Retirement benefits (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 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 November 30,
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings	2020		2019
Service costs	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	2	$	2
Interest costs	Other income	33		35
Expected returns on plan assets/other	Other income	(80)		(71)
Total net periodic pension costs (income)		$	(45)	$	(34)