Income taxes - components of earnings before income tax provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2023	Aug. 31, 2022	Aug. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.	$ (7,553)	$ 2,998	$ 61
Non–U.S.	2,134	987	1,934
(Loss) earnings before income tax (benefit) provision	$ (5,419)	$ 3,985	$ 1,995