Retirement benefits (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 29, 2020

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				Six months ended
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings	February 29, 2020		February 28, 2019		February 29, 2020		February 28, 2019
Service costs	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	1	$	1	$	2	$	2
Interest costs	Other income	37		50		72		99
Expected returns on plan assets/other	Other income	(73)		(64)		(144)		(124)
Total net periodic pension costs (income)		$	(35)	$	(13)	$	(69)	$	(23)