CHS (CHSCO) 10-Q 10 Jan 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Jan. 10, 2018
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, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 252,129	$ 181,379
Receivables	2,059,623	1,869,632
Inventories	3,046,101	2,576,585
Derivative assets	283,256	232,017
Margin deposits	206,955	206,062
Supplier advance payments	542,139	249,234
Other current assets	289,250	299,618
Total current assets	6,679,453	5,614,527
Investments	3,777,000	3,750,993
Property, plant and equipment	5,266,408	5,356,434
Other assets	1,061,562	1,251,802
Total assets	16,784,423	15,973,756
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Notes payable	2,480,264	1,988,215
Current portion of long-term debt	71,022	156,345
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	139,868	157,914
Customer advance payments	414,441	413,163
Accounts payable	2,380,998	1,951,292
Derivative liabilities	226,279	316,018
Accrued expenses	409,522	437,527
Dividends and equities payable	121,209	12,121
Total current liabilities	6,243,603	5,432,595
Long-term debt	1,936,744	2,023,448
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	350,841	333,221
Other liabilities	315,460	278,667
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Equities:
Preferred stock	2,264,038	2,264,038
Equity certificates	4,319,840	4,341,649
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(178,445)	(183,670)
Capital reserves	1,520,218	1,471,217
Total CHS Inc. equities	7,925,651	7,893,234
Noncontrolling interests	12,124	12,591
Total equities	7,937,775	7,905,825
Total liabilities and equities	$ 16,784,423	$ 15,973,756

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 8,048,889	$ 8,048,250
Cost of goods sold	7,735,627	7,695,553
Gross profit	313,262	352,697
Marketing, general and administrative	140,168	147,849
Reserve and impairment charges (recoveries), net	(3,787)	18,357
Operating earnings (loss)	176,881	186,491
(Gain) loss on investments	(2,819)	7,401
Interest Expense	40,702	38,265
Other (income) loss	(22,195)	(44,401)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(38,362)	(40,328)
Income (loss) before income taxes	199,555	225,554
Income tax expense (benefit)	19,936	16,612
Net income (loss)	179,619	208,942
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(464)	(208)
Net income (loss) attributable to CHS Inc.	$ 180,083	$ 209,150

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Net income (loss)	$ 179,619	$ 208,942
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax expense (benefit)	4,196	3,239
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)	3,640	777
Cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit)	(4)	654
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)	(2,607)	(19,164)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,225	(14,494)
Comprehensive income (loss)	184,844	194,448
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(464)	(208)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(464)	(208)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to CHS	$ 185,308	$ 194,656

Consolidated Statements of Com5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Postretirement benefit plan activity, tax expense (benefit)	$ 2,620	$ 2,011
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available for sale investments, tax expense (benefit)	404	482
Cash flow hedges, tax expense (benefit)	(2)	406
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax expense (benefit)	$ (443)	$ (209)

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 179,619	$ 208,942
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	120,148	121,372
Amortization of deferred major repair costs	16,418	18,302
Equity (income) loss from investments	(38,362)	(40,328)
Distributions from equity investments	12,514	16,393
Provision for doubtful accounts	(3,601)	27,812
Deferred taxes	15,044	6,199
Other, net	2,976	6,093
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables	(80,637)	(16,555)
Inventories	(472,180)	(754,253)
Derivative assets	67,365	110,306
Margin deposits	(893)	(2,623)
Supplier advance payments	(292,905)	(133,109)
Other current assets and other assets	2,689	12,082
Customer margin deposits and credit balances	(18,045)	(28,141)
Customer advance payments	1,278	131,444
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	441,071	743,427
Derivative liabilities	(97,329)	(195,545)
Other liabilities	4,376	6,599
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(140,454)	238,417
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(85,824)	(116,986)
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment	56,079	2,574
Proceeds from sale of business	29,457	0
Expenditures for major repairs	(1,039)	(239)
Investments redeemed	5,195	0
Changes in CHS Capital notes receivable, net	(69,227)	(218,296)
Financing extended to customers	(15,778)	(14,353)
Payments from customer financing	16,520	21,523
Other investing activities, net	1,847	(1,245)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(62,770)	(327,022)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from lines of credit and long-term borrowings	8,006,980	10,300,476
Payments on lines of credit, long term-debt and capital lease obligations	(7,657,713)	(9,936,369)
Changes in checks and drafts outstanding	(31,417)	14,334
Preferred stock dividends paid	(42,167)	(41,825)
Retirements of equities	(3,682)	(9,528)
Other financing activities, net	(263)	384
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	271,738	327,472
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,236	(2,696)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	70,750	236,171
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	181,379	279,313
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 252,129	$ 515,484

Organization, Basis of Presenta

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
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, 2017 , the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended November 30, 2017 , and 2016 , the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended November 30, 2017 , and 2016 , and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended November 30, 2017 , and 2016 , 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, 2017 , 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 ("U.S. GAAP"). Over the course of fiscal year 2017, we incurred charges relating to a trading partner of ours in Brazil, which entered into bankruptcy-like proceedings under Brazilian law, intangible and fixed asset impairment charges associated with certain assets meeting the criteria to be classified as held for sale, fixed asset impairment charges due to the cancellation of a capital project at one of our refineries and bad debt and loan loss reserve charges relating to a single large producer borrower. Charges and impairments of this nature, as well as any recoveries related to amounts previously reserved, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the line item, "Reserve and impairment charges (recoveries), net" for the three months ended November 30, 2017 , and 2016 . The timing and amounts of these charges and impairments, and any recoveries were determined utilizing facts and circumstances that were present in the respective quarters in which the charge, impairments or recoveries were recorded. Prior year information has been revised to conform to the current year presentation. The notes to our consolidated financial statements reference 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, 2017 , included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("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. This ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017; however, early adoption of this ASU is permitted during the first interim period if an entity issues interim financial statements and 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. We elected to early adopt ASU No. 2016-16 during the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Not Yet Adopted In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12 , Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . This ASU is intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better represent the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and make certain improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The amendments in this ASU will make more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, amend the presentation and disclosure requirements and change how entities assess effectiveness. Entities are required to apply this ASU'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, 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 March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Net Postretirement Benefit Cost. This ASU changes the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement. This ASU requires that the service cost component should be included in the same income statement line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost should be presented in the income statement separately outside of operating income if that subtotal is presented. Additionally, only service cost may be capitalized in assets. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2018, for our fiscal year 2019 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. The guidance on the presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost in the income statement should be applied retrospectively and the guidance regarding the capitalization of the service cost component in assets should be applied prospectively. The adoption of this amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) : Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments within this ASU narrow the existing definition of a business and provide a more robust framework for evaluating whether a transaction should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of assets or a business. The definition of a business impacts various areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals and goodwill. Under the new guidance, fewer acquisitions are expected to be considered businesses. 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 and the guidance should be applied prospectively to transactions following the adoption date. The adoption of this amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 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. The adoption of this amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. 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. The adoption of this amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. 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 this ASU’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 Accounting Standards Codification ("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. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2019, for our fiscal year 2020 and for interim periods within that fiscal year, and the ASU’s provisions are required to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. We have initiated a preliminary assessment of the new lease standard, including the implementation of a new lease software that will improve the collection, maintenance, and aggregation of lease data necessary for the reporting and disclosure requirements under the new lease standard. One of the more significant changes arising from the new lease standard relates to a number of operating lease agreements not currently recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The new lease guidance will require these lease agreements to be recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a right-of-use asset along with a corresponding lease liability. As a result, our preliminary assessment indicates the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 are expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Although we expect the new lease guidance to have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we are continuing to evaluate the extent of potential impact the new lease guidance 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, as well as within additional clarifying ASUs issued by the FASB, 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. The new revenue recognition guidance 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. The new revenue recognition guidance 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. We have completed an initial assessment of our revenue streams and do not believe that the new revenue recognition guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Certain revenue streams are expected to fall within the scope of the new revenue recognition guidance; however, a substantial portion of our revenue falls outside the scope of the new revenue recognition guidance and will continue to follow existing guidance, primarily ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging . We are continuing to evaluate the impact of the new revenue recognition guidance, including potential changes to business practices and/or contractual terms for in scope revenue streams, as well as the scope of expanded disclosures related to revenue. We expect to complete our final evaluation and implementation of the new revenue recognition guidance throughout fiscal 2018, which will allow us to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 and the related ASUs on September 1, 2018, in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, using the modified retrospective method.

Receivables

Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 1,329,887 $ 1,234,500 CHS Capital notes receivable 184,301 164,807 Deferred purchase price receivable 216,996 202,947 Other 556,275 493,104 2,287,459 2,095,358 Less allowances and reserves 227,836 225,726 Total receivables $ 2,059,623 $ 1,869,632 Trade Accounts 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. CHS Capital Notes Receivable CHS Capital, LLC ("CHS Capital"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, has short-term notes receivable from commercial and producer borrowers. The short-term notes receivable have maturity terms of 12 months or less and are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, adjusted for the allowance of loan losses, as CHS Capital has the intent and ability to hold the applicable loans for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off. The carrying value of CHS Capital short-term notes receivable approximates fair value, given the notes' short duration and the use of market pricing adjusted for risk. The notes receivable from commercial borrowers are collateralized by various combinations of mortgages, personal property, accounts and notes receivable, inventories and assignments of certain regional cooperative’s capital stock. These loans are primarily originated in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. CHS Capital also has loans receivable from producer borrowers which are collateralized by various combinations of growing crops, livestock, inventories, accounts receivable, personal property and supplemental mortgages and are originated in the same states as the commercial notes with the addition of Michigan. 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 , totaling $14.8 million and $17.0 million at November 30, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , respectively. The long-term notes receivable are included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of November 30, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , the commercial notes represented 32% and 17% , respectively, and the producer notes represented 68% and 83% , respectively, of the total CHS Capital notes receivable. As of November 30, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , CHS Capital had no third-party borrowers that accounted for more than 10% of the total CHS Capital notes receivable outstanding. CHS Capital has commitments to extend credit to customers if there are no violations of any contractually established conditions. As of November 30, 2017 , CHS Capital's customers have additional available credit of $529.4 million . Allowance for Loan Losses and Impairments CHS Capital maintains an allowance for loan losses which is the estimate of potential incurred losses inherent in the loans receivable portfolio. In accordance with FASB ASC 450-20, Accounting for Loss Contingencies, and ASC 310-10, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan , the allowance for loan losses consists of general and specific components. The general component is based on historical loss experience and qualitative factors addressing operational risks and industry trends. The specific component relates to loans receivable that are classified as impaired. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are reflected within reserve and impairment charges (recoveries), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The portion of loans receivable deemed uncollectible is charged off against the allowance. Recoveries of previously charged off amounts increase the allowance for loan losses. The amount of CHS Capital notes that were past due was not significant at any reporting date presented. Interest Income Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis using a method that computes simple interest daily. The accrual of interest on commercial loans receivable is discontinued at the time the commercial loan receivable is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-collateralized and in process of collection. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. Producer loans receivable are placed in non-accrual status based on estimates and analysis due to the annual debt service terms inherent to CHS Capital’s producer loans. In all cases, loans are placed in nonaccrual status or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Sale of Receivables Receivables Securitization Facility On July 18, 2017, we amended an existing receivables and loans securitization facility (“Securitization Facility”) with certain unaffiliated financial institutions (the "Purchasers"). Under the Securitization Facility, we and certain of our subsidiaries sell trade accounts and notes receivable (the “Receivables”) to Cofina Funding, LLC (“Cofina”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote indirect subsidiary of CHS. Cofina in turn sells the purchased Receivables in their entirety to the Purchasers. Prior to amending the Securitization Facility in July 2017, the transfer of Receivables was accounted for as a secured borrowing. Under the terms of the amended Securitization Facility CHS accounts for Receivables sold under the Facility as a sale of financial assets pursuant to ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing and derecognizes the sold Receivables from its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Sales of Receivables by Cofina occur continuously and are settled with the Purchasers on a monthly basis. The proceeds from the sale of these Receivables comprise a combination of cash and a deferred purchase price (“DPP”) receivable. The DPP receivable is ultimately realized by CHS following the collection of the underlying Receivables sold to the Purchasers. The amount available under the Securitization Facility fluctuates over time based on the total amount of eligible Receivables generated during the normal course of business, with maximum availability of $700.0 million . As of November 30, 2017 , the total availability under the Securitization Facility was $700.0 million , of which all has been utilized. The Securitization Facility terminates on July 17, 2018, but may be extended. We use the proceeds from the sale of Receivables under the Securitization Facility for general corporate purposes. We have no retained interests in the transferred Receivables, other than our right to the DPP receivable and collection and administrative services. The DPP receivable is recorded at fair value within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, including a current portion within receivables and a long-term portion within other assets. Subsequent cash receipts related to the DPP receivable have been reflected as investing activities and additional sales of Receivables under the Securitization Facility are reflected in operating or investing activities, based on the underlying Receivable, in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Losses incurred on the sale of Receivables are recorded in interest expense and fees received related to the servicing of the Receivables are recorded in other income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We consider the fees received adequate compensation for services rendered, and accordingly have recorded no servicing asset or liability. The fair value of the DPP receivable is determined by discounting the expected cash flows to be received based on unobservable inputs consisting of the face amount of the Receivables adjusted for anticipated credit losses. The DPP receivable is being measured like an investment in debt securities classified as available for sale, with changes to the fair value being recorded in other comprehensive income in accordance with ASC 320 - Investments - debt and equity securities . Our risk of loss following the transfer of Receivables under the Securitization Facility is limited to the DPP receivable outstanding and any short-falls in collections for specified non-credit related reasons after sale. Payment of the DPP receivable is not subject to significant risks other than delinquencies and credit losses on accounts receivable sold under the Securitization Facility. The following table is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the DPP receivable for the quarter ended November 30, 2017 : (Dollars in thousands) Balance - as of August 31, 2017 $ 548,602 Monthly settlements, net (27,100 ) Balance - as of November 30, 2017 $ 521,502 There was no DPP receivable as of November 30, 2016, and therefore, no comparative period is included in the table above. Other Receivables Other receivables are comprised of certain other amounts recorded in the normal course of business, including receivables related to valued added taxes and pre-crop financing, primarily to Brazilian farmers, to finance a portion of supplier production costs. We do not bear any of the costs or operational risks associated with the related growing crops. The financing is largely collateralized by future crops and physical assets of the suppliers, carries a local market interest rate and settles when the farmer’s crop is harvested and sold.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Grain and oilseed $ 1,545,313 $ 1,145,285 Energy 720,938 755,886 Crop nutrients 222,053 248,699 Feed and farm supplies 483,805 353,130 Processed grain and oilseed 54,916 49,723 Other 19,076 23,862 Total inventories $ 3,046,101 $ 2,576,585 As of November 30, 2017 , we valued approximately 15% of inventories, primarily related to our Energy segment, using the lower of cost, determined on the LIFO method, or net realizable value ( 19% as of August 31, 2017 ). If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been higher than the reported amount by $99.0 million and $ 186.2 million as of November 30, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , 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 are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Equity method investments: CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC $ 2,776,412 $ 2,756,076 Ventura Foods, LLC 350,602 347,016 Ardent Mills, LLC 209,926 206,529 TEMCO, LLC 39,235 41,323 Other equity method investments 265,621 268,444 Cost method investments 135,204 131,605 Total investments $ 3,777,000 $ 3,750,993 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. 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 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 we receive as a result of our membership interest in CF Nitrogen. For the three months ended November 30, 2017 , and 2016 , this amount was $20.3 million and $14.7 million , respectively. These amounts are included as equity income from investments in our Nitrogen Production segment. 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, 2017 , 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, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill of $153.7 million and $154.1 million as of November 30, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , 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, 2017 , by segment, are as follows: Energy Ag Corporate Total (Dollars in thousands) Balances, August 31, 2017 $ 552 $ 142,929 $ 10,574 $ 154,055 Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments — (389 ) — (389 ) Balances, November 30, 2017 $ 552 $ 142,540 $ 10,574 $ 153,666 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 $ 42,391 $ (11,695 ) $ 30,696 $ 46,180 $ (14,695 ) $ 31,485 Trademarks and other intangible assets 6,536 (4,752 ) 1,784 23,623 (21,778 ) 1,845 Total intangible assets $ 48,927 $ (16,447 ) $ 32,480 $ 69,803 $ (36,473 ) $ 33,330 Total amortization expense for intangible assets during the three months ended November 30, 2017 , and 2016, was $0.9 million and $1.3 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 $ 3,395 Year 2 3,373 Year 3 3,095 Year 4 3,037 Year 5 2,755

Notes Payable and Long-Term Deb

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
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, 2017 . November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Notes payable $ 2,182,243 $ 1,695,423 CHS Capital notes payable 298,021 292,792 Total notes payable $ 2,480,264 $ 1,988,215 On November 30, 2017 , 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. The outstanding balance on this facility was $1.1 billion and $480.0 million as of November 30, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , respectively. Interest expense for the three months ended November 30, 2017 , and 2016, was $40.7 million and $38.3 million , respectively, net of capitalized interest of $1.8 million and $1.6 million , respectively.

Equities

Equities	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Equities	Equities Changes in Equities Changes in equities for the three months ended November 30, 2017 , are as follows: Equity Certificates Accumulated Capital Nonpatronage Nonqualified Equity Certificates Preferred Capital Noncontrolling Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance, August 31, 2017 $ 3,906,426 $ 29,836 $ 405,387 $ 2,264,038 $ (183,670 ) $ 1,471,217 $ 12,591 $ 7,905,825 Reversal of prior year redemption estimates 1,561 — — — — — — 1,561 Redemptions of equities (1,449 ) (53 ) (59 ) — — — — (1,561 ) Preferred stock dividends — — — — — (84,334 ) — (84,334 ) Other, net (1,498 ) (66 ) (344 ) — — 3,954 (3 ) 2,043 Net income (loss) — — — — — 180,083 (464 ) 179,619 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — — — — 5,225 — — 5,225 Estimated 2018 cash patronage refunds — — — — — (50,702 ) — (50,702 ) Estimated 2018 equity redemptions (19,901 ) — — — — — — (19,901 ) Balance, November 30, 2017 $ 3,885,139 $ 29,717 $ 404,984 $ 2,264,038 $ (178,445 ) $ 1,520,218 $ 12,124 $ 7,937,775 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, 2017 , and 2016 : 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, 2017, net of tax $ (135,046 ) $ 10,041 $ (6,954 ) $ (51,711 ) $ (183,670 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: Amounts before reclassifications — 4,044 (435 ) (1,008 ) 2,601 Amounts reclassified out 6,816 — 429 (2,042 ) 5,203 Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax 6,816 4,044 (6 ) (3,050 ) 7,804 Tax effect (2,620 ) (404 ) 2 443 (2,579 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 4,196 3,640 (4 ) (2,607 ) 5,225 Balance as of November 30, 2017, net of tax $ (130,850 ) $ 13,681 $ (6,958 ) $ (54,318 ) $ (178,445 ) 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, net of tax $ (165,146 ) $ 5,656 $ (9,196 ) $ (43,040 ) $ (211,726 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: Amounts before reclassifications — 1,259 620 (18,940 ) (17,061 ) Amounts reclassified out 5,250 — 440 (15 ) 5,675 Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax 5,250 1,259 1,060 (18,955 ) (11,386 ) Tax effect (2,011 ) (482 ) (406 ) (209 ) (3,108 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3,239 777 654 (19,164 ) (14,494 ) Balance as of November 30, 2016, net of tax $ (161,907 ) $ 6,433 $ (8,542 ) $ (62,204 ) $ (226,220 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were primarily related to pension and other post-retirement benefits. Pension and other post-retirement 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, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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, 2017 , and 2016 , are as follows: Qualified Pension Benefits Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended November 30 are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 9,919 $ 9,383 $ 137 $ 259 $ 236 $ 353 Interest cost 6,002 7,692 178 352 227 427 Expected return on assets (12,040 ) (12,014 ) — — — — Prior service cost (credit) amortization 359 402 8 57 (141 ) (30 ) Actuarial (gain) loss amortization 6,888 4,765 15 173 (306 ) (116 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 11,128 $ 10,228 $ 338 $ 841 $ 16 $ 634 Employer Contributions Total contributions to be made during fiscal 2018 will depend primarily on market returns on the pension plan assets and minimum funding level requirements. During the three months ended November 30, 2017 , we made no contributions to the pension plans. At this time, we do not anticipate being required to make a contribution for our benefit plans in fiscal 2018.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
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 our 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 entitles us, pursuant to a supply agreement that we entered into with CF Nitrogen, to purchase up to a specified annual quantity of granular urea and urea ammonium nitrate annually from CF Nitrogen. Our Foods segment consists solely of our equity method investment in Ventura Foods. Corporate and Other primarily represents our non-consolidated wheat milling operations, as well as our financing, hedging and insurance operations. Corporate administrative expenses and interest are allocated to each business segment, and Corporate and Other, based on direct usage for services, 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 fall 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, 2017 , and 2016 , is presented in the tables below. Energy Ag Nitrogen Production Foods Corporate Reconciling Total For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2017: (Dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 2,087,703 $ 6,086,680 $ — $ — $ 18,775 $ (144,269 ) $ 8,048,889 Operating earnings (loss) 117,173 60,822 (3,135 ) (2,467 ) 4,488 — 176,881 (Gain) loss on investments — (2,819 ) — — — — (2,819 ) Interest expense 5,635 17,604 13,272 — 4,581 (390 ) 40,702 Other (income) loss (393 ) (20,228 ) (1,738 ) — (226 ) 390 (22,195 ) Equity (income) loss from investments (1,152 ) (8,254 ) (20,335 ) (3,440 ) (5,181 ) — (38,362 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 113,083 $ 74,519 $ 5,666 $ 973 $ 5,314 $ — $ 199,555 Intersegment revenues $ (137,204 ) $ (4,033 ) $ — $ — $ (3,032 ) $ 144,269 $ — 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) loss (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 $ —

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
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 lesser 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, 2017 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 $ 324,867 $ — $ 36,052 $ 288,815 Foreign exchange derivatives 4,297 — 2,741 1,556 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 3,596 — — 3,596 Embedded derivative asset 22,271 — — 22,271 Total $ 355,031 $ — $ 38,793 $ 316,238 Derivative Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 224,656 $ 10,358 $ 36,052 $ 178,246 Foreign exchange derivatives 7,556 — 2,741 4,815 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 2,641 — — 2,641 Total $ 234,853 $ 10,358 $ 38,793 $ 185,702 August 31, 2017 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 $ 384,648 $ — $ 35,080 $ 349,568 Foreign exchange derivatives 8,771 — 3,636 5,135 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 9,978 — — 9,978 Embedded derivative asset 25,533 — — 25,533 Total $ 428,930 $ — $ 38,716 $ 390,214 Derivative Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 309,762 $ 3,898 $ 35,080 $ 270,784 Foreign exchange derivatives 19,931 — 3,636 16,295 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 707 — — 707 Total $ 330,400 $ 3,898 $ 38,716 $ 287,786 The amount of long-term derivative assets and liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at November 30, 2017 , were $71.8 million and $8.6 million , respectively. The amount of long-term derivative assets and liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at August 31, 2017, were $196.9 million and $14.4 million , respectively. 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, 2017 , and 2016 . For the Three Months Ended November 30, Location of Gain (Loss) 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Commodity and freight derivatives Cost of goods sold $ 27,752 $ 18,410 Foreign exchange derivatives Cost of goods sold 6,766 6,024 Foreign exchange derivatives Marketing, general and administrative (495 ) 145 Interest rate derivatives Interest expense (1 ) 2 Embedded derivative Other income 1,738 29,106 Total $ 35,760 $ 53,687 Commodity and Freight Contracts As of November 30, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , 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, 2017 August 31, 2017 Long Short Long Short (Units in thousands) Grain and oilseed - bushels 588,263 805,041 570,673 768,540 Energy products - barrels 16,254 19,300 15,072 18,252 Processed grain and oilseed - tons 196 1,700 299 2,347 Crop nutrients - tons 25 4 9 15 Ocean and barge freight - metric tons 4,785 3,144 2,777 1,766 Rail freight - rail cars 151 68 176 75 Natural gas - MMBtu 1,500 — 500 — 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 $646.3 million and $776.7 million as of November 30, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , 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 in November of each year 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. We also recorded an embedded derivative asset of $24.1 million on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and a corresponding gain in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fair value of the embedded derivative asset during the three months ended November 30, 2016. During the three months ended November 30, 2017, we received a second $5.0 million payment from CF Industries. The fair value of the embedded derivative asset recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of November 30, 2017, was equal to $22.3 million . The current and long-term portions of the embedded derivative asset are included in derivative assets and other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements for more information on the valuation of the embedded derivative asset. Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Strategies As of November 30, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , 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 three-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, 2017 , and 2016 , we recorded offsetting fair value adjustments of $8.3 million and $13.3 million , respectively, with no ineffectiveness recorded in earnings.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
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 independent sources to value the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our 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, 2017 , and August 31, 2017 , are as follows: November 30, 2017 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 $ 29,637 $ 295,230 $ — $ 324,867 Foreign currency derivatives — 4,297 — 4,297 Interest rate swap derivatives — 3,596 — 3,596 Deferred compensation assets 53,348 — — 53,348 Deferred purchase price receivable — — 521,502 521,502 Embedded derivative asset — 22,271 — 22,271 Other assets 17,784 — — 17,784 Total $ 100,769 $ 325,394 $ 521,502 $ 947,665 Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 25,299 $ 199,357 $ — $ 224,656 Foreign currency derivatives — 7,556 — 7,556 Interest rate swap derivatives — 2,641 — 2,641 Total $ 25,299 $ 209,554 $ — $ 234,853 August 31, 2017 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 $ 48,491 $ 336,157 $ — $ 384,648 Foreign currency derivatives — 8,771 — 8,771 Interest rate swap derivatives — 9,978 — 9,978 Deferred compensation assets 52,414 — — 52,414 Deferred purchase price receivable — — 548,602 548,602 Embedded derivative asset — 25,533 — 25,533 Other assets 14,846 — — 14,846 Total $ 115,751 $ 380,439 $ 548,602 $ 1,044,792 Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 31,189 $ 278,573 $ — $ 309,762 Foreign currency derivatives — 19,931 — 19,931 Interest rate swap derivatives — 707 — 707 Total $ 31,189 $ 299,211 $ — $ 330,400 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 over-the-counter ("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. Deferred purchase price receivable — The fair value of the DPP receivable included in receivables, net and other assets, is determined by discounting the expected cash flows to be received. The expected cash flows are primarily based on unobservable inputs consisting of the face amount of the Receivables adjusted for anticipated credit losses. Significant changes in the anticipated credit losses could result in a significantly higher (or lower) fair value measurement. Due to the use of significant unobservable inputs in the pricing model, including management's assumptions related to anticipated credit losses, the DPP receivable is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement. The reconciliation of the DPP receivable for the period ended November 30, 2017 , is included in Note 2, Receivables . Embedded derivative asset — The embedded derivative asset relates to contingent payments inherent in our investment in CF Nitrogen. 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. There were no material transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 assets and liabilities during the three months ended November 30, 2017.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Environmental We are required to comply with various environmental laws and regulations incidental to our normal business operations. In order to meet our compliance requirements, we establish reserves for the probable future costs of remediation of identified issues, which are included in cost of goods sold and marketing, general and administrative in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The resolution of any such matters may affect consolidated net income for any fiscal period; however, we believe any resulting liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows during any fiscal year. Other Litigation and Claims We are involved as a defendant in various lawsuits, claims and disputes, which are in the normal course of our business. The resolution of any such matters may affect consolidated net income for any fiscal period; however, we believe any resulting liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows during any fiscal year. Guarantees We are a guarantor for lines of credit and performance obligations of related, non-consolidated companies. As of November 30, 2017 , our bank covenants allowed maximum guarantees of $1.0 billion , of which $101.4 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 these guarantees were current as of November 30, 2017 . Lease Commitments On November 30, 2017, we completed a sale-leaseback transaction for our primary corporate office building located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Simultaneous with the closing of the sale, the Company entered into a 20 -year operating lease arrangement with base annual rent of approximately $3.4 million during the first year, followed by annual increases of 2% through the remainder of the lease period.

Subsequent Events (Notes)

Subsequent Events (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events United States Tax Reform On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. The law includes significant changes to the U.S. corporate tax system, including a Federal corporate rate reduction from 35% to 21% , repeal of the Section 199 Domestic Production Activities Deduction and enactment of the Deduction for Qualified Business Income of Pass-Thru Entities. We are in the process of analyzing the legislation and determining an estimate of the financial impact. Currently, we expect to record a material tax benefit due to the revaluation of our net deferred tax liability position included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Organization, Basis of Presen20

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
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, 2017 , included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("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. This ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017; however, early adoption of this ASU is permitted during the first interim period if an entity issues interim financial statements and 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. We elected to early adopt ASU No. 2016-16 during the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Not Yet Adopted In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12 , Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . This ASU is intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better represent the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and make certain improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The amendments in this ASU will make more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, amend the presentation and disclosure requirements and change how entities assess effectiveness. Entities are required to apply this ASU'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, 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 March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Net Postretirement Benefit Cost. This ASU changes the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement. This ASU requires that the service cost component should be included in the same income statement line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost should be presented in the income statement separately outside of operating income if that subtotal is presented. Additionally, only service cost may be capitalized in assets. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2018, for our fiscal year 2019 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. The guidance on the presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost in the income statement should be applied retrospectively and the guidance regarding the capitalization of the service cost component in assets should be applied prospectively. The adoption of this amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) : Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments within this ASU narrow the existing definition of a business and provide a more robust framework for evaluating whether a transaction should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of assets or a business. The definition of a business impacts various areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals and goodwill. Under the new guidance, fewer acquisitions are expected to be considered businesses. 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 and the guidance should be applied prospectively to transactions following the adoption date. The adoption of this amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 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. The adoption of this amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. 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. The adoption of this amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. 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 this ASU’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 Accounting Standards Codification ("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. This ASU is effective for us beginning September 1, 2019, for our fiscal year 2020 and for interim periods within that fiscal year, and the ASU’s provisions are required to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. We have initiated a preliminary assessment of the new lease standard, including the implementation of a new lease software that will improve the collection, maintenance, and aggregation of lease data necessary for the reporting and disclosure requirements under the new lease standard. One of the more significant changes arising from the new lease standard relates to a number of operating lease agreements not currently recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The new lease guidance will require these lease agreements to be recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a right-of-use asset along with a corresponding lease liability. As a result, our preliminary assessment indicates the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 are expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Although we expect the new lease guidance to have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we are continuing to evaluate the extent of potential impact the new lease guidance 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, as well as within additional clarifying ASUs issued by the FASB, 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. The new revenue recognition guidance 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. The new revenue recognition guidance 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. We have completed an initial assessment of our revenue streams and do not believe that the new revenue recognition guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Certain revenue streams are expected to fall within the scope of the new revenue recognition guidance; however, a substantial portion of our revenue falls outside the scope of the new revenue recognition guidance and will continue to follow existing guidance, primarily ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging . We are continuing to evaluate the impact of the new revenue recognition guidance, including potential changes to business practices and/or contractual terms for in scope revenue streams, as well as the scope of expanded disclosures related to revenue. We expect to complete our final evaluation and implementation of the new revenue recognition guidance throughout fiscal 2018, which will allow us to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 and the related ASUs on September 1, 2018, in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, using the modified retrospective method.

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 1,329,887 $ 1,234,500 CHS Capital notes receivable 184,301 164,807 Deferred purchase price receivable 216,996 202,947 Other 556,275 493,104 2,287,459 2,095,358 Less allowances and reserves 227,836 225,726 Total receivables $ 2,059,623 $ 1,869,632
Schedule of Deferred Purchase Price [Table Text Block]		(Dollars in thousands) Balance - as of August 31, 2017 $ 548,602 Monthly settlements, net (27,100 ) Balance - as of November 30, 2017 $ 521,502

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current	November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Grain and oilseed $ 1,545,313 $ 1,145,285 Energy 720,938 755,886 Crop nutrients 222,053 248,699 Feed and farm supplies 483,805 353,130 Processed grain and oilseed 54,916 49,723 Other 19,076 23,862 Total inventories $ 3,046,101 $ 2,576,585

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Investment Holdings, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block]	November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Equity method investments: CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC $ 2,776,412 $ 2,756,076 Ventura Foods, LLC 350,602 347,016 Ardent Mills, LLC 209,926 206,529 TEMCO, LLC 39,235 41,323 Other equity method investments 265,621 268,444 Cost method investments 135,204 131,605 Total investments $ 3,777,000 $ 3,750,993

Goodwill and Other Intangible24

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Energy Ag Corporate Total (Dollars in thousands) Balances, August 31, 2017 $ 552 $ 142,929 $ 10,574 $ 154,055 Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments — (389 ) — (389 ) Balances, November 30, 2017 $ 552 $ 142,540 $ 10,574 $ 153,666
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 $ 42,391 $ (11,695 ) $ 30,696 $ 46,180 $ (14,695 ) $ 31,485 Trademarks and other intangible assets 6,536 (4,752 ) 1,784 23,623 (21,778 ) 1,845 Total intangible assets $ 48,927 $ (16,447 ) $ 32,480 $ 69,803 $ (36,473 ) $ 33,330
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	(Dollars in thousands) Year 1 $ 3,395 Year 2 3,373 Year 3 3,095 Year 4 3,037 Year 5 2,755

Notes Payable and Long-Term D25

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Notes payable $ 2,182,243 $ 1,695,423 CHS Capital notes payable 298,021 292,792 Total notes payable $ 2,480,264 $ 1,988,215
Schedule of Interest,Net	Interest expense for the three months ended November 30, 2017 , and 2016, was $40.7 million and $38.3 million , respectively, net of capitalized interest of $1.8 million and $1.6 million , respectively.

Equities (Tables)

Equities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	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, 2017, net of tax $ (135,046 ) $ 10,041 $ (6,954 ) $ (51,711 ) $ (183,670 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: Amounts before reclassifications — 4,044 (435 ) (1,008 ) 2,601 Amounts reclassified out 6,816 — 429 (2,042 ) 5,203 Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax 6,816 4,044 (6 ) (3,050 ) 7,804 Tax effect (2,620 ) (404 ) 2 443 (2,579 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 4,196 3,640 (4 ) (2,607 ) 5,225 Balance as of November 30, 2017, net of tax $ (130,850 ) $ 13,681 $ (6,958 ) $ (54,318 ) $ (178,445 ) 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, net of tax $ (165,146 ) $ 5,656 $ (9,196 ) $ (43,040 ) $ (211,726 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: Amounts before reclassifications — 1,259 620 (18,940 ) (17,061 ) Amounts reclassified out 5,250 — 440 (15 ) 5,675 Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax 5,250 1,259 1,060 (18,955 ) (11,386 ) Tax effect (2,011 ) (482 ) (406 ) (209 ) (3,108 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3,239 777 654 (19,164 ) (14,494 ) Balance as of November 30, 2016, net of tax $ (161,907 ) $ 6,433 $ (8,542 ) $ (62,204 ) $ (226,220 )
Schedule of Stockholders Equity	Changes in equities for the three months ended November 30, 2017 , are as follows: Equity Certificates Accumulated Capital Nonpatronage Nonqualified Equity Certificates Preferred Capital Noncontrolling Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance, August 31, 2017 $ 3,906,426 $ 29,836 $ 405,387 $ 2,264,038 $ (183,670 ) $ 1,471,217 $ 12,591 $ 7,905,825 Reversal of prior year redemption estimates 1,561 — — — — — — 1,561 Redemptions of equities (1,449 ) (53 ) (59 ) — — — — (1,561 ) Preferred stock dividends — — — — — (84,334 ) — (84,334 ) Other, net (1,498 ) (66 ) (344 ) — — 3,954 (3 ) 2,043 Net income (loss) — — — — — 180,083 (464 ) 179,619 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — — — — 5,225 — — 5,225 Estimated 2018 cash patronage refunds — — — — — (50,702 ) — (50,702 ) Estimated 2018 equity redemptions (19,901 ) — — — — — — (19,901 ) Balance, November 30, 2017 $ 3,885,139 $ 29,717 $ 404,984 $ 2,264,038 $ (178,445 ) $ 1,520,218 $ 12,124 $ 7,937,775

Benefit Plans Schedule of Net B

Benefit Plans Schedule of Net Benefit Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs of Assumptions Used	Qualified Pension Benefits Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended November 30 are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 9,919 $ 9,383 $ 137 $ 259 $ 236 $ 353 Interest cost 6,002 7,692 178 352 227 427 Expected return on assets (12,040 ) (12,014 ) — — — — Prior service cost (credit) amortization 359 402 8 57 (141 ) (30 ) Actuarial (gain) loss amortization 6,888 4,765 15 173 (306 ) (116 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 11,128 $ 10,228 $ 338 $ 841 $ 16 $ 634

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
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, 2017: (Dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 2,087,703 $ 6,086,680 $ — $ — $ 18,775 $ (144,269 ) $ 8,048,889 Operating earnings (loss) 117,173 60,822 (3,135 ) (2,467 ) 4,488 — 176,881 (Gain) loss on investments — (2,819 ) — — — — (2,819 ) Interest expense 5,635 17,604 13,272 — 4,581 (390 ) 40,702 Other (income) loss (393 ) (20,228 ) (1,738 ) — (226 ) 390 (22,195 ) Equity (income) loss from investments (1,152 ) (8,254 ) (20,335 ) (3,440 ) (5,181 ) — (38,362 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 113,083 $ 74,519 $ 5,666 $ 973 $ 5,314 $ — $ 199,555 Intersegment revenues $ (137,204 ) $ (4,033 ) $ — $ — $ (3,032 ) $ 144,269 $ — 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) loss (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 $ —

Derivative Financial Instrume29

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Financial Insturments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
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, 2017 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 $ 324,867 $ — $ 36,052 $ 288,815 Foreign exchange derivatives 4,297 — 2,741 1,556 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 3,596 — — 3,596 Embedded derivative asset 22,271 — — 22,271 Total $ 355,031 $ — $ 38,793 $ 316,238 Derivative Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 224,656 $ 10,358 $ 36,052 $ 178,246 Foreign exchange derivatives 7,556 — 2,741 4,815 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 2,641 — — 2,641 Total $ 234,853 $ 10,358 $ 38,793 $ 185,702 August 31, 2017 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 $ 384,648 $ — $ 35,080 $ 349,568 Foreign exchange derivatives 8,771 — 3,636 5,135 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 9,978 — — 9,978 Embedded derivative asset 25,533 — — 25,533 Total $ 428,930 $ — $ 38,716 $ 390,214 Derivative Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 309,762 $ 3,898 $ 35,080 $ 270,784 Foreign exchange derivatives 19,931 — 3,636 16,295 Interest rate derivatives - hedge 707 — — 707 Total $ 330,400 $ 3,898 $ 38,716 $ 287,786
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, 2017 , and 2016 . For the Three Months Ended November 30, Location of Gain (Loss) 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Commodity and freight derivatives Cost of goods sold $ 27,752 $ 18,410 Foreign exchange derivatives Cost of goods sold 6,766 6,024 Foreign exchange derivatives Marketing, general and administrative (495 ) 145 Interest rate derivatives Interest expense (1 ) 2 Embedded derivative Other income 1,738 29,106 Total $ 35,760 $ 53,687
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Purchase and Sales Contracts [Table Text Block]	all outstanding commodity and freight contracts accounted for as derivative instruments. November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 Long Short Long Short (Units in thousands) Grain and oilseed - bushels 588,263 805,041 570,673 768,540 Energy products - barrels 16,254 19,300 15,072 18,252 Processed grain and oilseed - tons 196 1,700 299 2,347 Crop nutrients - tons 25 4 9 15 Ocean and barge freight - metric tons 4,785 3,144 2,777 1,766 Rail freight - rail cars 151 68 176 75 Natural gas - MMBtu 1,500 — 500 —

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	November 30, 2017 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 $ 29,637 $ 295,230 $ — $ 324,867 Foreign currency derivatives — 4,297 — 4,297 Interest rate swap derivatives — 3,596 — 3,596 Deferred compensation assets 53,348 — — 53,348 Deferred purchase price receivable — — 521,502 521,502 Embedded derivative asset — 22,271 — 22,271 Other assets 17,784 — — 17,784 Total $ 100,769 $ 325,394 $ 521,502 $ 947,665 Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 25,299 $ 199,357 $ — $ 224,656 Foreign currency derivatives — 7,556 — 7,556 Interest rate swap derivatives — 2,641 — 2,641 Total $ 25,299 $ 209,554 $ — $ 234,853 August 31, 2017 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 $ 48,491 $ 336,157 $ — $ 384,648 Foreign currency derivatives — 8,771 — 8,771 Interest rate swap derivatives — 9,978 — 9,978 Deferred compensation assets 52,414 — — 52,414 Deferred purchase price receivable — — 548,602 548,602 Embedded derivative asset — 25,533 — 25,533 Other assets 14,846 — — 14,846 Total $ 115,751 $ 380,439 $ 548,602 $ 1,044,792 Liabilities: Commodity and freight derivatives $ 31,189 $ 278,573 $ — $ 309,762 Foreign currency derivatives — 19,931 — 19,931 Interest rate swap derivatives — 707 — 707 Total $ 31,189 $ 299,211 $ — $ 330,400

Receivables - Schedule of Rece

Receivables - Schedule of Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 1,329,887	$ 1,234,500
CHS Capital notes receivable	184,301	164,807
Deferred purchase price receivable	216,996	202,947
Other	556,275	493,104
Receivables, gross	2,287,459	2,095,358
Less allowances and reserves	227,836	225,726
Total receivables	$ 2,059,623	$ 1,869,632

Receivables - Narrative (Detai

Receivables - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Notes Receivable, Long-Term
Interest Income Accrual Term, Discontinued	90 days
CHS Capital long-term notes receivable additional available credit of counterparty	$ 529,400
Deferred purchase price receivable	$ 521,502	$ 548,602	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Notes Receivable, Short-Term
CHS Capital notes receivable, current, term	12 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	$ 14,800	$ 17,000
Commercial Notes to Notes and Loans Receivable, Net, Percentage	32.00%	17.00%
Producer Notes to Notes and Loans Receivable, Net, Percentage	68.00%	83.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | CHS Capital Notes Receivable [Member]
Notes Receivable, Long-Term
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	10.00%

Receivables Schedule of Deferre

Receivables Schedule of Deferred Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables Securitization Facility, Amount	$ 700,000
Availability under Securitization Facility	700,000
Deferred purchase price receivable	521,502	$ 548,602	$ 0
Monthly settlements, net	$ (27,100)

Inventories - Schedule of Inve

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Grain and oilseed	$ 1,545,313	$ 1,145,285
Energy	720,938	755,886
Crop nutrients	222,053	248,699
Feed and farm supplies	483,805	353,130
Processed grain and oilseed	54,916	49,723
Other	19,076	23,862
Total inventories	$ 3,046,101	$ 2,576,585

Inventories - Narrative (Detai

Inventories - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
LIFO inventory, difference amount had FIFO inventory valuation method been used	$ 99	$ 186.2
Percentage of LIFO inventory	15.00%	19.00%

Investments - Narrative (Detai

Investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 01, 2016	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity (income) loss from investments		$ (38,362)	$ (40,328)
Cost Method Investments		135,204		$ 131,605
Investments		$ 3,777,000		3,750,993
CF Nitrogen LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	$ 2,800,000
Ownership percentage		11.40%
Equity Method Investments		$ 2,776,412		2,756,076
Ventura Foods, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		350,602		347,016
TEMCO, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		39,235		41,323
Ardent Mills LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		$ 209,926		206,529
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		$ (20,335)	(14,696)
Foods [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity (income) loss from investments		$ (3,440)	(13,369)
Foods [Member] | Ventura Foods, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		50.00%
Equity value exceeding carrying value		$ 12,900
Corporate and Other
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity (income) loss from investments		$ (5,181)	(5,684)
Corporate and Other | Ardent Mills LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		12.00%
Number of parent companies		3
Ag [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity (income) loss from investments		$ (8,254)	$ (5,417)
Ag [Member] | TEMCO, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		50.00%
Miscellaneous Investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		$ 265,621		$ 268,444

Investments Equity Method inves

Investments Equity Method investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to CHS Inc.	$ 180,083	$ 209,150

Goodwill and Other Intangible38

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill by Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill	$ 154,055
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	(389)
Ending Balance, Goodwill	153,666
Energy [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill	552
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Ending Balance, Goodwill	552
Ag [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill	142,929
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	(389)
Ending Balance, Goodwill	142,540
Corporate and Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill	10,574
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Ending Balance, Goodwill	10,574
Nitrogen Production [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance, Goodwill	0
Foods [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance, Goodwill	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible39

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 900	$ 1,300
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	$ 42,391		$ 46,180
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(11,695)		(14,695)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	30,696		31,485
Trademarks and other intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Carrying Amount	6,536		23,623
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(4,752)		(21,778)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	1,784		1,845
Total intangible assets [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Carrying Amount	48,927		69,803
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(16,447)		(36,473)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 32,480		$ 33,330

Goodwill and Other Intangible40

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	$ 3,395
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	3,373
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	3,095
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	3,037
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$ 2,755

Notes Payable and Long-Term D41

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Footnote Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 2,480,264	$ 1,988,215
Notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	2,182,243	1,695,423
CHS Capital notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	298,021	292,792
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
Long-term Line of Credit, Amount Outstanding	$ 1,100,000	$ 480,000

Notes Payable and Long-Term D42

Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Interest, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Expense	$ 40.7	$ 38.3
Capitalized interest	$ (1.8)	$ (1.6)

Equities Changes in Equity (Det

Equities Changes in Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 7,905,825
Reversal of prior year redemption estimates	1,561
Redemptions of equities	(1,561)
Preferred stock dividends	(84,334)
Other, net	2,043
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	179,619	$ 208,942
Net income (loss) attributable to CHS Inc.	180,083	209,150
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(464)	(208)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,225	(14,494)
Estimated 2018 cash patronage refunds	(50,702)
Estimated 2018 equity redemptions	(19,901)
Ending Balance	7,937,775
Capital equity certificates [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,906,426
Reversal of prior year redemption estimates	1,561
Redemptions of equities	(1,449)
Other, net	(1,498)
Estimated 2018 equity redemptions	(19,901)
Ending Balance	3,885,139
Nonpatronage Equity Certificates [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	29,836
Reversal of prior year redemption estimates	0
Redemptions of equities	(53)
Other, net	(66)
Ending Balance	29,717
Non-qualified Equity Certificates [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	405,387
Reversal of prior year redemption estimates	0
Redemptions of equities	(59)
Other, net	(344)
Ending Balance	404,984
Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,264,038
Redemptions of equities	0
Ending Balance	2,264,038
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(183,670)	(211,726)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,225	(14,494)
Ending Balance	(178,445)	$ (226,220)
Capital Reserves [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,471,217
Reversal of prior year redemption estimates	0
Preferred stock dividends	(84,334)
Other, net	3,954
Net income (loss) attributable to CHS Inc.	180,083
Estimated 2018 cash patronage refunds	(50,702)
Ending Balance	1,520,218
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	12,591
Other, net	(3)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(464)
Ending Balance	$ 12,124

Equities Accumulated Other Comp

Equities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 7,905,825
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,225	$ (14,494)
Ending Balance	7,937,775
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(135,046)	(165,146)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	6,816	5,250
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	6,816	5,250
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(2,620)	(2,011)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,196	3,239
Ending Balance	(130,850)	(161,907)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	10,041	5,656
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax	4,044	1,259
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	4,044	1,259
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(404)	(482)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,640	777
Ending Balance	13,681	6,433
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(6,954)	(9,196)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax	(435)	620
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	429	440
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	(6)	1,060
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	2	(406)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(4)	654
Ending Balance	(6,958)	(8,542)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(51,711)	(43,040)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax	(1,008)	(18,940)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(2,042)	(15)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	(3,050)	(18,955)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	443	(209)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,607)	(19,164)
Ending Balance	(54,318)	(62,204)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(183,670)	(211,726)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax	2,601	(17,061)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	5,203	5,675
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	7,804	(11,386)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(2,579)	(3,108)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,225	(14,494)
Ending Balance	$ (178,445)	$ (226,220)

Benefit Plans - Net Periodic B

Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Qualified Pension Benefits
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 9,919,000	$ 9,383,000
Interest cost	6,002,000	7,692,000
Expected return on assets	(12,040,000)	(12,014,000)
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	359,000	402,000
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	6,888,000	4,765,000
Net periodic benefit cost	11,128,000	10,228,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	0
Non-Qualified Pension Benefits
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	137,000	259,000
Interest cost	178,000	352,000
Expected return on assets	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	8,000	57,000
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	15,000	173,000
Net periodic benefit cost	338,000	841,000
Other Benefits
Component of net periodic benefit costs: [Abstract]
Service cost	236,000	353,000
Interest cost	227,000	427,000
Expected return on assets	0	0
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	(141,000)	(30,000)
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization	(306,000)	(116,000)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 16,000	$ 634,000

Segment Reporting - Segment In

Segment Reporting - Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 8,048,889	$ 8,048,250
Operating earnings (loss)	176,881	186,491
(Gain) loss on investments	(2,819)	7,401
Interest Expense	40,702	38,265
Other (income) loss	(22,195)	(44,401)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(38,362)	(40,328)
Income (loss) before income taxes	199,555	225,554
Total assets	16,784,423		$ 15,973,756
Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,087,703	1,700,180
Operating earnings (loss)	117,173	72,780
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0
Interest Expense	5,635	4,268
Other (income) loss	(393)	(309)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(1,152)	(1,162)
Income (loss) before income taxes	113,083	69,983
Ag [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6,086,680	6,435,994
Operating earnings (loss)	60,822	109,597
(Gain) loss on investments	(2,819)	7,385
Interest Expense	17,604	16,339
Other (income) loss	(20,228)	(17,923)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(8,254)	(5,417)
Income (loss) before income taxes	74,519	109,213
Nitrogen Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Operating earnings (loss)	(3,135)	(4,029)
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0
Interest Expense	13,272	12,736
Other (income) loss	(1,738)	(29,106)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(20,335)	(14,696)
Income (loss) before income taxes	5,666	27,037
Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Operating earnings (loss)	(2,467)	(2,797)
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0
Interest Expense	0	0
Other (income) loss	0	0
Equity (income) loss from investments	(3,440)	(13,369)
Income (loss) before income taxes	973	10,572
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	18,775	27,441
Operating earnings (loss)	4,488	10,940
(Gain) loss on investments	0	16
Interest Expense	4,581	7,974
Other (income) loss	(226)	(115)
Equity (income) loss from investments	(5,181)	(5,684)
Income (loss) before income taxes	5,314	8,749
Reconciling Amounts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(144,269)	(115,365)
Operating earnings (loss)	0	0
(Gain) loss on investments	0	0
Interest Expense	(390)	(3,052)
Other (income) loss	390	3,052
Equity (income) loss from investments	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(137,204)	(110,087)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Ag [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(4,033)	(3,765)
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	(3,032)	(1,513)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Reconciling Amounts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 144,269	$ 115,365

Derivative Financial Instrume47

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, 2017Trail_cartBushelsMMBtuBarrels	Aug. 31, 2017Trail_cartBushelsMMBtuBarrels
Grain and oilseed - bushels | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | Bushels	588,263	570,673
Grain and oilseed - bushels | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | Bushels	805,041	768,540
Energy products - barrels | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | Barrels	16,254	15,072
Energy products - barrels | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | Barrels	19,300	18,252
Processed grain and oilseed - tons | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	196	299
Processed grain and oilseed - tons | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	1,700	2,347
Crop nutrients - tons | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	25	9
Crop nutrients - tons | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	4	15
Ocean and barge freight - metric tons | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | t	4,785	2,777
Ocean and barge freight - metric tons | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | t	3,144	1,766
Rail freight - rail cars | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | rail_car	151	176
Rail freight - rail cars | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | rail_car	68	75
Natural gas - MMBtu | Long [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | MMBtu	1,500	500
Natural gas - MMBtu | Short [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | MMBtu	0	0

Derivative Financial Instrume48

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	$ 71,800,000		$ 196,900,000
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	8,600,000		14,400,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	316,238,000		390,214,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	355,031,000		428,930,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	38,793,000		38,716,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	185,702,000		287,786,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	234,853,000		330,400,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	10,358,000		3,898,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	$ 38,793,000		38,716,000
Credit Rating Agencies Threshold, Minimum	66.67%
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	$ 5,000,000
Embedded derivative asset	22,300,000
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	1,556,000		5,135,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	4,297,000		8,771,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	2,741,000		3,636,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	4,815,000		16,295,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	7,556,000		19,931,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	2,741,000		3,636,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	646,300,000		776,700,000
Interest rate swap derivatives | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	3,596,000		9,978,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	3,596,000		9,978,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	2,641,000		707,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	2,641,000		707,000
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	22,271,000		25,533,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	22,271,000		25,533,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	0		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	288,815,000		349,568,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	324,867,000		384,648,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	36,052,000		35,080,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	178,246,000		270,784,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	224,656,000		309,762,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	10,358,000		3,898,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset on Balance Sheet	36,052,000		$ 35,080,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Purchase and Sales Contracts [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge	8,300,000	$ 13,300,000
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

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, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 35,760	$ 53,687
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	27,752	18,410
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	6,766	6,024
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	(495)	145
Interest rate derivatives | Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(1)	2
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	$ 1,738	$ 29,106

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	$ 53,348	$ 52,414
Deferred Consideration Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	521,502	548,602
Embedded derivative asset	22,271	25,533
Other assets	17,784	14,846
Total assets	947,665	1,044,792
Foreign currency derivatives		19,931
Total liabilities	234,853	330,400
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	53,348	52,414
Deferred Consideration Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Embedded derivative asset	0	0
Other assets	17,784	14,846
Total assets	100,769	115,751
Foreign currency derivatives		0
Total liabilities	25,299	31,189
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	0	0
Deferred Consideration Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Embedded derivative asset	22,271	25,533
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	325,394	380,439
Foreign currency derivatives		19,931
Total liabilities	209,554	299,211
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets	0	0
Deferred Consideration Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	521,502	548,602
Embedded derivative asset	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	521,502	548,602
Foreign currency derivatives		0
Total liabilities	0	0
Commodity and freight derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	324,867	384,648
Derivative Liability	224,656	309,762
Commodity and freight derivatives | 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	29,637	48,491
Derivative Liability	25,299	31,189
Commodity and freight derivatives | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	295,230	336,157
Derivative Liability	199,357	278,573
Commodity and freight derivatives | 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, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	4,297	8,771
Foreign currency derivatives	7,556
Foreign currency derivatives | 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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	4,297	8,771
Foreign currency derivatives	7,556
Foreign currency derivatives | 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, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	3,596	9,978
Derivative Liability	2,641	707
Interest rate swap derivatives | 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 | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	3,596	9,978
Derivative Liability	2,641	707
Interest rate swap derivatives | 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

Commitments and Contingencies G

Commitments and Contingencies Guarantees (Details) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	$ 101.4
Maximum guarantees allowed by bank covenants	$ 1,000

Commitments and Contingencies L

Commitments and Contingencies Lease Commitments (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	20 years
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Annual Rental Payments	$ 3.4
Annual Rent Increases, Percent	2.00%

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	Dec. 22, 2017	Dec. 21, 2017
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Corporate Tax Rate	21.00%	35.00%