Retirement benefits (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 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 November 30,
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings	2021		2020
Service costs	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	1	$	1
Interest costs	Other expense	39		33
Expected returns on plan assets/other	Other income	(74)		(80)
Total net periodic pension costs (income)		$	(33)	$	(45)