v3.24.3
Retirement benefits - components of net periodic pension costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2024
Aug. 31, 2023
Aug. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Interest Cost, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Other income, net Other income, net Other income, net
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Expected Return (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Other income, net Other income, net Other income, net
Pension Plan      
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]      
Service costs (Selling, general and administrative expenses) $ 4 $ 4 $ 5
Interest costs (Other income, net) 276 264 149
Expected returns on plan assets/other (Other income, net) (284) (340) (280)
Total net periodic pension income (4) (72) (126)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax 262 730 (251)
Prior service cost (273) (1) (1)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax $ (11) $ 729 $ (252)