Retirement benefits (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Components of net periodic pension costs for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions):

		Three months ended November 30,
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings	2019		2018
Service costs	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	2	$	1
Interest costs	Other expense1	35		49
Expected returns on plan assets/other	Other income1	(71)		(60)
Total net periodic pension costs (income)		$	(34)	$	(10)

¹Shown as Other income on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.