Retirement benefits (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2025

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Income)

Components of net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions):

		Three months ended				Six months ended
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings	February 28, 2025		February 29, 2024		February 28, 2025		February 29, 2024
Service costs	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	(1)	$	1	$	2	$	2
Interest costs	Other income (expense), net	61		64		124		134
Expected returns on plan assets/other	Other income (expense), net	(60)		(63)		(122)		(136)
Total net periodic pension cost		$	—	$	3	$	3	$	—