Retirement benefits (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Income)

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

		Three months ended				Six months ended
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings	February 28, 2021		February 29, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 29, 2020
Service costs	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	2	$	—	$	3	$	1
Interest costs	Other income	35		36		68		72
Expected returns on plan assets/other	Other income	(83)		(73)		(163)		(144)
Total net periodic pension costs (income)		$	(47)	$	(36)	$	(92)	$	(72)