Retirement benefits (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2022

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 February 28,				Six months ended February 28,
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings	2022		2021		2022		2021
Service costs	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	1	$	2	$	3	$	3
Interest costs	Other income	38		35		78		68
Expected returns on plan assets/other	Other income	(72)		(83)		(146)		(163)
Total net periodic pension income		$	(33)	$	(47)	$	(65)	$	(92)