Equity method investments - summarized financial information of equity method investees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2024	Aug. 31, 2023	Aug. 31, 2022	Aug. 31, 2021
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 18,335	$ 15,503
Non-current assets	62,702	81,125
Current liabilities	26,953	24,535
Non-current liabilities	41,905	43,605
Shareholders' equity	12,005	28,322	$ 29,366	$ 23,822
Non-controlling interests	1,561	8,302
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	147,658	139,081	132,703
Gross profit	26,524	27,072	28,265
Net earnings	(15,448)	(3,528)	4,065
Share of earnings from equity method investments	230	286	468
Equity Method Investment
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Current assets	54,470	48,185
Non-current assets	25,044	25,618
Current liabilities	58,231	52,093
Non-current liabilities	16,470	17,999
Shareholders' equity	4,813	3,711
Non-controlling interests	432	520
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	304,895	279,118	268,189
Gross profit	12,466	12,457	13,248
Net earnings	$ 1,922	$ 1,799	$ 1,988