Retirement benefits (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May 31, 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 May 31,				Nine months ended May 31,
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings	2021		2020		2021		2020
Service costs	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	2	$	—	$	4	$	1
Interest costs	Other income	36		34		104		106
Expected returns on plan assets/other	Other income	(85)		(69)		(248)		(214)
Total net periodic pension costs (income)		$	(48)	$	(35)	$	(140)	$	(106)