CHS (CHSCN) 10-Q 12 Jan 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Jan. 12, 2017
DEI [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CHS Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	823,277
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Nov. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		0

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 515,484	$ 279,313
Receivables	3,052,989	2,880,763
Inventories	3,117,935	2,370,699
Derivative assets	419,103	543,821
Margin deposits	312,899	310,276
Supplier advance payments	480,709	347,600
Other current assets	189,896	202,708
Total current assets	8,089,015	6,935,180
Investments	3,828,899	3,795,976
Property, plant and equipment	5,443,079	5,488,323
Other assets	1,069,468	1,092,656
Total assets	18,430,461	17,312,135
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Notes payable	3,227,564	2,731,479
Current portion of long-term debt	206,894	214,329
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	180,850	208,991
Customer advance payments	544,266	412,823
Accounts payable	2,568,533	1,819,049
Derivative liabilities	317,505	513,599
Accrued expenses	389,321	422,494
Dividends and equities payable	275,448	198,031
Total current liabilities	7,710,381	6,520,795
Long-term debt	1,958,907	2,082,876
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	497,283	487,762
Other liabilities	332,610	354,452
Commitments and contingencies
Equities:
Preferred stock	2,244,132	2,244,132
Equity certificates	4,208,336	4,237,174
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(226,220)	(211,726)
Capital reserves	1,691,603	1,582,380
Total CHS Inc. equities	7,917,851	7,851,960
Noncontrolling interests	13,429	14,290
Total equities	7,931,280	7,866,250
Total liabilities and equities	$ 18,430,461	$ 17,312,135

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 8,048,250	$ 7,728,792
Cost of goods sold	7,695,553	7,316,974
Gross profit	352,697	411,818
Marketing, general and administrative	166,206	152,004
Operating earnings (loss)	186,491	259,814
(Gain) loss on investments	7,401	(5,672)
Interest expense	38,265	9,051
Other income	(44,401)	(2,058)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(40,328)	(31,362)
Income (loss) before income taxes	225,554	289,855
Income tax expense (benefit)	16,612	23,681
Net income (loss)	208,942	266,174
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(208)	(301)
Net income (loss) attributable to CHS Inc.	$ 209,150	$ 266,475

Consolidated Statements of Comp

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

Consolidated Statements of Com5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Postretirement benefit plan activity, tax expense (benefit)	$ 2,011	$ 1,760
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, tax expense (benefit)	482	363
Cash flow hedges, tax expense (benefit)	406	(2,697)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax expense (benefit)	$ (209)	$ 0

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 208,942	$ 266,174
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	121,372	100,350
Amortization of deferred major repair costs	18,302	18,518
Equity (income) loss from investments	(40,328)	(31,362)
Provision for doubtful accounts	27,812	2,945
Distributions from equity investments	16,393	22,991
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	(5,244)	(1,611)
(Gain) loss on investments	7,401	(5,672)
Unrealized (gain) loss on crack spread contingent liability	(6,770)	(32,289)
Deferred taxes	6,199	7,409
Other, net	10,706	10,927
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables	(16,555)	(24,110)
Inventories	(754,253)	(466,554)
Derivative assets	110,306	72,117
Margin deposits	(2,623)	59,942
Supplier advance payments	(133,109)	(358,194)
Other current assets and other assets	12,082	50,348
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	(28,141)	(22,038)
Customer advance payments	131,444	261,931
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	743,427	596,881
Derivative liabilities	(195,545)	(107,373)
Other liabilities	6,599	(5,231)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	238,417	416,099
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(116,986)	(251,678)
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment	2,574	2,931
Expenditures for major repairs	(239)	(18,897)
Investments in joint ventures and other	0	(12,709)
Proceeds from sale of investments	0	17,990
Changes in notes receivable, net	(211,126)	(137,599)
Other investing activities, net	(1,245)	(518)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(327,022)	(400,480)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from lines of credit and long-term borrowings	10,300,476	2,524,577
Payments on lines of credit, long term-debt and capital lease obligations	(9,936,369)	(2,034,405)
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest payments	0	(153,022)
Payments on crack spread contingent liability	0	(2,625)
Changes in checks and drafts outstanding	14,334	(4,811)
Preferred stock dividends paid	(41,825)	(40,500)
Retirements of equities	(9,528)	(3,314)
Other financing activities, net	384	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	327,472	285,900
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2,696)	1,928
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	236,171	303,447
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	279,313	953,813
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 515,484	$ 1,257,260

Organization, Basis of Presenta

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies	Organization, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of November 30, 2016 , the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 , the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 , and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 , 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, 2016 , 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, Ag, Nitrogen Production and Foods reportable segments, as well as our Corporate and Other category, which represents an aggregation of individually immaterial operating segments. The Nitrogen Production reportable segment resulted from our investment in CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC ("CF Nitrogen") in February 2016. The Foods segment resulted from our investment in Ventura Foods, LLC ("Ventura Foods") becoming a significant operating segment in fiscal 2016. See Note 9, Segment Reporting for more information. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CHS and all of our wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. The effects of all significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended August 31, 2016 , included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). 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 10, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities and Note 11, Fair Value Measurements for additional information. Although we have certain netting arrangements for our exchange-traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter ("OTC") contracts, we have elected to report our derivative instruments on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 210-20, Balance Sheet - Offsetting . Major Maintenance Activities Within our Energy segment, major maintenance activities (“turnarounds”) are performed at our Laurel, Montana and McPherson, Kansas refineries regularly. Turnarounds are the planned and required shutdowns of refinery processing units, which include the replacement or overhaul of equipment that have experienced decreased efficiency in resource conversion. Because turnarounds are performed to extend the life, increase the capacity, and/or improve the safety or efficiency of refinery processing assets, we follow the deferral method of accounting for turnarounds. Expenditures for turnarounds are capitalized (deferred) when incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 2 to 4 years, which is the estimated time lapse between turnarounds. Should the estimated period between turnarounds change, we may be required to amortize the remaining cost of the turnaround over a shorter period, which would result in higher depreciation and amortization costs. Capitalized turnaround costs are included in other assets (long-term) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortization expense related to the capitalized 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. Repair, maintenance and related labor costs are expensed as incurred and are included in operating cash flows. For the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 , turnaround expenditures were $0.3 million and $18.9 million , respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs. This ASU requires the presentation of debt issuance costs on the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred financing cost. This ASU was effective for us beginning September 1, 2016, for our fiscal year 2017 and for interim periods within the fiscal year. As a result, $5.6 million of deferred issuance costs related to private placement debt and bank financing have been reclassified from other assets to long-term debt as of August 31, 2016 . In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements , which codifies an SEC staff announcement that entities are permitted to defer and present debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements as assets. ASU 2015-15 was effective immediately. At August 31, 2016, we had unamortized deferred financing costs related to our line of credit arrangements, and we will continue to present debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements as an asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Not Yet Adopted In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash . This ASU is intended to reduce diversity in practice by adding or clarifying guidance on classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2018, for our fiscal year 2019 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740). This ASU is intended to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory by requiring an entity to recognize the income tax consequences when a transfer occurs, instead of when an asset is sold to an outside party. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2018, for our fiscal year 2019 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which interim or annual financial statements have not been issued. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU is intended to reduce existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2018, for our fiscal year 2019 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) : Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The amendments in this ASU introduce a new approach, based on expected losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. This ASU is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses associated with most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, and off-balance-sheet credit exposures. Entities are required to apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2020, for our fiscal year 2021 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which replaces the existing guidance in ASC 840 - Leases . The amendments within this ASU introduce a lessee model requiring entities to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases, but continue recognizing the associated expenses in a manner similar to existing accounting guidance. This ASU does not make fundamental changes to existing lessor accounting; however, it does modify what constitutes a sales-type or direct financing lease and the related accounting, and aligns a number of the underlying principles with those of the new revenue standard, ASU No. 2014-09. The guidance also eliminates existing real estate-specific provisions and requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures. Entities are required to apply the standard’s provisions using a modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the year of adoption. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2019, for our fiscal year 2020 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The amendments within this ASU provide a single comprehensive model to be used in the accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This ASU includes a five step model for the recognition of revenue, including (1) identifying the contract with a customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (5) recognizing revenue when (or as) an entity satisfies a performance obligation. This ASU also specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and requires expanded disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 delaying the effective date of adoption for CHS to September 1, 2018. The FASB issued four subsequent ASUs in 2016 containing implementation guidance related to ASU No. 2014-09, including: ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations; ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , which is intended to clarify two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance; ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , which contains certain provision and practical expedients in response to identified implementation issues; and ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which contains certain corrections and clarifications to increase stakeholders’ awareness of the proposals and to expedite improvements. ASU No. 2014-09 permits the use of either a full or modified retrospective method upon adoption. Although early application as of the original date is permitted, we expect to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 and the related ASUs on September 1, 2018, in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We are continuing to evaluate the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, including potential impacts on the timing of revenue recognition and additional information that may be necessary for expanded disclosures regarding revenue. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

Receivables

Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 1,663,377 $ 1,804,646 CHS Capital notes receivable 1,064,702 858,805 Other 516,366 380,956 3,244,445 3,044,407 Less allowances and reserves 191,456 163,644 Total receivables $ 3,052,989 $ 2,880,763 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 economic status of, our customers. The carrying value of CHS Capital, LLC ("CHS Capital") short-term notes receivable approximates fair value, given the notes' short duration and the use of market pricing adjusted for risk. Other receivables is comprised of certain other amounts recorded in the normal course of business, including receivables related to valued added taxes and production cost financing. CHS Capital has notes receivable from commercial and producer borrowers. The short-term notes receivable generally have terms of 12 - 14 months and are reported at their outstanding principal balances as CHS Capital has the ability and intent to hold these notes to maturity. The notes receivable from commercial borrowers are collateralized by various combinations of mortgages, personal property, accounts and notes receivable, inventories and assignments of certain regional 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 balances included in the table above, CHS Capital had long-term notes receivable with durations of generally not more than 10 years of $318.8 million and $322.4 million at November 30, 2016 , and August 31, 2016 , respectively. The long-term notes receivable are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of November 30, 2016 , and August 31, 2016 , the commercial notes represented 39% and 26% , respectively, and the producer notes represented 61% and 74% , respectively, of the total CHS Capital notes receivable. As of November 30, 2016 , a single producer borrower accounted for 19% of the total outstanding CHS Capital short-term and long-term notes receivable. These notes were originated in the midwestern region of the United States and are collateralized by inventories (typically crops), personal property and mortgages which we have access to inspect. No other third party borrower accounted for more than 10% of the total outstanding 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. 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. We do not consider the amount of CHS Capital notes past due to be material at any reporting date presented. Past due amounts were approximately 3.0% and 2.5% of the total CHS Capital notes outstanding as of November 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016 , respectively. Specific and general loan loss reserves related to CHS Capital totaled $71.9 million and $45.8 million at November 30, 2016 , and August 31, 2016 , respectively. Nearly all of the reserve increase was due to an increased reserve associated with the single producer borrower discussed above. In determining the amount of reserve necessary for this producer borrower, we used a probability-weighted model incorporating various assumptions primarily related to the valuation of inventory, personal property and mortgages used as collateral. The reserve represents our best estimate based upon current facts and circumstances. Future market conditions for commodity prices, real estate, and agricultural yields are uncertain and future developments in those market conditions or changes to the assumptions used in the reserve analysis may cause us to record adjustments to the amount of the reserve for this borrower, which adjustments may be material. CHS Capital has commitments to extend credit to customers as long as there are no violations of any contractually established conditions. As of November 30, 2016 , customers of CHS Capital had additional available credit of approximately $818.0 million .

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Grain and oilseed $ 1,597,261 $ 937,258 Energy 699,278 729,695 Crop nutrients 235,320 217,521 Feed and farm supplies 506,514 417,431 Processed grain and oilseed 57,769 48,930 Other 21,793 19,864 Total inventories $ 3,117,935 $ 2,370,699 As of November 30, 2016 , we valued approximately 15% of inventories, primarily related to our Energy segment, using the lower of cost, determined on the LIFO method, or market ( 19% as of August 31, 2016 ). If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been higher than the reported amount by $99.0 million and $ 93.9 million at November 30, 2016 , and August 31, 2016 , 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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments 2016 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Equity method investments: CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC $ 2,811,020 $ 2,796,323 Ventura Foods, LLC 372,049 369,487 Ardent Mills, LLC 200,980 194,986 TEMCO, LLC 42,686 44,578 Other equity method investments 273,115 263,025 Cost method investments 129,049 127,577 Total investments $ 3,828,899 $ 3,795,976 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 primary equity method investments are described below. None of these investments are individually significant such that disclosure of summarized income statement information would be required under Article 10 of Regulation S-X. On February 1, 2016, we invested $2.8 billion in CF Nitrogen, commencing our strategic venture with CF Industries Holdings, Inc. ("CF Industries"). The investment consists of an 11.4% membership interest (based on product tons) in CF Nitrogen. We also entered into an 80 -year supply agreement that entitles us to purchase up to 1.1 million tons of granular urea and 580,000 tons of urea ammonium nitrate ("UAN") annually from CF Nitrogen for ratable delivery. Our purchases under the supply agreement are based on prevailing market prices and we receive semi-annual cash distributions (in January and July of each year) from CF Nitrogen via our membership interest. These distributions are based on actual volumes purchased from CF Nitrogen under the strategic venture and will have the effect of reducing our investment to zero over 80 years on a straight-line basis. We account for this investment using the hypothetical liquidation at book value method, recognizing our share of the earnings and losses of CF Nitrogen based upon our contractual claims on the entity's net assets pursuant to the liquidation provisions of CF Nitrogen's Limited Liability Company Agreement, adjusted for the semi-annual cash distributions. For the three months ended November 30, 2016 , this amount was $14.7 million , and is included as equity income from investments in our Nitrogen Production segment. No earnings were recognized for the three months ended November 30, 2015, as this period was prior to our investment. We have a 50% interest in Ventura Foods, a joint venture which produces and distributes primarily vegetable oil-based products, and which constitutes our Foods segment. We account for Ventura Foods as an equity method investment, and as of November 30, 2016 , our carrying value of Ventura Foods exceeded our share of its equity by $12.9 million , which represents equity method goodwill. The earnings are reported as equity income from investments in our Foods segment. We have a 12% interest in 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. We account for Ardent Mills as an equity method investment included in Corporate and Other. 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.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill of $158.8 million and $160.4 million on November 30, 2016 , and August 31, 2016 , respectively, is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , by segment, are as follows: Energy Ag Corporate Total (Dollars in thousands) Balances, August 31, 2016 $ 552 $ 148,916 $ 10,946 $ 160,414 Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments — (1,291 ) — (1,291 ) Other — — (372 ) (372 ) Balances, November 30, 2016 $ 552 $ 147,625 $ 10,574 $ 158,751 No goodwill has been allocated to our Nitrogen Production or Foods segments, which consist of investments accounted for under the equity method. Intangible assets subject to amortization primarily include customer lists, trademarks and non-compete agreements, and are amortized over their respective useful lives (ranging from 2 to 30 years). Information regarding intangible assets that are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows: November 30, August 31, Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net (Dollars in thousands) Customer lists $ 48,818 $ (13,039 ) $ 35,779 $ 51,554 $ (15,550 ) $ 36,004 Trademarks and other intangible assets 31,567 (23,869 ) 7,698 35,015 (26,253 ) 8,762 Total intangible assets $ 80,385 $ (36,908 ) $ 43,477 $ 86,569 $ (41,803 ) $ 44,766 Total amortization expense for intangible assets during the three months ended November 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1.3 million and $1.7 million , respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization for the next five years is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Year 1 $ 3,906 Year 2 3,885 Year 3 3,862 Year 4 3,516 Year 5 3,455

Notes Payable and Long-Term Deb

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
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 November 30, 2016 . November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Notes payable $ 2,315,412 $ 1,803,174 CHS Capital notes payable 912,152 928,305 Total notes payable $ 3,227,564 $ 2,731,479 On November 30, 2016 , our primary line of credit was a five -year, unsecured revolving credit facility with a committed amount of $3.0 billion which expires in September 2020. Interest expense for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 was $38.3 million and $9.1 million respectively, net of capitalized interest of $1.6 million and $13.7 million , respectively.

Equities

Equities	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Equities	Equities Preferred Stock In June 2014, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the 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 from the time of effectiveness. As of November 30, 2016 , $990.0 million of our Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock remained available for issuance under the shelf registration statement. Changes in Equities Changes in equities for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , are as follows: Equity Certificates Accumulated Capital Nonpatronage Nonqualified Equity Certificates Preferred Capital Noncontrolling Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance, August 31, 2016 $ 3,932,513 $ 22,894 $ 281,767 $ 2,244,132 $ (211,726 ) $ 1,582,380 $ 14,290 $ 7,866,250 Reversal of prior year redemption estimate 9,528 — — — — — — 9,528 Redemptions of equities (8,946 ) (60 ) (522 ) — — — — (9,528 ) Preferred stock dividends — — — — — (41,825 ) — (41,825 ) Other, net (47 ) (59 ) (24 ) — — 136 (653 ) (647 ) Net income — — — — — 209,150 (208 ) 208,942 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — — — — (14,494 ) — — (14,494 ) Estimated 2017 cash patronage refunds — — — — — (58,238 ) — (58,238 ) Estimated 2017 equity redemptions (28,708 ) — — — — — — (28,708 ) Balance, November 30, 2016 $ 3,904,340 $ 22,775 $ 281,221 $ 2,244,132 $ (226,220 ) $ 1,691,603 $ 13,429 $ 7,931,280 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, are as follows for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 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, 2016 $ (165,146 ) $ 5,656 $ (9,196 ) $ (43,040 ) $ (211,726 ) Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — 777 383 (19,149 ) (17,989 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3,239 — 271 (15 ) 3,495 Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3,239 777 654 (19,164 ) (14,494 ) Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ (161,907 ) $ 6,433 $ (8,542 ) $ (62,204 ) $ (226,220 ) 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, 2015 $ (171,729 ) $ 4,156 $ (5,324 ) $ (41,310 ) $ (214,207 ) Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 6,419 560 (4,216 ) (2,980 ) (217 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3,218 ) — (118 ) — (3,336 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3,201 560 (4,334 ) (2,980 ) (3,553 ) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ (168,528 ) $ 4,716 $ (9,658 ) $ (44,290 ) $ (217,760 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were primarily related to pension and other postretirement benefits. Pension and other postretirement reclassifications include amortization of net actuarial loss, prior service credit and transition amounts and are recorded as marketing, general and administrative expenses (see Note 8, Benefit Plans for further information).

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
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 months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 are as follows: Qualified Pension Benefits Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended November 30 are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 9,383 $ 9,383 $ 259 $ 259 $ 353 $ 353 Interest cost 7,692 7,693 352 352 427 427 Expected return on assets (12,014 ) (12,014 ) — — — — Prior service cost (credit) amortization 402 402 57 57 (30 ) (30 ) Actuarial (gain) loss amortization 4,765 4,754 173 173 (116 ) (116 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 10,228 $ 10,218 $ 841 $ 841 $ 634 $ 634 Employer Contributions Total contributions to be made during fiscal 2017, will depend primarily on market returns on the pension plan assets and minimum funding level requirements. During the three months ended November 30, 2016 , we 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 2017, but we may make a voluntary contribution during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting We define our operating segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting , to reflect the manner in which our chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, evaluates performance and allocates resources in managing the business. We have aggregated those operating segments into four reportable segments: Energy, Ag, Nitrogen Production and Foods. 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; serves as a wholesaler and retailer of crop inputs; and produces and markets ethanol. Our Nitrogen Production segment consists solely of our equity method investment in CF Nitrogen, which was completed in February 2016 and which entitles us, pursuant to a supply agreement that we entered into with CF Nitrogen, to purchase granular urea and UAN annually from CF Nitrogen to a specified annual quantity. The addition of our Nitrogen Production segment had no impact on historically reported segment results and balances as this segment came into existence in fiscal 2016. Our Foods segment consists solely of our equity method investment in Ventura Foods. In prior periods, Ventura Foods was reported as a component of Corporate and Other because it was an insignificant operating segment. Historically reported segment results and balances have been revised to reflect the addition of our Foods segment. There were no changes to the composition of our Energy or Ag segments as a result of the addition of our Nitrogen Production and Foods segments. Corporate and Other primarily represents our non-consolidated wheat milling operations, as well as our business solutions operations, which primarily consists of commodities hedging, insurance and financial services related to crop production. Corporate administrative expenses and interest are allocated to each business segment, and Corporate and Other, based on direct usage for services that can be tracked, such as information technology and legal, and other factors or considerations relevant to the costs incurred. Many of our business activities are highly seasonal and operating results vary throughout the year. For example, in our Ag segment, our crop nutrients and country operations businesses generally experience higher volumes and income during the spring planting season and in the fall, which corresponds to harvest. Our grain marketing operations are also subject to fluctuations in volume 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, ethanol, grains, oilseeds, crop nutrients and flour. Changes in market prices for commodities that we purchase without a corresponding change in the selling prices of those products can affect revenues and operating earnings. Commodity prices are affected by a wide range of factors beyond our control, including the weather, crop damage due to disease or insects, drought, the availability and adequacy of supply, government regulations and policies, world events, and general political and economic conditions. While our revenues and operating results are derived from businesses and operations which are wholly owned and majority owned, a portion of our business operations are conducted through companies in which we hold ownership interests of 50% or less and do not control the operations. See Note 4, Investments for more information on these entities. Reconciling Amounts represent the elimination of revenues and interest between segments. Such transactions are executed at market prices to more accurately evaluate the profitability of the individual business segments. Segment information for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 is presented in the tables below. Energy Ag Nitrogen Production Foods Corporate Reconciling Total For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2016: (Dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 1,700,180 $ 6,435,994 $ — $ — $ 27,441 $ (115,365 ) $ 8,048,250 Operating earnings (loss) 72,780 109,597 (4,029 ) (2,797 ) 10,940 — 186,491 (Gain) loss on investments — 7,385 — — 16 — 7,401 Interest expense 4,268 16,339 12,736 — 7,974 (3,052 ) 38,265 Other income (309 ) (17,923 ) (29,106 ) — (115 ) 3,052 (44,401 ) Equity (income) loss from investments (1,162 ) (5,417 ) (14,696 ) (13,369 ) (5,684 ) — (40,328 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 69,983 $ 109,213 $ 27,037 $ 10,572 $ 8,749 $ — $ 225,554 Intersegment revenues $ (110,087 ) $ (3,765 ) $ — $ — $ (1,513 ) $ 115,365 $ — Capital expenditures $ 80,754 $ 29,226 $ — $ — $ 7,006 $ — $ 116,986 Depreciation and amortization $ 54,954 $ 59,406 $ — $ — $ 7,012 $ — $ 121,372 Total assets at November 30, 2016 $ 4,243,151 $ 7,748,375 $ 2,835,125 $ 372,049 $ 3,231,761 $ — $ 18,430,461 Energy Ag Nitrogen Production Foods Corporate Reconciling Total For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2015: (Dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 1,705,913 $ 6,114,256 $ — $ — $ 19,895 $ (111,272 ) $ 7,728,792 Operating earnings (loss) 180,513 74,990 — (1,951 ) 6,262 — 259,814 (Gain) loss on investments — (5,672 ) — — — — (5,672 ) Interest expense (11,599 ) 16,782 — 822 3,655 (609 ) 9,051 Other income (2 ) (1,812 ) — — (853 ) 609 (2,058 ) Equity (income) loss from investments (823 ) (3,576 ) — (21,077 ) (5,886 ) — (31,362 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 192,937 $ 69,268 $ — $ 18,304 $ 9,346 $ — $ 289,855 Intersegment revenues $ (107,103 ) $ (3,053 ) $ — $ — $ (1,116 ) $ 111,272 $ — Capital expenditures $ 132,367 $ 98,138 $ — $ — $ 21,173 $ — $ 251,678 Depreciation and amortization $ 41,063 $ 55,173 $ — $ — $ 4,114 $ — $ 100,350

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure	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 we do not apply hedge accounting under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging , except with respect to 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 described in Note 11, Fair Value Measurements . The following tables present the gross fair values of derivative assets, derivative liabilities, and margin deposits (cash collateral) recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets along with the related amounts permitted to be offset in accordance with GAAP. We have elected not to offset derivative assets and liabilities when we have the right of offset under ASC 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 . November 30, 2016 Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting Gross Amounts Recognized Cash Collateral Derivative Instruments Net Amounts (Dollars in thousands) Derivative Assets: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 364,218 $ — $ 24,504 $ 339,714 Foreign exchange derivatives 20,335 — 5,270 15,065 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 10,444 — — 10,444 Embedded derivative asset 24,106 — — 24,106 Total $ 419,103 $ — $ 29,774 $ 389,329 Derivative Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 300,167 $ 237 $ 24,504 $ 275,426 Foreign exchange derivatives 15,690 — 5,270 10,420 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 1,642 — — 1,642 Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge 6 — — 6 Total $ 317,505 $ 237 $ 29,774 $ 287,494 August 31, 2016 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 $ 500,192 $ — $ 23,689 $ 476,503 Foreign exchange derivatives 21,551 — 9,187 12,364 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 22,078 — — 22,078 Total $ 543,821 $ — $ 32,876 $ 510,945 Derivative Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 491,302 $ 811 $ 23,689 $ 466,802 Foreign exchange derivatives 22,289 — 9,187 13,102 Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge 8 — — 8 Total $ 513,599 $ 811 $ 32,876 $ 479,912 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments The majority of our derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 . For the Three Months Ended Location of Gain (Loss) 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Commodity and freight derivatives Cost of goods sold $ 18,410 $ 35,046 Foreign exchange derivatives Cost of goods sold 6,024 683 Foreign exchange derivatives Marketing, general and administrative 145 7,523 Interest rate derivatives Interest expense 2 (704 ) Embedded derivative Other Income 29,106 — Total $ 53,687 $ 42,548 Commodity and Freight Contracts: As of November 30, 2016 , and August 31, 2016 , we had outstanding commodity futures, options and freight contracts that were used as economic hedges, as well as fixed-price forward contracts related to physical purchases and sales of commodities. The table below presents the notional volumes for all outstanding commodity and freight contracts accounted for as derivative instruments. November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 Long Short Long Short (Units in thousands) Grain and oilseed - bushels 698,853 992,878 774,279 995,396 Energy products - barrels 12,666 5,767 14,740 6,470 Processed grain and oilseed - tons 502 1,958 541 2,060 Crop nutrients - tons 65 209 108 135 Ocean and barge freight - metric tons 6,571 1,422 4,406 877 Rail freight - rail cars 195 77 205 79 Natural gas - MMBtu 3,706 50 3,550 300 Foreign Exchange Contracts: We are exposed to risk regarding foreign currency fluctuations even though a substantial amount of international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition to specific transactional exposure, foreign currency fluctuations can 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. From time to time, we enter into foreign currency hedge contracts to minimize the impact of currency fluctuations on our transactional exposures. The notional amounts of our foreign exchange derivative contracts were $789.1 million and $802.2 million as of November 30, 2016 , and August 31, 2016 , respectively. Embedded Derivative Asset: Under the terms of our strategic investment in CF Nitrogen, if CF Industries' credit rating is reduced below certain levels by two of three specified credit ratings agencies, we are entitled to receive a non-refundable annual payment of $5.0 million from CF Industries. The payment would continue on an annual basis until the date that CF Industries' credit rating is upgraded to or above certain levels by two of the three specified credit ratings agencies or February 1, 2026, whichever is earlier. During the three months ended November 30, 2016 , CF Industries' credit rating was reduced below the specified levels and we received a $5.0 million payment from CF Industries, which was recorded as a gain in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Additionally, we recorded a $24.1 million embedded derivative asset on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and a corresponding gain in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fair value of the embedded derivative. See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements for more information on the valuation of the embedded derivative. Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedging Strategies As of November 30, 2016 , and August 31, 2016 , we had 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 $495.0 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 three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded offsetting fair value adjustments of $13.3 million and $2.3 million , respectively, with no ineffectiveness recorded in earnings. In fiscal 2015, we entered into forward-starting 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. During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we determined that certain of the anticipated debt issuances would be delayed; and we consequently recorded an immaterial amount of losses on the ineffective portion of the related swaps in earnings. Additionally, we paid $6.4 million in cash to settle two of the interest rate swaps upon their scheduled termination dates. During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we settled an additional two interest rate swaps, paying $5.3 million in cash upon their scheduled termination. In January 2016, we issued the fixed-rate debt associated with these swaps and will amortize the amounts which were previously deferred to other comprehensive income into earnings over the life of the debt. The amounts to be included in earnings are not expected to be material during any 12-month period. During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we settled the remaining two interest rate swaps, paying $5.1 million in cash upon their scheduled termination. We did not issue additional fixed-rate debt as previously planned, and we reclassified all amounts previously recorded to other comprehensive income into earnings. As of November 30, 2016 , we had no outstanding cash flow hedges. The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income relating to cash flow hedges for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 . For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Interest rate derivatives $ — $ (6,818 ) 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 months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 . For the Three Months Ended Location of Gain (Loss) 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Interest rate derivatives Interest expense $ (440 ) $ (191 )

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standard also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs are inputs or market data that a market participant would obtain from sources independent of the Company to value the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Recurring fair value measurements at November 30, 2016 , and August 31, 2016 are as follows: November 30, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 31,545 $ 332,673 $ — $ 364,218 Foreign currency derivatives — 20,335 — 20,335 Interest rate swap derivatives — 10,444 — 10,444 Deferred compensation assets 48,986 — — 48,986 Embedded derivative asset — 24,106 — 24,106 Other assets 13,303 — — 13,303 Total $ 93,834 $ 387,558 $ — $ 481,392 Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 22,444 $ 277,723 $ — $ 300,167 Foreign currency derivatives — 15,690 — 15,690 Interest rate swap derivatives — 1,648 — 1,648 Crack spread contingent consideration liability — — 8,281 8,281 Total $ 22,444 $ 295,061 $ 8,281 $ 325,786 August 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 62,538 $ 437,654 $ — $ 500,192 Foreign currency derivatives — 21,551 — 21,551 Interest rate swap derivatives — 22,078 — 22,078 Deferred compensation assets 50,099 — — 50,099 Other assets 12,678 — — 12,678 Total $ 125,315 $ 481,283 $ — $ 606,598 Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 22,331 $ 468,971 $ — $ 491,302 Foreign currency derivatives — 22,289 — 22,289 Interest rate swap derivatives — 8 — 8 Crack spread contingent consideration liability — — 15,051 15,051 Total $ 22,331 $ 491,268 $ 15,051 $ 528,650 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 with fixed-price components, 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 derivatives are determined utilizing valuation models that are widely accepted in the market to value these 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 expense. See Note 10, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information about interest rates 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. Embedded derivative asset — As of November 30, 2016, we had an embedded derivative asset of $24.1 million to reflect the fair value of an embedded derivative inherent to the agreement relating to our investment in CF Nitrogen. This asset excludes the $5.0 million contractual payment received under the agreement relating to our investment in CF Nitrogen during the three months ended November 30, 2016. The inputs into the fair value measurement include the probability of future upgrades and downgrades of CF Industries' credit rating based on historical credit rating movements of other public companies and the discount rates to be applied to potential annual payments based on applicable historical and current yield coupon rates. Based on these observable inputs, our fair value measurement is classified within Level 2. See Note 10, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information. Crack spread contingent consideration liability — The fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to the purchase of CHS McPherson Refinery Inc., the sole owner of our McPherson, Kansas refinery, 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 Item Fair Value November 30, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Input Used Crack spread contingent consideration liability $8,281 Adjusted Black-Scholes option pricing model Forward crack spread margin quotes on November 30, 2016 (a) $9.32 Contractual target crack spread margin (b) $17.50 Expected volatility (c) 143.31% Risk-free interest rate (d) 0.94% Expected life - years (e) 0.75 (a) Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on the future settlement date. (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 number of years remaining related to the final 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. Each reporting period, management reviews the unobservable inputs provided by third-party vendors for reasonableness utilizing relevant information available to us. Management also takes into consideration current and expected market trends and compares the liability’s fair value to hypothetical payments using known historical market data to assess reasonableness of the resulting fair value. Sensitivity analysis of Level 3 measurements — The significant unobservable inputs that are susceptible to periodic fluctuations used in the fair value measurement of the accrued liability for contingent crack spread payments related to the purchase of noncontrolling interests are the adjusted forward crack spread margin and the expected volatility. Significant increases (decreases) in either of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Although changes in the expected volatility are driven by fluctuations in the underlying crack spread margin, changes in expected volatility are not necessarily accompanied by a directionally similar change in the forward crack spread margin. Directional changes in the expected volatility can be affected by a multitude of factors including the magnitude of daily fluctuations in the underlying market data, market trends, timing of fluctuations, and other factors. The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 . Level 3 Liabilities Crack spread contingent consideration liability 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Balances, August 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively $ 15,051 $ 78,982 Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold (6,770 ) (32,289 ) Balances, November 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively $ 8,281 $ 46,693 There were no material transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 assets and liabilities during the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Guarantees We are a guarantor for lines of credit and performance obligations of related, non-consolidated companies. As of November 30, 2016 , our bank covenants allowed maximum guarantees of $1.0 billion , of which $137.2 million were 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 were current as of November 30, 2016 .

Organization, Basis of Presen19

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CHS and all of our wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. The effects of all significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended August 31, 2016 , included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
Derivatives, Policy	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 10, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities and Note 11, Fair Value Measurements for additional information. Although we have certain netting arrangements for our exchange-traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter ("OTC") contracts, we have elected to report our derivative instruments on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 210-20, Balance Sheet - Offsetting .
Major Maintenance Activities Policy	Major Maintenance Activities Within our Energy segment, major maintenance activities (“turnarounds”) are performed at our Laurel, Montana and McPherson, Kansas refineries regularly. Turnarounds are the planned and required shutdowns of refinery processing units, which include the replacement or overhaul of equipment that have experienced decreased efficiency in resource conversion. Because turnarounds are performed to extend the life, increase the capacity, and/or improve the safety or efficiency of refinery processing assets, we follow the deferral method of accounting for turnarounds. Expenditures for turnarounds are capitalized (deferred) when incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 2 to 4 years, which is the estimated time lapse between turnarounds. Should the estimated period between turnarounds change, we may be required to amortize the remaining cost of the turnaround over a shorter period, which would result in higher depreciation and amortization costs. Capitalized turnaround costs are included in other assets (long-term) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortization expense related to the capitalized 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. Repair, maintenance and related labor costs are expensed as incurred and are included in operating cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs. This ASU requires the presentation of debt issuance costs on the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred financing cost. This ASU was effective for us beginning September 1, 2016, for our fiscal year 2017 and for interim periods within the fiscal year. As a result, $5.6 million of deferred issuance costs related to private placement debt and bank financing have been reclassified from other assets to long-term debt as of August 31, 2016 . In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements , which codifies an SEC staff announcement that entities are permitted to defer and present debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements as assets. ASU 2015-15 was effective immediately. At August 31, 2016, we had unamortized deferred financing costs related to our line of credit arrangements, and we will continue to present debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements as an asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Not Yet Adopted In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash . This ASU is intended to reduce diversity in practice by adding or clarifying guidance on classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2018, for our fiscal year 2019 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740). This ASU is intended to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory by requiring an entity to recognize the income tax consequences when a transfer occurs, instead of when an asset is sold to an outside party. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2018, for our fiscal year 2019 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which interim or annual financial statements have not been issued. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU is intended to reduce existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2018, for our fiscal year 2019 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) : Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The amendments in this ASU introduce a new approach, based on expected losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. This ASU is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses associated with most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, and off-balance-sheet credit exposures. Entities are required to apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2020, for our fiscal year 2021 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which replaces the existing guidance in ASC 840 - Leases . The amendments within this ASU introduce a lessee model requiring entities to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases, but continue recognizing the associated expenses in a manner similar to existing accounting guidance. This ASU does not make fundamental changes to existing lessor accounting; however, it does modify what constitutes a sales-type or direct financing lease and the related accounting, and aligns a number of the underlying principles with those of the new revenue standard, ASU No. 2014-09. The guidance also eliminates existing real estate-specific provisions and requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures. Entities are required to apply the standard’s provisions using a modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the year of adoption. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2019, for our fiscal year 2020 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The amendments within this ASU provide a single comprehensive model to be used in the accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This ASU includes a five step model for the recognition of revenue, including (1) identifying the contract with a customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (5) recognizing revenue when (or as) an entity satisfies a performance obligation. This ASU also specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and requires expanded disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 delaying the effective date of adoption for CHS to September 1, 2018. The FASB issued four subsequent ASUs in 2016 containing implementation guidance related to ASU No. 2014-09, including: ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations; ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , which is intended to clarify two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance; ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , which contains certain provision and practical expedients in response to identified implementation issues; and ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which contains certain corrections and clarifications to increase stakeholders’ awareness of the proposals and to expedite improvements. ASU No. 2014-09 permits the use of either a full or modified retrospective method upon adoption. Although early application as of the original date is permitted, we expect to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 and the related ASUs on September 1, 2018, in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We are continuing to evaluate the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, including potential impacts on the timing of revenue recognition and additional information that may be necessary for expanded disclosures regarding revenue. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 1,663,377 $ 1,804,646 CHS Capital notes receivable 1,064,702 858,805 Other 516,366 380,956 3,244,445 3,044,407 Less allowances and reserves 191,456 163,644 Total receivables $ 3,052,989 $ 2,880,763

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current	November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Grain and oilseed $ 1,597,261 $ 937,258 Energy 699,278 729,695 Crop nutrients 235,320 217,521 Feed and farm supplies 506,514 417,431 Processed grain and oilseed 57,769 48,930 Other 21,793 19,864 Total inventories $ 3,117,935 $ 2,370,699

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Investment Holdings, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block]	2016 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Equity method investments: CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC $ 2,811,020 $ 2,796,323 Ventura Foods, LLC 372,049 369,487 Ardent Mills, LLC 200,980 194,986 TEMCO, LLC 42,686 44,578 Other equity method investments 273,115 263,025 Cost method investments 129,049 127,577 Total investments $ 3,828,899 $ 3,795,976

Goodwill and Other Intangible23

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Energy Ag Corporate Total (Dollars in thousands) Balances, August 31, 2016 $ 552 $ 148,916 $ 10,946 $ 160,414 Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments — (1,291 ) — (1,291 ) Other — — (372 ) (372 ) Balances, November 30, 2016 $ 552 $ 147,625 $ 10,574 $ 158,751
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]	November 30, August 31, Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net (Dollars in thousands) Customer lists $ 48,818 $ (13,039 ) $ 35,779 $ 51,554 $ (15,550 ) $ 36,004 Trademarks and other intangible assets 31,567 (23,869 ) 7,698 35,015 (26,253 ) 8,762 Total intangible assets $ 80,385 $ (36,908 ) $ 43,477 $ 86,569 $ (41,803 ) $ 44,766
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	(Dollars in thousands) Year 1 $ 3,906 Year 2 3,885 Year 3 3,862 Year 4 3,516 Year 5 3,455

Notes Payable and Long-Term D24

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Notes payable $ 2,315,412 $ 1,803,174 CHS Capital notes payable 912,152 928,305 Total notes payable $ 3,227,564 $ 2,731,479
Schedule of Interest,Net	Interest expense for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 was $38.3 million and $9.1 million respectively, net of capitalized interest of $1.6 million and $13.7 million , respectively.

Equities (Tables)

Equities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, are as follows for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 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, 2016 $ (165,146 ) $ 5,656 $ (9,196 ) $ (43,040 ) $ (211,726 ) Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — 777 383 (19,149 ) (17,989 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3,239 — 271 (15 ) 3,495 Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3,239 777 654 (19,164 ) (14,494 ) Balance as of November 30, 2016 $ (161,907 ) $ 6,433 $ (8,542 ) $ (62,204 ) $ (226,220 ) 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, 2015 $ (171,729 ) $ 4,156 $ (5,324 ) $ (41,310 ) $ (214,207 ) Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 6,419 560 (4,216 ) (2,980 ) (217 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3,218 ) — (118 ) — (3,336 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3,201 560 (4,334 ) (2,980 ) (3,553 ) Balance as of November 30, 2015 $ (168,528 ) $ 4,716 $ (9,658 ) $ (44,290 ) $ (217,760 )
Schedule of Stockholders Equity	Changes in equities for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , are as follows: Equity Certificates Accumulated Capital Nonpatronage Nonqualified Equity Certificates Preferred Capital Noncontrolling Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance, August 31, 2016 $ 3,932,513 $ 22,894 $ 281,767 $ 2,244,132 $ (211,726 ) $ 1,582,380 $ 14,290 $ 7,866,250 Reversal of prior year redemption estimate 9,528 — — — — — — 9,528 Redemptions of equities (8,946 ) (60 ) (522 ) — — — — (9,528 ) Preferred stock dividends — — — — — (41,825 ) — (41,825 ) Other, net (47 ) (59 ) (24 ) — — 136 (653 ) (647 ) Net income — — — — — 209,150 (208 ) 208,942 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — — — — (14,494 ) — — (14,494 ) Estimated 2017 cash patronage refunds — — — — — (58,238 ) — (58,238 ) Estimated 2017 equity redemptions (28,708 ) — — — — — — (28,708 ) Balance, November 30, 2016 $ 3,904,340 $ 22,775 $ 281,221 $ 2,244,132 $ (226,220 ) $ 1,691,603 $ 13,429 $ 7,931,280

Benefit Plans Schedule of Net B

Benefit Plans Schedule of Net Benefit Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs of Assumptions Used	Qualified Pension Benefits Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended November 30 are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 9,383 $ 9,383 $ 259 $ 259 $ 353 $ 353 Interest cost 7,692 7,693 352 352 427 427 Expected return on assets (12,014 ) (12,014 ) — — — — Prior service cost (credit) amortization 402 402 57 57 (30 ) (30 ) Actuarial (gain) loss amortization 4,765 4,754 173 173 (116 ) (116 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 10,228 $ 10,218 $ 841 $ 841 $ 634 $ 634

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Energy Ag Nitrogen Production Foods Corporate Reconciling Total For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2016: (Dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 1,700,180 $ 6,435,994 $ — $ — $ 27,441 $ (115,365 ) $ 8,048,250 Operating earnings (loss) 72,780 109,597 (4,029 ) (2,797 ) 10,940 — 186,491 (Gain) loss on investments — 7,385 — — 16 — 7,401 Interest expense 4,268 16,339 12,736 — 7,974 (3,052 ) 38,265 Other income (309 ) (17,923 ) (29,106 ) — (115 ) 3,052 (44,401 ) Equity (income) loss from investments (1,162 ) (5,417 ) (14,696 ) (13,369 ) (5,684 ) — (40,328 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 69,983 $ 109,213 $ 27,037 $ 10,572 $ 8,749 $ — $ 225,554 Intersegment revenues $ (110,087 ) $ (3,765 ) $ — $ — $ (1,513 ) $ 115,365 $ — Capital expenditures $ 80,754 $ 29,226 $ — $ — $ 7,006 $ — $ 116,986 Depreciation and amortization $ 54,954 $ 59,406 $ — $ — $ 7,012 $ — $ 121,372 Total assets at November 30, 2016 $ 4,243,151 $ 7,748,375 $ 2,835,125 $ 372,049 $ 3,231,761 $ — $ 18,430,461 Energy Ag Nitrogen Production Foods Corporate Reconciling Total For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2015: (Dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 1,705,913 $ 6,114,256 $ — $ — $ 19,895 $ (111,272 ) $ 7,728,792 Operating earnings (loss) 180,513 74,990 — (1,951 ) 6,262 — 259,814 (Gain) loss on investments — (5,672 ) — — — — (5,672 ) Interest expense (11,599 ) 16,782 — 822 3,655 (609 ) 9,051 Other income (2 ) (1,812 ) — — (853 ) 609 (2,058 ) Equity (income) loss from investments (823 ) (3,576 ) — (21,077 ) (5,886 ) — (31,362 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 192,937 $ 69,268 $ — $ 18,304 $ 9,346 $ — $ 289,855 Intersegment revenues $ (107,103 ) $ (3,053 ) $ — $ — $ (1,116 ) $ 111,272 $ — Capital expenditures $ 132,367 $ 98,138 $ — $ — $ 21,173 $ — $ 251,678 Depreciation and amortization $ 41,063 $ 55,173 $ — $ — $ 4,114 $ — $ 100,350

Derivative Financial Instrume28

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Financial Insturments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of gross and net fair values of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements [Table Text Block]	November 30, 2016 Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but Eligible for Offsetting Gross Amounts Recognized Cash Collateral Derivative Instruments Net Amounts (Dollars in thousands) Derivative Assets: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 364,218 $ — $ 24,504 $ 339,714 Foreign exchange derivatives 20,335 — 5,270 15,065 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 10,444 — — 10,444 Embedded derivative asset 24,106 — — 24,106 Total $ 419,103 $ — $ 29,774 $ 389,329 Derivative Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 300,167 $ 237 $ 24,504 $ 275,426 Foreign exchange derivatives 15,690 — 5,270 10,420 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 1,642 — — 1,642 Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge 6 — — 6 Total $ 317,505 $ 237 $ 29,774 $ 287,494 August 31, 2016 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 $ 500,192 $ — $ 23,689 $ 476,503 Foreign exchange derivatives 21,551 — 9,187 12,364 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 22,078 — — 22,078 Total $ 543,821 $ — $ 32,876 $ 510,945 Derivative Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 491,302 $ 811 $ 23,689 $ 466,802 Foreign exchange derivatives 22,289 — 9,187 13,102 Interest rate derivatives - non-hedge 8 — — 8 Total $ 513,599 $ 811 $ 32,876 $ 479,912
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 for accounting purposes. The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 . For the Three Months Ended Location of Gain (Loss) 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Commodity and freight derivatives Cost of goods sold $ 18,410 $ 35,046 Foreign exchange derivatives Cost of goods sold 6,024 683 Foreign exchange derivatives Marketing, general and administrative 145 7,523 Interest rate derivatives Interest expense 2 (704 ) Embedded derivative Other Income 29,106 — Total $ 53,687 $ 42,548
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Purchase and Sales Contracts [Table Text Block]	all outstanding commodity and freight contracts accounted for as derivative instruments. November 30, 2016 August 31, 2016 Long Short Long Short (Units in thousands) Grain and oilseed - bushels 698,853 992,878 774,279 995,396 Energy products - barrels 12,666 5,767 14,740 6,470 Processed grain and oilseed - tons 502 1,958 541 2,060 Crop nutrients - tons 65 209 108 135 Ocean and barge freight - metric tons 6,571 1,422 4,406 877 Rail freight - rail cars 195 77 205 79 Natural gas - MMBtu 3,706 50 3,550 300
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 months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 . For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Interest rate derivatives $ — $ (6,818 ) 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 months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 . For the Three Months Ended Location of Gain (Loss) 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Interest rate derivatives Interest expense $ (440 ) $ (191 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	November 30, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 31,545 $ 332,673 $ — $ 364,218 Foreign currency derivatives — 20,335 — 20,335 Interest rate swap derivatives — 10,444 — 10,444 Deferred compensation assets 48,986 — — 48,986 Embedded derivative asset — 24,106 — 24,106 Other assets 13,303 — — 13,303 Total $ 93,834 $ 387,558 $ — $ 481,392 Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 22,444 $ 277,723 $ — $ 300,167 Foreign currency derivatives — 15,690 — 15,690 Interest rate swap derivatives — 1,648 — 1,648 Crack spread contingent consideration liability — — 8,281 8,281 Total $ 22,444 $ 295,061 $ 8,281 $ 325,786 August 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 62,538 $ 437,654 $ — $ 500,192 Foreign currency derivatives — 21,551 — 21,551 Interest rate swap derivatives — 22,078 — 22,078 Deferred compensation assets 50,099 — — 50,099 Other assets 12,678 — — 12,678 Total $ 125,315 $ 481,283 $ — $ 606,598 Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 22,331 $ 468,971 $ — $ 491,302 Foreign currency derivatives — 22,289 — 22,289 Interest rate swap derivatives — 8 — 8 Crack spread contingent consideration liability — — 15,051 15,051 Total $ 22,331 $ 491,268 $ 15,051 $ 528,650
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Item Fair Value November 30, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Input Used Crack spread contingent consideration liability $8,281 Adjusted Black-Scholes option pricing model Forward crack spread margin quotes on November 30, 2016 (a) $9.32 Contractual target crack spread margin (b) $17.50 Expected volatility (c) 143.31% Risk-free interest rate (d) 0.94% Expected life - years (e) 0.75 (a) Represents forward crack spread margin quotes and management estimates based on the future settlement date. (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 number of years remaining related to the final contingent payment.
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following table represents a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended November 30, 2016 , and 2015 . Level 3 Liabilities Crack spread contingent consideration liability 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Balances, August 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively $ 15,051 $ 78,982 Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold (6,770 ) (32,289 ) Balances, November 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively $ 8,281 $ 46,693

Organization, Basis of Presen30

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Capitalized Maintenance Expense, Deferred During the Period	$ 0.3	$ 18.9
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
Other Assets [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net			$ (5.6)
Long-term Debt [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net			$ 5.6

Receivables - Schedule of Rece

Receivables - Schedule of Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 1,663,377	$ 1,804,646
CHS Capital notes receivable	1,064,702	858,805
Other	516,366	380,956
Receivables, gross	3,244,445	3,044,407
Less allowances and reserves	191,456	163,644
Total receivables	$ 3,052,989	$ 2,880,763

Receivables - Narrative (Detai

Receivables - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Notes Receivable, Long-Term
Interest Income Accrual Term, Discontinued	90 days
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable additional available credit of counterparty	$ 818
Minimum [Member]
Notes Receivable, Short-Term
CHS Capital notes receivable, current, term	12 months
Maximum [Member]
Notes Receivable, Short-Term
CHS Capital notes receivable, current, term	14 months
CHS Capital Notes Receivable [Member]
Notes Receivable, Long-Term
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable, non-current, term	10 years
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	$ 318.8	$ 322.4
Percentage of commercial notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	39.00%	26.00%
Percentage of producer notes to CHS Capital long-term notes receivable	61.00%	74.00%
CHS Capital notes past due, percent past due	3.00%	2.50%
CHS Capital loan loss reserves	$ 71.9	$ 45.8
All other third party borrowers [Member] | CHS Capital Notes Receivable [Member]
Notes Receivable, Long-Term
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | CHS Capital Notes Receivable [Member]
Notes Receivable, Long-Term
Concentration Risk, Percentage	19.00%

Inventories - Schedule of Inve

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Grain and oilseed	$ 1,597,261	$ 937,258
Energy	699,278	729,695
Crop nutrients	235,320	217,521
Feed and farm supplies	506,514	417,431
Processed grain and oilseed	57,769	48,930
Other	21,793	19,864
Total inventories	$ 3,117,935	$ 2,370,699

Inventories - Narrative (Detai

Inventories - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
LIFO inventory, difference amount had FIFO inventory valuation method been used	$ 99	$ 93.9
Percentage of LIFO inventory	15.00%	19.00%

Investments - Narrative (Detai

Investments - Narrative (Details) T in Millions	Feb. 01, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)TTons	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 01, 2096USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity (income) loss from investments		$ (40,328,000)	$ (31,362,000)
Short-term Investments		0
Cost Method Investments		129,049,000			$ 127,577,000
Investments		$ 3,828,899,000			3,795,976,000
CF Nitrogen LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	$ 2,800,000,000
Ownership percentage	11.40%
Supply agreement, term	80 years
Maximum annual granular urea eligible for purchase | T		1.1
Maximum annual UAN eligible for purchase | Tons		580,000
Equity Method Investments		$ 2,811,020,000			2,796,323,000
Ventura Foods, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		372,049,000			369,487,000
TEMCO, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		42,686,000			44,578,000
Ardent Mills LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		$ 200,980,000			194,986,000
Cargill, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership of joint venture partner		50.00%
Nitrogen Production [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity (income) loss from investments		$ (14,696,000)	0
Nitrogen Production [Member] | CF Nitrogen LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity (income) loss from investments			0
Corporate and Other
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity (income) loss from investments		$ (5,684,000)	(5,886,000)
Corporate and Other | Ardent Mills [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		12.00%
Number of parent companies		3
Corporate and Other | Ventura Foods, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		50.00%
Equity value exceeding carrying value		$ 12,900,000
Ag [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity (income) loss from investments		$ (5,417,000)	$ (3,576,000)
Ag [Member] | TEMCO, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		50.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Nitrogen Production [Member] | CF Nitrogen LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments				$ 0
Miscellaneous Investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		$ 273,115,000			$ 263,025,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible36

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill by Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill	$ 160,414
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,291)
Other	(372)
Ending Balance, Goodwill	158,751
Energy [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill	552
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Other	0
Ending Balance, Goodwill	552
Ag [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill	148,916
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,291)
Other	0
Ending Balance, Goodwill	147,625
Corporate and Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill	10,946
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Other	(372)
Ending Balance, Goodwill	10,574
Nitrogen Production [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance, Goodwill	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible37

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 1,300	$ 1,700
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, Carrying Amount	$ 48,818		$ 51,554
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(13,039)		(15,550)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	35,779		36,004
Trademarks and other intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Carrying Amount	31,567		35,015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(23,869)		(26,253)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	7,698		8,762
Total intangible assets [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Carrying Amount	80,385		86,569
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(36,908)		(41,803)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 43,477		$ 44,766

Goodwill and Other Intangible38

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	$ 3,906
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	3,885
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	3,862
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	3,516
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$ 3,455

Notes Payable and Long-Term D39

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Footnote Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 3,227,564	$ 2,731,479
Notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	2,315,412	1,803,174
CHS Capital notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	912,152	$ 928,305
Five-Year Revolving Facilities [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 3,000,000
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years

Notes Payable and Long-Term D40

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Interest, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Expense	$ 38.3	$ 9.1
Capitalized interest	$ (1.6)	$ (13.7)

Equities Preferred Stock (Detai

Equities Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shelf Registration Effectiveness Period		3 years
Preferred stock, Value available for issuance		$ 990
Class B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, Value registered	$ 2,000

Equities Changes in Equity (Det

Equities Changes in Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 7,866,250
Reversal of prior year redemption estimate	9,528
Redemptions of equities	(9,528)
Preferred stock dividends	(41,825)
Other, net	(647)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	208,942	$ 266,174
Net income (loss) attributable to CHS Inc.	209,150	266,475
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(208)	(301)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(14,494)	$ (3,553)
Estimated 2017 cash patronage refunds	(58,238)
Estimated 2017 equity redemptions	(28,708)
Ending Balance	7,931,280
Capital equity certificates [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,932,513
Reversal of prior year redemption estimate	9,528
Redemptions of equities	(8,946)
Other, net	(47)
Estimated 2017 equity redemptions	(28,708)
Ending Balance	3,904,340
Nonpatronage Equity Certificates [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	22,894
Reversal of prior year redemption estimate	0
Redemptions of equities	(60)
Other, net	(59)
Ending Balance	22,775
Non-qualified Equity Certificates [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	281,767
Reversal of prior year redemption estimate	0
Redemptions of equities	(522)
Other, net	(24)
Ending Balance	281,221
Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,244,132
Reversal of prior year redemption estimate	0
Redemptions of equities	0
Ending Balance	2,244,132
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(211,726)
Reversal of prior year redemption estimate	0
Redemptions of equities	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(14,494)
Ending Balance	(226,220)
Capital Reserves [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,582,380
Reversal of prior year redemption estimate	0
Redemptions of equities	0
Preferred stock dividends	(41,825)
Other, net	136
Net income (loss) attributable to CHS Inc.	209,150
Estimated 2017 cash patronage refunds	(58,238)
Ending Balance	1,691,603
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	14,290
Other, net	(653)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(208)
Ending Balance	$ 13,429

Equities Accumulated Other Comp

Equities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 7,866,250
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(14,494)	$ (3,553)
Ending Balance	7,931,280
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(211,726)	(214,207)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(17,989)	(217)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,495	(3,336)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(14,494)	(3,553)
Ending Balance	(226,220)	(217,760)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(165,146)	(171,729)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	6,419
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,239	(3,218)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,239	3,201
Ending Balance	(161,907)	(168,528)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,656	4,156
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	777	560
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	777	560
Ending Balance	6,433	4,716
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(9,196)	(5,324)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	383	(4,216)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	271	(118)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	654	(4,334)
Ending Balance	(8,542)	(9,658)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(43,040)	(41,310)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(19,149)	(2,980)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(15)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(19,164)	(2,980)
Ending Balance	$ (62,204)	$ (44,290)

Benefit Plans - Net Periodic B

Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Qualified Pension Benefits
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 9,383,000	$ 9,383,000
Interest cost	7,692,000	7,693,000
Expected return on assets	(12,014,000)	(12,014,000)
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	402,000	402,000
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	4,765,000	4,754,000
Net periodic benefit cost	10,228,000	10,218,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	0
Non-Qualified Pension Benefits
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	259,000	259,000
Interest cost	352,000	352,000
Expected return on assets	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	57,000	57,000
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	173,000	173,000
Net periodic benefit cost	841,000	841,000
Other Benefits
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	353,000	353,000
Interest cost	427,000	427,000
Expected return on assets	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	(30,000)	(30,000)
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	(116,000)	(116,000)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 634,000	$ 634,000

Segment Reporting - Segment In

Segment Reporting - Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 8,048,250	$ 7,728,792
Operating earnings (loss)	186,491	259,814
(Gain) loss on investments	7,401	(5,672)
Interest expense	38,265	9,051
Other income	(44,401)	(2,058)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(40,328)	(31,362)
Income (loss) before income taxes	225,554	289,855
Capital expenditures	116,986	251,678
Depreciation and amortization	121,372	100,350
Total assets	18,430,461		$ 17,312,135
Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,700,180	1,705,913
Operating earnings (loss)	72,780	180,513
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0
Interest expense	4,268	(11,599)
Other income	(309)	(2)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(1,162)	(823)
Income (loss) before income taxes	69,983	192,937
Capital expenditures	80,754	132,367
Depreciation and amortization	54,954	41,063
Total assets	4,243,151
Ag [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6,435,994	6,114,256
Operating earnings (loss)	109,597	74,990
(Gain) loss on investments	7,385	(5,672)
Interest expense	16,339	16,782
Other income	(17,923)	(1,812)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(5,417)	(3,576)
Income (loss) before income taxes	109,213	69,268
Capital expenditures	29,226	98,138
Depreciation and amortization	59,406	55,173
Total assets	7,748,375
Nitrogen Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Operating earnings (loss)	(4,029)	0
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0
Interest expense	12,736	0
Other income	(29,106)	0
Equity (income) loss from investments	(14,696)	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	27,037	0
Capital expenditures	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Total assets	2,835,125
Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Operating earnings (loss)	(2,797)	(1,951)
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0
Interest expense	0	822
Other income	0	0
Equity (income) loss from investments	(13,369)	(21,077)
Income (loss) before income taxes	10,572	18,304
Capital expenditures	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Total assets	372,049
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	27,441	19,895
Operating earnings (loss)	10,940	6,262
(Gain) loss on investments	16	0
Interest expense	7,974	3,655
Other income	(115)	(853)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(5,684)	(5,886)
Income (loss) before income taxes	8,749	9,346
Capital expenditures	7,006	21,173
Depreciation and amortization	7,012	4,114
Total assets	3,231,761
Reconciling Amounts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(115,365)	(111,272)
Operating earnings (loss)	0	0
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0
Interest expense	(3,052)	(609)
Other income	3,052	609
Equity (income) loss from investments	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Total assets	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(110,087)	(107,103)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Ag [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(3,765)	(3,053)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Nitrogen Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(1,513)	(1,116)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Reconciling Amounts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 115,365	$ 111,272

Derivative Financial Instrume46

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Purchase and Sale Contracts (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] t in Thousands, rail_car in Thousands, T in Thousands, MMBtu in Thousands, Bushels in Thousands, Barrels in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016rail_carTtBushelsBarrelsMMBtu	Aug. 31, 2016rail_carTtBushelsBarrelsMMBtu
Grain and oilseed - bushels | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | Bushels	698,853	774,279
Grain and oilseed - bushels | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | Bushels	992,878	995,396
Energy products - barrels | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | Barrels	12,666	14,740
Energy products - barrels | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | Barrels	5,767	6,470
Processed grain and oilseed - tons | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	502	541
Processed grain and oilseed - tons | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	1,958	2,060
Crop nutrients - tons | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	65	108
Crop nutrients - tons | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	209	135
Ocean and barge freight - metric tons | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | t	6,571	4,406
Ocean and barge freight - metric tons | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | t	1,422	877
Rail freight - rail cars | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | rail_car	195	205
Rail freight - rail cars | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | rail_car	77	79
Natural gas - MMBtu | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | MMBtu	3,706	3,550
Natural gas - MMBtu | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | MMBtu	50	300

Derivative Financial Instrume47

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2016
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Credit Rating Agencies Threshold, Minimum	66.67%
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	$ 389,329,000			$ 510,945,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	419,103,000			543,821,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	29,774,000			32,876,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	287,494,000			479,912,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	317,505,000			513,599,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	237,000			811,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	29,774,000			32,876,000
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	0
CF Nitrogen LLC [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Annual Payment Receivable Contingent On Investment Credit Rating	5,000,000
Payments For Credit Rating Decrease In Investment	5,000,000
Embedded derivative asset	24,100,000
Gain (Loss) on Investments	5,000,000
Embedded Derivative, Gain on Embedded Derivative	24,100,000
Foreign currency derivatives | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	15,065,000			12,364,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	20,335,000			21,551,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	5,270,000			9,187,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	10,420,000			13,102,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	15,690,000			22,289,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0			0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	5,270,000			9,187,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	789,100,000			802,200,000
Interest rate swap derivatives | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	10,444,000			22,078,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	10,444,000			22,078,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	0			0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	1,642,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,642,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	0
Interest rate swap derivatives | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	6,000			8,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	6,000			8,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0			0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	0			0
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	24,106,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	24,106,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	0
Commodity and freight derivatives | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	339,714,000			476,503,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	364,218,000			500,192,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	24,504,000			23,689,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	275,426,000			466,802,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	300,167,000			491,302,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	237,000			811,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	24,504,000			23,689,000
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	13,300,000		$ 2,300,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swap derivatives | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	495,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swap derivatives | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount				$ 300,000,000
Cash paid to settle derivative	$ 5,100,000	$ 5,300,000	$ 6,400,000
Derivatives settled, number	2	2	2

Derivative Financial Instrume48

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 ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest rate derivatives	$ 0	$ (6,818)

Derivative Financial Instrume49

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 ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 53,687	$ 42,548
Commodity and freight derivatives | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	18,410	35,046
Foreign currency derivatives | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	6,024	683
Foreign currency derivatives | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	145	7,523
Interest rate derivatives | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	2	(704)
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 29,106	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume50

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Pretax Gains losses reclassified from OCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Interest, net
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Interest rate derivatives	$ (440)	$ (191)

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	$ 48,986	$ 50,099
Embedded derivative asset	24,106
Other assets	13,303	12,678
Total assets	481,392	606,598
Foreign currency derivatives		22,289
Total liabilities	325,786	528,650
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]
Deferred compensation assets	48,986	50,099
Embedded derivative asset	0
Other assets	13,303	12,678
Total assets	93,834	125,315
Foreign currency derivatives		0
Total liabilities	22,444	22,331
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	0	0
Embedded derivative asset	24,106
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	387,558	481,283
Foreign currency derivatives		22,289
Total liabilities	295,061	491,268
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	0	0
Embedded derivative asset	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives		0
Total liabilities	8,281	15,051
Commodity and freight derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	364,218	500,192
Derivative Liability	300,167	491,302
Commodity and freight derivatives | 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]
Derivative Asset	31,545	62,538
Derivative Liability	22,444	22,331
Commodity and freight derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	332,673	437,654
Derivative Liability	277,723	468,971
Commodity and freight derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	20,335	21,551
Foreign currency derivatives	15,690
Foreign currency derivatives | 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]
Foreign currency derivatives	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives	0
Foreign currency derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	20,335	21,551
Foreign currency derivatives	15,690
Foreign currency derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives	0
Interest rate swap derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	10,444	22,078
Derivative Liability	1,648	8
Interest rate swap derivatives | 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]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Interest rate swap derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	10,444	22,078
Derivative Liability	1,648	8
Interest rate swap derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [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, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Crack spread contingent consideration liability	8,281
NCRA [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Crack spread contingent consideration liability		15,051
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]
Crack spread contingent consideration liability	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]
Crack spread contingent consideration liability	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]
Crack spread contingent consideration liability	$ 8,281	$ 15,051

Fair Value Measurements - Quan

Fair Value Measurements - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Details) - NCRA [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Crack spread contingent consideration liability	$ 8,281,000
Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	8,281,000	$ 15,051,000	$ 46,693,000	$ 78,982,000
Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward crack spread margin	$ 9.32
Contractual target crack spread margin (in dollars per share)	$ 17.50
Expected volatility	143.31%
Own credit risk	0.94%
Expected life (years)	9 months

Fair Value Measurements - Fa53

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Reconciliation Liabilities Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Details) - NCRA [Member] - Crack Spread Contingent Payment [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 15,051	$ 78,982
Ending Balance	8,281	46,693
Cost of Goods, Total
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total (gains) losses included in cost of goods sold	$ (6,770)	$ (32,289)

Fair Value Measurements - Narra

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) - CF Nitrogen LLC [Member] $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Embedded derivative asset	$ 24.1
Payments For Credit Rating Decrease In Investment	$ 5

Commitments and Contingencies G

Commitments and Contingencies Guarantees (Details) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	$ 137.2
Maximum guarantees allowed by bank covenants	$ 1,000