Financial instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2017

Derivative [Line Items]

Notional Amounts, Fair Value and Balance Sheet Presentation of Derivative Instruments Outstanding

The notional amounts, fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments outstanding as of November 30, 2017 and August 31, 2017 are as follows (in millions):

	November 30, 2017				August 31, 2017
	Notional 1		Fair value		Notional 1		Fair value		Location in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—	$	250	$	—	Other non-current assets
Interest rate swaps	250		1		—		—		Other non-current liabilities
Foreign currency forwards	—		—		24		—		Other current assets
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Foreign currency forwards	139		3		221		—		Other current assets
Foreign currency forwards	3,064		15		2,816		19		Other current liabilities

¹  Amounts are presented in U.S. dollar equivalents, as applicable.

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Derivative [Line Items]

Gains and (Losses) due to Changes in Fair Value Recognized in Earnings

The gains and (losses) due to changes in fair value of these derivative instruments were recognized in earnings as follows (in millions):

		Three months ended November 30,
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings	2017			2016
Foreign currency forwards	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	(19	)	$	50
Foreign currency forwards	Other income	34			1