988,563
	Trade accounts receivable are initially recorded at a selling price, which approximates fair value, upon the sale of goods or services to customers. Subsequently, trade accounts receivable are carried at net realizable value, which includes an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, level of past due accounts, and our relationships with, and the economics status of, our customers.
	CHS Capital, LLC (CHS Capital), our wholly-owned subsidiary, has notes receivable from commercial borrowers and producer borrowings. The short-term notes receivable generally have terms of 12-14 months and are reported at their outstanding principle balances as CHS Capital has the ability and intent to hold these notes to maturity. The carrying value of CHS Capital notes receivable approximates fair value, given their short duration and the use of market pricing adjusted for risk. The notes receivable from commercial borrowers are collateralized by various combinations of mortgages, personal property, accounts and notes receivable, inventories and assignments of certain regional cooperatives' capital stock. These loans are primarily originated in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Michigan. CHS Capital also has loans receivable from producer borrowers which are collateralized by various combinations of growing crops, livestock, inventories, accounts receivable, personal property and supplemental mortgages. In addition to the short-term amounts included in the table above, CHS Capital had long-term notes receivable with durations of not more than 10 years of $148.3 million and $159.7 million at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively. The long-term notes receivable are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 the commercial notes represented 51% and 46%, respectively, and the producer notes represented 49% and 54%, respectively, of the total CHS Capital notes receivable.
	CHS Capital evaluates the collectability of both commercial and producer notes on a specific identification basis, based on the amount and quality of the collateral obtained, and records specific loan loss reserves when appropriate. A general reserve is also maintained based on historical loss experience and various qualitative factors. In total, our specific and general loan loss reserves related to CHS Capital are not material to our consolidated financial statements, nor are the historical write-offs. The accrual of interest income is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-collateralized and in process of collection. The amount of CHS Capital notes that were past due was not material at any reporting date presented.
	CHS Capital has commitments to extend credit to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. As of February 28, 2015, customers of CHS Capital have additional available credit of approximately $1.0 billion.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
		February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed	$	1,444,271	$	961,327
	Energy	831,639		875,719
	Crop nutrients	479,320		374,023
	Feed and farm supplies	869,425		448,454
	Processed grain and oilseed	68,437		84,498
	Other	4,432		16,232
	Total inventories	$	3,697,524	$	2,760,253
	As of February 28, 2015, we valued approximately 14% of inventories, primarily related to Energy, using the lower of cost, determined on the LIFO method, or market (16% as of August 31, 2014). If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been higher than the reported amount by $147.6 million and $538.7 million at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs, and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments
	As of August 31, 2014, we owned 84.0% of NCRA and with the closings in September 2014, our ownership increased to 88.9%. In fiscal 2012, we entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining shares of NCRA from Growmark Inc. and MFA Oil Company in separate closings to be held annually through fiscal 2016. Pursuant to this agreement, we made payments during the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 of $66.0 million and $66.0 million, respectively. The present value of the remaining payments is included as mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition to these payments, we paid $16.5 million during the six months ended February 28, 2014 related to the associated crack spread contingent liability. The fair value of the remaining contingent liability was $121.1 million as of February 28, 2015.
	Equity Method 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.
	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 February 28, 2015, our carrying value of Ventura Foods exceeded our share of their equity by $12.9 million, which represents equity method goodwill. As of February 28, 2015, the carrying value of our investment in Ventura Foods was $331.6 million.
	In fiscal 2014, we formed Ardent Mills, LLC (Ardent Mills), a joint venture with Cargill Incorporated (Cargill) and ConAgra Foods, Inc., which combines the North American flour milling operations of the three parent companies, giving CHS a 12% interest in Ardent Mills. Prior to closing, we contributed $32.8 million to Horizon Milling, LLC 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 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 February 28, 2015, the carrying value of our investment in Ardent Mills was $204.4 million.
	TEMCO, LLC (TEMCO) is owned and governed by Cargill (50%) and CHS (50%). Both owners have committed 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 through January 2037. We account for TEMCO as an equity method investment included in our Ag segment. As of February 28, 2015, the carrying value of our investment in TEMCO was $63.5 million.
	Other Short-Term Investments
	As of February 28, 2015, we have invested $315.0 million of the proceeds from the September 2014 Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock issuance (see Note 8, Equities for additional information) in time deposits with original maturities of six and nine months with select highly-rated financial institution counterparties. These short-term investments are included in other current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Plant, Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment
	As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, total property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, was $4.4 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively. The increase in fiscal 2015 is driven by an increase in construction in progress of $358.7 million related primarily to capital projects at our refineries and the fertilizer plant project discussed below.
	In September 2014, our Board of Directors approved plans to construct a nitrogen fertilizer plant located in Spiritwood, North Dakota. We currently estimate the construction costs to be more than $3.0 billion, with the plant anticipated to be operational during calendar year 2018. As of February 28, 2015, we have capitalized approximately $68.4 million related to this project. As required by GAAP, we review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances, including significant changes in actual or expected operating results, indicate that the asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable.
	Depreciation expense during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 was $72.7 million and $143.2 million, respectively. Depreciation expense during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 was $60.7 million and $120.1 million, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Notes

Goodwill and Intangibles (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill of $154.9 million and $158.7 million on February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively, is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended February 28, 2015, by segment, are as follows:
		Energy		Ag			Corporate		Total
							and Other
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balances, August 31, 2014	$	552	$	151,246		$	6,898	$	158,696
	Goodwill acquired during the period	—		388			—		388
	Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	—		(4,217		)	—		(4,217		)
	Balances, February 28, 2015	$	552	$	147,417		$	6,898	$	154,867
	Intangible assets subject to amortization primarily include customer lists, trademarks and agreements not to compete, and are amortized over their respective useful lives (ranging from 2 to 30 years). Information regarding intangible assets included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:
		February 28,							August 31,
		2015							2014
		Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Customer lists	$	70,375	$	(28,472	)	$	41,903	$	69,862		$	(26,114	)	$	43,748
	Trademarks and other intangible assets	42,402		(30,853		)	11,549		41,293			(29,587		)	11,706
	Total intangible assets	$	112,777	$	(59,325	)	$	53,452	$	111,155		$	(55,701	)	$	55,454
	Total amortization expense for intangible assets during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 was $1.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Total amortization expense for intangible assets during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 was $2.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization for the next five years is as follows:
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Year 1	$	7,089
	Year 2	6,409
	Year 3	4,802
	Year 4	3,609
	Year 5	3,489

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 February 28, 2015.
		February 28, 2015			August 31, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Notes payable	$	1,015,783		$	840,699
	CHS Capital notes payable	345,832			318,774
	Total notes payable	$	1,361,615		$	1,159,473
	On February 28, 2015, our primary line of credit was a five-year revolving facility with a committed amount of $2.5 billion. We had no amounts outstanding as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014.
	Interest, net for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended February 28,						For the Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest expense	$	19,574		$	11,836		$	40,610		$	34,426
	Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interests	4,860			21,273			18,928			32,397
	Capitalized interest	(12,706		)	(2,526		)	(24,611		)	(3,862		)
	Interest income	(2,238		)	(1,594		)	(4,836		)	(3,187		)
	Interest, net	$	9,490		$	28,989		$	30,091		$	59,774
	We terminated interest rate swaps and recorded a resulting $13.5 million gain as a reduction to interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014. See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information.

Equities

Equities	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Equities	Equities
	Preferred Stock
	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 Reset Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 3 (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 $476.7 million. The Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol CHSCM and accumulates dividends at a rate of 6.75% per year to, but excluding, September 30, 2024, and at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.155%, not to exceed 8.00% per annum thereafter, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 3 Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning September 30, 2024.
	In January 2015, we issued 20,700,000 shares of Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series 4 (Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock) with a total redemption value of $517.5 million, excluding accumulated dividends. Net proceeds from the sale of our Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us, were approximately $501.1 million. The Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol CHSCL and accumulates dividends at a rate of 7.50% per year, which are payable quarterly. Our Class B Series 4 Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option beginning January 21, 2025.
	Changes in Equities
	Changes in equities for the six months ended February 28, 2015 are as follows:
		Equity Certificates												Accumulated
														Other
														Comprehensive
		Capital			Nonpatronage			Nonqualified Equity Certificates			Preferred			Loss			Capital			Noncontrolling			Total
		Equity			Equity						Stock						Reserves			Interests			Equities
		Certificates			Certificates
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balances, August 31, 2014	$	3,508,473		$	23,256		$	284,699		$	1,190,177		$	(156,757	)	$	1,598,660		$	18,336		$	6,466,844
	Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates	(282,290		)	—			(148,579		)	—			—			810,641			—			379,772
	Distribution of 2014 patronage refunds	395,287			—			147,379			—			—			(818,219		)	—			(275,553		)
	Redemptions of equities	(108,442		)	(79		)	(221		)	—			—			19			—			(108,723		)
	Equities issued	12,365			—			—			977,398			—			—			—			989,763
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			—			(64,723		)	—			(64,723		)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			—			(430		)	(430		)
	Other, net	(258		)	—			(606		)	—			—			169			(6,159		)	(6,854		)
	Net income	—			—			—			—			—			471,517			(289		)	471,228
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	—			—			—			—			(5,638		)	—			—			(5,638		)
	Estimated 2015 cash patronage refunds	—			—			—			—			—			(132,700		)	—			(132,700		)
	Estimated 2015 equity redemptions	(53,000		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			(53,000		)
	Balances, February 28, 2015	$	3,472,135		$	23,177		$	282,672		$	2,167,575		$	(162,395	)	$	1,865,364		$	11,458		$	7,659,986
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, were as follows for the six months ended February 28, 2015:
		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, 2014	$	(151,852	)	$	4,398		$	(2,722	)	$	(6,581	)	$	(156,757	)
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	236			773			(2,658		)	(11,008		)	(12,657		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6,770			—			249			—			7,019
	Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	7,006			773			(2,409		)	(11,008		)	(5,638		)
	Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	(144,846	)	$	5,171		$	(5,131	)	$	(17,589	)	$	(162,395	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were primarily related to pension and other postretirement benefits 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 9, Benefit Plans.

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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.
	Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
		Qualified						Non-Qualified				Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits						Pension Benefits
		2015			2014			2015		2014		2015			2014
	Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended February 28 are as follows:	(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	9,058		$	7,802		$	225	$	248	$	474		$	476
	Interest cost	7,002			8,240			352		486		415			502
	Expected return on assets	(12,436		)	(11,082		)	—		—		—			—
	Prior service cost (credit) amortization	409			398			57		57		(30		)	(30		)
	Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	4,907			4,445			261		241		(106		)	(311		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	8,940		$	9,803		$	895	$	1,032	$	753		$	637
	Components of net periodic benefit costs for the six months ended February 28 are as follows:
	Service cost	$	18,116		$	15,269		$	450	$	427	$	946		$	958
	Interest cost	14,016			14,938			704		822		830			1,021
	Expected return on assets	(24,874		)	(23,816		)	—		—		—			—
	Prior service cost (credit) amortization	816			797			114		114		(60		)	(60		)
	Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	9,808			9,089			522		468		(211		)	(187		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	17,882		$	16,277		$	1,790	$	1,831	$	1,505		$	1,732
	Employer Contributions
	Total contributions to be made during fiscal 2015, including the NCRA plan, will depend primarily on market returns on the pension plan assets and minimum funding level requirements. During the six months ended February 28, 2015, CHS and NCRA made no contributions to the pension plans. At this time, we do not anticipate having to make a required contribution for our benefit plans in fiscal 2015, but we may make a voluntary contribution during our fourth quarter.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 consist of commodities hedging, insurance and financial services related to crop production.
	Corporate administrative expenses are allocated to each business segment, and Corporate and Other, based on direct usage for services that can be tracked, such as information technology and legal, and other factors or considerations relevant to the costs incurred.
	Prior to fiscal 2015, our renewable fuels marketing business was included in our Energy segment and our renewable fuels production business was included in our Ag segment. Effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we reorganized certain parts of our business to better align our ethanol supply chain. As a result, our renewable fuels marketing business is now managed together with our renewable fuels production business within our Ag segment. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 280, Segment Reporting, we have identified our operating segments to reflect the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and manages the business, and we have aggregated those operating segments into our reportable Energy and Ag segments. Prior period segment information below has been revised to reflect this change to ensure comparability.
	Many of our business activities are highly seasonal and operating results will vary throughout the year. Historically, our income is generally lowest during the second fiscal quarter and highest during the third fiscal quarter. For example, in our Ag segment, agronomy and country operations businesses experience higher volumes and income during the spring planting season and in the fall, which corresponds to harvest. Also in our Ag segment, our grain marketing operations are subject to fluctuations in volumes and earnings based on producer harvests, world grain prices and demand. Our Energy segment generally experiences higher volumes and profitability in certain operating areas, such as refined products, in the summer and early fall when gasoline and diesel fuel usage is highest and is subject to global supply and demand forces. Other energy products, such as propane, may experience higher volumes and profitability during the winter heating and crop drying seasons.
	Our revenues, assets and cash flows can be significantly affected by global market prices for commodities such as petroleum products, natural gas, grains, oilseeds, crop nutrients and flour. Changes in market prices for commodities that we purchase without a corresponding change in the selling prices of those products can affect revenues and operating earnings. Commodity prices are affected by a wide range of factors beyond our control, including the weather, crop damage due to disease or insects, 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 three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
	For the Three Months Ended February 28, 2015:	(Dollars in thousands)
	Revenues	$	1,947,297		$	6,501,280		$	16,803		$	(109,652	)	$	8,355,728
	Cost of goods sold	1,894,418			6,326,607			(8		)	(109,652		)	8,111,365
	Gross profit	52,879			174,673			16,811			—			244,363
	Marketing, general and administrative	46,758			106,671			17,346			—			170,775
	Operating earnings (losses)	6,121			68,002			(535		)	—			73,588
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			—			(2,199		)	—			(2,199		)
	Interest, net	(7,264		)	14,399			2,355			—			9,490
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(736		)	(4,442		)	(18,991		)	—			(24,169		)
	Income before income taxes	$	14,121		$	58,045		$	18,300		$	—		$	90,466
	Intersegment revenues	$	(105,567	)	$	(4,085	)	$	—		$	109,652		$	—
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
	For the Three Months Ended February 28, 2014:
	Revenues	$	2,961,193		$	6,833,365		$	17,445		$	(131,729	)	$	9,680,274
	Cost of goods sold	2,676,335			6,694,245			(11		)	(131,729		)	9,238,840
	Gross profit	284,858			139,120			17,456			—			441,434
	Marketing, general and administrative	38,042			99,985			17,744			—			155,771
	Operating earnings (losses)	246,816			39,135			(288		)	—			285,663
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			116			(2,725		)	—			(2,609		)
	Interest, net	18,578			9,190			1,221			—			28,989
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(849		)	(8,213		)	(21,987		)	—			(31,049		)
	Income before income taxes	$	229,087		$	38,042		$	23,203		$	—		$	290,332
	Intersegment revenues	$	(131,729	)	$	—		$	—		$	131,729		$	—
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
	For the Six Months Ended February 28, 2015:
	Revenues	$	4,965,750		$	13,143,319		$	35,796		$	(289,669	)	$	17,855,196
	Cost of goods sold	4,598,852			12,710,939			(12		)	(289,669		)	17,020,110
	Gross profit	366,898			432,380			35,808			—			835,086
	Marketing, general and administrative	80,126			210,548			42,069			—			332,743
	Operating earnings (losses)	286,772			221,832			(6,261		)	—			502,343
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			(2,875		)	(2,199		)	—			(5,074		)
	Interest, net	(3,443		)	28,806			4,728			—			30,091
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(1,076		)	(4,463		)	(43,259		)	—			(48,798		)
	Income before income taxes	$	291,291		$	200,364		$	34,469		$	—		$	526,124
	Intersegment revenues	$	(280,520	)	$	(9,149	)	$	—		$	289,669		$	—
	Capital expenditures	$	273,989		$	212,140		$	26,381		$	—		$	512,510
	Depreciation and amortization	$	69,118		$	73,408		$	6,258		$	—		$	148,784
	Total assets at February 28, 2015	$	4,322,316		$	8,237,930		$	3,412,797		$	—		$	15,973,043
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
	For the Six Months Ended February 28, 2014:
	Revenues	$	6,202,509		$	14,764,699		$	34,208		$	(295,021	)	$	20,706,395
	Cost of goods sold	5,748,029			14,411,048			(11		)	(295,021		)	19,864,045
	Gross profit	454,480			353,651			34,219			—			842,350
	Marketing, general and administrative	70,097			186,768			32,047			—			288,912
	Operating earnings (losses)	384,383			166,883			2,172			—			553,438
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			116			(2,725		)	—			(2,609		)
	Interest, net	31,022			24,287			4,465			—			59,774
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(2,157		)	(14,690		)	(46,880		)	—			(63,727		)
	Income before income taxes	$	355,518		$	157,170		$	47,312		$	—		$	560,000
Intersegment revenues	$	(295,021	)	$	—		$	—		$	295,021		$	—
Capital expenditures	$	221,742		$	159,810		$	7,985		$	—		$	389,537
Depreciation and amortization	$	66,174		$	55,603		$	5,422		$	—		$	127,199
Total assets at February 28, 2014	$	4,091,794		$	7,678,688		$	2,533,775		$	—		$	14,304,257

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	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. Derivative instruments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as discussed in Note 12, Fair Value Measurements.
	The following tables present the gross fair values of derivative assets, derivative liabilities, and margin deposits (cash collateral) recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets along with the related amounts permitted to be offset in accordance with GAAP. We have elected not to offset derivative assets and liabilities when we have the right of offset under FASB 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.
		February 28, 2015
						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	$	595,994			$	—			$	131,627			$	464,367
	Foreign exchange derivatives	5,620				—				787				4,833
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	12,390				—				—				12,390
	Total	$	614,004			$	—			$	132,414			$	481,590
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	464,985			$	1,279			$	131,627			$	332,079
	Foreign exchange derivatives	13,215				—				787				12,428
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	4,296				—				—				4,296
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	94				—				—				94
	Total	$	482,590			$	1,279			$	132,414			$	348,897
		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
	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 accounted for as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.
				For the Three Months Ended February 28,								For the Six Months Ended February 28,
		Location of		2015				2014				2015				2014
		Gain (Loss)
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Commodity and freight derivatives	Cost of goods sold		$	208,794			$	81,210			$	212,793			$	61,421
	Foreign exchange derivatives	Cost of goods sold		(12,525		)		(1,581		)		(10,114		)		(2,003		)
	Interest rate derivatives	Interest, net		45				52				74				51
	Total			$	196,314			$	79,681			$	202,753			$	59,469
	Commodity and Freight Contracts:
	As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, we had the following outstanding purchase and sales contracts:
		28-Feb-15					31-Aug-14
		Purchase			Sales		Purchase			Sales
		Contracts			Contracts		Contracts			Contracts
		(Units in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed - bushels	716,952			1,380,157		665,690			938,140
	Energy products - barrels	57,686			55,030		27,754			50,450
	Soy products - tons	4,192			3,660		37			1,212
	Crop nutrients - tons	134			3,091		1,613			1,607
	Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	5,006			3,308		5,423			4,005
	Rail freight - rail cars	202			117		321			186
	Livestock - pounds	21,320			200		—			46,280
	Foreign Exchange Contracts:
	We conduct a substantial portion 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 have minimal risk relating to foreign currency fluctuations, as substantially all international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. From time to time, we enter into foreign currency futures contracts to mitigate currency fluctuations. Although our overall risk relating to foreign currency fluctuations is minimal, these 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 February 28, 2015, we had $5.6 million included in derivative assets and $13.2 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 underlying loans with a combined notional amount of $3.9 million expiring at various times through fiscal 2018, with $0.1 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.
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedging Strategies
	As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, we have certain derivatives designated as cash flow and fair value hedges.
	Interest Rate Contracts:
	We have outstanding interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $420.0 million designated as fair value hedges of portions of our fixed-rate debt. Our objective in entering into these transactions 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 the six months ended February 28, 2015, we recorded offsetting fair value adjustments of $8.2 million, with no ineffectiveness recorded in earnings.
	During the six months ended February 28, 2015, we entered into interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $300.0 million designated as cash flow hedges of the expected variability of future interest payments on our anticipated issuance of fixed-rate debt. The swaps expire in fiscal 2016 with no amounts expected to be included in earnings during the next 12 months.
In fiscal 2013, we entered into interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges of the expected variability of future interest payments on the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt. Gains and losses related to these swaps were initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. In February 2014, the swaps were terminated as the issuance of the underlying debt was no longer probable and, as a result, a $13.5 million pre-tax gain was reclassified into net income in that period.
The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income relating to cash flow hedges for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.
		For the Three Months Ended February 28,								For the Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
Interest rate derivatives		$	(3,702	)		$	(5,299	)		$	(4,296	)		$	(10,580	)
The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) relating to cash flow hedges that were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.
			For the Three Months Ended February 28,								For the Six Months Ended February 28,
	Location of		2015				2014				2015				2014
	Gain (Loss)
			(Dollars in thousands)
Interest rate derivatives	Interest income (expense)		$	(199	)		$	13,360			$	(402	)		$	13,143

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The following tables present assets and liabilities, included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicate the fair value hierarchy utilized to determine such fair values. 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 February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 are as follows:
		28-Feb-15
		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	$	—			$	1,246,484			$	—	$	1,246,484
	Commodity and freight derivatives	126,415				469,579				—		595,994
	Foreign currency derivatives	5,620				—				—		5,620
	Interest rate swap derivatives	—				12,390				—		12,390
	Deferred compensation assets	84,479				—				—		84,479
	Other assets	11,013				—				—		11,013
	Total	$	227,527			$	1,728,453			$	—	$	1,955,980
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	157,780			$	307,205			$	—	$	464,985
	Interest rate swap derivatives	—				4,390				—		4,390
	Foreign currency derivatives	13,215				—				—		13,215
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests	—				—				121,070		121,070
	Total	$	170,995			$	311,595			$	121,070	$	603,660
		August 31, 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
	Total	$	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 related to purchase of noncontrolling interests	—				—				114,917		114,917
	Total	$	119,938			$	480,052			$	114,917	$	714,907
	Readily marketable inventories — Our readily marketable inventories primarily include grain, oilseed, and minimally processed soy-based inventories that are stated at fair values. These commodities are readily marketable, have quoted market prices and may be sold without significant additional processing. We estimate the fair market values of these inventories included in Level 2 primarily based on exchange quoted prices, adjusted for differences in local markets. Changes in the fair market values of these inventories are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of cost of goods sold.
	Commodity, freight and foreign currency derivatives — Exchange traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. Our forward commodity purchase and sales contracts, flat price or basis fixed derivative contracts, ocean freight contracts and other OTC derivatives are determined using inputs that are generally based on exchange traded prices and/or recent market bids and offers, adjusted for location specific inputs, and are classified within Level 2. The location specific inputs are generally broker or dealer quotations, or market transactions in either the listed or OTC markets. Changes in the fair values of these contracts are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of cost of goods sold.
	Interest rate swap derivatives — Fair values of our interest rate swap liabilities are determined utilizing valuation models that are widely accepted in the market to value such OTC derivative contracts. The specific terms of the contracts, as well as market observable inputs, such as interest rates and credit risk assumptions, are factored into the models. As all significant inputs are market observable, all interest rate swaps are classified within Level 2. Changes in the fair values of contracts not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of interest, net. See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information about interest rate swaps designated as fair value and cash flow hedges.
	Deferred compensation and other assets — Our deferred compensation investments, Rabbi Trust assets and available-for-sale investments in common stock of other companies 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.
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payment related to purchase of noncontrolling interests — The fair value of the accrued 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		28-Feb-15		Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input		(Weighted Average)
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests		$121,070		Adjusted Black-Scholes option pricing model		Forward crack spread margin on February 28, 2015 (a)		$20.78-$21.79 ($21.55)
							Contractual target crack spread margin (b)		$17.50
							Expected volatility (c)		165.25%
							Risk-free interest rate (d)		0.09%-0.94% (0.53%)
							Expected life - years (e)		0.50-2.50 (1.57)
	(a) Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on future settlement dates
	(b) Represents the minimum contractual threshold that would require settlement with the counterparties
	(c) Represents quarterly adjusted volatility estimates derived from daily historical market data
	(d) Represents yield curves for U.S. Treasury securities
	(e) Represents the range in the number of years remaining related to each contingent payment
Valuation processes for Level 3 measurements — Management is responsible for determining the fair value of our Level 3 financial instruments. Option pricing methods are utilized, as indicated above. Inputs used in the option pricing models are based on quotes obtained from third party vendors as well as management estimates for periods in which quotes cannot be obtained. Each reporting period, management reviews the unobservable inputs provided by third-party vendors for reasonableness utilizing relevant information available to us. Management also takes into consideration current and expected market trends and compares the liability’s fair value to hypothetical payments using known historical market data to assess reasonableness of the resulting fair value.
Sensitivity analysis of Level 3 measurements — The significant unobservable inputs that are susceptible to periodic fluctuations used in the fair value measurement of the accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to the purchase of noncontrolling interests are the adjusted forward crack spread margin and the expected volatility. Significant increases (decreases) in either of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Although changes in the expected volatility are driven by fluctuations in the underlying crack spread margin, changes in expected volatility are not necessarily accompanied by a directionally similar change in the forward crack spread margin. Directional changes in the expected volatility can be affected by a multitude of factors including the magnitude of daily fluctuations in the underlying market data, market trends, timing of fluctuations, and other factors.
The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively:
		Level 3 Liabilities
		Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
		2015				2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
Balances, November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively		$	86,520			$	150,991
Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold		34,550				(10,360		)
Balances, February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively		$	121,070			$	140,631
The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively:
		Level 3 Liabilities
		Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
		2015				2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
Balances, August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively		$	114,917			$	134,134
Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold		6,153				6,497
Balances, February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively		$	121,070			$	140,631
There were no material transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 assets and liabilities.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies
	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, and are not recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Minimum future payments required under long-term unconditional purchase obligations as of February 28, 2015 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	$	1,051,453	$	61,285	$	170,393	$	152,840	$	666,935
	The discounted, aggregate amount of the minimum required payments under long-term unconditional purchase obligations, based on current exchange rates at February 28, 2015 is $838.1 million.
	Guarantees
	We are a guarantor for lines of credit and performance obligations of related companies. As of February 28, 2015, our bank covenants allowed maximum guarantees of $1.0 billion, of which $117.6 million was outstanding. We have collateral for a portion of these contingent obligations. We have not recorded a liability related to the contingent obligations as we do not expect to pay out any cash related to them, and the fair values are considered immaterial. The underlying loans to the counterparties for which we provide guarantees are current as of February 28, 2015.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CHS and all of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and limited liability companies, including National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA) in our Energy segment. The effects of all significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	In our Energy segment, major maintenance activities (turnarounds) at our two refineries are accounted for under the deferral method. Turnarounds are the scheduled and required shutdowns of refinery processing units. The costs related to the significant overhaul and refurbishment activities include materials and direct labor costs. The costs of turnarounds are deferred when incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of time estimated to lapse until the next turnaround occurs, which is generally 2 to 4 years. The amortization expense related to turnaround costs 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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." ASU No. 2015-02 amended the process that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2015, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2017.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, "Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity." The amendments in this ASU do not change the current criteria in GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. The amendments clarify that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features, including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation, in evaluating the nature of the host contract. The ASU applies to all entities that are issuers of, or investors in, hybrid financial instruments that are issued in the form of a share and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-16 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2016.
	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 good 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 for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method and we are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2018.

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
		February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	1,659,243	$	2,153,929
	CHS Capital notes receivable	645,195		633,475
	Other	313,288		304,798
		2,617,726		3,092,202
	Less allowances and reserves	102,877		103,639
	Total receivables	$	2,514,849	$	2,988,563

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current
		February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed	$	1,444,271	$	961,327
	Energy	831,639		875,719
	Crop nutrients	479,320		374,023
	Feed and farm supplies	869,425		448,454
	Processed grain and oilseed	68,437		84,498
	Other	4,432		16,232
	Total inventories	$	3,697,524	$	2,760,253

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Table

Goodwill and Intangibles (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
		Energy		Ag			Corporate		Total
							and Other
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balances, August 31, 2014	$	552	$	151,246		$	6,898	$	158,696
	Goodwill acquired during the period	—		388			—		388
	Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	—		(4,217		)	—		(4,217		)
	Balances, February 28, 2015	$	552	$	147,417		$	6,898	$	154,867
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Year 1	$	7,089
	Year 2	6,409
	Year 3	4,802
	Year 4	3,609
	Year 5	3,489
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]
		February 28,							August 31,
		2015							2014
		Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Customer lists	$	70,375	$	(28,472	)	$	41,903	$	69,862		$	(26,114	)	$	43,748
	Trademarks and other intangible assets	42,402		(30,853		)	11,549		41,293			(29,587		)	11,706
	Total intangible assets	$	112,777	$	(59,325	)	$	53,452	$	111,155		$	(55,701	)	$	55,454

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb1

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments
		February 28, 2015			August 31, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Notes payable	$	1,015,783		$	840,699
	CHS Capital notes payable	345,832			318,774
	Total notes payable	$	1,361,615		$	1,159,473
Schedule of Interest,Net	Interest, net for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended February 28,						For the Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest expense	$	19,574		$	11,836		$	40,610		$	34,426
	Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interests	4,860			21,273			18,928			32,397
	Capitalized interest	(12,706		)	(2,526		)	(24,611		)	(3,862		)
	Interest income	(2,238		)	(1,594		)	(4,836		)	(3,187		)
	Interest, net	$	9,490		$	28,989		$	30,091		$	59,774
	We terminated interest rate swaps and recorded a resulting $13.5 million gain as a reduction to interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014. See Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information.

Equities_Tables

Equities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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, were as follows for the six months ended February 28, 2015:
		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, 2014	$	(151,852	)	$	4,398	$	(2,722	)	$	(6,581	)	$	(156,757	)
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	236			773		(2,658		)	(11,008		)	(12,657		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6,770			—		249			—			7,019
	Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	7,006			773		(2,409		)	(11,008		)	(5,638		)
	Balance as of February 28, 2015	$	(144,846	)	$	5,171	$	(5,131	)	$	(17,589	)	$	(162,395	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were primarily related to pension and other postretirement benefits 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 9, Benefit Plans.
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	Changes in equities for the six months ended February 28, 2015 are as follows:

Benefit_Plans_Schedule_of_Net_

Benefit Plans Schedule of Net Benefit Costs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]
		Qualified						Non-Qualified				Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits						Pension Benefits
		2015			2014			2015		2014		2015			2014
	Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended February 28 are as follows:	(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	9,058		$	7,802		$	225	$	248	$	474		$	476
	Interest cost	7,002			8,240			352		486		415			502
	Expected return on assets	(12,436		)	(11,082		)	—		—		—			—
	Prior service cost (credit) amortization	409			398			57		57		(30		)	(30		)
	Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	4,907			4,445			261		241		(106		)	(311		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	8,940		$	9,803		$	895	$	1,032	$	753		$	637
	Components of net periodic benefit costs for the six months ended February 28 are as follows:
	Service cost	$	18,116		$	15,269		$	450	$	427	$	946		$	958
	Interest cost	14,016			14,938			704		822		830			1,021
	Expected return on assets	(24,874		)	(23,816		)	—		—		—			—
	Prior service cost (credit) amortization	816			797			114		114		(60		)	(60		)
	Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	9,808			9,089			522		468		(211		)	(187		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	17,882		$	16,277		$	1,790	$	1,831	$	1,505		$	1,732

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Segment information for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
	For the Three Months Ended February 28, 2015:	(Dollars in thousands)
	Revenues	$	1,947,297		$	6,501,280		$	16,803		$	(109,652	)	$	8,355,728
	Cost of goods sold	1,894,418			6,326,607			(8		)	(109,652		)	8,111,365
	Gross profit	52,879			174,673			16,811			—			244,363
	Marketing, general and administrative	46,758			106,671			17,346			—			170,775
	Operating earnings (losses)	6,121			68,002			(535		)	—			73,588
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			—			(2,199		)	—			(2,199		)
	Interest, net	(7,264		)	14,399			2,355			—			9,490
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(736		)	(4,442		)	(18,991		)	—			(24,169		)
	Income before income taxes	$	14,121		$	58,045		$	18,300		$	—		$	90,466
	Intersegment revenues	$	(105,567	)	$	(4,085	)	$	—		$	109,652		$	—
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
	For the Three Months Ended February 28, 2014:
	Revenues	$	2,961,193		$	6,833,365		$	17,445		$	(131,729	)	$	9,680,274
	Cost of goods sold	2,676,335			6,694,245			(11		)	(131,729		)	9,238,840
	Gross profit	284,858			139,120			17,456			—			441,434
	Marketing, general and administrative	38,042			99,985			17,744			—			155,771
	Operating earnings (losses)	246,816			39,135			(288		)	—			285,663
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			116			(2,725		)	—			(2,609		)
	Interest, net	18,578			9,190			1,221			—			28,989
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(849		)	(8,213		)	(21,987		)	—			(31,049		)
	Income before income taxes	$	229,087		$	38,042		$	23,203		$	—		$	290,332
	Intersegment revenues	$	(131,729	)	$	—		$	—		$	131,729		$	—
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
	For the Six Months Ended February 28, 2015:
	Revenues	$	4,965,750		$	13,143,319		$	35,796		$	(289,669	)	$	17,855,196
	Cost of goods sold	4,598,852			12,710,939			(12		)	(289,669		)	17,020,110
	Gross profit	366,898			432,380			35,808			—			835,086
	Marketing, general and administrative	80,126			210,548			42,069			—			332,743
	Operating earnings (losses)	286,772			221,832			(6,261		)	—			502,343
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			(2,875		)	(2,199		)	—			(5,074		)
	Interest, net	(3,443		)	28,806			4,728			—			30,091
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(1,076		)	(4,463		)	(43,259		)	—			(48,798		)
	Income before income taxes	$	291,291		$	200,364		$	34,469		$	—		$	526,124
	Intersegment revenues	$	(280,520	)	$	(9,149	)	$	—		$	289,669		$	—
	Capital expenditures	$	273,989		$	212,140		$	26,381		$	—		$	512,510
	Depreciation and amortization	$	69,118		$	73,408		$	6,258		$	—		$	148,784
	Total assets at February 28, 2015	$	4,322,316		$	8,237,930		$	3,412,797		$	—		$	15,973,043
		Energy			Ag			Corporate			Reconciling			Total
								and Other			Amounts
	For the Six Months Ended February 28, 2014:
	Revenues	$	6,202,509		$	14,764,699		$	34,208		$	(295,021	)	$	20,706,395
	Cost of goods sold	5,748,029			14,411,048			(11		)	(295,021		)	19,864,045
	Gross profit	454,480			353,651			34,219			—			842,350
	Marketing, general and administrative	70,097			186,768			32,047			—			288,912
	Operating earnings (losses)	384,383			166,883			2,172			—			553,438
	(Gain) loss on investments	—			116			(2,725		)	—			(2,609		)
	Interest, net	31,022			24,287			4,465			—			59,774
	Equity (income) loss from investments	(2,157		)	(14,690		)	(46,880		)	—			(63,727		)
	Income before income taxes	$	355,518		$	157,170		$	47,312		$	—		$	560,000
	Intersegment revenues	$	(295,021	)	$	—		$	—		$	295,021		$	—
	Capital expenditures	$	221,742		$	159,810		$	7,985		$	—		$	389,537
	Depreciation and amortization	$	66,174		$	55,603		$	5,422		$	—		$	127,199
	Total assets at February 28, 2014	$	4,091,794		$	7,678,688		$	2,533,775		$	—		$	14,304,257

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Financial Insturments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
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 accounted for as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.
				For the Three Months Ended February 28,								For the Six Months Ended February 28,
		Location of		2015				2014				2015				2014
		Gain (Loss)
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Commodity and freight derivatives	Cost of goods sold		$	208,794			$	81,210			$	212,793			$	61,421
	Foreign exchange derivatives	Cost of goods sold		(12,525		)		(1,581		)		(10,114		)		(2,003		)
	Interest rate derivatives	Interest, net		45				52				74				51
	Total			$	196,314			$	79,681			$	202,753			$	59,469
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Purchase and Sales Contracts [Table Text Block]	As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, we had the following outstanding purchase and sales contracts:
		28-Feb-15					31-Aug-14
		Purchase			Sales		Purchase			Sales
		Contracts			Contracts		Contracts			Contracts
		(Units in thousands)
	Grain and oilseed - bushels	716,952			1,380,157		665,690			938,140
	Energy products - barrels	57,686			55,030		27,754			50,450
	Soy products - tons	4,192			3,660		37			1,212
	Crop nutrients - tons	134			3,091		1,613			1,607
	Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	5,006			3,308		5,423			4,005
	Rail freight - rail cars	202			117		321			186
	Livestock - pounds	21,320			200		—			46,280
Reconciliation of gross and net fair values of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements [Table Text Block]
		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
		February 28, 2015
						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	$	595,994			$	—			$	131,627			$	464,367
	Foreign exchange derivatives	5,620				—				787				4,833
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	12,390				—				—				12,390
	Total	$	614,004			$	—			$	132,414			$	481,590
	Derivative Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	464,985			$	1,279			$	131,627			$	332,079
	Foreign exchange derivatives	13,215				—				787				12,428
	Interest rate derivatives - hedge	4,296				—				—				4,296
	Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge	94				—				—				94
	Total	$	482,590			$	1,279			$	132,414			$	348,897
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income relating to cash flow hedges for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.
			For the Three Months Ended February 28,								For the Six Months Ended February 28,
			2015				2014				2015				2014
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest rate derivatives		$	(3,702	)		$	(5,299	)		$	(4,296	)		$	(10,580	)
	The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) relating to cash flow hedges that were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.
				For the Three Months Ended February 28,								For the Six Months Ended February 28,
		Location of		2015				2014				2015				2014
		Gain (Loss)
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest rate derivatives	Interest income (expense)		$	(199	)		$	13,360			$	(402	)		$	13,143
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Consolidated Statements of Operations	During the six months ended February 28, 2015, we recorded offsetting fair value adjustments of $8.2 million, with no ineffectiveness recorded in earnings.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]
		28-Feb-15
		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	$	—			$	1,246,484			$	—	$	1,246,484
	Commodity and freight derivatives	126,415				469,579				—		595,994
	Foreign currency derivatives	5,620				—				—		5,620
	Interest rate swap derivatives	—				12,390				—		12,390
	Deferred compensation assets	84,479				—				—		84,479
	Other assets	11,013				—				—		11,013
	Total	$	227,527			$	1,728,453			$	—	$	1,955,980
	Liabilities:
	Commodity and freight derivatives	$	157,780			$	307,205			$	—	$	464,985
	Interest rate swap derivatives	—				4,390				—		4,390
	Foreign currency derivatives	13,215				—				—		13,215
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests	—				—				121,070		121,070
	Total	$	170,995			$	311,595			$	121,070	$	603,660
		August 31, 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
	Total	$	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 related to purchase of noncontrolling interests	—				—				114,917		114,917
	Total	$	119,938			$	480,052			$	114,917	$	714,907
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information
	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
			Fair Value						Range
	Item		28-Feb-15		Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input		(Weighted Average)
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests		$121,070		Adjusted Black-Scholes option pricing model		Forward crack spread margin on February 28, 2015 (a)		$20.78-$21.79 ($21.55)
							Contractual target crack spread margin (b)		$17.50
							Expected volatility (c)		165.25%
							Risk-free interest rate (d)		0.09%-0.94% (0.53%)
							Expected life - years (e)		0.50-2.50 (1.57)
	(a) Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on future settlement dates
	(b) Represents the minimum contractual threshold that would require settlement with the counterparties
	(c) Represents quarterly adjusted volatility estimates derived from daily historical market data
	(d) Represents yield curves for U.S. Treasury securities
	(e) Represents the range in the number of years remaining related to each contingent payment
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively:
			Level 3 Liabilities
			Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
			2015				2014
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Balances, November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively		$	86,520			$	150,991
	Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold		34,550				(10,360		)
	Balances, February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively		$	121,070			$	140,631
	The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively:
			Level 3 Liabilities
			Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interests
			2015				2014
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Balances, August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively		$	114,917			$	134,134
	Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold		6,153				6,497
	Balances, February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively		$	121,070			$	140,631

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Minimum future payments required under long-term unconditional purchase obligations as of February 28, 2015 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	$	1,051,453	$	61,285	$	170,393	$	152,840	$	666,935

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
	Refineries		Refineries
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of Refineries	2		2
Expenditures for Major Repairs			$8,347	$0
Capitalized Maintenance Expense, Deferred During the Period	$7,200	$0	$8,300
Minimum [Member] | Major Maintenance Activities Requiring Shutdown [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			2 years
Maximum [Member] | Major Maintenance Activities Requiring Shutdown [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			4 years

Receivables_Schedule_of_Receiv

Receivables - Schedule of Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$1,659,243	$2,153,929
CHS Capital notes receivable	645,195	633,475
Other	313,288	304,798
Receivables, gross	2,617,726	3,092,202
Less allowances and reserves	102,877	103,639
Receivables, net	$2,514,849	$2,988,563

Receivables_Narrative_Details

Receivables - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Notes Receivable, Long-Term
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	$148,300,000	$159,700,000
Percentage of commercial notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	51.00%	46.00%
Percentage of producer notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	49.00%	54.00%
Interest Income Accrual Term, Discontinued	90 days
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable additional available credit of counterparty	$1,000,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and Loans Receivable, Current, Term	12 months
Maximum [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and Loans Receivable, Current, Term	14 months
Notes and Loans Receivable, Non Current, Net, Term	10 years

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Grain and Oilseed	$1,444,271	$961,327
Energy	831,639	875,719
Crop nutrients	479,320	374,023
Feed and farm supplies	869,425	448,454
Processed grain and oilseed	68,437	84,498
Other	4,432	16,232
Inventories	$3,697,524	$2,760,253

Inventories_Narrative_Details

Inventories - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of LIFO inventory	14.00%	16.00%
LIFO inventory, difference amount had FIFO inventory valuation method been used	$147.60	$538.70

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	($65,981,000)	($65,981,000)
Time Deposits	315,000,000
Ardent Mills [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments redeemed			121,200,000
Horizon Milling, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Additional Cash Contribution			32,800,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments			109,200,000
Ardent Mills LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	204,400,000
Ventura Foods, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	331,600,000
Equity value exceeding carrying value	12,900,000
TEMCO, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	63,500,000
National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage	88.90%		84.00%
Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	-66,000,000	-66,000,000
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interest	121,070,000
Cargill, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of joint venture partner	50.00%
Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Business, Contingent Consideration Paid		$16,500,000
Corporate and Other | Ardent Mills [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	12.00%
Corporate and Other | Ventura Foods, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Ag Business [Member] | TEMCO, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	50.00%

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		14 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$4,404,578,000		$4,404,578,000		$4,404,578,000	$4,031,023,000
Depreciation	72,700,000	60,700,000	143,200,000	120,100,000
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions			358,700,000
Spiritwood [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total construction cost, estimate			3,000,000,000
Spiritwood [Member] | Asset under Construction [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment					$68,400,000

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Detai

Goodwill and Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$154,867	$158,696
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	7,089
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	6,409
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	4,802
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	3,609
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$3,489

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Goodw

Goodwill and Intangibles Goodwill by Segment (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$154,867	$158,696
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	388
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-4,217
Energy [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	552	552
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	0
Ag [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	147,417	151,246
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	388
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-4,217
Corporate and Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	6,898	6,898
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	$0

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Intan

Goodwill and Intangibles Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$1,800,000	$2,600,000	$3,600,000	$4,900,000
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			2 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			30 years
Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	70,375,000		70,375,000		69,862,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-28,472,000		-28,472,000		-26,114,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	41,903,000		41,903,000		43,748,000
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	42,402,000		42,402,000		41,293,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-30,853,000		-30,853,000		-29,587,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	11,549,000		11,549,000		11,706,000
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	112,777,000		112,777,000		111,155,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-59,325,000		-59,325,000		-55,701,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$53,452,000		$53,452,000		$55,454,000

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb2

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Footnote Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable			$1,361,615,000	$1,159,473,000
CHS Capital notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable			345,832,000	318,774,000
Notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable			1,015,783,000	840,699,000
Five-Year Revolving Facilities [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			2,500,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit			0
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring	$13,500,000	$13,500,000

Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_Deb3

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Interest, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Expense	$19,574	$11,836	$40,610	$34,426
Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interest	4,860	21,273	18,928	32,397
Capitalized interest	-12,706	-2,526	-24,611	-3,862
Interest income	-2,238	-1,594	-4,836	-3,187
Interest Income (Expense), Net	$9,490	$28,989	$30,091	$59,774

Equities_Changes_in_Equity_Det

Equities Changes in Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates			$379,772,000
Patronage distribution			-275,553,000
Equity Certificates Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			-108,723,000
Equities issued			989,763,000
Dividends, Preferred Stock			-64,723,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders			-430,000
Other, net			-6,854,000
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	92,897,000	260,621,000	471,228,000	503,649,000
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.	92,814,000	260,069,000	471,517,000	502,255,000
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	83,000	552,000	-289,000	1,394,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-4,551,000	-8,130,000	-5,638,000	-8,565,000
Patronage Refunds, Estimated			-132,700,000
Equity redemptions, estimate			-53,000,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	7,659,986,000		7,659,986,000			6,466,844,000
Capital equity certificates [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates			-282,290,000
Patronage distribution			395,287,000
Equity Certificates Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			-108,442,000
Equities issued			12,365,000
Other, net			-258,000
Equity redemptions, estimate			-53,000,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	3,472,135,000		3,472,135,000			3,508,473,000
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates			0
Patronage distribution			0
Equity Certificates Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			0
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders			-430,000
Other, net			-6,159,000
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			-289,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	11,458,000		11,458,000			18,336,000
Nonpatronage Equity Certificates [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates			0
Patronage distribution			0
Equity Certificates Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			-79,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	23,177,000		23,177,000			23,256,000
Non-qualified Equity Certificates [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates			-148,579,000
Patronage distribution			147,379,000
Equity Certificates Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			-221,000
Other, net			-606,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	282,672,000		282,672,000			284,699,000
Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates			0
Patronage distribution			0
Equity Certificates Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			0
Equities issued			977,398,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	2,167,575,000		2,167,575,000			1,190,177,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates			0
Patronage distribution			0
Equity Certificates Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax			-5,638,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-162,395,000		-162,395,000			-156,757,000
Capital Reserves [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reversal of prior year patronage and redemption estimates			810,641,000
Patronage distribution			-818,219,000
Equity Certificates Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			19,000
Dividends, Preferred Stock			-64,723,000
Other, net			169,000
Net income attributable to CHS Inc.			471,517,000
Patronage Refunds, Estimated			-132,700,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,865,364,000		1,865,364,000			1,598,660,000
Class B, Series 4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount							517,500,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock, net of Issuance Costs			501,100,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage			7.50%
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued							20,700,000
Class B Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Value of Preferred Stock available to be sold under Shelf Registration					2,000,000,000
Class B, Series 3 Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount								492,500,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock, net of Issuance Costs			$476,700,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage			6.75%
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued								19,700,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Class B, Series 3 Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Basis Spread on Dividend Rate Percentage			4.16%
Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Class B, Series 3 Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Basis Spread on Dividend Rate Percentage			8.00%

Equities_Accumulated_Other_Com

Equities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($162,395)		($162,395)		($156,757)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-4,551	-8,130	-5,638	-8,565
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-144,846		-144,846		-151,852
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			236
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax			6,770
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax			7,006
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,171		5,171		4,398
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			773
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax			773
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5,131		-5,131		-2,722
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			-2,658
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax			249
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax			-2,409
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-17,589		-17,589		-6,581
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			-11,008
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax			-11,008
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			-12,657
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax			7,019
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax			($5,638)

Equities_Reclassification_Adju

Equities Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member], Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gain on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring	$13.50	$13.50

Benefit_Plans_Net_Periodic_Ben

Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Qualified Pension Benefits
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]
Service costs	$9,058	$7,802	$18,116	$15,269
Interest costs	7,002	8,240	14,016	14,938
Expected return on assets	-12,436	-11,082	-24,874	-23,816
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	409	398	816	797
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	4,907	4,445	9,808	9,089
Periodic benefit costs, net	8,940	9,803	17,882	16,277
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer			0
Non-Qualified Pension Benefits
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]
Service costs	225	248	450	427
Interest costs	352	486	704	822
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	57	57	114	114
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	261	241	522	468
Periodic benefit costs, net	895	1,032	1,790	1,831
Other Benefits
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]
Service costs	474	476	946	958
Interest costs	415	502	830	1,021
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	-30	-30	-60	-60
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	-106	-311	-211	-187
Periodic benefit costs, net	$753	$637	$1,505	$1,732

Segment_Reporting_Narrative_De

Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details)	Feb. 28, 2015
Ag | TEMCO, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership in equity method investment	50.00%
Corporate and Other | Ventura Foods, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership in equity method investment	50.00%
Corporate and Other | Ardent Mills [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 $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$8,355,728	$9,680,274	$17,855,196	$20,706,395
Cost of goods sold	8,111,365	9,238,840	17,020,110	19,864,045
Gross profit	244,363	441,434	835,086	842,350
Marketing, general and administrative	170,775	155,771	332,743	288,912
Operating earnings	73,588	285,663	502,343	553,438
Loss (gain) on investments	-2,199	-2,609	-5,074	-2,609
Interest, net	9,490	28,989	30,091	59,774
Equity (income) loss from investments	-24,169	-31,049	-48,798	-63,727
Income before income taxes	90,466	290,332	526,124	560,000
Intersegment revenues	0	0	0	0
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment			512,510	389,537
Depreciation and amortization			148,784	127,199
Total assets	15,973,043	14,304,257	15,973,043	14,304,257	15,146,979
Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,947,297	2,961,193	4,965,750	6,202,509
Cost of goods sold	1,894,418	2,676,335	4,598,852	5,748,029
Gross profit	52,879	284,858	366,898	454,480
Marketing, general and administrative	46,758	38,042	80,126	70,097
Operating earnings	6,121	246,816	286,772	384,383
Loss (gain) on investments	0	0	0	0
Interest, net	-7,264	18,578	-3,443	31,022
Equity (income) loss from investments	-736	-849	-1,076	-2,157
Income before income taxes	14,121	229,087	291,291	355,518
Intersegment revenues	-105,567	-131,729	-280,520	-295,021
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment			273,989	221,742
Depreciation and amortization			69,118	66,174
Total assets	4,322,316	4,091,794	4,322,316	4,091,794
Ag
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6,501,280	6,833,365	13,143,319	14,764,699
Cost of goods sold	6,326,607	6,694,245	12,710,939	14,411,048
Gross profit	174,673	139,120	432,380	353,651
Marketing, general and administrative	106,671	99,985	210,548	186,768
Operating earnings	68,002	39,135	221,832	166,883
Loss (gain) on investments	0	116	-2,875	116
Interest, net	14,399	9,190	28,806	24,287
Equity (income) loss from investments	-4,442	-8,213	-4,463	-14,690
Income before income taxes	58,045	38,042	200,364	157,170
Intersegment revenues	-4,085	0	-9,149	0
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment			212,140	159,810
Depreciation and amortization			73,408	55,603
Total assets	8,237,930	7,678,688	8,237,930	7,678,688
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	16,803	17,445	35,796	34,208
Cost of goods sold	-8	-11	-12	-11
Gross profit	16,811	17,456	35,808	34,219
Marketing, general and administrative	17,346	17,744	42,069	32,047
Operating earnings	-535	-288	-6,261	2,172
Loss (gain) on investments	-2,199	-2,725	-2,199	-2,725
Interest, net	2,355	1,221	4,728	4,465
Equity (income) loss from investments	-18,991	-21,987	-43,259	-46,880
Income before income taxes	18,300	23,203	34,469	47,312
Intersegment revenues	0	0	0	0
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment			26,381	7,985
Depreciation and amortization			6,258	5,422
Total assets	3,412,797	2,533,775	3,412,797	2,533,775
Reconciling Amounts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	-109,652	-131,729	-289,669	-295,021
Cost of goods sold	-109,652	-131,729	-289,669	-295,021
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Marketing, general and administrative	0	0	0	0
Operating earnings	0	0	0	0
Loss (gain) on investments	0	0	0	0
Interest, net	0	0	0	0
Equity (income) loss from investments	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes	0	0	0	0
Intersegment revenues	109,652	131,729	289,669	295,021
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment			0	0
Depreciation and amortization			0	0
Total assets	$0	$0	$0	$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Purchase and Sale Contracts (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Forward Contracts [Member])	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
	Bushels	Bushels
Grain and oilseed - bushels | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	716,952,000	665,690,000
Grain and oilseed - bushels | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	1,380,157,000	938,140,000
Ocean and barge freight - tons | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	5,006,000	5,423,000
Ocean and barge freight - tons | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	3,308,000	4,005,000
Livestock - pounds | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	21,320,000	0
Livestock - pounds | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	200,000	46,280,000
Energy products [Member] | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	57,686,000	27,754,000
Energy products [Member] | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	55,030,000	50,450,000
Soy product contracts [Member] | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	4,192,000	37,000
Soy product contracts [Member] | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	3,660,000	1,212,000
Derivative number of units Crop nutrients contracts [Member] | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	134,000	1,613,000
Derivative number of units Crop nutrients contracts [Member] | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	3,091,000	1,607,000
Derivative number of units cargo and freight rail contracts [Member] | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	202,000	321,000
Derivative number of units cargo and freight rail contracts [Member] | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	117,000	186,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value			$5,600,000
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value					13,200,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			481,590,000	560,530,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			614,004,000	603,933,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet			132,414,000	43,403,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			348,897,000	554,083,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability			482,590,000	599,990,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset			1,279,000	2,504,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet			132,414,000	43,403,000
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			464,367,000	554,981,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			595,994,000	597,210,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet			131,627,000	42,229,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			332,079,000	552,879,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability			464,985,000	597,612,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset			1,279,000	2,504,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet			131,627,000	42,229,000
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			4,833,000	1,349,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			5,620,000	2,523,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet			787,000	1,174,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			12,428,000	1,074,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability			13,215,000	2,248,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset			0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet			787,000	1,174,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			12,390,000	4,200,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			12,390,000	4,200,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet			0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			4,296,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability			4,296,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset			0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet			0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			94,000	130,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability			94,000	130,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset			0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet			0	0
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Gain on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring	13,500,000	13,500,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge			8,200,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount			420,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount			300,000,000
Interest Rate Contracts, Expiring At Various Times Through Fiscal 2018 [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount			3,900,000
Interest Rate Contracts, Expiring During Fiscal 2015 [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount			100,000
Interest Rate Contracts, Expiring during Fiscal 2016 [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net			$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Gains (Losses) Included in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives Accounted for as Hedging Instruments, Net of Tax (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest rate derivatives	($3,702)	($5,299)	($4,296)	($10,580)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Pretax Gains (Losses) On Derivatives Not Accounted For As Hedging Instruments (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$196,314	$79,681	$202,753	$59,469
Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member] | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	208,794	81,210	212,793	61,421
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	-12,525	-1,581	-10,114	-2,003
Interest rate derivatives | Interest, net
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$45	$52	$74	$51

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Pretax Gains losses reclassified from OCI (Details) (Interest, net, USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Interest, net
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Interest rate derivatives	($199)	$13,360	($402)	$13,143

Fair_Value_Measurements_Recurr

Fair Value Measurements Recurring Fair Value Measurements by Level (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,246,484	$921,554
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	11,013	8,778
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,955,980	1,617,482
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	603,660	714,907
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	11,013	8,778
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	227,527	173,108
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	170,995	119,938
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	1,246,484	921,554
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,728,453	1,444,374
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	311,595	480,052
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$121,070	$114,917

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,246,484	$921,554
Deferred Compensation Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	84,479	83,217
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	11,013	8,778
Total assets	1,955,980	1,617,482
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	13,215	2,248
Total liabilities	603,660	714,907
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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	5,620	2,523
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity and Freight Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	595,994	597,210
Derivative Liability	464,985	597,612
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	12,390	4,200
Derivative Liability	4,390	130
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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, Fair Value Disclosure	84,479	83,217
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	11,013	8,778
Total assets	227,527	173,108
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	13,215	2,248
Total liabilities	170,995	119,938
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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	5,620	2,523
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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	126,415	78,590
Derivative Liability	157,780	117,690
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	1,246,484	921,554
Deferred Compensation Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total assets	1,728,453	1,444,374
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total liabilities	311,595	480,052
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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	469,579	518,620
Derivative Liability	307,205	479,922
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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	12,390	4,200
Derivative Liability	4,390	130
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventory, Current, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Deferred Compensation Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total liabilities	121,070	114,917
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [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	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | 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
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | 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
NCRA [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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
NCRA [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [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	121,070	114,917
National Cooperative Refinery Association [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	$121,070

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti

Fair Value Measurements - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontroling interests | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward crack spread margin	$20.78	[1]
Own credit risk	0.09%	[2]
Expected life (years)	0 years 6 months	[3]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontroling interests | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward crack spread margin	21.79	[1]
Own credit risk	0.94%	[2]
Expected life (years)	2 years 6 months	[3]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontroling interests | Average
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward crack spread margin	21.55	[1]
Own credit risk	0.53%	[2]
Expected life (years)	1 year 6 months 25 days	[3]
National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontrolling interest	$121,070,000
National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to purchase of noncontroling interests
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Contractual target crack spread margin (in dollars per share)	$17.50	[4]
Expected volatility	165.25%	[5]
[1]	Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on future settlement dates
[2]	Represents yield curves for U.S. Treasury securities
[3]	Represents the range in the number of years remaining related to each contingent payment
[4]	Represents the minimum contractual threshold that would require settlement with the counterparties
[5]	Represents quarterly adjusted volatility estimates derived from daily historical market data

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V1

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Reconciliation Liabilities Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (3 month) (Level 3) (Details) (National Cooperative Refinery Association [Member], Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance					$86,520	$114,917	$150,991	$134,134
Balance	121,070	140,631	121,070	140,631	86,520	114,917	150,991	134,134
Cost of Goods, Total
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total gains or losses included in cost of goods sold and net interest	$34,550	($10,360)	$6,153	$6,497

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Unconditional Purchase Obligations (Details) (Minimum [Member], USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	$1,051,453,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term, Discounted	838,100,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term, Due in Next Twelve Months	61,285,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term, Due Within Two to Three Years	170,393,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term, Due Within Four to Five Years	152,840,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Long-Term, Due after Five Years	$666,935,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$1,000,000,000
Guarantor Obligations, Current Exposure, Unrecorded	$117,600,000