Retirement benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2022	May 31, 2021	May 31, 2022	May 31, 2021
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Total net periodic pension income	$ (32)	$ (48)	$ (97)	$ (140)
Employer cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans			20
Expected employer cash contributions to defined benefit plan in current fiscal year	21		21
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Service costs	1	2	4	4
Other income (expense)
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Interest costs	37	36	115	104
Expected returns on plan assets/other	(70)	(85)	(216)	(248)
United States
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Profit sharing provision expense	58	54	181	166
Foreign Plan
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Cost recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of earnings	$ 21	$ 25	$ 69	$ 77