Monsanto 10-K 29 Oct 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Oct. 26, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document type	10-K
Document period end date	Aug. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	MONSANTO CO /NEW/
Entity Central Index Key	1,110,783
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity well known seasoned issuer	Yes
Entity common stock shares outstanding		439,837,164
Entity public float			$ 58
Common stock, Par value	$ 0.01			$ 0.01

Statements of Consolidated Oper

Statements of Consolidated Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	[1]	$ 15,001	$ 15,855	$ 14,861
Cost of goods sold		6,819	7,281	7,208
Gross Profit		8,182	8,574	7,653
Operating Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses		2,686	2,774	2,550
Research and development expenses		1,580	1,725	1,533
Restructuring charges		393	0	0
Total Operating Expenses		4,659	4,499	4,083
Income from Operations		3,523	4,075	3,570
Interest expense		433	248	172
Interest income		(105)	(102)	(92)
Other expense, net		34	102	61
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		3,161	3,827	3,429
Income tax provision		864	1,078	915
Income from Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		2,297	2,749	2,514
Discontinued Operations:
Income from operations of discontinued businesses		45	22	17
Income tax provision		17	9	6
Income on Discontinued Operations		28	13	11
Net Income		2,325	2,762	2,525
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest			22	43
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company		2,314	2,740	2,482
Amounts Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income from continuing operations		2,286	2,727	2,471
Income on discontinued operations		28	13	11
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company		$ 2,314	$ 2,740	$ 2,482
Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)		$ 4.79	$ 5.25	$ 4.63
Income on discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		0.06	0.03	0.02
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company (in dollars per share)		4.85	5.28	4.65
Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)		4.75	5.19	4.58
Income on discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		0.06	0.03	0.02
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company (in dollars per share)		$ 4.81	$ 5.22	$ 4.60
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)		476.9	519.3	533.7
Diluted (in shares)		481.4	524.9	539.7
[1]	Represents net sales from continuing operations.

Statements of Consolidated Comp

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company	$ 2,314	$ 2,740	$ 2,482
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $(18), $(33) and $(24), respectively	(1,596)	100	(229)
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax of $(39), $76 and $80, respectively	(65)	119	128
Unrealized net gains on investment holdings, net of tax of $0, $0 and $4, respectively	0	0	9
Realized net gains on investment holdings, net of tax of $(1), $(2) and $(3), respectively	(3)	(3)	(6)
Unrealized net derivative losses, net of tax of $(46), $(42) and $(45), respectively	(54)	(69)	(78)
Realized net derivative losses (gains), net of tax of $23, $9 and $(39), respectively	31	17	(66)
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax	(1,687)	164	(242)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Monsanto Company	627	2,904	2,240
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests		22	43
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:
Foreign currency translation	(4)	10	(27)
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(4)	10	(27)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	7	32	16
Total Comprehensive Income	$ 634	$ 2,936	$ 2,256

Statements of Consolidated Com4

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ (18)	$ (33)	$ (24)
Postretirement benefit plan activity, tax expense (benefit)	(39)	76	80
Unrealized net gains on investment holdings, tax (expense) benefit	0	0	4
Realized net (gains) losses on investment holdings, tax (expense) benefit	(1)	(2)	(3)
Unrealized net derivative gains (losses), tax (expense) benefit	(46)	(42)	(45)
Realized net derivative losses (gains), tax (expense) benefit	$ 23	$ 9	$ (39)

Statements of Consolidated Fina

Statements of Consolidated Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Millions		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entities restricted - 2015: $112 and 2014: $118)		$ 3,701	$ 2,367
Short-term investments		47	40
Trade receivables, net (variable interest entities restricted - 2015: $0 and 2014: $39)		1,636	2,014
Miscellaneous receivables		803	817
Deferred tax assets		743	635
Inventory, net		3,496	3,597
Other current assets		199	205
Total Current Assets		10,625	9,675
Total property, plant and equipment		10,428	10,357
Less: Accumulated depreciation		5,455	5,275
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $2 and 2014: $2)		4,973	5,082
Goodwill		4,061	4,319
Other Intangible Assets, Net		1,332	1,554
Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets		277	450
Long-Term Receivables, Net		42	92
Other Assets		610	746
Total Assets	[1]	21,920	21,918
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $0 and 2014: $136)		615	233
Accounts payable (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $6 and 2014: $25)		836	1,111
Income taxes payable		234	99
Accrued compensation and benefits (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $2 and 2014: $1)		304	500
Accrued marketing programs		1,492	1,394
Deferred revenues		370	438
Grower production accruals		39	54
Dividends payable		254	239
Customer payable		72	82
Restructuring reserves		170	0
Miscellaneous short-term accruals (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $7 and 2014: $0)		791	962
Total Current Liabilities		5,177	5,112
Long-Term Debt (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $96 and 2014: $0)		8,429	7,465
Postretirement Liabilities		336	345
Long-Term Deferred Revenue		47	47
Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities		340	509
Long-Term Portion of Environmental and Litigation Liabilities		194	184
Long-Term Restructuring Reserve		47	0
Other Liabilities		345	342
Shareowners’ Equity:
Common stock (authorized: 1,500,000,000 shares, par value $0.01) Issued 609,350,452 and 606,457,369 shares, respectively; Outstanding 467,903,711 and 485,261,017 shares, respectively		6	6
Treasury stock 141,446,741 and 121,196,352 shares, respectively, at cost		(12,053)	(10,032)
Additional contributed capital		11,464	10,003
Retained earnings		10,374	9,012
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2,801)	(1,114)
Total Monsanto Company Shareowners’ Equity		6,990	7,875
Noncontrolling Interest		15	39
Total Shareowners’ Equity		7,005	7,914
Total Liabilities and Shareowners’ Equity		$ 21,920	$ 21,918
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Statements of Consolidated Fin6

Statements of Consolidated Financial Position (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entities restricted)	$ 112	$ 118
Trade receivables, net (variables interest entities restricted)	$ 0	$ 39
Shareowners’ Equity:
Common stock, Authorized	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, Par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, Issued	609,350,452	606,457,369
Common stock, Outstanding	467,903,711	485,261,017
Treasury Stock, at Cost	141,446,741	121,196,352
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (variable interest entities restricted)	$ 2	$ 2
Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt (variable interest entities restricted)	0	136
Accounts payable (variable interest entities restricted)	6	25
Accrued compensation and benefits (variable interest entities restricted)	2	1
Miscellaneous short-term accruals (variable interest entities restricted)	7	0
Long-term debt (variable interest entities restricted)	$ 96	$ 0

Statements of Consolidated Cash

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 2,325	$ 2,762	$ 2,525
Items that did not require (provide) cash:
Depreciation and amortization	716	691	615
Bad-debt expense	45	41	27
Stock-based compensation expense	111	120	100
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(44)	(72)	(79)
Deferred income taxes	(271)	12	176
Restructuring impairments	276	0	0
Equity affiliate (income) loss, net	7	4	(17)
Net gain on sales of a business or other assets	(2)	(11)	(17)
Other items, net	118	139	(77)
Changes in assets and liabilities that provided (required) cash, net of acquisitions:
Trade receivables	68	(172)	222
Inventory, net	(425)	(650)	(192)
Deferred revenues	32	(163)	50
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	235	709	(104)
Restructuring reserves	217	0	0
Pension contributions	(27)	(64)	(75)
Other items, net	(273)	(292)	(414)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	3,108	3,054	2,740
Cash Flows Provided (Required) by Investing Activities:
Purchases of short-term investments	(63)	(145)	(716)
Maturities of short-term investments	56	359	764
Capital expenditures	(967)	(1,005)	(741)
Purchases of long-term debt and equity securities	(30)	(12)	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(8)	(922)	(165)
Technology and other investments	(48)	(403)	(88)
Other investments and property disposal proceeds	41	33	169
Net Cash Required by Investing Activities	(1,019)	(2,095)	(777)
Cash Flows Provided (Required) by Financing Activities:
Net change in financing with less than 90-day maturities	45	38	104
Short-term debt proceeds	57	50	22
Short-term debt reductions	(36)	(24)	(29)
Long-term debt proceeds	1,279	5,479	32
Long-term debt reductions	(107)	(7)	(2)
Payments on other financing	0	(39)	0
Debt issuance costs	(12)	(53)	0
Treasury stock purchases	(835)	(7,082)	(1,095)
Stock option exercises	137	248	257
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	44	72	79
Tax withholding on restricted stock and restricted stock units	(36)	(9)	(10)
Dividend payments	(938)	(904)	(802)
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest	0	0	133
Payments to noncontrolling interests	(28)	(28)	(174)
Net Cash Required by Financing Activities	(430)	(2,259)	(1,485)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(325)	(1)	(93)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,334	(1,301)	385
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	2,367	3,668	3,283
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$ 3,701	$ 2,367	$ 3,668

Statements of Consolidated Shar

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Contributed Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) [Member]	[1]	NonControlling Interests [Member]
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2012	$ 12,036	$ 6	$ (3,045)	$ 10,371	$ 5,537	$ (1,036)		$ 203
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	2,525
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	2,482				2,482
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	43							43
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(269)					(242)		(27)
Treasury stock purchases	(1,095)		(1,095)
Restricted stock withholding	(10)			(10)
Issuance of shares under employee stock plans	257			257
Net excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	69			69
Stock-based compensation expense	97			97
Cash dividends per common share ($1.56, $1.78, and $2.01 for 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively)	(831)				(831)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	(10)			(1)				(9)
Payments to noncontrolling interest	(174)							(174)
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest	133							133
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	12,728	6	(4,140)	10,783	7,188	(1,278)		169
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	2,762
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	2,740				2,740
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	22							22
Other comprehensive income (loss)	174					164		10
Treasury stock purchases	(7,096)		(5,892)	(1,204)
Restricted stock withholding	(16)			(16)
Issuance of shares under employee stock plans	248			248
Net excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	72			72
Stock-based compensation expense	120			120
Cash dividends per common share ($1.56, $1.78, and $2.01 for 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively)	(916)				(916)
Recognition of redeemable shares of VIE	(134)							(134)
Payments to noncontrolling interest	(28)							(28)
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	7,914	6	(10,032)	10,003	9,012	(1,114)		39
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	2,325
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	2,314				2,314
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest								11
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,691)					(1,687)		(4)
Treasury stock purchases	(821)		(2,021)	1,200
Restricted stock withholding	(29)			(29)
Issuance of shares under employee stock plans	138			138
Net excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	40			40
Stock-based compensation expense	112			112
Cash dividends per common share ($1.56, $1.78, and $2.01 for 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively)	(952)				(952)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	(3)							(3)
Payments to noncontrolling interest	(28)							(28)
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2015	$ 7,005	$ 6	$ (12,053)	$ 11,464	$ 10,374	$ (2,801)		$ 15
[1]	See Note 21 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss — for further details of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Statements of Consolidated Sha9

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 2.01	$ 1.78	$ 1.56

BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENT

BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]
BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Monsanto Company, along with its subsidiaries, is a leading global provider of agricultural products for farmers. Monsanto’s seeds, biotechnology trait products, herbicides and precision agriculture tools provide farmers with solutions that help improve productivity, reduce the costs of farming and produce better foods for consumers and better feed for animals. Monsanto manages its business in two segments: Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity. Through the Seeds and Genomics segment, Monsanto produces leading seed brands, including DEKALB, Asgrow , Deltapine, Seminis and De Ruiter , and Monsanto develops biotechnology traits that assist farmers in controlling insects and weeds and precision agriculture to assist farmers in decision making. Monsanto also provides other seed companies with genetic material and biotechnology traits for their seed brands. Through the Agricultural Productivity segment, the company manufactures Roundup and Harness brand herbicides and other herbicides. See Note 25 — Segment and Geographic Data — for further details. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the company announced plans to divest its animal agricultural products business, which focused on dairy cow productivity (the Dairy business) and was previously reported as part of the Agricultural Productivity segment. This transaction was consummated on Oct. 1, 2008, and included a 10-year earn-out with potential annual payments being earned by Monsanto if certain revenue levels are exceeded. As a result, financial data for this business has been presented as discontinued operations. Debt issuance costs of $63 million previously reported by the company as other assets in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position as of Aug. 31, 2014, is now reported by the company as long-term debt, in accordance with the adoption of accounting guidance "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." Unless otherwise indicated, “Monsanto” and “the company” are used interchangeably to refer to Monsanto Company or to Monsanto Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Monsanto and its subsidiaries were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the company has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The company records income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Statements of Consolidated Operations for any non-owned portion of consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interest is recorded within the equity section but separate from Monsanto’s equity in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are adjusted to reflect actual experience when necessary. Significant estimates and assumptions affect many items in the consolidated financial statements. These include allowance for doubtful trade receivables, sales returns and allowances, inventory obsolescence, income tax liabilities and assets and related valuation allowances, asset impairments, valuations of goodwill and other intangible assets, employee benefit plan assets and liabilities, value of equity-based awards, customer incentive program liabilities, restructuring reserves, self-insurance reserves, environmental reserves, deferred revenue, contingencies, litigation, incentives, the allocation of corporate costs to segments and certain cash flow projections. Significant estimates and assumptions are also used to establish the fair value and useful lives of depreciable tangible and certain intangible assets. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions, and such results may affect income, financial position or cash flows. Revenue Recognition The company derives most of its revenue from three main sources: sales of branded conventional seed and branded seed with biotechnology traits; royalties and license revenues from licensed biotechnology traits and genetic material; and sales of agricultural chemical products. Monsanto follows the Revenue Recognition topic of the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). Revenues from all seed sales are recognized when risks and rewards of ownership of the products are transferred. The company recognizes revenue on products it sells to distributors when, according to the terms of the sales agreement, delivery has occurred, performance is complete, expected returns can be reasonably estimated and pricing is fixed or determinable. When the right of return exists in the company’s seed business, sales revenues are reduced at the time of sale to reflect expected returns. In order to estimate the expected returns, management analyzes historical returns, economic trends, market conditions and changes in customer demand. The Revenue Recognition topic of the ASC affects Monsanto’s recognition of license revenues from biotechnology traits sold through third-party seed companies. The company may enter into multiple element arrangements, including those where a customer purchases technology and licenses. When elements of a multiple element arrangement do not have stand alone value, we account for such elements as a combined unit of accounting. We allocate revenue to each unit of accounting in a multiple element arrangement based upon the relative selling price of each deliverable. When applying the relative selling price method, we determine the selling price for each deliverable by using vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price, if it exists, or third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use our best estimate of selling price for that unit of accounting. When we use our best estimate to determine selling price, significant judgment is required. The significant assumptions used to estimate selling price for significant units of accounting may consist of cost, gross margin objectives or forecasted customer selling volumes. Changes in assumptions used to estimate selling price could result in a different allocation of arrangement consideration across the units of accounting within an arrangement. Revenue allocated to each unit of accounting is recognized when all revenue recognition criteria for that unit of accounting have been met. Biotechnology trait license revenue, including those within multiple element arrangements, is generally recognized over the contract period as third-party seed companies sell seed containing Monsanto traits, which can be from one year up to the related patent term. License revenue from the sale of intellectual property, including those within multiple element arrangements, is generally recognized upon commencement of the license term. Primarily in Brazil and Latin America, Monsanto has point-of-delivery collection systems for certain royalties for soybeans and cotton to record revenue when the grain containing our technology is delivered and commercialized at the grain handlers and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenues for agricultural chemical products are recognized when title to the products is transferred. The company recognizes revenue on products it sells to distributors when, according to the terms of the sales agreements, delivery has occurred, performance is complete, no right of return exists and pricing is fixed or determinable. There are several additional conditions for recognition of revenue including that the collection of sales proceeds must be reasonably assured based on historical experience and current market conditions and that there must be no consequential remaining performance obligations under the sale or the royalty or license agreement. To reduce credit exposure primarily in Latin America, Monsanto collects payments on certain customer accounts in grain. In those circumstances in Argentina when Monsanto participates in the negotiation of the forward sales contract, Monsanto records revenue and related cost of sale for the grain on a net basis. In those circumstances in Brazil when Monsanto does not participate in the negotiation of the forward sales contract and does not take physical custody of the grain or assume the associated inventory risk, Monsanto does not record revenue or the related cost of sales for the grain. Such payments in grain are negotiated at or near the time Monsanto’s products are sold to the customers and are valued at the prevailing grain commodity prices. By entering into forward sales contracts with grain merchants, Monsanto mitigates the commodity price exposure from the time a contract is signed with a customer until the time a grain merchant collects the grain from the customer on Monsanto’s behalf. The grain merchant converts the grain to cash for Monsanto. These forward sales contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized in current earnings. Promotional, Advertising and Customer Incentive Program Costs Promotional and advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. Advertising costs were $74 million , $90 million and $95 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Customer incentive program costs are recorded in accordance with the Revenue Recognition topic of the ASC, based on specific performance criteria met by our customers, such as purchase volumes, promptness of payment and market share increases. The cost of customer incentive programs is generally recorded in net sales in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The fair value of incentive programs earned by customers for services with separate identifiable benefit is generally recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The cost of incentive programs earned by distributors determined to be agents is generally recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. As actual customer incentive program expenses are not known at the time of the sale, an estimate based on the best available information (such as historical experience and market research) is used as a basis for recording customer incentive program liabilities. Management analyzes and reviews the customer incentive program balances on a quarterly basis, and adjustments are recorded as appropriate. Under certain customer incentive programs, product performance and variations in weather can result in free product to customers. The associated cost of this free product is recognized as cost of goods sold in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. Research and Development Costs and Collaborative Arrangements The company accounts for research and development ("R&D") costs in accordance with the Research and Development topic of the ASC. Under the Research and Development topic of the ASC, all R&D costs must be charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, internal R&D costs are expensed as incurred. Third-party R&D costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed or as milestone results are achieved. In process research and development ("IPR&D") costs acquired in a business combination are recorded on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as indefinite-lived intangible assets until completion or abandonment of the associated R&D efforts. The costs of purchased IPR&D that have alternative future uses are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. IPR&D intangible assets are subject to annual impairment tests. The costs associated with equipment or facilities acquired or constructed for R&D activities that have alternative future uses are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. The amortization and depreciation for such capitalized assets are charged to R&D expenses. Monsanto has entered into collaborations with third parties for the R&D and commercialization of agricultural products. The company accounts for costs incurred and revenue generated under these collaborative arrangements from transactions with third parties in accordance with the Collaborative Arrangements topic of the ASC. Under the Collaborative Arrangements topic of the ASC, all costs incurred and revenue generated from transactions with third parties shall be recorded in each entity's respective income statement. For additional information on the company's collaborative arrangements. Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Management regularly assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and to the extent management believes that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established. When a valuation allowance is established, increased or decreased, an income tax charge or benefit is included in the consolidated financial statements, and net deferred tax assets are adjusted accordingly. The net deferred tax assets as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014, represent the estimated future tax benefits to be received from taxing authorities or future reductions of taxes payable. Under the Income Taxes topic of the ASC, in order to recognize the benefit of an uncertain tax position, the taxpayer must be more likely than not of sustaining the position, and the measurement of the benefit is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon resolution of the position. Tax authorities regularly examine the company’s returns in the jurisdictions in which we do business. Management regularly assesses the tax risk of the company’s return filing positions and believes its accruals for uncertain tax benefits are adequate as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 . Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments (defined as investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased) are considered cash equivalents. Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and an inventory reserve would permanently reduce the cost basis of inventory. Inventories are valued as follows: Seeds and Genomics : Actual cost is used to value raw materials such as treatment chemicals and packaging, as well as goods in process. Costs for substantially all finished goods, which include the cost of carryover crops from the previous year, are valued at weighted-average actual cost. Weighted-average actual cost includes field growing and harvesting costs, plant conditioning and packaging costs and manufacturing overhead costs. Agricultural Productivity : Actual cost is used to value raw materials and supplies. Standard cost, which approximates actual cost, is used to value finished goods and goods in process. Variances, exclusive of abnormally low volume and operating performance, are capitalized into inventory. Standard cost includes direct labor and raw materials and manufacturing overhead based on normal capacity. The cost of the Agricultural Productivity segment inventories in the United States (approximately 11 percent and 9 percent of total company inventory as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 ) is determined by using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method, which generally reflects the effects of inflation or deflation on cost of goods sold sooner than other inventory cost methods. The cost of inventories outside of the United States, as well as supplies inventories in the United States, is determined by using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method; FIFO is used outside of the United States because the requirements in the countries where Monsanto maintains inventories generally do not allow the use of the LIFO method. Inventories at FIFO approximate current cost. In accordance with the Inventory topic of the ASC, Monsanto records abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) as current period charges and allocates fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Monsanto establishes allowances for obsolescence of inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory (if higher) and the estimated market value, based on assumptions about future demand and market conditions. The company regularly evaluates the adequacy of its inventory obsolescence reserves. If economic and market conditions are different from those anticipated, inventory obsolescence could be materially different from the amounts provided for in the company’s consolidated financial statements. If inventory obsolescence is higher than expected, cost of goods sold will be increased, and inventory, net income and shareowners’ equity will be reduced. Goodwill Monsanto follows the guidance of the Business Combinations topic of the ASC in recording the goodwill arising from a business combination as the excess of purchase price and related costs over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Under the Intangibles – Goodwill and Other topic of the ASC, goodwill is not amortized and is subject to annual impairment tests. A fair-value-based test is applied at the reporting unit level, which is generally at or one level below the operating segment level. The test compares the fair value of the company’s reporting units to the carrying value of those reporting units. This test requires various judgments and estimates. The fair value of goodwill is determined using an estimate of future cash flows of the reporting unit and a risk-adjusted discount rate to compute a net present value of future cash flows. An adjustment to goodwill will be recorded for any goodwill that is determined to be impaired. Impairment of goodwill is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the fair values of recognized assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it might be impaired. Other Intangible Assets Other intangible assets consist primarily of acquired seed germplasm, intellectual property, trademarks and customer relationships. Seed germplasm is the genetic material used in new seed varieties. Germplasm is amortized on a straight-line basis over useful lives ranging from five years for completed technology germplasm to a maximum of 30 years for certain core technology germplasm. Completed technology germplasm consists of seed hybrids and varieties that are commercially available. Core technology germplasm is the collective germplasm of parental seeds and has a longer useful life as it is used to develop new seed hybrids and varieties. Acquired intellectual property includes intangible assets related to acquisitions and licenses through which Monsanto has acquired the rights to various research and discovery technologies. These encompass intangible assets such as enabling processes and data libraries necessary to support the integrated genomics and biotechnology platforms. These intangible assets have alternative future uses and are amortized over useful lives ranging from one year to 18 years . The useful lives of acquired germplasm and acquired intellectual property are determined based on consideration of several factors including the nature of the asset, its expected use, length of licensing agreement or patent and the period over which benefits are expected to be received from the use of the asset. Monsanto has a broad portfolio of trademarks for herbicide products, traits, agricultural seeds and vegetable seeds, and patents for our traits, formulations used to make our herbicides and various manufacturing processes. The amortization period for acquired trademarks and patents ranges from one year to 30 years . Trademarks are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The useful life of a trademark is determined based on the estimated market-life of the associated company, brand or product. Patents are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period in which the patent is legally protected, the period over which benefits are expected to be received, or the estimated market-life of the product with which the patent is associated, whichever is shorter. In conjunction with acquisitions, Monsanto obtains access to the distribution channels and customer relationships of the acquired companies. These relationships are expected to provide economic benefits to Monsanto. The amortization period for customer relationships ranges from one year to 20 years , and amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over these periods. The amortization period of customer relationships represents management’s best estimate of the expected usage or consumption of the economic benefits of the acquired assets, which is based on the company’s historical experience of customer attrition rates. In accordance with the Intangibles – Goodwill and Other topic of the ASC, all amortizable intangible assets are assessed for impairment whenever events indicate a possible loss. Such an assessment involves estimating undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life of the intangible. If the review indicates that undiscounted cash flows are less than the recorded value of the intangible asset, the carrying amount of the intangible is reduced by the estimated cash-flow shortfall on a discounted basis, and a corresponding loss is charged to the Statement of Consolidated Operations. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Additions and improvements are capitalized; these include all material, labor and engineering costs to design, install or improve the asset and interest costs on construction projects. Such costs are not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. Routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The cost of plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset — weighted-average periods of approximately 25 years for buildings, 10 years for machinery and equipment and five years for software. In compliance with the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the ASC, long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever in management’s judgment conditions indicate a possible loss. Such impairment tests compare estimated undiscounted cash flows to the recorded value of the asset. If an impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to its fair value or, if fair value is not readily determinable, to an estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows. Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Monsanto follows the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations topic of the ASC, which addresses financial accounting for and reporting of costs and obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. Monsanto has asset retirement obligations with carrying amounts totaling $68 million and $59 million included in other liabilities on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively, primarily relating to its manufacturing facilities. Monsanto follows the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations topic of the ASC, which provides guidance for recognizing, measuring and disclosing environmental remediation liabilities. Monsanto accrues these costs in the period when responsibility is established and when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable based on current law and existing technology. Postclosure and remediation costs for hazardous waste sites and other waste facilities at operating locations are accrued over the estimated life of the facility, as part of its anticipated closure cost. Litigation and Other Contingencies Monsanto is involved from time to time in various intellectual property, biotechnology, tort, contract, antitrust, shareowner claims, environmental and other litigation, claims and legal proceedings; environmental remediation; and government investigations. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes to those matters, as well as ranges of probable losses, to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. In accordance with the Contingencies topic of the ASC, accruals for such contingencies are recorded to the extent that management concludes their occurrence is probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. Disclosure for specific legal contingencies is provided if the likelihood of occurrence is at least reasonably possible and the exposure is considered material to the consolidated financial statements. In making determinations of likely outcomes of litigation matters, management considers many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, past experience, scientific and other evidence, interpretation of relevant laws or regulations and the specifics and status of each matter. If the assessment of the various factors changes, the estimates may change. That may result in the recording of an accrual or a change in a previously recorded accrual. Predicting the outcome of claims and litigation and estimating related costs and exposure involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual costs to vary materially from estimates and accruals. Guarantees Monsanto is subject to various commitments under contractual and other commercial obligations. The company recognizes liabilities for contingencies and commitments under the Guarantees topic of the ASC. For additional information on the company’s commitments and other contractual and commercial obligations. Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements for most of Monsanto’s ex-U.S. operations are translated to U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. For assets and liabilities, the fiscal year-end rate is used. For revenues, expenses, gains and losses, an approximation of the average rate for the period is used. Unrealized currency adjustments in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position are accumulated in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The financial statements of ex-U.S. operations in highly inflationary economies are translated at either current or historical exchange rates at the time they are deemed highly inflationary, in accordance with the Foreign Currency Matters topic of the ASC . These currency adjustments and the remeasurement of assets and liabilities of ex-U.S. operations with the U.S. dollar designated as their functional currency are included in net income. Based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Monsanto designated Venezuela as a hyperinflationary country effective June 1, 2009. The functional currency of the company's foreign entities in Argentina is the U.S. dollar. Significant translation exposures include the Brazilian real, the European euro, the Mexican peso, the Australian dollar, Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah and South African rand. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on Monsanto’s cash flow, liquidity or capital resources. Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments Monsanto uses financial derivative instruments and natural hedges to limit its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. Monsanto does not use financial derivative instruments for the purpose of speculating in foreign currencies, commodities or interest rates. Monsanto continually monitors its underlying market risk exposures and believes that it can modify or adapt its hedging strategies as needed. In accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, all derivatives, whether designated for hedging relationships or not, are recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position at their fair value. At the time a derivative contract is entered into, Monsanto designates each derivative as: (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (a fair-value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows that are to be received or paid in connection with a recognized asset or liability (a cash-flow hedge), (3) a foreign-currency fair-value or cash-flow hedge (a foreign-currency hedge), (4) a foreign-currency hedge of the net investment in a foreign subsidiary or (5) a derivative that does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is considered highly effective, and that is designated as and qualifies as a fair-value hedge, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current-period net income. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is considered highly effective, and that is designated as and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge, to the extent that the hedge is effective, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss until net income is affected by the variability from cash flows of the hedged item. Any hedge ineffectiveness is included in current-period net income. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is considered highly effective, and that is designated as and qualifies as a foreign-currency hedge, are recorded either in current-period net income or in accumulated other comprehensive loss, depending on whether the hedging relationship satisfies the criteria for a fair-value or cash-flow hedge. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is considered highly effective, and that is designated as a foreign-currency hedge of the net investment in a foreign subsidiary, are recorded in the accumulated foreign currency translation. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedges are reported in current-period net income. Monsanto formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair-value, cash-flow or foreign-currency hedges either to specific assets and liabilities on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position, or to firm commitments or forecasted transactions. Monsanto formally assesses a hedge at its inception and on an ongoing basis thereafter to determine whether the hedging relationship between the derivative and the hedged item is still highly effective, and whether it is expected to remain highly effective in future periods, in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows. When derivatives cease to be highly effective hedges, Monsanto discontinues hedge accounting prospectively.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued accounting guidance, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments" in business combinations. This standard eliminates the need for an acquirer in a business combination to recognize measurement-period adjustments retrospectively, but instead measurement-period adjustments are to be recorded during the period in which the amount of the adjustment is determined, including the effect on earnings of any amount that would have been recorded in a previous period had the amount been recorded at the acquisition date. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In July 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory" which requires inventory to be carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value if the FIFO or average cost method is used. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Adoption will be applied prospectively from the beginning of the reporting period in which the standard is adopted. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance, "Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement" which provides explicit guidance on the recognition of fees paid by a customer for cloud computing arrangements as either the acquisition of a software license or a service contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2015. Monsanto must elect to adopt either retrospectively or prospectively, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs" which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the statement of financial position as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted for financial statements not yet issued. Monsanto has elected to adopt this standard as of Aug. 31, 2015, with retrospective application to all Statements of Financial Position presented. In February 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" which changes the guidance with respect to the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. The new guidance affects the following areas: (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination and (5) certain investment funds. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2015. Accordingly, Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the guidance in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in this guidance using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance, "Compensation - Stock Compensation" which seeks to resolve the diversity in practice that exists when accounting for share-based payments. The new guidance requires a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period to be treated as a performance condition. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The guidance may be adopted either prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The core principle of the new standard is for companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration (that is, payment) to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively (for example, service revenue and contract modifications) and clarify guidance for multiple-element arrangements. Entities have the option to apply the new guidance under a retrospective approach to each prior reporting period presented or a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance recognized at the date of initial application within the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position. In August 2015, the FASB amended the guidance to allow for the deferral of the effective date of this standard. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2017. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. One-year early adoption is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In April 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment." The new standard raises the threshold for a disposal transaction to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations and disposals of individually significant components that do not qualify as discontinued operations. This standard is effective prospectively for all disposals of components that occur within annual periods beginning on or after Dec. 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. Accordingly, Monsanto will adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. Early adoption is permitted for new disposals (or new classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in the financial statements previously. The company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In July 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance requiring entities to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to any related deferred tax assets for net operating losses, similar tax losses or tax credit carryforwards if such settlement is required or expected in the event an uncertain tax position is disallowed. Previously, U.S. GAAP did not provide explicit guidance on the topic. This new presentation guidance became effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2013. Accordingly, Monsanto adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS Business Combinations 2014 Acquisition: In November 2013, Monsanto acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of The Climate Corporation, a San Francisco, California based company. The Climate Corporation is a leading data analytics company with core capabilities around hyper-local weather monitoring, weather simulation and agronomic modeling which has allowed it to develop risk management tools and agronomic decision support tools for growers. The acquisition combined The Climate Corporation's expertise in agriculture risk-management with Monsanto’s R&D capabilities and enables farmers to significantly improve productivity and better manage risk from variables that could limit agriculture production. The acquisition of the company qualifies as a business under the Business Combinations topic of the ASC. Acquisition costs were $18 million and were classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The total fair value of the acquisition was $932 million , and the total cash paid for the acquisition was $917 million , net of cash acquired. The fair value was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangibles. The primary item that generated goodwill was the premium paid by the company for the right to control the acquired business and technology. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. For the 2014 acquisition described above, the business operations and employees of the acquired entity were included in the Seeds and Genomics reportable segment results upon acquisition. Pro forma information related to the 2014 acquisition is not presented because the impact of the acquisition on Monsanto's consolidated results of operations is not significant. 2013 Acquisitions: In August 2013, Monsanto acquired certain assets and manufacturing capabilities of Dieckmann GmbH & Co. KG, a business based in Germany which specializes in the breeding of oilseed rape and rye seeds. The acquisition, which qualifies as a business under the Business Combinations topic of the ASC, complements Monsanto's existing activities in the breeding, production and marketing of oilseed rape in Europe. Acquisition costs were approximately $1 million and were classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The total fair value and cash paid for the acquisition was $30 million . The fair value of the acquisition was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangibles. The primary item that generated goodwill was the premium paid by the company for the right to control the acquired business and technology. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. In June 2013, Monsanto acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of GrassRoots Biotechnology, Inc., a business based in Durham, North Carolina that is focused on gene expression and other agriculture technologies. The acquisition of the company, which qualifies as a business under the Business Combinations topic of the ASC, complements Monsanto's existing research platforms. Acquisition costs were less than $1 million and were classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The total fair value and cash paid for the acquisition was $15 million , net of cash acquired. The fair value of the acquisition was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangibles. The primary item that generated goodwill was the premium paid by the company for the right to control the acquired business and technology. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. In March 2013, Monsanto acquired substantially all of the assets of Rosetta Green Ltd., a business based in Israel which specializes in the identification and use of unique genes to guide key processes in major crops including corn, soybeans and cotton. The acquisition of the company, which qualifies as a business under the Business Combinations topic of the ASC, complements Monsanto's existing research platforms. Acquisition costs were less than $1 million and were classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The total fair value and cash paid for the acquisition was $35 million . The fair value of the acquisition was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangibles. The primary item that generated goodwill was the premium paid by the company for the right to control the acquired business and technology. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. In January 2013, Monsanto acquired select assets of Agradis, Inc., a business focused on developing sustainable agricultural solutions. The acquisition, which qualifies as a business under the Business Combinations topic of the ASC, supports Monsanto's efforts to provide farmers with sustainable biological products to improve crop health and productivity. Acquisition costs incurred were less than $1 million and were classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The total cash paid and the fair value of the acquisition was $85 million , and the purchase price was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangibles. The primary item that generated goodwill was the premium paid by the company for the right to control the acquired business and technology. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. For the acquisitions described above, the business operations and employees of the acquired entities were included in the Seeds and Genomics reportable segment results upon acquisition. Pro forma information related to the 2013 acquisitions is not presented because the impact of these acquisitions, either individually or in the aggregate, on Monsanto’s consolidated results of operations is not significant. Collaborative Arrangements In the normal course of business, Monsanto enters into collaborative arrangements for the research, development, manufacture and/or commercialization of agricultural products. Collaborative arrangements are contractual agreements with third parties that involve a joint operating activity, such as research and development and commercialization of a collaboration product, where both Monsanto and the third party are active participants in the activities of the collaboration and are exposed to significant risks and rewards of the collaboration. These collaborations generally include cost sharing and profit sharing. Monsanto's collaboration agreements are performed with no guarantee of either technological or commercial success. The company's significant arrangements are discussed below. Monsanto has entered into various multi-year research, development, manufacturing and commercialization collaborations related to various activities including plant biotechnology and microbial solutions. Under these collaborations, Monsanto and the third parties participate in the R&D and/or manufacturing activities, and Monsanto generally has the primary responsibility for the commercialization of the collaboration products. The collaborations are accounted for in accordance with the Collaborative Arrangements topic of the ASC .

RESTRUCTURING

RESTRUCTURING	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING	RESTRUCTURING Restructuring charges were recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Operations as follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 Cost of Goods Sold (1) $ (100 ) Restructuring Charges (1) (393 ) Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes $ (493 ) Income Tax Provision 155 Net Income $ (338 ) (1) The $100 million of restructuring charges in cost of goods sold is recorded to the Seeds and Genomics segment. The $393 million of restructuring charges is split by segment as follows: $13 million in Agricultural Productivity and $380 million in Seeds and Genomics. On Oct. 6, 2015, the company approved actions to realign resources to increase productivity, enhance competitiveness by delivering cost improvements and support long-term growth (2015 Restructuring Plan). Planned actions include streamlining and reprioritizing some commercial, enabling and research and development efforts, including the exit of the sugarcane business. Cumulative pretax charges related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan are estimated to be $850 million to $900 million . Implementation of the 2015 Restructuring Plan is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2018, and substantially all of the cash payments are expected to be made by the end of fiscal year 2018. These pretax charges are currently estimated to be comprised of the following categories: $330 million to $350 million in work force reductions, including severance and related benefits; $145 million to $160 million in facility closures / exit costs, including contract termination costs; $375 million to $390 million in asset impairments and write-offs related to property, plant and equipment, inventory and goodwill and other intangible assets. These pretax charges are currently estimated to be incurred primarily by the Seeds and Genomics segment. The following table displays the pretax charges of $493 million incurred by segment under the fiscal year 2015 restructuring plan for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Work Force Reductions $ 204 $ 13 $ 217 Asset Impairments and Write-offs: Property, plant and equipment 81 — 81 Inventory 51 — 51 Goodwill and other intangible assets 144 — 144 Total Restructuring Charges, Net $ 480 $ 13 $ 493 The company’s written human resource policies are indicative of an ongoing benefit arrangement with respect to severance packages. Benefits paid pursuant to an ongoing benefit arrangement are specifically excluded from the Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations topic of the ASC, therefore severance charges incurred in connection with the 2015 Restructuring Plan are accounted for when probable and estimable as required under the Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits topic of the ASC. In addition, when the decision to commit to a restructuring plan requires an asset impairment review, Monsanto evaluates such impairment issues under the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the ASC. In fiscal year 2015, pretax restructuring charges of $493 million were recorded. The $217 million in work force reductions was split relatively evenly between the United States and outside of the United States. In asset impairments, property, plant and equipment impairments of $81 million were related primarily to certain manufacturing facilities in Argentina and manufacturing and technology facilities in the United States. In asset impairments, inventory impairments of $51 million recorded in cost of goods sold were related to discontinued products worldwide. Goodwill disposition associated with the exit of the sugarcane business of $73 million , and intangible assets impairments of $71 million related primarily to the write-off of intellectual property for technology that the company elected no longer to pursue. The following table summarizes the activities related to the company's 2015 Restructuring Plan. (Dollars in millions) Work Force Reductions Asset Impairments Total Restructuring charges recognized in fourth quarter 2015 $ 217 $ 276 $ 493 Asset impairments and write-offs — (276 ) (276 ) Ending Liability as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ 217 $ — $ 217

RECEIVABLES

RECEIVABLES	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
RECEIVABLES	RECEIVABLES The following table displays a roll forward of the allowance for doubtful trade receivables for fiscal years 2013 , 2014 and 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2012 $ 64 Additions — charged to expense 32 Other (1) (28 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 68 Additions — charged to expense 44 Other (1) (40 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 72 Additions — charged to expense 44 Other (1) (57 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 59 (1) Includes reclassifications to long-term, write-offs, recoveries and foreign currency translation adjustments. The company has financing receivables that represent long-term customer receivable balances related to past due accounts which are not expected to be collected within the current year. The long-term customer receivables were $156 million and $136 million with a corresponding allowance for credit losses on these receivables of $120 million and $125 million , as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. These long-term customer receivable balances and the corresponding allowance are included in long-term receivables, net on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. For these long-term customer receivables, interest is no longer accrued when the receivable is determined to be delinquent and classified as long-term based on estimated timing of collection. The following table displays a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses related to long-term customer receivables for fiscal years 2013 , 2014 and 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2012 $ 141 Incremental Provision 7 Recoveries (1 ) Write-Offs (47 ) Other (1) 4 Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 104 Incremental Provision 11 Recoveries (4 ) Write-Offs (15 ) Other (1) 29 Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 125 Incremental Provision 9 Recoveries (3 ) Write-Offs (28 ) Other (1) 17 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 120 (1) Includes reclassifications from the allowance for current receivables and foreign currency translation adjustments. On an ongoing basis, the company evaluates credit quality of its financing receivables utilizing aging of receivables, collection experience and write-offs, as well as evaluating existing economic conditions, to determine if an allowance is necessary. The following table sets forth Monsanto’s gross trade receivables by geographic area as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , by significant customer concentrations: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Argentina $ 298 $ 327 Asia-Pacific 185 175 Brazil 181 178 Canada 43 22 Europe-Africa 498 522 Mexico 202 160 United States 230 579 Other 58 123 Gross Trade Receivables 1,695 2,086 Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (59 ) (72 ) Trade Receivables, Net $ 1,636 $ 2,014

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS [Abstract]
CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS	CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS Monsanto participates in customer financing programs as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment U.S. agreement to sell trade receivables (1) Outstanding balance $ 851 $ 436 Maximum future payout under recourse provisions 125 21 European and Latin American agreements to sell trade receivables (2) Outstanding balance $ 124 $ 67 Maximum future payout under recourse provisions 22 34 Agreements with Lenders (3) Outstanding balance $ 75 $ 71 Maximum future payout under the guarantee 62 51 The gross amounts of receivables sold under transactions that qualify for sales treatment are: Gross Amounts of Receivables Sold Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment U.S. agreement to sell trade receivables (1) $ 852 $ 457 $ 349 European and Latin American agreements to sell trade receivables (2) 165 78 16 (1) Monsanto has agreements in the United States to sell trade receivables, both with and without recourse, up to a maximum outstanding balance of $1.4 billion and to service such accounts. These receivables qualify for sales treatment under the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The liability for the guarantees for sales with recourse is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based upon the company's historical collection experience and a current assessment of credit exposure. (2) Monsanto has various agreements in European and Latin American countries to sell trade receivables, both with and without recourse. The sales within these programs qualify for sales treatment under the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The liability for the guarantees for sales with recourse is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based on the company’s historical collection experience for the customers associated with the sale of the receivables and a current assessment of credit exposure. (3) Monsanto has additional agreements with lenders to establish programs that provide financing for select customers in the United States, Brazil, Latin America and Europe. Monsanto provides various levels of recourse through guarantees of the accounts in the event of customer default. The term of the guarantee is equivalent to the term of the customer loans. The liability for the guarantees is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based on the company’s historical collection experience with customers that participate in the program and a current assessment of credit exposure. If performance is required under the guarantee, Monsanto may retain amounts that are subsequently collected from customers. In addition to the arrangements in the above table, Monsanto also participates in a financing program in Brazil that allows Monsanto to transfer up to 1 billion Brazilian reais (approximately $274 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 ) for select customers in Brazil to a revolving financing program. Under the arrangement, a recourse provision requires Monsanto to cover the first credit losses within the program up to the amount of the company's investment. Credit losses above Monsanto's investment would be covered by senior interests in the entity by a reduction in the fair value of their mandatorily redeemable shares. The company evaluated its relationship with the entity under the guidance within the Consolidation topic of the ASC, and as a result, the entity has been consolidated. For further information on this topic, see Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities and Cost Basis Investments . There were no significant recourse or non-recourse liabilities for all programs as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 . There were no significant delinquent loans for all programs as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 .

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES [Abstract]
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND COST BASIS INVESTMENTS Variable Interest Entities Monsanto has a financing program in Brazil that is recorded as a consolidated variable interest entity ("VIE"). For the most part, the VIE consists of a revolving financing program that is funded by investments from the company and other third parties, primarily investment funds, and has been established to service Monsanto’s customer receivables. Third parties, primarily investment funds, held senior interest of 90 percent and 91 percent in the entity as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively, and Monsanto held the remaining ten percent and nine percent interest, respectively. The senior interests held by third parties are mandatorily redeemable shares and are included in short-term debt as of Aug. 31, 2014 , in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position. In July 2015 the mandatorily redeemable shares were repaid, and a new tranche was issued in August 2015 and is classified as long-term debt as of Aug. 31, 2015 , in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position. Under the arrangement, Monsanto is required to maintain an investment in the VIE of at least ten percent and could be required to provide additional contributions to the VIE. Monsanto currently has no unfunded commitments to the VIE. Creditors have no recourse against Monsanto in the event of default by the VIE. The company’s financial or other support provided to the VIE is limited to its investment. Even though Monsanto holds a subordinate interest in the VIE, the VIE was established to service transactions involving the company, and the company determines the receivables that are included in the revolving financing program. Therefore, the determination is that Monsanto has the power to direct the activities most significant to the economic performance of the VIE. As a result, the company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and the VIE has been consolidated in Monsanto’s consolidated financial statements. The assets of the VIE may only be used to settle the obligations of the respective entity. Third-party investors in the VIE do not have recourse to the general assets of Monsanto other than the maximum exposure to loss relating to the VIE. Monsanto's maximum exposure to loss was $11 million and $13 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. See Note 7 — Customer Financing Programs and Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — for additional information. Monsanto has entered into several agreements with third parties to establish entities to focus on R&D related to various activities including agricultural fungicides and biologicals for agricultural applications. All such entities are recorded as consolidated VIEs of Monsanto. Under each of the arrangements, Monsanto holds call options to acquire the majority of the equity interests in each VIE from the third-party owners. Monsanto will fund the operations of the VIEs in return for either additional equity interests or to retain the call options. The funding, which may total up to $118 million , will be provided in separate research phases if research milestones are met over the next several years. The VIEs were established to perform agricultural-based research and development activities for the benefit of Monsanto, and Monsanto provides all funding of the VIEs' activities. Further, Monsanto has the power to direct the activities most significant to the VIEs. As a result, Monsanto is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs, and the VIEs have been consolidated in Monsanto's consolidated financial statements. Monsanto's maximum exposure to loss was $62 million and $43 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively, which includes the company's current investment in the VIEs, the funding required to be provided to the VIEs during the research phases and/or the initial consideration paid related to the call options. The third-party owners of the VIEs do not have recourse to the general assets of Monsanto beyond Monsanto's maximum exposure to loss at any given time relating to the VIEs. Cost Basis Investments Monsanto has cost basis investments recorded in other assets in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. As of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , these investments were recorded at $90 million and $91 million , respectively. Due to the nature of these investments, the fair market value is not readily determinable. These investments are reviewed for impairment indicators.

INVENTORY

INVENTORY	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORY	INVENTORY Components of inventory are: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Finished Goods $ 1,603 $ 1,591 Goods In Process 1,627 1,721 Raw Materials and Supplies 420 445 Inventory at FIFO Cost 3,650 3,757 Excess of FIFO over LIFO Cost (154 ) (160 ) Total $ 3,496 $ 3,597 The decrease in the excess of FIFO over LIFO cost is primarily the result of favorable manufacturing costs. During fiscal years 2015 and 2014 , inventory quantities increased, with no liquidation of existing LIFO inventory layers. Inventory obsolescence reserves are utilized as valuation accounts and effectively establish a new cost basis. The following table displays a roll forward of the inventory obsolescence reserve for fiscal years 2013 , 2014 and 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2012 $ 361 Additions — charged to expense 336 Deductions and other (1) (289 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 408 Additions — charged to expense 331 Deductions and other (1) (324 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 415 Additions — charged to expense 390 Deductions and other (1) (371 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 434 (1) Deductions and other includes disposals and foreign currency translation adjustments. As part of Monsanto's 2015 Restructuring Plan, inventory impairment charges of $51 million were recorded in fiscal year 2015. See Note 5 — Restructuring — for additional information.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Components of property, plant and equipment are as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Land and Improvements $ 643 $ 611 Buildings and Improvements 2,143 2,122 Machinery and Equipment 5,653 5,676 Computer Software 893 779 Construction In Progress and Other 1,096 1,169 Total Property, Plant and Equipment 10,428 10,357 Less: Accumulated Depreciation 5,455 5,275 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net $ 4,973 $ 5,082 Gross assets acquired under capital leases of $42 million are included primarily in machinery and equipment as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 . See Note 13 — Debt and Other Credit Arrangements — and Note 24 — Commitments and Contingencies — for related capital lease obligations. As part of Monsanto's 2015 Restructuring Plan, asset impairment charges of $81 million were recorded in fiscal year 2015. These impairment charges primarily were related to machinery and equipment and the associated accumulated depreciation. See Note 5 — Restructuring — for additional information.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The fiscal year 2015 and 2014 annual goodwill impairment tests were performed as of Mar. 1, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and no indications of goodwill impairment existed as of either date. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment. As of Aug. 31, 2015 , Monsanto considered potential triggering events or circumstances impacting goodwill and determined there was no impairment. As of fiscal year 2015 , accumulated goodwill impairment charges since the adoption of FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (codified in ASC 350) in 2002 were $2 billion . The charges related to Seeds and Genomics and were primarily a result of a change in the valuation method (from an undiscounted cash flow methodology to a discounted cash flow methodology) upon adoption of ASC 350 as well as unanticipated delays in biotechnology acceptance and regulatory approvals. Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 , by segment, are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 3,461 $ 59 $ 3,520 Acquisition activity (see Note 4) 783 — 783 Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments 18 (2 ) 16 Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 4,262 $ 57 $ 4,319 Dispositions (75 ) — (75 ) Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments and other adjustments (183 ) — (183 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 4,004 $ 57 $ 4,061 In fiscal year 2015 , goodwill decreased primarily due to the exit of the sugarcane business and foreign currency impacts. See Note 5 — Restructuring — for further information on the disposition. Information regarding the company’s other intangible assets is as follows: As of Aug. 31, 2015 As of Aug. 31, 2014 (Dollars in millions) Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired Germplasm $ 1,074 $ (750 ) $ 324 $ 1,116 $ (751 ) $ 365 Acquired Intellectual Property 1,168 (598 ) 570 1,160 (507 ) 653 Trademarks 353 (152 ) 201 366 (142 ) 224 Customer Relationships 318 (212 ) 106 338 (204 ) 134 Other 176 (146 ) 30 181 (106 ) 75 Total Other Intangible Assets, Finite Lives $ 3,089 $ (1,858 ) $ 1,231 $ 3,161 $ (1,710 ) $ 1,451 In Process Research & Development, Indefinite Lives 101 — 101 103 — 103 Total Other Intangible Assets $ 3,190 $ (1,858 ) $ 1,332 $ 3,264 $ (1,710 ) $ 1,554 The decrease in total other intangible assets, net during fiscal year 2015 is primarily related to intangible impairments. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements and Note 5 — Restructuring — for further information on the intangible impairments. Total amortization expense of total other intangible assets was $143 million in fiscal year 2015 , $136 million in fiscal year 2014 and $111 million in fiscal year 2013 . The estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows: (Dollars in millions) Amount 2016 $ 164 2017 161 2018 134 2019 123 2020 117

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes are: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 2,092 $ 2,436 $ 2,385 Outside United States 1,069 1,391 1,044 Total $ 3,161 $ 3,827 $ 3,429 The components of income tax provision from continuing operations are: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current: U.S. federal $ 675 $ 648 $ 432 U.S. state 69 65 52 Outside United States 408 410 305 Total Current $ 1,152 $ 1,123 $ 789 Deferred: U.S. federal (91 ) 41 159 U.S. state (2 ) (2 ) 1 Outside United States (195 ) (84 ) (34 ) Total Deferred (288 ) (45 ) 126 Total $ 864 $ 1,078 $ 915 Factors causing Monsanto’s income tax provision from continuing operations to differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate are: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. Federal Statutory Rate $ 1,106 $ 1,339 $ 1,200 U.S. Domestic Manufacturing Deduction (87 ) (75 ) (68 ) U.S. R&D Tax Credit (30 ) (12 ) (43 ) U.S. State Income Taxes 39 45 43 Lower Taxes on Foreign Operations (209 ) (230 ) (78 ) Valuation Allowances 13 12 — Adjustment for Unrecognized Tax Benefits (4 ) (8 ) (110 ) Other 36 7 (29 ) Income Tax Provision $ 864 $ 1,078 $ 915 Deferred income tax balances are related to: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Net Operating Loss and Other Carryforwards $ 323 $ 443 Employee Fringe Benefits 305 259 Restructuring and Impairment Reserves 242 135 Inventories 173 106 Royalties 154 129 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 72 70 Environmental and Litigation Reserves 69 69 Intangibles — 74 Other 307 350 Valuation Allowance (68 ) (63 ) Total Deferred Tax Assets $ 1,577 $ 1,572 Property, Plant and Equipment 539 585 Intangibles 361 400 Other — 81 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 900 1,066 Net Deferred Tax Assets $ 677 $ 506 As of Aug. 31, 2015 , Monsanto had available approximately $600 million in net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs"), most of which related to Brazilian operations where NOLs have an indefinite carryforward period. Management regularly assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. To the extent management believes it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established. As of Aug. 31, 2015 , management continues to believe it is more likely than not that the company will realize the deferred tax assets in Brazil. Income taxes and remittance taxes have not been recorded on approximately $4.7 billion of undistributed earnings of foreign operations of Monsanto because Monsanto intends to reinvest those earnings indefinitely. It is not practicable to estimate the income tax liability that might be incurred if such earnings were remitted to the United States. Tax authorities regularly examine the company’s returns in the jurisdictions in which Monsanto does business. Due to the nature of the examinations, it may take several years before they are completed. Management regularly assesses the tax risk of the company’s return filing positions for all open years. During fiscal year 2013, Monsanto recorded favorable adjustments to the income tax provision as a result of the resolution of various domestic and foreign income tax matters. As of Aug. 31, 2015 , Monsanto had total unrecognized tax benefits of $135 million , of which $100 million would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized. As of Aug. 31, 2014 , Monsanto had total unrecognized tax benefits of $152 million , of which $102 million would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized. Accrued interest and penalties included in other liabilities in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position were $28 million and $38 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. Monsanto recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax provision within the Statements of Consolidated Operations. For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 , the company recognized $6 million of income tax benefit for interest and penalties. For the year ended Aug. 31, 2014 , the company recognized $4 million of income tax expense for interest and penalties. For the year ending Aug. 31, 2013 , the company recognized $10 million of income tax benefit for interest and penalties. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Balance Sept. 1 $ 152 $ 167 Increases for prior year tax positions 12 13 Decreases for prior year tax positions (14 ) (16 ) Increases for current year tax positions 7 5 Settlements — (1 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (12 ) (14 ) Foreign currency translation (10 ) (2 ) Balance Aug. 31 $ 135 $ 152 Monsanto operates in various countries throughout the world and, as a result, files income tax returns in numerous jurisdictions. These tax returns are subject to examination by various federal, state and local tax authorities. For Monsanto’s major tax jurisdictions, the tax years that remain subject to examination are shown below: Jurisdiction U.S. federal income tax 2011-2015 U.S. state and local income taxes 2000-2015 Argentina 2001-2015 Brazil 2006-2015 If the company’s assessment of unrecognized tax benefits is not representative of actual outcomes, the company’s consolidated financial statements could be significantly impacted in the period of settlement or when the statute of limitations expires. Management estimates it is reasonably possible that the total amount of uncertain tax benefits could decrease by as much as $55 million within the next 12 months, primarily as a result of the resolution of audits currently in progress in several jurisdictions involving issues common to large multinational corporations and the lapsing of the statute of limitations in multiple jurisdictions.

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEME

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS As of Aug. 31, 2014 , Monsanto had a $2 billion credit facility agreement with a group of banks that provided a senior unsecured revolving credit facility through Apr. 1, 2016. In fiscal year 2015, Monsanto requested an increase in the overall borrowing limit pursuant to a provision in the credit agreement that allowed Monsanto to do so, and effective Sept. 30, 2014, the limit was increased from $2 billion to $2.5 billion . In March 2015, Monsanto replaced its $2.5 billion credit facility agreement with a $3 billion credit facility agreement that provides a senior unsecured revolving credit facility through Mar. 27, 2020. This facility was initiated to be used for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital requirements, acquisitions, capital expenditures, refinancing and support of commercial paper borrowings. The agreement also provides for euro, pounds sterling and yen-denominated loans, and for letters of credit and swingline borrowings, and allows Monsanto to designate certain subsidiaries to borrow with a company guarantee. Covenants under this credit facility restrict maximum borrowings. There are no compensating balances, but the facility is subject to various fees, which are based on the company’s credit ratings. As of Aug. 31, 2015 , Monsanto was in compliance with all financial debt covenants, and there were no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility. Short-Term Debt As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt $ 308 $ 12 Mandatorily Redeemable Shares of VIE — 136 Notes Payable to Banks 307 85 Total Short-Term Debt $ 615 $ 233 The fair value of total short-term debt was $619 million and $233 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. The interest rate on the mandatorily redeemable shares of a VIE is a variable rate. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — for additional information regarding mandatorily redeemable shares of a VIE. The weighted average interest rate on notes payable to banks was three percent and nine percent as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. As of Aug. 31, 2015 , the company did not have any outstanding commercial paper, but it had short-term borrowings to support ex-U.S. operations throughout the year, which had weighted-average interest rates as indicated above. Long-Term Debt As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Floating Rate Senior Notes, Due 2016 (1) $ 399 $ 398 2.750% Senior Notes, Due 2016 (1) — 299 1.150% Senior Notes, Due 2017 (1) 498 497 5.125% Senior Notes, Due 2018 (1) 299 299 1.850% Senior Notes, Due 2018 (1) 298 298 2.125% Senior Notes, Due 2019 (1) 497 496 2.750% Senior Notes, Due 2021 (1) 496 495 2.200% Senior Notes, Due 2022 (1) 248 248 3.375% Senior Notes, Due 2024 (1) 744 743 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2025 (1) 287 284 2.850% Senior Notes, Due 2025 (1) 296 — 4.200% Senior Notes, Due 2034 (1) 492 492 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2035 (1) 393 392 5.875% Senior Notes, Due 2038 (1) 245 245 3.600% Senior Notes, Due 2042 (1) 247 247 4.650% Senior Notes, Due 2043 (1) 297 297 4.400% Senior Notes, Due 2044 (1) 982 981 3.950% Senior Notes, Due 2045 (1) 493 — 4.300% Senior Notes, Due 2045 (1) 361 — 4.700% Senior Notes, Due 2064 (1) 734 734 Mandatorily Redeemable Shares of VIE 96 — Other (including Capital Leases) 27 20 Total Long-Term Debt $ 8,429 $ 7,465 (1) Amounts are net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs. The fair value of total long-term debt was $8,124 million and $7,928 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. In April 2015, Monsanto issued $300 million of 2.85% Senior Notes due in 2025 and $500 million of 3.95% Senior Notes due in 2045. In January 2015, Monsanto issued $365 million of 4.30% Senior Notes due in 2045. All notes were issued under the 2014 shelf registration. The net proceeds from the issuances are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, which may include share repurchases and capital expenditures. In July 2014, Monsanto issued $500 million of 1.15% Senior Notes due in 2017, $500 million of 2.125% Senior Notes due in 2019, $500 million of 2.75% Senior Notes due in 2021, $750 million of 3.375% Senior Notes due in 2024, $500 million of 4.20% Senior Notes due in 2034, $1 billion of 4.40% Senior Notes due in 2044 and $750 million of 4.70% Senior Notes due in 2064. All notes were issued under the 2014 shelf registration. The net proceeds from the July 2014 issuance were used to purchase treasury shares pursuant to the accelerated share repurchase agreements disclosed in Note 20 — Capital Stock . In November 2013, Monsanto issued $400 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due in 2016, $300 million of 1.85% Senior Notes due in 2018, and $300 million of 4.65% Senior Notes due in 2043. All notes were issued under the 2011 shelf registration. The net proceeds from the November 2013 issuance were used for the acquisition of The Climate Corporation and general corporate purposes. The information regarding interest expense below reflects Monsanto’s interest expense on debt, mandatorily redeemable shares, customer financing and the amortization of debt issuance costs and interest rate swaps: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest Cost Incurred $ 460 $ 275 $ 195 Less: Capitalized on Construction 27 27 23 Interest Expense $ 433 $ 248 $ 172

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Monsanto determines the fair market value of its financial assets and liabilities based on quoted market prices, estimates from brokers and other appropriate valuation techniques. The company uses the fair value hierarchy established in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The hierarchy contains three levels as follows, with Level 3 representing the lowest level of input. Level 1 — Values based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets and liabilities. Level 2 — Values based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, discounted cash flow models, or other model-based valuation techniques adjusted, as necessary, for credit risk. Level 3 — Values generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions would reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques could include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques. The following tables set forth by level Monsanto’s assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 . As required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is a significant component of the fair value measurement. Monsanto’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of fair value assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2015, Using (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Balance Assets at Fair Value: Cash equivalents $ 3,213 $ — $ — $ 3,213 Short-term investments 47 — — 47 Equity securities 17 — — 17 Derivative assets related to: Foreign currency — 40 — 40 Commodity contracts 1 7 — 8 Interest rate contracts — 2 — 2 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 3,278 $ 49 $ — $ 3,327 Liabilities at Fair Value: Short-term debt instruments (1) — 619 — 619 Long-term debt instruments (1) — 8,028 96 8,124 Derivative liabilities related to: Foreign currency — 11 — 11 Commodity contracts 35 50 — 85 Total Liabilities at Fair Value $ 35 $ 8,708 $ 96 $ 8,839 (1) Debt instruments, excluding mandatorily redeemable shares, are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are measured at fair value for disclosure purposes, as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC. Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2014, Using (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Balance Assets at Fair Value: Cash equivalents $ 1,664 $ — $ — $ 1,664 Short-term investments 40 — — 40 Equity securities 22 — — 22 Derivative assets related to: Foreign currency — 11 — 11 Commodity contracts 20 16 — 36 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 1,746 $ 27 $ — $ 1,773 Liabilities at Fair Value: Short-term debt instruments $ — $ 97 $ 136 $ 233 Long-term debt instruments (1) — 7,928 — 7,928 Derivative liabilities related to: Foreign currency — 19 — 19 Commodity contracts 76 15 — 91 Total Liabilities at Fair Value $ 76 $ 8,059 $ 136 $ 8,271 (1) Long-term debt instruments are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are measured at fair value for disclosure purposes, as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC. The company’s derivative contracts are measured at fair value, including forward commodity purchase and sale contracts, exchange-traded commodity futures and option contracts, and over-the-counter ("OTC") instruments related primarily to agricultural commodities, energy and raw materials, interest rates and foreign currencies. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1. Fair value for forward commodity purchase and sale contracts is estimated based on exchange-quoted prices adjusted for differences in local markets. These differences are generally determined using inputs from broker or dealer quotations or market transactions in either the listed or OTC markets and are classified as Level 2. Interest rate contracts consist of interest rate swaps measured using broker or dealer quoted prices. When observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the contract, it is classified as Level 2. Based on historical experience with the company’s suppliers and customers, the company’s own credit risk and knowledge of current market conditions, the company does not view nonperformance risk to be a significant input to the fair value for the majority of its forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged items are recorded in earnings or it is probable the hedged transaction will no longer occur. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Operations as a component of net sales, cost of goods sold and other expense, net. The company’s short-term investments may consist of commercial paper and cash which is contractually restricted as to withdrawal or usage. The company’s available-for-sale securities consist of equity securities of publicly traded equity investments. Commercial paper and publicly traded equity investments are valued using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1. Contractually restricted cash may be held in an interest bearing account measured using prevailing interest rates and is classified as Level 1. Short-term debt instruments may consist of commercial paper, current portion of long-term debt, and notes payable to banks. Commercial paper and notes payables to banks are recorded at amortized cost in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position, which approximates fair value. Current portion of long-term debt is measured at fair value for disclosure purposes and determined based on current market yields for Monsanto's debt traded in the secondary market. Short-term debt instruments are classified as Level 2. See Note 13 — Debt and Other Credit Arrangements — for additional disclosures. Long-term debt was measured at fair value for disclosure purposes and determined based on current market yields for Monsanto's debt traded in the secondary market (Level 2 measurement). Long-term debt includes mandatorily redeemable shares. Mandatorily redeemable shares are recorded in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position at fair value, which represents the amount of cash the consolidated variable interest entity would pay if settlement occurred as of the respective reporting date. Fair value of the mandatorily redeemable shares of the variable interest entity is calculated using observable and unobservable inputs from an interest rate market in Brazil and stated contractual terms (a Level 3 measurement). See Note 13 — Debt and Other Credit Arrangements — for additional disclosures. Accretion expense is included in the Statements of Consolidated Operations as interest expense. For the periods ended Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , the company had no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Monsanto does not have any assets with fair value determined using Level 3 inputs for the years ended Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 . The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 short-term debt instruments for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 (1) $ 136 Accretion expense 12 Repayment of mandatorily redeemable shares (101 ) Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments (47 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ — (1) Includes 300,000 mandatorily redeemable shares outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $447 ) as of Aug. 31, 2014. The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 long-term debt instruments for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ — Issuance of mandatorily redeemable shares of VIE (1) 96 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 (1) $ 96 (1) Includes 350,000 mandatorily redeemable shares outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $274 ) as of Aug. 31, 2015. There were no significant measurements of liabilities to their implied fair value on a nonrecurring basis during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . There were no significant measurements of assets to their implied fair value on a nonrecurring basis during fiscal year 2013. Significant measurements during fiscal years 2015 and 2014 of assets to their implied fair value on a nonrecurring basis were as follows: Property, Plant and Equipment Net: In fiscal year 2015, property, plant and equipment within the Seeds and Genomics segment with a net book value of $131 million was written down to its initial fair value estimate of $50 million , resulting in a impairment charge of $81 million , with $49 million included in cost of goods sold and $32 million included in restructuring charges in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. The initial fair value calculations were performed using a discounted cash flow model (a Level 3 measurement). See Note 5 — Restructuring — for additional disclosures. In fiscal year 2014, property, plant and equipment within the Seeds and Genomics segment with a net book value of $27 million was written down to its implied fair value of $4 million , resulting in an impairment charge of $23 million , with $11 million included in cost of goods sold, $8 million included in R&D expenses, and $5 million included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. The implied fair value calculations were performed using a discounted cash flow model (a Level 3 measurement). Other Intangible Assets, Net: In fiscal year 2015, other intangible assets within the Seeds and Genomics segment with a net book value of $71 million were written down to their implied fair value of less than $1 million , resulting in an impairment charge of $71 million , with $71 million included in restructuring charges in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. The implied fair value calculations were performed using a discounted cash flow model (a Level 3 measurement). See Note 5 — Restructuring — for additional disclosures. In fiscal year 2014, other intangible assets within the Seeds and Genomics segment with a net book value of $40 million were written down to their implied fair value of $20 million , resulting in an impairment charge of $20 million , with $19 million included in cost of goods sold and $1 million included in R&D expenses in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. The implied fair value calculations were performed using a discounted cash flow model (a Level 3 measurement). The recorded amounts of cash, trade receivables, miscellaneous receivables, third-party guarantees, accounts payable, grower production accruals, accrued marketing programs and miscellaneous short-term accruals approximate their fair values as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 . Management is ultimately responsible for all fair values presented in the company’s consolidated financial statements. The company performs analysis and review of the information and prices received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis. As a result of the analysis, if the company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Cash Flow Hedges The company uses foreign currency options and foreign currency forward contracts as hedges of anticipated sales or purchases denominated in foreign currencies. The company enters into these contracts to protect itself against the risk that the eventual net cash flows will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. Monsanto’s commodity price risk management strategy is to use derivative instruments to minimize significant unanticipated earnings fluctuations that may arise from volatility in commodity prices. Price fluctuations in commodities, mainly in corn and soybeans, can cause the actual prices paid to production growers for corn and soybean seeds to differ from anticipated cash outlays. Monsanto generally uses commodity futures and options contracts to manage these risks. Monsanto’s energy and raw material risk management strategy is to use derivative instruments to minimize significant unanticipated manufacturing cost fluctuations that may arise from volatility in natural gas, diesel and ethylene prices. Monsanto’s interest rate risk management strategy is to use derivative instruments, such as forward-starting interest rate swaps and option contracts, to minimize significant unanticipated earnings fluctuations that may arise from volatility in interest rates of the company’s borrowings and to manage the interest rate sensitivity of its debt. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings. The maximum term over which the company is hedging exposures to the variability of cash flow (for all forecasted transactions) is 24 months for foreign currency hedges and 36 months for commodity hedges. During the next 12 months, a pretax net loss of approximately $74 million is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings. A pretax loss of $2 million during fiscal year 2015 was reclassified into cost of goods sold and $2 million during fiscal year 2014 was reclassified into earnings in the Statements of Consolidated Operations as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges because it was probable that the original forecasted transaction would not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. No cash flow hedges were discontinued during fiscal year 2013. Fair Value Hedges The company uses commodity futures, forwards and options contracts as fair value hedges to manage the value of its soybean inventory and other assets. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, both the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings. No fair value hedges were discontinued during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Net Investment Hedges To protect the value of its investment from adverse changes in exchange rates, the company may, from time to time, hedge a portion of its net investment in one or more of its foreign subsidiaries. Gains or losses on derivative instruments that are designated as a net investment hedge are included in accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged net investment is sold or liquidated. Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments The company uses foreign currency contracts to hedge the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated third-party and intercompany receivables and payables. Both the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings. The company uses commodity option contracts to hedge anticipated cash payments to growers in the United States, Mexico and Brazil, which can fluctuate with changes in commodity prices. Because these option contracts do not meet the provisions specified by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, they do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized in current earnings. To reduce credit exposure in Latin America, Monsanto collects payments on certain customer accounts in grain. Such payments in grain are negotiated at or near the time Monsanto’s products are sold to the customers and are valued at the prevailing grain commodity prices. By entering into forward sales contracts related to grain, Monsanto mitigates the commodity price exposure from the time a contract is signed with a customer until the time a grain merchant collects the grain from the customer on Monsanto’s behalf. The forward sales contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized in current earnings. Monsanto uses interest rate contracts to minimize the variability of forecasted cash flows arising from the company’s VIE in Brazil. The interest rate contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the ASC. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized in current earnings. Financial instruments are neither held nor issued by the company for trading purposes. The notional amounts of the company’s derivative instruments outstanding as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , are as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Derivatives Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 456 $ 585 Commodity contracts 591 626 Interest rate contracts 150 — Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges $ 1,197 $ 1,211 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 1,926 $ 2,054 Commodity contracts 163 272 Interest rate contracts — 160 Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ 2,089 $ 2,486 The net presentation of the company’s derivative instruments outstanding is as follows: As of Aug. 31, 2015 (in millions) Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Net Amounts Included in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Collateral Pledged Net Amounts Reported in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Other Items Included in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Balance Asset Derivatives: Miscellaneous receivables Derivatives designated as hedges: Interest rate contracts 2 — 2 — 2 Total miscellaneous receivables 2 — 2 — 2 801 803 Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) — (29 ) (29 ) 29 — Foreign exchange contracts 25 — 25 — 25 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 7 — 7 — 7 Foreign exchange contracts 14 — 14 — 14 Total other current assets 46 (29 ) 17 29 46 153 199 Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 1 — 1 — 1 Commodity contracts (1) 1 (6 ) (5 ) 6 1 Total other assets 2 (6 ) (4 ) 6 2 608 610 Total Asset Derivatives $ 50 $ (35 ) $ 15 $ 35 $ 50 Liability Derivatives: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 29 (29 ) — — — Total other current assets 29 (29 ) — — — Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 6 (6 ) — — — Total other assets 6 (6 ) — — — Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 27 — 27 — 27 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 9 — 9 — 9 Foreign exchange contracts 11 — 11 — 11 Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 47 — 47 — 47 $ 744 $ 791 Other liabilities Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 14 — 14 — 14 Total other liabilities 14 — 14 — 14 331 345 Total Liability Derivatives $ 96 $ (35 ) $ 61 $ — $ 61 (1) As allowed by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, commodity derivative assets and liabilities have been offset by collateral subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement. Therefore, these commodity contracts that are in an asset or liability position are included in asset accounts within the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. As of Aug. 31, 2014 (in millions) Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Net Amounts Included in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Collateral Pledged Net Amounts Reported in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Other Items Included in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Balance Asset Derivatives: Trade receivables, net Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ — $ (10 ) $ (10 ) $ 10 $ — Total trade receivables, net — (10 ) (10 ) 10 — $ 2,014 $ 2,014 Miscellaneous receivables Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 5 — 5 — 5 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 4 — 4 — 4 Commodity contracts 13 — 13 — 13 Total miscellaneous receivables 22 — 22 — 22 795 817 Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 4 (57 ) (53 ) 53 — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 19 (1 ) 18 — 18 Total other current assets 23 (58 ) (35 ) 53 18 187 205 Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 2 — 2 — 2 Commodity contracts (1) — (19 ) (19 ) 19 — Total other assets 2 (19 ) (17 ) 19 2 744 746 Total Asset Derivatives $ 47 $ (87 ) $ (40 ) $ 82 $ 42 Liability Derivatives: Trade receivables, net Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 10 $ (10 ) $ — $ — $ — Total trade receivables, net 10 (10 ) — — — Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 57 (57 ) — — — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 1 (1 ) — — — Total other current assets 58 (58 ) — — — Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 19 (19 ) — — — Total other assets 19 (19 ) — — — Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 6 — 6 — 6 Commodity contracts 3 — 3 — 3 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 13 — 13 — 13 Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 22 — 22 — 22 $ 940 $ 962 Other liabilities Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 1 — 1 — 1 Total other liabilities 1 — 1 — 1 341 342 Total Liability Derivatives $ 110 $ (87 ) $ 23 $ — $ 23 (1) As allowed by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, commodity derivative assets and liabilities have been offset by collateral subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement. Therefore, these commodity contracts that are in an asset or liability position are included in asset accounts within the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. The gains and losses on the company’s derivative instruments are as follows: Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL (1) (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (2)(3) Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Income Statement Classification Derivatives Designated as Hedges: Fair value hedges: Commodity contracts (3) $ — $ (1 ) $ — Cost of goods sold Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 51 $ (4 ) $ 5 31 3 — Net sales Foreign exchange contracts 26 1 (5 ) 9 (3 ) 4 Cost of goods sold Commodity contracts (92 ) (106 ) (123 ) (81 ) (14 ) 113 Cost of goods sold Interest rate contracts (85 ) (2 ) — (13 ) (12 ) (12 ) Interest expense Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges (100 ) (111 ) (123 ) (54 ) (27 ) 105 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts (4) (73 ) (1 ) 41 Other expense, net Commodity contracts (3 ) 4 (9 ) Net sales Commodity contracts — 21 (2 ) Cost of goods sold Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges (76 ) 24 30 Total Derivatives $ (100 ) $ (111 ) $ (123 ) $ (130 ) $ (3 ) $ 135 (1) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL). (2) For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, this represents the effective portion of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCL into income during the period. (3) The gain or loss on derivatives designated as hedges from ineffectiveness included in current earnings is not significant during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . No gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . (4) Gain or loss on foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedges was offset by a foreign currency transaction gain of $42 million , a loss of $96 million and a loss of $129 million during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Most of the company’s outstanding foreign currency derivatives are covered by International Swap and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreements with the counterparties. There are no requirements to post collateral under these agreements; however, should Monsanto’s credit rating fall below a specified rating immediately following the merger of the company with another entity, the counterparty may require all outstanding derivatives under the ISDA Master Agreement to be settled immediately at current market value, which equals carrying value. Foreign currency derivatives that are not covered by ISDA Master Agreements do not have credit-risk-related contingent provisions. Most of Monsanto’s outstanding commodity derivatives are listed commodity futures, and the company is required by the relevant commodity exchange to post collateral each day to cover the change in the fair value of these futures in the case of an unrealized loss position. Non-exchange-traded commodity derivatives and interest rate contracts may be covered by the aforementioned ISDA Master Agreements and would be subject to the same credit-risk-related contingent provisions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments under ISDA Master Agreements that are in a liability position was $41 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and $11 million as of Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively, which is the amount that would be required for settlement if the credit-risk-related contingent provisions underlying these agreements were triggered. Credit Risk Management Monsanto invests excess cash in deposits with major banks or money market funds throughout the world in high-quality short-term debt instruments. Such investments are made only in instruments issued or enhanced by high-quality institutions. As of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , the company had no financial instruments that represented a significant concentration of credit risk. Limited amounts are invested in any single institution to minimize risk. The company has not incurred any credit risk losses related to those investments. The company sells a broad range of agricultural products to a diverse group of customers throughout the world. In the United States, the company makes substantial sales to relatively few large wholesale customers. The company’s business is highly seasonal and is subject to weather conditions that affect commodity prices and seed yields. Credit limits, ongoing credit evaluation and account monitoring procedures are used to minimize the risk of loss. Collateral is secured when it is deemed appropriate by the company. Monsanto regularly evaluates its business practices to minimize its credit risk and periodically engages multiple banks in the United States, Argentina, Brazil and Europe in the development of customer financing options that involve direct bank financing of customer purchases. For further information on these programs, see Note 7 — Customer Financing Programs .

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSI

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS	POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS Most of Monsanto’s U.S. employees are covered by noncontributory pension plans sponsored by the company. Effective July 8, 2012, the U.S. pension plan was closed to new entrants; there were no significant changes to the U.S. pension plan for eligible employees hired prior to that date. Pension benefits are based on an employee’s years of service and compensation level. Funded pension plans in the United States and outside the United States were funded in accordance with the company’s long-range projections of the plans’ financial condition. These projections took into account benefits earned and expected to be earned, anticipated returns on pension plan assets, and income tax and other regulations. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Total pension cost for Monsanto employees included in the Statements of Consolidated Operations was $70 million , $97 million and $96 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The information that follows relates to Monsanto's pension plans. The components of pension cost for these plans were: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2014 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2013 (Dollars in millions) U.S. Outside the U.S. Total U.S. Outside the U.S. Total U.S. Outside the U.S. Total Service Cost for Benefits Earned during the Year $ 64 $ 12 $ 76 $ 61 $ 12 $ 73 $ 68 $ 10 $ 78 Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation 88 7 95 90 9 99 74 9 83 Assumed Return on Plan Assets (1) (151 ) (8 ) (159 ) (135 ) (10 ) (145 ) (137 ) (10 ) (147 ) Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 50 6 56 62 4 66 74 5 79 Curtailment and Settlement Charge — 2 2 — 3 3 — 7 7 Other Adjustment — — — — 1 1 — (4 ) (4 ) Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 51 $ 19 $ 70 $ 78 $ 19 $ 97 $ 79 $ 17 $ 96 (1) Generally the calculated value of assets reflects non-liability matching gains/(losses) over a 4 to 5 year period. The other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 , were: (Dollars in millions) U.S. Outside the U.S. Total Current Year Actuarial Loss $ 154 $ 10 $ 164 Recognition of Actuarial Loss (1)(2) (50 ) (8 ) (58 ) Currency gain — (7 ) (7 ) Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) $ 104 $ (5 ) $ 99 (1) The U.S. Plans' actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized over a 10 to 16 year period which represents the average future working lifetime for active participants. (2) Plans outside the U.S. generally amortize actuarial gains/(losses) over a 5 to 21 year period which represents the average future working lifetime for active participants. The following assumptions, calculated on a weighted-average basis, were used to determine pension costs for the principal plans in which Monsanto employees participated: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2014 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2013 U.S. Outside the U.S. U.S. Outside the U.S. U.S. Outside the U.S. Discount Rate 4.04 % 3.01 % 4.44 % 3.62 % 3.44 % 3.89 % Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets 7.50 % 6.21 % 7.50 % 6.12 % 7.50 % 6.65 % Annual Rate of Salary Increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level) 4.00 % 3.92 % 4.00 % 3.95 % 4.00 % 3.89 % Obligations and Funded Status Monsanto uses a measurement date of August 31 for its pension plans. The funded status of the pension plans as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , was as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Total Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 2,196 $ 2,049 $ 273 $ 255 $ 2,469 $ 2,304 Service cost 64 61 12 12 76 73 Interest cost 88 90 7 9 95 99 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 2 2 Actuarial loss 13 117 9 15 22 132 Benefits paid (171 ) (121 ) (8 ) (9 ) (179 ) (130 ) Settlements / curtailments — — (7 ) (10 ) (7 ) (10 ) Currency gain — — (38 ) — (38 ) — Other — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Benefit Obligation at End of Period $ 2,190 $ 2,196 $ 250 $ 273 $ 2,440 $ 2,469 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 2,298 $ 1,977 $ 190 $ 166 $ 2,488 $ 2,143 Actual return on plan assets 11 404 9 21 20 425 Employer contributions (1) 4 38 15 19 19 57 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 2 2 Settlements — — (7 ) (10 ) (7 ) (10 ) Benefits paid (1) (171 ) (121 ) (8 ) (9 ) (179 ) (130 ) Currency gain — — (31 ) 1 (31 ) 1 Plan Assets at End of Period $ 2,142 $ 2,298 $ 170 $ 190 $ 2,312 $ 2,488 Net Liability (Asset) Recognized $ 48 $ (102 ) $ 80 $ 83 $ 128 $ (19 ) (1) Employer contributions and benefits paid include $11 million and $13 million paid from employer assets for unfunded plans in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , were as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.33% 4.04% 2.66% 3.01% Rate of Compensation Increase 4.00% 4.00% 3.76% 3.92% The U.S. accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") was $2.1 billion as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 . The ABO for plans outside of the United States was $192 million and $213 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. The projected benefit obligation ("PBO") and the fair value of the plan assets for pension plans with PBOs in excess of plan assets as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , were as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Total As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 PBO $ 73 $ 66 $ 216 $ 242 $ 289 $ 308 Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets — — 135 156 135 156 The PBO, ABO and the fair value of the plan assets for pension plans with ABOs in excess of plan assets as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , were as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Total As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 PBO $ 73 $ 66 $ 110 $ 115 $ 183 $ 181 ABO 69 62 90 94 159 156 Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets — — 34 32 34 32 As of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , amounts recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position were included in the following financial position accounts: Net Amount Recognized U.S. Outside the U.S. Total As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Other Assets $ (26 ) $ (168 ) $ (8 ) $ (12 ) $ (34 ) $ (180 ) Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals 7 7 5 7 12 14 Postretirement Liabilities 67 59 83 88 150 147 Net Liability (Asset) Recognized $ 48 $ (102 ) $ 80 $ 83 $ 128 $ (19 ) The following table provides a summary of the pretax components of the amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: U.S. Outside the U.S. Total As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net Prior Service Cost $ — $ — $ (1 ) $ — $ (1 ) $ — Net Loss 428 324 53 57 481 381 Total $ 428 $ 324 $ 52 $ 57 $ 480 $ 381 The estimated net loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $51 million . Plan Assets U.S. Plans: The asset allocations for Monsanto’s U.S. pension plans as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , and the target allocation range for fiscal year 2016 , by asset category, follow. The fair value of assets for these plans was $2.1 billion and $2.3 billion as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. Target Allocation Range (1) Percentage of Plan Assets As of Aug. 31, Asset Category 2016 2015 2014 Public Equity Securities 44-54% 47.9 % 51.1 % Private Equity Investments 2-8% 4.8 % 3.8 % Debt Securities 34-44% 42.7 % 40.5 % Real Estate 2-8% 4.3 % 4.1 % Other 0-3% 0.3 % 0.5 % Total 100.0 % 100.0 % (1) The target allocation range may change as the funded status of the plan increases/decreases. The expected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 7.5 percent in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on historical and projected rates of return for current and planned asset classes in the plan’s investment portfolio. Assumed projected rates of return for each asset class were selected after analyzing historical experience and future expectations of the returns and volatility of the various asset classes. The overall expected rate of return for the portfolio is based on the target asset allocation for each asset class and adjusted for historical and expected experience of active portfolio management results compared to benchmark returns and the effect of expenses paid from plan assets. The general principles guiding investment of U.S. pension plan assets are embodied in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). These principles include discharging the company’s investment responsibilities for the exclusive benefit of plan participants and in accordance with the “prudent expert” standards and other ERISA rules and regulations. Investment objectives for the company’s U.S. pension plan assets are to optimize the long-term return on plan assets while maintaining an acceptable level of risk, to diversify assets among asset classes and investment styles and to maintain a long-term focus. The plan’s investment fiduciaries are responsible for selecting investment managers, commissioning periodic asset/liability studies, setting asset allocation targets and monitoring asset allocation and investment performance. The company’s pension investment professionals have discretion to manage assets within established asset allocation ranges approved by the plan fiduciaries. In February 2014, an asset/liability study was completed to determine the optimal strategic asset allocation to meet the plan’s projected long-term benefit obligations and desired funded status. The target asset allocation resulting from the asset/liability study is outlined in the previous table. Plans Outside the United States: The weighted-average asset allocation for Monsanto’s pension plans outside of the United States as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , and the weighted-average target allocation for fiscal year 2016 , by asset category, follow. The fair value of plan assets for these plans was $170 million and $190 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation (1) As of Aug. 31, Asset Category 2016 2015 2014 Equity Securities 37.0 % 32.0 % 32.8 % Debt Securities 45.6 % 49.3 % 52.3 % Other 17.4 % 18.7 % 14.9 % Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % (1) Monsanto’s plans outside the United States have a wide range of target allocations, and therefore the 2016 target allocations shown above reflect a weighted-average calculation of the target allocations of each of the plans. The weighted-average expected long-term rate of return on the plans’ assets was 6.2 percent in fiscal year 2015 , 6.1 percent in fiscal year 2014 and 6.7 percent in fiscal year 2013 . Determination of the expected long-term rate of return for plans outside the United States is consistent with the U.S. methodology. Fair Value Measurements U.S. Plans: The fair values of our U.S. defined benefit pension plan investments as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , by asset category, are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2015 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash Collateral Offset (1) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2015 Investments at Fair Value: Cash $ 19 $ — $ — $ — $ 19 Debt Securities: U.S. government debt — 265 — — 265 U.S. state and municipal debt — 17 — — 17 Foreign government debt — 10 — — 10 U.S. corporate debt — 362 — — 362 Foreign corporate debt — 70 — — 70 U.S. term bank loans — 1 — — 1 Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization 30 — — — 30 Domestic large capitalization 266 — — — 266 International: Developed markets 154 — — — 154 Emerging markets 30 1 — — 31 Private Equity Investments — — 103 — 103 Real Estate Investments — — 93 — 93 Partnership Interests — — 32 — 32 Interest in Pooled Funds: Cash and cash equivalent funds — 49 — — 49 Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic small-capitalization — 29 — — 29 Domestic large-capitalization — 348 — — 348 International — 92 — — 92 Corporate debt funds — 161 — — 161 Interest in Pooled Collateral Fund — Securities Lending — 251 — — 251 Derivatives: Equity index futures 4 — — (4 ) — Common and preferred stock sold short — (52 ) — 53 1 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 503 $ 1,604 $ 228 $ 49 $ 2,384 (1) Futures derivative assets and common and preferred stock sold short have been offset by cash collateral held by the counterparty. Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2014 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash Collateral Offset (1) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2014 Investments at Fair Value: Cash $ 14 $ — $ — $ — $ 14 Debt Securities: U.S. government debt — 339 — — 339 U.S. agency debt — 5 — — 5 U.S. state and municipal debt — 31 — — 31 Foreign government debt — 4 — — 4 U.S. corporate debt — 288 — — 288 Mortgage-backed securities — 3 — — 3 Asset-backed securities — 3 — — 3 Foreign corporate debt — 77 — — 77 U.S. term bank loans — 5 — — 5 Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization 36 — — — 36 Domestic large capitalization 459 — — — 459 International: Developed markets 181 — — — 181 Emerging markets 34 1 — — 35 Private Equity Investments — — 87 — 87 Partnership Interests — — 32 — 32 Real Estate Investments — — 94 — 94 Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents funds — 58 — — 58 Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic small-capitalization — 7 — — 7 Domestic large-capitalization — 318 — — 318 International — 105 — — 105 Corporate debt funds — 98 — — 98 Mortgage-backed securities — — 8 — 8 Interest in Pooled Collateral Fund — Securities Lending — 334 — — 334 Derivatives: Interest rate futures (1 ) — — 1 — Equity index futures (3 ) — — 3 — Foreign currency forwards — 1 — (1 ) — Common and preferred stock sold short — (54 ) — 55 1 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 720 $ 1,623 $ 221 $ 58 $ 2,622 (1) Futures derivative assets and common and preferred stock sold short have been offset by cash collateral held by the counterparty. The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Level 3 investments as of Aug. 31, 2014 , and Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Private Equity Investments Partnership Interests Real Estate Investments Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund Investments Total Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 77 $ 32 $ 90 $ 8 $ 207 Purchases 15 — 5 — 20 Sales (18 ) (3 ) (6 ) — (27 ) Realized/unrealized gains 13 3 5 — 21 Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 87 $ 32 $ 94 $ 8 $ 221 Net Unrealized Gains Still Held Included in Earnings (1) $ 16 $ — $ 6 $ — $ 22 (Dollars in millions) Private Equity Investments Partnership Interests Real Estate Investments Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund Investments Total Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 87 $ 32 $ 94 $ 8 $ 221 Purchases 26 — 6 — 32 Sales (23 ) — (20 ) (8 ) (51 ) Realized/unrealized gains 13 — 13 — 26 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 103 $ 32 $ 93 $ — $ 228 Net Unrealized Gains Still Held Included in Earnings (1) $ 12 $ 1 $ 9 $ — $ 22 (1) Represents the amount of total gains for the period attributable to change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 that are still held as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 . The following table reconciles the investments at fair value to the plan assets as of Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Total Investments at Fair Value $ 2,384 Liability to return collateral held under securities lending agreement (251 ) Non-interest bearing cash 1 Accrued income / (expense) 8 Plan Assets at the End of the Period $ 2,142 In managing the plan assets, Monsanto reviews and manages risk associated with funded status risk, market risk, liquidity risk and operational risk. Asset allocation determined in light of the plans’ liability characteristics and asset class diversification is central to the company’s risk management approach and is integral to the overall investment strategy. Further mitigation of asset class risk is achieved by investment style, investment strategy and investment management firm diversification. Investment guidelines are included in all investment management agreements with investment management firms managing publicly traded equities and fixed income accounts for the plan. Plans Outside the United States: The fair values of our defined benefit pension plan investments outside of the United States as of Aug. 31, 2015, and Aug. 31, 2014, by asset category, are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2015 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2015 Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 2 $ — $ — $ 2 Debt Securities — Foreign Government Debt — 9 — 9 Common and Preferred Stock 42 — — 42 Insurance-Backed Securities — — 31 31 Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds 6 5 — 11 Government debt funds — 11 — 11 Corporate debt funds — 64 — 64 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 50 $ 89 $ 31 $ 170 Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2014 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2014 Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 2 $ — $ — $ 2 Debt Securities — Foreign Government Debt — 16 — 16 Common and Preferred Stock 46 — — 46 Insurance-Backed Securities — — 25 25 Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds — 15 — 15 Government debt funds — 11 — 11 Corporate debt funds — 75 — 75 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 48 $ 117 $ 25 $ 190 The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Level 3 investments as of Aug. 31, 2014 , and Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Insurance-Backed Securities Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 19 Purchases 6 Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 25 Purchases 6 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 31 In managing the plan assets, risk associated with funded status risk, market risk, liquidity risk and operational risk is considered. The design of a plan’s overall investment strategy will take into consideration one or more of the following elements: a plan’s liability characteristics, diversification across asset classes, diversification within asset classes and investment management firm diversification. Investment policies consistent with the plan’s overall investment strategy are established. Valuation Methodology for Plan Assets For assets that are measured using quoted prices in active markets, the total fair value is the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs, which have been determined to be immaterial. Assets that are measured using significant other observable inputs are primarily valued by reference to quoted prices of markets that are not active. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument: Cash: The carrying value of cash represents fair value as it consists of actual currency (all in U.S. dollars) and is classified as Level 1. The majority of the Plan’s cash equivalents are short-term collective investment funds which are included in the interest in pooled funds category. Debt securities: Debt securities consist of U.S. and foreign corporate credit, U.S. and foreign government issues (including related agency debentures and mortgages), U.S. state and municipal securities and U.S. term bank loans. U.S. treasury and U.S. government agency bonds, as well as foreign government issues, are generally priced by institutional bids, which reflect estimated values based on underlying model frameworks at various dealers and vendors. While some corporate issues are formally listed on exchanges, dealers exchange bid and ask offers to arrive at most executed transaction prices. Term bank loans are priced in a similar fashion to corporate debt securities. All foreign government and foreign corporate debt securities are denominated in U.S. dollars. All individual debt securities included in the Plan are classified as Level 2. Collateralized securities (both mortgage-backed and asset-backed) are valued using models with readily observable market data as inputs. All mortgage and asset-backed debt securities included in the Plan are classified as Level 2. Common and preferred stock: The Plans’ common and preferred stock consists of investments in listed U.S. and international company stock. U.S. stock is further sub-divided into small-capitalization (defined as companies with market capitalization less than $2 billion ), and large capitalization (defined as companies with market capitalization greater than or equal to $2 billion ). International stock is further divided into developed markets and emerging markets. All international market type classifications are consistent with the Plan’s chosen international stock performance benchmark index, the MSCI All-Country World Index ex-U.S. (MSCI ACWI ex- U.S. ® ). Most stock investments are valued using quoted prices from the various public markets. Most equity securities trade on formal exchanges, both domestic and foreign (e.g., NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE) and can be accurately described as active markets. The observable valuation inputs are unadjusted quoted prices that represent active market trades and are classified as Level 1. Some common and preferred stock holdings are not listed on established exchanges or actively traded inputs to determine their values are obtainable from public sources and are thus classified as Level 2. Private equity investments: The Plan invests in private equity, which as an asset class is generally characterized as requiring long-term commitments where liquidity is typically limited. Therefore, private equity does not have an actively traded market with readily observable prices. Most of the Plan’s private equity investments are limited partnerships structured as fund-of-funds, which also meet the criteria of commingled funds. These fund-of-funds investments are diversified globally and across typical private equity strategies including: buyouts, co-investments, secondary offerings, venture capital and special situations (e.g., distressed assets). Funds-of-funds represent a collection of underlying limited partnership funds each managed by a different general partner. Each general partner of the underlying limited partnership fund in turn selects and manages a basket of portfolio companies. As a result, each of the Plan’s fund-of-funds is essentially a fund of dozens of underlying limited partnership funds and hundreds of underlying company investments. Valuations are developed using a variety of proprietary model methodologies, some of which may be derived from publicly available sources, information obtained from each fund’s general partner and public market conditions and returns. Additionally, audited financial statements are received from each fund’s general partner on an annual basis. Private equity holdings represent illiquid investments structured as limited partnerships, and redemption requests are not explicitly permitted. Disposition of partnership interests can only be affected through the sale of the pension trust’s pro-rata ownership stake in the secondary markets, which may require approval of the funds’ general partners. All private equity investments are classified as Level 3. Partnership interests : These investments include interests in two limited partnership funds which are considered absolute return funds in which the manager takes long and short positions to generate returns. One fund involves high-yield corporate bonds, the other convertible corporate bonds and the underlying stock into which such bonds may be converted. Terms of the partnership agreement allow for monthly redemptions. While most individual securities in these strategies would fall under Level 1 or Level 2 if held individually, the lack of available quotes and the unique structure of the funds cause these to be classified as Level 3. Audited financial statements for both limited partnership funds are produced on an annual basis. Real estate investments : The Plan invests primarily in U.S. real estate through indirect ownership entities, which are structured as limited partnerships or private real estate investment trusts (REITs). Real estate investments are generally illiquid long-term assets valued in large part using inputs not readily observable in the public markets. Each fund in which the Plan invests typically manages a geographically diversified portfolio of U.S. commercial properties within the office, residential, industrial and retail property sectors. There are no formal listed markets for either the funds’ underlying commercial properties, or for shares in any given fund (if applicable). Real estate fund holdings are appraised and valued on an ongoing basis. In the case of the investments structured as partnerships, while a net asset value ("NAV") is not explicitly calculated, audited financial statements and valuations are produced on an annual basis. The underlying real estate holdings not only represent illiquid investments, but explicit redemptions are not permitted. Disposition of partnership interest can only be affected through the sale of the pension trust’s pro-rata ownership stake in the secondary markets, which may require approval of the funds’ general partners. For investments structured as private REITs, redemption requests for units held are at the discretion of fund managers. All real estate investments are classified as Level 3. Interest in pooled funds: In certain instances the Plan invests in pooled or commingled funds in order to gain diversification and efficiency. Each of the commingled funds with the exception of the Domestic Small Capitalization Common Stock Fund has daily NAV and daily liquidity. The Domestic Small Capitalization Common Stock Fund has monthly NAV and monthly liquidity. Each fund has its own notification requirements for purchases and redemptions into and out of the fund. The notification requirements range from same day to 10 days. Although rare, there could be instances in which liquidity is suspended or in which purchases or sales occur at a price different from the NAV. The Cash and Cash Equivalents funds used are short-term collective investment funds that are comprised of short-term assets with fixed or variable interest rates that trade on a regular basis in active markets. Because there are no publicly listed price quotes available for the underlying investments or the commingled fund itself, the short-term collective investment funds are classified as Level 2. The Common and Preferred Stock Funds used are predominantly commingled index funds replicating well-known stock market indexes. Each of the common and preferred stock funds are comprised of common and preferred stock that trade on a regular basis in active markets. While the underlying investments of the commingled fund do have publicly listed price quotes available, the commingled fund does not so it is classified as Level 2. The Corporate Debt Fund is comprised of fixed income assets that have significant observable inputs that are classified as Level 2, and therefore the commingled fund is classified as Level 2 as well. Mortgage-Backed securities are classified as Level 3, because the underlying holdings are primarily privately placed securities without readily observable prices. In the absence of readily observable prices, in order to value the assets in the fund, the Mortgage-Backed securities investment management firm employs alternative pricing techniques that may be based upon current market prices of securities that are comparable in coupon, rating, maturity and industry. Derivatives: The U.S. plan is permitted to use financial derivative instruments to hedge certain risks and for investment purposes. The plan enters into futures contracts in the normal course of its investing activities to manage market risk associated with the plan’s equity and fixed income investments and to achieve overall investment portfolio objectives. The credit risk associated with these contracts is minimal as they are traded on organized exchanges and settled daily. Exchange-traded equity index and interest rate futures are measured at fair value using quoted market prices making them qualify as Level 1 investments. The notional value of futures derivatives classified as Level 1 was $161 million and $147 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. The U.S. plan also holds listed common and preferred stock short sale positions, which involves a counter-party arrangement with a prime broker. The existence of the prime broker counter-party relationship introduces the possibility that short sale market values may need to be adjusted to reflect any counter-party risk; however, no such adjustment was required as of Aug. 31, 2015 , or Aug. 31, 2014 . Therefore, the short positions have been classified as Level 2, and their notional value was $57 million and $53 million , as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. Insurance-backed securities : Insurance-backed securities are contracts held with an insurance company. The Level 3 fair value of the investments is determined based upon the value of the underlying investments as determined by the insurance company. Collateral held under securities lending agreement : The U.S. Plan participates in a securities lending program through Northern Trust. Securities loaned are fully collateralized by cash and U.S. government securities. Northern Trust pools all collateral received and invests any cash in an actively managed commingled fund, the underlying assets of which include short-term fixed income securities such as commercial paper, U.S. Treasury Bills and various forms of asset-backed securities, all of which would be classified individually as Level 2. The NAV is calculated daily, and under normal circumstances, redemptions can also occur daily with no required notice. Assets would be sold at the calculated NAV. Because the collateral pool itself lacks a formal public market and price quotes, it is classified as Level 2. Expected Cash Flows The expected employer contributions and benefit payments are shown in the following table for the pension plans: (Dollars in millions) U.S. Outside the U.S. Employer Contributions 2016 (funded Plans) $ — $ 8 Benefits Paid Directly by Employer 2016 (unfunded Plans) 7 5 Benefit Payments (1) 2016 192 16 2017 180 14 2018 179 16 2019 178 14 2020 177 17 2021-2025 850 75 (1) Expected benefit payments include benefits paid directly by employer for unfunded plans. The company may contribute additional amounts to the plans depending on the level of future contributions required.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALT

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYEMENT BENEFITS	POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS — HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS Monsanto-Sponsored Plans Substantially all regular full-time U.S. employees hired prior to May 1, 2002, and certain employees in other countries become eligible for company-subsidized postretirement health care benefits if they reach retirement age while employed by Monsanto and have the requisite service history. Employees who retired from Monsanto prior to Jan. 1, 2003, were eligible for retiree life insurance benefits. These postretirement benefits are unfunded and are generally based on the employees’ years of service or compensation levels, or both. The costs of postretirement benefits are accrued by the date the employees become eligible for the benefits. Total postretirement benefit costs for Monsanto employees and the former employees included in Monsanto’s Statements of Consolidated Operations in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , were $8 million , less than $1 million and $9 million , respectively. The following information pertains to the postretirement benefit plans in which Monsanto employees and certain former employees of Pharmacia allocated to Monsanto participated, principally health care plans and life insurance plans. The cost components of these plans were: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period $ 7 $ 7 $ 9 Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation 6 7 6 Amortization of Prior Service Credit (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization of Actuarial Gain (4 ) (13 ) (5 ) Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 8 $ — $ 9 The other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , were: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Actuarial Loss $ 2 $ 6 Amortization of Prior Service Credit (1) 1 1 Amortization of Actuarial Gain (1) 4 13 Total Loss Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ 7 $ 20 (1) For other postretirement benefits the actuarial gains/(losses) and prior service credit are amortized over a 8 to 14 year period which represents the average future working lifetime for active participants. The following assumptions, calculated on a weighted-average basis, were used to determine the postretirement costs for the principal plans in which Monsanto employees participated: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount Rate Postretirement 3.60% 3.95% 2.95% Discount Rate Postemployment 2.40% 2.55% 1.55% Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 6.00% 6.50% 7.00% Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% A 6 percent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for fiscal year 2015. This assumption is consistent with the plans’ recent experience and expectations of future growth. It is assumed that the rate will decrease gradually to 5 percent for fiscal year 2017 and remain at that level thereafter. Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 1 percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects: (Dollars in millions) 1 Percentage-Point Increase 1 Percentage-Point Decrease Effect on Total of Service and Interest Cost $1 $(1) Effect on Postretirement Benefit Obligation $4 $(4) Monsanto uses a measurement date of August 31 for its other postretirement benefit plans. The status of the postretirement health care, life insurance and employee disability benefit plans in which Monsanto employees participated was as follows for the periods indicated: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 189 $ 192 Service cost 7 7 Interest cost 6 7 Actuarial loss 2 6 Plan participant contributions 5 5 Medicare Part D subsidy receipts 1 1 Benefits paid (32 ) (29 ) Currency impact (2 ) — Benefit Obligation at End of Period $ 176 $ 189 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of Aug. 31, 2015, and Aug. 31, 2014, were as follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 2014 Discount Rate Postretirement 3.85% 3.60% Discount Rate Postemployment 2.30% 2.40% Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs (1) 5.50% 6.00% Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 5.00% 5.00% (1) As of Aug. 31, 2015, this rate is assumed to decrease to 5 percent for 2017 and remain at that level thereafter. As of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , amounts recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position were as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals $ 22 $ 22 Postretirement Liabilities 154 167 Total Liability Recognized $ 176 $ 189 Asset allocation is not applicable to the company’s other postretirement benefit plans because these plans are unfunded. The following table provides a summary of the pretax components of the amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss during the period. Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Actuarial Gain $ (17 ) $ (23 ) Prior Service Credit — (1 ) Total Income Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ (17 ) $ (24 ) The estimated net gain and prior service credit for the defined benefit postretirement plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $4 million and less than $1 million , respectively. Expected Cash Flows Information about the expected cash flows for the other postretirement benefit plans follows: (Dollars in millions) Total Benefits Paid Directly by Employer 2016 $ 22 Benefit Payments (1) (2) 2016 22 2017 21 2018 20 2019 19 2020 19 2021-2025 74 (1) Benefit payments are net of expected federal subsidy receipts related to prescription drug benefits granted under the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which are estimated to be less than $1 million annually. (2) Expected benefit payments include benefits paid directly by employer for unfunded plans. Expected contributions include other postretirement benefits of $22 million to be paid from the company's assets in fiscal year 2016 . Total benefits expected to be paid include both the company’s share of the benefit cost and the participants’ share of the cost, which is funded by participant contributions to the plan. Other U.S. Sponsored Plans Other U.S. plans are offered to certain eligible employees and are paid out of corporate assets. There is an accrual of $32 million and $31 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively, included in postretirement liabilities on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position for anticipated payments to employees who have retired or terminated their employment. There is an accrual of $71 million and $66 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively, included in other liabilities on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position for anticipated payments to active employees upon their retirement or termination of employment.

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS	EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS Monsanto-Sponsored Plans The U.S. tax-qualified Monsanto Savings and Investment Plan (Monsanto SIP) was established in June 2001 as a successor to a portion of the Pharmacia Corporation Savings and Investment Plan. The Monsanto SIP is a defined contribution profit-sharing plan with an individual account for each participant. Employees who are 18 years of age or older are generally eligible to participate in the plan. The Monsanto SIP provides for voluntary contributions, generally ranging from 1 percent to 25 percent of an employee’s eligible pay. Employee contributions are matched 80 percent by the Company, up to a maximum of 8 percent of eligible pay. In 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized expense of $59 million and $60 million , respectively, for matching contributions. In 2013, the Company recognized expense of $18 million for matching contributions made in cash over and above the amount required to reduce the employee stock ownership plan enhancements liabilities to zero . Participants hired after July 8, 2012, the date the U.S. pension plan closed, may also be eligible for an age-based, company core non-elective contribution. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized expense of $6 million , $3 million and less than $1 million , respectively, for non-elective contributions.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Stock-based compensation expense of $119 million , $121 million and $100 million was recognized under the Compensation – Stock Compensation topic of the ASC in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Compensation cost capitalized as part of inventory was $3 million as of Aug. 31, 2015, Aug. 31, 2014, and Aug. 31, 2013. The Compensation – Stock Compensation topic of the ASC requires that excess tax benefits be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of taxes paid, which is included within operating cash flows. Monsanto’s income taxes payable has been reduced by the tax benefits from stock-based compensation primarily related to employee stock option exercises and restricted stock unit award vestings. The excess tax benefits were recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The following table shows the components of stock-based compensation in the Statements of Consolidated Operations and Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2013 Cost of Goods Sold $ 8 $ 8 $ 11 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 80 82 69 Research and Development Expenses 31 31 20 Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included in Operating Expenses 119 121 100 Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (119 ) (121 ) (100 ) Income Tax Benefit 38 40 34 Net Loss $ (81 ) $ (81 ) $ (66 ) Basic Loss per Share $ (0.17 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.12 ) Diluted Loss per Share $ (0.17 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.12 ) Net Cash Required by Operating Activities $ (44 ) $ (72 ) $ (79 ) Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities $ 44 $ 72 $ 79 Plan Descriptions : Share-based awards are designed to reward employees for their long-term contributions to the company and to provide incentives for them to remain with the company. Monsanto issues stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock to key officers, non-employee directors and employees of Monsanto. On Jan. 24, 2012, Monsanto shareowners approved a total of 33.6 million shares to be available for grants of awards under the Monsanto Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated as of Jan. 24, 2012, "Amended 2005 LTIP" after Aug. 31, 2011 (including for this purpose awards made after Aug. 31, 2011 under our prior equity plans) under which the company grants awards. This included 25.0 million new shares in addition to the 8.6 million shares remaining available for future grant as of Aug. 31, 2011. The delivery of shares pursuant to restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock awards will reduce the remaining available shares by 2.7 shares per share delivered. Upon shareowner approval of the Amended 2005 LTIP, no further awards may be granted under our prior equity plans, although awards granted under such plans prior to the commencement of the Amended 2005 LTIP will continue to remain outstanding under their terms. As of Aug. 31, 2015, 22.7 million shares were available for grant under the Amended 2005 LTIP. The plans provide that the term of any option granted may not exceed 10 years and that each option may be exercised for such period as may be specified in the terms and conditions of the grant, as approved by the People and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Generally, the options vest over three years, with one-third of the total award vesting each year. Grants of restricted stock or restricted stock units generally vest at the end of a three - to four -year service period as specified in the terms and conditions of the grant, as approved by the People and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Upon purchase of The Climate Corporation, Monsanto assumed The Climate Corporation 2006 Stock Plan as Amended on Oct. 30, 2013 ("Amended Climate Plan"). This included 2.0 million shares available for grant as of Nov. 1, 2013. The plan provides that the term of any option granted may not exceed 10 years and that each option may be exercised for such period as may be specified in the terms and conditions of the grant. Generally, options vest monthly over a period of up to four years. The Climate Corporation had outstanding unvested options at the acquisition date that were assumed by Monsanto. The assumed options were converted to Monsanto options at the option ratio of 0.11 Monsanto options for each option of The Climate Corporation. Grants of restricted stock units generally vest quarterly over a period of up to four years. The Climate Corporation had outstanding restricted stock units at the acquisition date that were assumed by Monsanto. The assumed restricted stock units were converted to Monsanto restricted stock units at the acquisition date using the aforementioned conversion ratio. As of Aug. 31, 2015, 1.0 million shares were available for grant under the Amended Climate Plan. Under all plans discussed above, restricted stock and restricted stock units represent the right to receive a number of shares of stock dependent upon vesting requirements. Vesting is subject to the terms and conditions of the grant, which generally require the employees’ continued employment during the designated service period and may also be subject to Monsanto’s attainment of specified performance criteria during the designated performance period. Shares related to restricted stock and restricted stock units are released to employees upon satisfaction of all vesting requirements. Compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units is measured at fair value on the date of grant, net of estimated forfeitures, and recognized over the vesting period of the award. Certain Monsanto employees outside the United States may receive stock appreciation rights or cash settled restricted stock units as part of Monsanto’s stock compensation plans. In addition, certain employees on an international assignment may receive phantom stock awards that are based on the value of the company’s stock, but paid in cash upon the occurrence of certain events. Stock appreciation rights entitle employees to receive a cash amount determined by the appreciation in the fair value of the company’s common stock between the grant date of the award and the date of exercise. Cash settled restricted stock units and phantom stock awards entitle employees to receive a cash amount determined by the fair value of the company’s common stock on the vesting date. As of Aug. 31, 2015, the fair value of stock appreciation rights, cash settled restricted stock units and phantom stock accounted for as liability awards was less than $1 million , $1 million and $1 million , respectively. The fair value is remeasured at the end of each reporting period until exercised or vested, and compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period in accordance with the Compensation — Stock Compensation topic of the ASC. Share-based liabilities paid related to stock appreciation rights were $0 in fiscal year 2015, and less than $1 million in each of the fiscal years 2014 and 2013. Share-based liabilities paid related to cash settled restricted stock units were less than $1 million in fiscal year 2015. Additionally, less than $1 million in fiscal year 2015 and $1 million in fiscal years 2014 and 2013 was paid related to phantom stock. Monsanto also issues share-based awards under the Monsanto Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (Director Plan) for directors who are not employees of Monsanto or its affiliates. Under the Director Plan, half of the annual retainer for each non-employee director is paid in the form of deferred stock — shares of common stock to be delivered at a specified future time. The remainder is payable, at the election of each director, in the form of restricted stock, deferred stock, current cash and/or deferred cash. The Director Plan also provides that a non-employee director will receive a one-time restricted stock grant upon becoming a member of Monsanto’s board of directors which is equivalent to the annual retainer divided by the closing stock price on the service commencement date. The restricted stock grant will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. Awards of deferred stock and restricted stock under the Director Plan are granted under the Amended 2005 LTIP as provided for in the Director Plan. The grant date fair value of awards outstanding under the Director Plan was $18 million as of Aug. 31, 2015. Compensation expense for most awards under the Director Plan is measured at fair value at the date of grant and recognized over the vesting period of the award. There was $0 in fiscal year 2015 and less than $1 million in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, of share-based liabilities paid under the Director Plan. Additionally, 300,762 shares of directors’ deferred stock related to grants and dividend equivalents were vested and outstanding at Aug. 31, 2015. A summary of the status of Monsanto’s stock options for the periods from Sept. 1, 2012, through August 31, 2015, follows: Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price Balance Outstanding Sept.1, 2012 19,454,934 $ 58.56 Granted 1,912,030 90.70 Exercised (5,306,225 ) 48.33 Forfeited (196,852 ) 79.95 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2013 15,863,887 65.59 Granted 2,302,786 84.97 Exercised (4,537,028 ) 54.72 Forfeited (192,010 ) 90.06 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2014 13,437,635 72.23 Granted 1,730,040 112.94 Exercised (2,439,135 ) 56.47 Forfeited (241,786 ) 75.56 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2015 12,486,754 $ 80.88 At Aug. 31, 2015, 8,971,467 stock options were exercisable. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of these stock options was 4 years, and the weighted-average exercise price was $73.32 per share. The aggregate intrinsic value of these stock options was $223 million at Aug. 31, 2015. At Aug. 31, 2015, 12,194,326 stock options were vested or expected to vest. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of these stock options was 5 years, and the weighted-average exercise price was $80.27 per share. The aggregate intrinsic value of these stock options was $248 million at Aug. 31, 2015. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $24.38 , $38.23 and $21.46 , respectively, per share. The total pretax intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $150 million , $273 million and $272 million , respectively. Pretax unrecognized compensation expense for stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, was $41 million as of Aug. 31, 2015, and will be recognized as expense over a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2 years. A summary of the status of Monsanto’s restricted stock, restricted stock units and directors’ deferred stock compensation plans for fiscal year 2015 follows in the tables below: Restricted Stock Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Values Restricted Stock Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Values Directors’ Deferred Stock Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested as of Aug. 31, 2014 4,042 $ 111.37 2,228,997 $ 89.54 — $ — Granted 3,307 115.65 782,870 108.40 17,518 115.65 Vested (3,307 ) 115.65 (695,231 ) 74.21 (17,518 ) 115.65 Forfeitures — — (376,814 ) 104.54 — — Nonvested as of Aug. 31, 2015 4,042 $ 111.37 1,939,822 $ 99.74 — $ — Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable (dollars in millions) $ — $ 84 $ — Remaining weighted-average period of expense recognition/requisite service periods (in years) 1.5 1 0 Weighted-average grant-date fair value during fiscal year Total fair value of equity vested during fiscal year (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Restricted stock $ 115.65 $ 108.10 $ 96.06 $ — $ 1 $ — Restricted stock units 108.42 102.10 88.80 52 32 16 Directors’ deferred stock 115.65 98.38 87.58 2 — 2 Valuation and Expense Information under the Compensation — Stock Compensation topic of the ASC: Monsanto estimates the value of employee stock options on the date of grant using a lattice-binomial model. A lattice-binomial model requires the use of extensive actual employee exercise behavior data and a number of complex assumptions including volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. Expected volatilities used in the model are based on implied volatilities from traded options on Monsanto’s stock and historical volatility of Monsanto’s stock price. The expected life represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the model. The lattice-binomial model incorporates exercise and post-vesting forfeiture assumptions based on an analysis of historical data. The following assumptions are used to calculate the estimated value of employee stock options: Lattice-binomial Assumptions 2015 2014 2013 Expected Dividend Yield 1.7 % 1.7 % 1.9 % Expected Volatility 20%-35% 19%-36% 23%-37% Weighted-Average Volatility 25.9 % 27.5 % 30.4 % Risk-Free Interest Rates 1.56%-2.11% 0.70%-2.34% 0.85%-2.00% Weighted-Average Risk-Free Interest Rate 1.99 % 1.66 % 1.14 % Expected Option Life (in years) 7 6 7 Monsanto estimates the value of restricted stock units using the fair value on the date of grant. When dividends are not paid on outstanding restricted stock units, the award is valued by reducing the grant-date price by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The fair value of restricted stock units granted is calculated using the same expected dividend yield and weighted-average risk-free interest rate assumptions as those used for stock options.

CAPITAL STOCK

CAPITAL STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
CAPITAL STOCK [Abstract]
CAPITAL STOCK	CAPITAL STOCK Monsanto is authorized to issue 1.5 billion shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, and 20 million shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.01 par value. The board of directors has the authority, without action by the shareowners, to designate and issue preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of each series, which may be greater than the rights of the company’s common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of common stock until the board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of preferred stock. The authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for Monsanto’s board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of the company. These and other provisions may deter hostile takeovers or delay attempts to change management control. There were no shares of preferred stock outstanding as of Aug. 31, 2015, or Aug. 31, 2014. As of Aug. 31, 2015, and Aug. 31, 2014, 467.9 million and 485.3 million shares of common stock were outstanding, respectively. On July 1, 2014, Monsanto entered into uncollared accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") agreements with each of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPMorgan") and Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"). Under the ASR agreements, the company agreed to purchase approximately $6.0 billion of Monsanto common stock, in total. On July 7, 2014, JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs delivered to Monsanto approximately 38.6 million shares in total based on then-current market prices, and Monsanto paid a total of $6.0 billion . The payments to JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs were recorded as a reduction to shareowners' equity consisting of a $4.8 billion increase in treasury stock, which reflected the value of the 38.6 million shares received upon initial settlement, and a $1.2 billion decrease in additional contributed capital, which reflected the value of the stock held back by JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs pending final settlement of the ASR agreements. On Mar. 19, 2015, the company's ASR agreement with Goldman Sachs was terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Upon settlement, Goldman Sachs delivered to the company an additional 6.6 million shares of Monsanto common stock for a total of approximately 25.9 million shares repurchased at an aggregate cost of $3.0 billion . On Mar. 31, 2015, the company's ASR agreement with JPMorgan was terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Upon settlement, JPMorgan delivered to the company an additional 6.6 million shares of Monsanto common stock for a total of approximately 25.9 million shares repurchased at an aggregate cost of $3.0 billion . Upon completion of the ASR agreements, the $1.2 billion previously recorded as additional contributed capital was classified as treasury stock. The ASR agreements were entered into pursuant to share repurchase authorizations announced in June 2013 and in June 2014 and were funded primarily by the July 2014 debt issuance disclosed in Note 13 - Debt and Other Credit Arrangements . In June 2014, the company announced a share repurchase authorization for up to $10 billion of the company's common stock over a two -year period. Repurchases under the authorization commenced on July 1, 2014. For the year ended Aug.31, 2015, 20.2 million shares have been received under this authorization, of which 13.2 million shares were delivered upon settlement of the ASR agreements as discussed in the preceding paragraph and 7.0 million shares were repurchased for $821.5 million . For the year ended Aug. 31, 2014, 31.6 million shares were repurchased for $5.1 billion , which included the $1.2 billion value of stock held back by JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs pending final settlement of the ASR agreements as noted above. In June 2013, the company announced a share repurchase authorization, effective July 1, 2013, for up to $2 billion of the company's common stock over a three -year period. Repurchases under this authorization commenced on Aug. 20, 2013, and were completed on July 1, 2014. For the years ended Aug. 31, 2014, and Aug. 31, 2013, 17.0 million and 0.3 million shares were repurchased for $1.97 billion and $30 million , respectively, under the June 2013 authorization.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The following table sets forth the after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive loss and changes thereto: (Dollars in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Gain on Available for Sale Securities Cash Flow Hedges Postretirement Benefit Items Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance as of Aug. 31, 2013 $ (831 ) $ 8 $ (115 ) $ (340 ) $ (1,278 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 100 — (69 ) 88 119 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (3 ) 17 31 45 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 100 (3 ) (52 ) 119 164 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2014 (731 ) 5 (167 ) (221 ) (1,114 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,596 ) — (54 ) (94 ) (1,744 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (3 ) 31 29 57 Net current-period other comprehensive loss (1,596 ) (3 ) (23 ) (65 ) (1,687 ) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ (2,327 ) $ 2 $ (190 ) $ (286 ) $ (2,801 ) The following table provides additional information regarding items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Affected Line Item in the Statement of Consolidated Operations (Dollars in millions) Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 2014 Available for Sale Securities: Gain on Sale of Security $ (4 ) $ (6 ) Other expense, net Impairment — 1 Other expense, net (4 ) (5 ) Total before income taxes 1 2 Income tax provision $ (3 ) $ (3 ) Net of tax Cash Flow Hedges: Foreign Exchange Contracts $ (31 ) $ (3 ) Net sales Foreign Exchange Contracts (9) 3 Cost of goods sold Commodity Contracts 81 14 Cost of goods sold Interest Rate Contracts 13 12 Interest expense 54 26 Total before income taxes (23 ) (9 ) Income tax provision $ 31 $ 17 Net of tax Postretirement Benefit Items: Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss $ 16 $ 14 Inventory / Cost of goods sold (1) Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 31 36 Selling, general and administrative expenses 47 50 Total before income taxes (18 ) (19 ) Income tax provision $ 29 $ 31 Net of tax Total Reclassifications For The Period $ 57 $ 45 Net of tax (1) The amortization of unrecognized net loss is recorded to net periodic benefit cost, which is allocated to selling, general and administrative expenses and to inventory, which is recognized through cost of goods sold. The company recorded $16 million and $14 million of net periodic benefit cost to inventory, of which approximately $16 million and $14 million was recognized in cost of goods sold during the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. See Note 16 — Postretirement Benefits - Pensions — and Note 17 — Postretirement Benefits - Health Care and Other Postemployment Benefits — for additional information

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share ("EPS") was computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods shown in the table below. The diluted EPS computation takes into account the effect of dilutive potential common shares, as shown in the table below. Potential common shares consist of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and directors’ deferred shares calculated using the treasury stock method and are excluded if their effect is antidilutive. Of those antidilutive options, certain stock options were excluded from the computations of dilutive potential common shares as their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of common shares for the period. Year Ended Aug. 31, (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares 476.9 519.3 533.7 Dilutive Potential Common Shares 4.5 5.6 6.0 Antidilutive Potential Common Shares 1.7 1.7 1.8 Shares Excluded From Computation of Dilutive Potential Shares with Exercise Prices Greater than the Average Market Price of Common Shares for the Period 0.1 — 0.1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash payments for interest and taxes during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , were as follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest $ 343 $ 158 $ 141 Taxes 992 1,019 907 During fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the company recorded the following noncash investing and financing transactions: • During fiscal year 2015 , the company recognized noncash transactions related to restructuring. See Note 5 — Restructuring . • In fourth quarter 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the board of directors declared a dividend payable in first quarter 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of Aug. 31, 2015 , Aug. 31, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2013 , a dividend payable of $254 million , $239 million and $228 million , respectively, was recorded. • During fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the company recognized noncash capital expenditures of $225 million , $258 million and $222 million , respectively, in accounts payable in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. • During fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the company recognized noncash transactions related to stock-based compensation. See Note 19 — Stock-Based Compensation Plans — for further discussion of stock-based compensation. • During fiscal years 2014 and 2013 , the company recognized noncash transactions related to acquisitions largely allocated to goodwill and other intangible assets, net in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. See Note 4 — Business Combinations and Collaborative Arrangements — for acquisition activity.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Contractual obligations: The following table sets forth the company’s estimates of future payments under contracts as of Aug. 31, 2015 . Payments Due by Fiscal Year Ending Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) Total 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 and beyond Total Debt, including Capital Lease Obligations $ 9,044 $ 615 $ 995 $ 302 $ 800 $ 3 $ 6,329 Interest Payments Relating to Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (1) 6,657 330 321 300 281 268 5,157 Operating Lease Obligations 525 138 99 78 61 50 99 Purchase Obligations: Commitments to purchase inventories 2,681 1,075 364 332 313 264 333 Commitments to purchase breeding research 550 55 55 55 55 55 275 R&D alliances and joint venture obligations 166 49 39 30 22 21 5 Uncompleted additions to property 198 198 — — — — — Other Liabilities: Postretirement liabilities (2) 42 42 — — — — — Unrecognized tax benefits (3) 80 — — — — — — Other liabilities 201 24 16 12 6 6 137 Total Contractual Obligations $ 20,144 $ 2,526 $ 1,889 $ 1,109 $ 1,538 $ 667 $ 12,335 (1) For variable rate debt, interest is calculated using the applicable rates as of Aug. 31, 2015 . (2) Includes the company’s planned pension and other postretirement benefit contributions for 2016 . The actual amounts funded in 2016 may differ from the amounts listed above. Contributions in 2017 and beyond are excluded as those amounts are unknown. Refer to Note 16 — Postretirement Benefits - Pensions — and Note 17 — Postretirement Benefits - Health Care and Other Postemployment Benefits — for more information. (3) Unrecognized tax benefits relate to uncertain tax positions recorded under the Income Taxes topic of the ASC. The company is unable to reasonably predict the timing of tax settlements, as tax audits can involve complex issues, and the resolution of those issues may span multiple years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation. See Note 12 — Income Taxes — for more information. Leases: The company routinely leases buildings for use as administrative offices or warehousing, land for research facilities, company aircraft, railcars, motor vehicles and equipment. Assets held under capital leases are included in property, plant and equipment. Certain operating leases contain renewal options that may be exercised at Monsanto’s discretion. The expected lease term is considered in the decision as to whether a lease should be recorded as capital or operating. Certain operating leases contain escalation provisions for an annual inflation adjustment factor, and some are based on the CPI published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, certain leases require Monsanto to pay for property taxes, insurance, maintenance and other operating expenses called rent adjustments, which are subject to change over the life of the lease. These adjustments were not determinable at the time the lease agreements were executed. Therefore, Monsanto recognizes the expenses for rent and rent adjustments when they become known and payable, which is more representative of the time pattern in which the company derives the related benefit in accordance with the Leases topic of the ASC. Other lease agreements provide for base rent adjustments contingent upon future changes in Monsanto’s use of the leased space. At the inception of these leases, Monsanto does not have the right to control more than the percentage defined in the lease agreement of the leased property. Therefore, as the company’s use of the leased space increases, the company recognizes rent expense for the additional leased property during the period during which the company has the right to control the use of additional property in accordance with the Leases topic of the ASC. Rent expense was $273 million for fiscal year 2015 , $272 million for fiscal year 2014 and $259 million for fiscal year 2013 . Guarantees: Monsanto may provide and has provided guarantees on behalf of its consolidated subsidiaries for obligations incurred in the normal course of business. Because these are guarantees of obligations of consolidated subsidiaries, Monsanto’s consolidated financial position is not affected by the issuance of these guarantees. Monsanto warrants the performance of certain products through standard product warranties. In addition, Monsanto provides extensive marketing programs to increase sales and enhance customer satisfaction. These programs may include performance warranty features and indemnification for risks not related to performance, both of which are provided to qualifying customers on a contractual basis. The cost of payments for claims based on performance warranties has been, and is expected to continue to be, insignificant. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments for indemnification for losses not related to the performance of our products (for example, replanting due to extreme weather conditions), because it is not possible to predict whether the specified contingencies will occur and if so, to what extent. In various circumstances, Monsanto has agreed to indemnify or reimburse other parties for various losses or expenses. For example, like many other companies, Monsanto has agreed to indemnify its officers and directors for liabilities incurred by reason of their position with Monsanto. Contracts for the sale or purchase of a business or line of business may require indemnification for various events, including certain events that arose before the sale, or tax liabilities that arise before, after or in connection with the sale. Certain seed licensee arrangements indemnify the licensee against liability and damages, including legal defense costs, arising from any claims of patent, copyright, trademark or trade secret infringement related to Monsanto’s trait technology. Germplasm licenses generally indemnify the licensee against claims related to the source or ownership of the licensed germplasm. Litigation settlement agreements may contain indemnification provisions covering future issues associated with the settled matter. Credit agreements and other financial agreements frequently require reimbursement for certain unanticipated costs resulting from changes in legal or regulatory requirements or guidelines. These agreements may also require reimbursement of withheld taxes, and additional payments that provide recipients amounts equal to the sums they would have received had no such withholding been made. Indemnities like those in this paragraph may be found in many types of agreements, including, for example, operating agreements, leases, purchase or sale agreements and other licenses. Leases may require indemnification for liabilities Monsanto’s operations may potentially create for the lessor or lessee. It is not possible to predict the maximum future payments possible under these or similar provisions because it is not possible to predict whether any of these contingencies will come to pass and if so, to what extent. Historically, these types of provisions did not have a material effect on Monsanto’s financial position, profitability or liquidity. Monsanto believes that if it were to incur a loss in any of these matters, it would not have a material effect on its financial position, profitability or liquidity. Based on the company’s current assessment of exposure, Monsanto has recorded a liability of less than $1 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , related to these indemnifications. Monsanto provides guarantees for certain customer loans in the United States, Europe and Latin America. See Note 7 — Customer Financing Programs — for additional information. Information regarding Monsanto’s indemnification obligations to Pharmacia under the Separation Agreement can be found below in the “Litigation” section of this note. Environmental and Litigation Liabilities: Monsanto is involved in environmental remediation and legal proceedings to which we are party in our own name and proceedings to which our former parent, Pharmacia LLC ("Pharmacia") or its former subsidiary, Solutia, Inc. ("Solutia") is a party but that we manage and for which we are responsible pursuant to certain indemnification agreements. In addition, Monsanto has liabilities established for various product claims. With respect to certain of these proceedings, Monsanto has established a reserve for the estimated liabilities. For more information on Monsanto’s policies regarding “Litigation and Other Contingencies,” see Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies . Portions of the liability included in a reserve for which the amount and timing of cash payments are fixed or readily determinable were discounted, using a risk-free discount rate adjusted for inflation ranging from 2.7 to 3.5 percent. The remaining portions of the liability were not subject to discounting because of uncertainties in the timing of cash outlay. The following table provides a detailed summary of the discounted and undiscounted amounts included in the reserve for environmental and litigation liabilities: (Dollars in millions) Aggregate Undiscounted Amount $ 207 Discounted Portion: Expected payment (undiscounted) for: 2016 24 2017 16 2018 12 2019 6 2020 6 Undiscounted aggregate expected payments after 2020 137 Aggregate Amount to be Discounted as of Aug. 31, 2015 201 Discount, as of Aug. 31, 2015 (52 ) Aggregate Discounted Amount Accrued as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ 149 Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ 356 Changes in the environmental and litigation liabilities for fiscal years 2013 , 2014 and 2015 are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Balance at Aug. 31, 2012 $ 270 Payments (35 ) Accretion 5 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2013 31 Balance at Aug. 31, 2013 $ 271 Payments (69 ) Accretion 7 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2014 82 Balance at Aug. 31, 2014 $ 291 Payments (67 ) Accretion 3 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2015 129 Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ 356 Environmental: Included in the liability are amounts related to environmental remediation of sites associated with Pharmacia’s former chemicals and agricultural businesses, with no single site representing the majority of the environmental liability. These sites are in various stages of environmental management: at some sites, work is in the early stages of assessment and investigation, while at others the cleanup remedies have been implemented and the remaining work consists of monitoring the integrity of that remedy. The extent of Monsanto’s involvement at the various sites ranges from less than 1 percent to 100 percent of the costs currently anticipated. At some sites, Monsanto is acting under court or agency order, while at others it is acting with very minimal government involvement. Monsanto does not currently anticipate any material loss in excess of the amount recorded for the environmental sites reflected in the liability. However, it is possible that new information about these sites for which the accrual has been established, such as results of investigations by regulatory agencies, Monsanto or other parties, could require Monsanto to reassess its potential exposure related to environmental matters. Monsanto’s future remediation expenses at these sites may be affected by a number of uncertainties. These uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the method and extent of remediation, the percentage of material attributable to Monsanto at the sites relative to that attributable to other parties and the financial capabilities of the other potentially responsible parties. Monsanto cannot reasonably estimate any additional loss and does not expect the resolution of such uncertainties, or environmental matters not reflected in the liability, to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial position, cash flows or liquidity. Litigation: The above liability includes amounts related to certain third-party litigation with respect to Monsanto’s business, as well as tort litigation related to Pharmacia’s former chemical business, including lawsuits involving polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and other chemical and premises liability litigation. Additional matters that are not reflected in the liability may arise in the future, and Monsanto may manage, settle, or pay judgments or damages with respect thereto in order to mitigate contesting potential liability. Following is a description of one of the more significant litigation matters. The company has been named in personal injury lawsuits filed over several years on behalf of approximately 750 persons in state courts in St. Louis, Missouri and Los Angeles, California. The suits claim that plaintiffs’ various forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma have been caused by their trace levels of PCBs allegedly manufactured by Pharmacia’s former chemical business over four decades ago, which entered the environment from a wide variety of end-use applications in products made by others. While the company remains engaged in efforts to resolve the injury claims, the company believes it has meritorious legal and factual defenses to these cases and is vigorously defending them. The company is defending such claims under indemnity agreements resulting from its 2000 spinoff from Pharmacia and subsequent agreements under Solutia’s February 2008 plan of reorganization. Including litigation reflected in the liability, Monsanto is involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business or pursuant to Monsanto’s indemnification obligations to Pharmacia, as well as proceedings that management has considered to be material under SEC regulations. Some of the lawsuits seek damages in very large amounts, or seek to restrict the company’s business activities. Monsanto believes that it has meritorious legal positions and will continue to represent its interests vigorously in all of the proceedings that it is defending or prosecuting. Management does not anticipate the ultimate liabilities resulting from such proceedings, or the proceedings reflected in the above liability, will have a material adverse effect on Monsanto’s consolidated results of operations, financial position, cash flows or liquidity. Legal actions have been filed in Brazil that raise issues challenging the right to collect certain royalties for Roundup Ready soybeans. Although Brazilian law clearly states that the pipeline patents protecting these products have the duration of the corresponding U.S. patent (2014 for Roundup Ready soybeans), the duration (and application) of these pipeline patents is currently under judicial review in Brazil. Monsanto believes it has meritorious legal arguments and will continue to represent its interests vigorously in these proceedings. The current estimate of the company’s reasonably possible loss contingency is not material to consolidated results of operations, financial position, cash flows or liquidity. Other Contingencies: The staff of the SEC is conducting an investigation of financial reporting associated with Monsanto's customer incentive programs for glyphosate products for the fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and Monsanto has received subpoenas in connection therewith. Monsanto has preliminarily agreed to the terms of a potential settlement of the investigation that the SEC enforcement staff has indicated it is prepared to recommend to the Commission. The proposed settlement is subject to acceptance and authorization by the Commission. The proposed settlement would, among other things, require Monsanto to pay an $80 million penalty, which Monsanto has recorded in fiscal year 2015, and which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statement of Consolidated Operation. However, the terms of the settlement remain subject to the approval of the Commission. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Monsanto's efforts to resolve the SEC’s investigation will be successful or that the settlement amount will be as anticipated, and Monsanto cannot predict the ultimate timing or the final terms of the settlement. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement: Monsanto is in the process of making a significant expansion of our Chesterfield, Missouri, facility. In December 2013, Monsanto executed the first of a series of incentive agreements with the County of St. Louis, Missouri. Under these agreements Monsanto has transferred the Chesterfield, Missouri facility to St. Louis County and received Industrial Revenue Bonds in the amount of up to $470 million , which enables the company to reduce the cost of constructing and operating the expansion by reducing certain state and local tax expenditures. Monsanto immediately leased the facility from the County of St. Louis and has an option to purchase the facility upon tendering the Industrial Revenue Bonds received to the County. The payments due to the company in relation to the Industrial Revenue Bonds and owed by the company in relation to the lease of the facility qualify for the right of offset under ASC 210, Balance Sheet , in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. As such, neither the Industrial Revenue Bonds nor the lease obligation are recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as an asset or liability, respectively. The Chesterfield facility and the expansion are being treated as being owned by Monsanto.

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA	SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA Monsanto conducts its worldwide operations through global businesses, which are aggregated into reportable segments based on similarity of products, production processes, customers, distribution methods and economic characteristics. The operating segments are aggregated into two reportable segments: Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity. The Seeds and Genomics segment consists of the global seeds and related traits businesses, biotechnology platforms and precision agriculture. Within the Seeds and Genomics segment, Monsanto’s significant operating segments are corn seed and traits, soybean seed and traits, cotton seed and traits, vegetable seeds and all other crops seeds and traits. EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes and is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments. EBIT is useful to management in demonstrating the operational profitability of the segments by excluding interest and taxes, which are generally accounted for across the entire company on a consolidated basis. Sales between segments were not significant. Certain SG&A expenses are allocated between segments based on activity. Data for the Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity reportable segments, as well as for Monsanto’s significant operating segments, are presented in the table that follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Net Sales (1) Corn seed and traits $ 5,953 $ 6,401 $ 6,596 Soybean seed and traits 2,276 2,102 1,653 Cotton seed and traits 523 665 695 Vegetable seeds 816 867 821 All other crops seeds and traits 675 705 575 Total Seeds and Genomics $ 10,243 $ 10,740 $ 10,340 Agricultural productivity 4,758 5,115 4,521 Total Agricultural Productivity $ 4,758 $ 5,115 $ 4,521 Total $ 15,001 $ 15,855 $ 14,861 Gross Profit Corn seed and traits $ 3,557 $ 3,932 $ 3,929 Soybean seed and traits 1,510 1,364 948 Cotton seed and traits 408 461 519 Vegetable seeds 372 401 337 All other crops seeds and traits 430 438 350 Total Seeds and Genomics $ 6,277 $ 6,596 $ 6,083 Agricultural productivity 1,905 1,978 1,570 Total Agricultural Productivity $ 1,905 $ 1,978 $ 1,570 Total $ 8,182 $ 8,574 $ 7,653 EBIT (2)(3) Seeds and genomics $ 2,206 $ 2,607 $ 2,412 Agricultural productivity 1,294 1,345 1,048 Total $ 3,500 $ 3,952 $ 3,460 Depreciation and Amortization Expense Seeds and genomics $ 586 $ 568 $ 495 Agricultural productivity 130 123 120 Total $ 716 $ 691 $ 615 Equity Affiliate Loss (Income) (4) Seeds and genomics $ 13 $ 8 $ (15 ) Agricultural productivity — — — Total $ 13 $ 8 $ (15 ) Total Assets Seeds and genomics $ 17,330 $ 17,548 $ 16,235 Agricultural productivity 4,590 4,370 4,416 Total $ 21,920 $ 21,918 $ 20,651 Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases Seeds and genomics $ 762 $ 831 $ 619 Agricultural productivity 205 174 122 Total $ 967 $ 1,005 $ 741 Investment in Equity Affiliates Seeds and genomics $ 114 $ 126 $ 91 Agricultural productivity — — — Total $ 114 $ 126 $ 91 (1) Represents net sales from continuing operations. (2) EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes; see the following table for reconciliation. Earnings (loss) is intended to mean net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Operations under generally accepted accounting principles. EBIT is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments. (3) Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes income of $45 million , $22 million and $17 million from discontinued operations for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (4) Equity affiliate loss (income) is included in other expense, net in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. A reconciliation of EBIT to net income for each period follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 EBIT (1) $ 3,500 $ 3,952 $ 3,460 Interest Expense — Net 328 146 80 Income Tax Provision (2) 858 1,066 898 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 2,314 $ 2,740 $ 2,482 (1) Includes the income from operations of discontinued businesses and pre-tax noncontrolling interest. (2) Includes the income tax provision from continuing operations, the income tax benefit on noncontrolling interest and the income tax provision on discontinued operations. Net sales and long-lived assets are attributed to the geographic areas of the relevant Monsanto legal entities. For example, a sale from the United States to a customer in Brazil is reported as a U.S. export sale. Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers Long-Lived Assets Year Ended Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 United States $ 8,612 $ 8,625 $ 8,044 $ 7,714 $ 8,112 Europe-Africa 1,834 2,192 2,042 1,309 1,460 Brazil 1,725 1,778 1,547 614 871 Argentina 871 1,092 1,121 427 396 Asia-Pacific 686 837 806 293 315 Canada 601 636 615 104 124 Mexico 537 503 466 163 135 Other 135 192 220 394 380 Total $ 15,001 $ 15,855 $ 14,861 $ 11,018 $ 11,793

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) The following tables include financial data for the fiscal year quarters in 2015 and 2014 which have been adjusted for discontinued operations. (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 1st (2) 2nd (3) 3rd (4) 4th (5)(6) 2015 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total Net Sales $ 2,870 $ 5,197 $ 4,579 $ 2,355 $ 15,001 Gross Profit 1,411 3,039 2,736 996 8,182 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company 227 1,418 1,141 (500 ) 2,286 Income on Discontinued Operations 16 7 — 5 28 Net Income (Loss) 243 1,419 1,155 (492 ) 2,325 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 243 $ 1,425 $ 1,141 $ (495 ) $ 2,314 Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income (Loss) from continuing operations $ 0.47 $ 2.93 $ 2.41 $ (1.07 ) $ 4.79 Income on discontinued operations 0.03 0.02 — 0.01 0.06 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.50 $ 2.95 $ 2.41 $ (1.06 ) $ 4.85 Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income (Loss) from continuing operations $ 0.47 $ 2.90 $ 2.39 $ (1.07 ) $ 4.75 Income on discontinued operations 0.03 0.02 — 0.01 0.06 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.50 $ 2.92 $ 2.39 $ (1.06 ) $ 4.81 2014 Net Sales $ 3,143 $ 5,832 $ 4,250 $ 2,630 $ 15,855 Gross Profit 1,563 3,447 2,331 1,233 8,574 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company 359 1,666 858 (156 ) 2,727 Income on Discontinued Operations 9 4 — — 13 Net Income (Loss) 373 1,672 880 (163 ) 2,762 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 368 $ 1,670 $ 858 $ (156 ) $ 2,740 Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income (Loss) from continuing operations $ 0.68 $ 3.18 $ 1.64 $ (0.31 ) $ 5.25 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 — — — 0.03 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.70 $ 3.18 $ 1.64 $ (0.31 ) $ 5.28 Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income (Loss) from continuing operations $ 0.67 $ 3.15 $ 1.62 $ (0.31 ) $ 5.19 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 — — — 0.03 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.69 $ 3.15 $ 1.62 $ (0.31 ) $ 5.22 (1) Because Monsanto reported a loss from continuing operations in the fourth quarter 2015 and 2014, generally accepted accounting principles require diluted loss per share to be calculated using weighted-average common shares outstanding, excluding common stock equivalents. As a result, the quarterly earnings (loss) per share may not total to the full-year amount. (2) In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the company recorded $7.7 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation settlements with a corresponding income tax benefit of $2.9 million . (3) In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the company recorded $10.0 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation settlements with a corresponding income tax benefit of $3.8 million . (4) In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the company recorded $274.0 million of net sales as a result of the sale of a perpetual license to intellectual property, with a corresponding income tax provision of $102.1 million . The company also recorded $57.0 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation settlements and a potential SEC settlement with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $8.4 million . (5) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the company recorded $100.5 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $92.6 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation settlements and a potential SEC settlement and $392.7 million of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $172.8 million . (6) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the company recorded $31.8 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to legacy environmental settlements with a corresponding income tax benefit of $12.2 million .

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	SUBSEQUENT EVENT On Oct. 9, 2015, Monsanto entered into uncollared accelerated share repurchase ASR agreements with each of Citibank, N.A. ("Citi") and JPMorgan. Under the ASR agreements, the company agreed to purchase an aggregate of approximately $3.0 billion of Monsanto common stock. On Oct. 13, 2015, Citi and JPMorgan delivered to Monsanto approximately 28.4 million shares in total based on then-current market prices, and Monsanto paid a total of $3.0 billion . The payments to Citi and JPMorgan will be recorded as a reduction to shareowners' equity consisting of a $2.55 billion increase in treasury stock, which reflects the value of the 28.4 million shares received upon initial settlement, and a $450 million decrease in additional contributed capital, which reflects the value of the stock held back by Citi and JPMorgan pending final settlement of the ASR agreements. The final number of shares of Monsanto common stock that the company may receive, or may be required to remit, upon settlement under the ASR agreements will be based upon the average daily volume weighted-average price of Monsanto common stock during the term of the ASR agreements, less a discount. Final settlement of the ASR agreements is expected to occur in the next six months and may occur earlier at the option of Citi and JPMorgan. The terms of the ASR agreements are subject to adjustment if Monsanto were to enter into or announce certain types of transactions that may affect the company's stock. If Monsanto is obligated to make an adjustment payment under the ASR agreements, the company may elect to satisfy such obligation in cash or in shares of Monsanto common stock. The ASR agreements were entered into pursuant to the share repurchase authorization announced in June 2014 and were funded by commercial paper and cash on hand.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI37

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Monsanto and its subsidiaries were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the company has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The company records income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Statements of Consolidated Operations for any non-owned portion of consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interest is recorded within the equity section but separate from Monsanto’s equity in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are adjusted to reflect actual experience when necessary. Significant estimates and assumptions affect many items in the consolidated financial statements. These include allowance for doubtful trade receivables, sales returns and allowances, inventory obsolescence, income tax liabilities and assets and related valuation allowances, asset impairments, valuations of goodwill and other intangible assets, employee benefit plan assets and liabilities, value of equity-based awards, customer incentive program liabilities, restructuring reserves, self-insurance reserves, environmental reserves, deferred revenue, contingencies, litigation, incentives, the allocation of corporate costs to segments and certain cash flow projections. Significant estimates and assumptions are also used to establish the fair value and useful lives of depreciable tangible and certain intangible assets. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions, and such results may affect income, financial position or cash flows.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The company derives most of its revenue from three main sources: sales of branded conventional seed and branded seed with biotechnology traits; royalties and license revenues from licensed biotechnology traits and genetic material; and sales of agricultural chemical products. Monsanto follows the Revenue Recognition topic of the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). Revenues from all seed sales are recognized when risks and rewards of ownership of the products are transferred. The company recognizes revenue on products it sells to distributors when, according to the terms of the sales agreement, delivery has occurred, performance is complete, expected returns can be reasonably estimated and pricing is fixed or determinable. When the right of return exists in the company’s seed business, sales revenues are reduced at the time of sale to reflect expected returns. In order to estimate the expected returns, management analyzes historical returns, economic trends, market conditions and changes in customer demand. The Revenue Recognition topic of the ASC affects Monsanto’s recognition of license revenues from biotechnology traits sold through third-party seed companies. The company may enter into multiple element arrangements, including those where a customer purchases technology and licenses. When elements of a multiple element arrangement do not have stand alone value, we account for such elements as a combined unit of accounting. We allocate revenue to each unit of accounting in a multiple element arrangement based upon the relative selling price of each deliverable. When applying the relative selling price method, we determine the selling price for each deliverable by using vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price, if it exists, or third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use our best estimate of selling price for that unit of accounting. When we use our best estimate to determine selling price, significant judgment is required. The significant assumptions used to estimate selling price for significant units of accounting may consist of cost, gross margin objectives or forecasted customer selling volumes. Changes in assumptions used to estimate selling price could result in a different allocation of arrangement consideration across the units of accounting within an arrangement. Revenue allocated to each unit of accounting is recognized when all revenue recognition criteria for that unit of accounting have been met. Biotechnology trait license revenue, including those within multiple element arrangements, is generally recognized over the contract period as third-party seed companies sell seed containing Monsanto traits, which can be from one year up to the related patent term. License revenue from the sale of intellectual property, including those within multiple element arrangements, is generally recognized upon commencement of the license term. Primarily in Brazil and Latin America, Monsanto has point-of-delivery collection systems for certain royalties for soybeans and cotton to record revenue when the grain containing our technology is delivered and commercialized at the grain handlers and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenues for agricultural chemical products are recognized when title to the products is transferred. The company recognizes revenue on products it sells to distributors when, according to the terms of the sales agreements, delivery has occurred, performance is complete, no right of return exists and pricing is fixed or determinable. There are several additional conditions for recognition of revenue including that the collection of sales proceeds must be reasonably assured based on historical experience and current market conditions and that there must be no consequential remaining performance obligations under the sale or the royalty or license agreement. To reduce credit exposure primarily in Latin America, Monsanto collects payments on certain customer accounts in grain. In those circumstances in Argentina when Monsanto participates in the negotiation of the forward sales contract, Monsanto records revenue and related cost of sale for the grain on a net basis. In those circumstances in Brazil when Monsanto does not participate in the negotiation of the forward sales contract and does not take physical custody of the grain or assume the associated inventory risk, Monsanto does not record revenue or the related cost of sales for the grain. Such payments in grain are negotiated at or near the time Monsanto’s products are sold to the customers and are valued at the prevailing grain commodity prices. By entering into forward sales contracts with grain merchants, Monsanto mitigates the commodity price exposure from the time a contract is signed with a customer until the time a grain merchant collects the grain from the customer on Monsanto’s behalf. The grain merchant converts the grain to cash for Monsanto. These forward sales contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized in current earnings.
Advertising Costs	Promotional, Advertising and Customer Incentive Program Costs Promotional and advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. Advertising costs were $74 million , $90 million and $95 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Customer incentive program costs are recorded in accordance with the Revenue Recognition topic of the ASC, based on specific performance criteria met by our customers, such as purchase volumes, promptness of payment and market share increases. The cost of customer incentive programs is generally recorded in net sales in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The fair value of incentive programs earned by customers for services with separate identifiable benefit is generally recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The cost of incentive programs earned by distributors determined to be agents is generally recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. As actual customer incentive program expenses are not known at the time of the sale, an estimate based on the best available information (such as historical experience and market research) is used as a basis for recording customer incentive program liabilities. Management analyzes and reviews the customer incentive program balances on a quarterly basis, and adjustments are recorded as appropriate. Under certain customer incentive programs, product performance and variations in weather can result in free product to customers. The associated cost of this free product is recognized as cost of goods sold in the Statements of Consolidated Operations.
Research and Development Costs and Collaborative Arrangements	Research and Development Costs and Collaborative Arrangements The company accounts for research and development ("R&D") costs in accordance with the Research and Development topic of the ASC. Under the Research and Development topic of the ASC, all R&D costs must be charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, internal R&D costs are expensed as incurred. Third-party R&D costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed or as milestone results are achieved. In process research and development ("IPR&D") costs acquired in a business combination are recorded on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as indefinite-lived intangible assets until completion or abandonment of the associated R&D efforts. The costs of purchased IPR&D that have alternative future uses are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. IPR&D intangible assets are subject to annual impairment tests. The costs associated with equipment or facilities acquired or constructed for R&D activities that have alternative future uses are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. The amortization and depreciation for such capitalized assets are charged to R&D expenses. Monsanto has entered into collaborations with third parties for the R&D and commercialization of agricultural products. The company accounts for costs incurred and revenue generated under these collaborative arrangements from transactions with third parties in accordance with the Collaborative Arrangements topic of the ASC. Under the Collaborative Arrangements topic of the ASC, all costs incurred and revenue generated from transactions with third parties shall be recorded in each entity's respective income statement. For additional information on the company's collaborative arrangements.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Management regularly assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and to the extent management believes that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established. When a valuation allowance is established, increased or decreased, an income tax charge or benefit is included in the consolidated financial statements, and net deferred tax assets are adjusted accordingly. The net deferred tax assets as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014, represent the estimated future tax benefits to be received from taxing authorities or future reductions of taxes payable. Under the Income Taxes topic of the ASC, in order to recognize the benefit of an uncertain tax position, the taxpayer must be more likely than not of sustaining the position, and the measurement of the benefit is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon resolution of the position. Tax authorities regularly examine the company’s returns in the jurisdictions in which we do business. Management regularly assesses the tax risk of the company’s return filing positions and believes its accruals for uncertain tax benefits are adequate as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 .
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments (defined as investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased) are considered cash equivalents.
Inventory Valuation	Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and an inventory reserve would permanently reduce the cost basis of inventory. Inventories are valued as follows: Seeds and Genomics : Actual cost is used to value raw materials such as treatment chemicals and packaging, as well as goods in process. Costs for substantially all finished goods, which include the cost of carryover crops from the previous year, are valued at weighted-average actual cost. Weighted-average actual cost includes field growing and harvesting costs, plant conditioning and packaging costs and manufacturing overhead costs. Agricultural Productivity : Actual cost is used to value raw materials and supplies. Standard cost, which approximates actual cost, is used to value finished goods and goods in process. Variances, exclusive of abnormally low volume and operating performance, are capitalized into inventory. Standard cost includes direct labor and raw materials and manufacturing overhead based on normal capacity. The cost of the Agricultural Productivity segment inventories in the United States (approximately 11 percent and 9 percent of total company inventory as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 ) is determined by using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method, which generally reflects the effects of inflation or deflation on cost of goods sold sooner than other inventory cost methods. The cost of inventories outside of the United States, as well as supplies inventories in the United States, is determined by using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method; FIFO is used outside of the United States because the requirements in the countries where Monsanto maintains inventories generally do not allow the use of the LIFO method. Inventories at FIFO approximate current cost. In accordance with the Inventory topic of the ASC, Monsanto records abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) as current period charges and allocates fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Monsanto establishes allowances for obsolescence of inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory (if higher) and the estimated market value, based on assumptions about future demand and market conditions. The company regularly evaluates the adequacy of its inventory obsolescence reserves. If economic and market conditions are different from those anticipated, inventory obsolescence could be materially different from the amounts provided for in the company’s consolidated financial statements. If inventory obsolescence is higher than expected, cost of goods sold will be increased, and inventory, net income and shareowners’ equity will be reduced.
Goodwill	Goodwill Monsanto follows the guidance of the Business Combinations topic of the ASC in recording the goodwill arising from a business combination as the excess of purchase price and related costs over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Under the Intangibles – Goodwill and Other topic of the ASC, goodwill is not amortized and is subject to annual impairment tests. A fair-value-based test is applied at the reporting unit level, which is generally at or one level below the operating segment level. The test compares the fair value of the company’s reporting units to the carrying value of those reporting units. This test requires various judgments and estimates. The fair value of goodwill is determined using an estimate of future cash flows of the reporting unit and a risk-adjusted discount rate to compute a net present value of future cash flows. An adjustment to goodwill will be recorded for any goodwill that is determined to be impaired. Impairment of goodwill is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the fair values of recognized assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it might be impaired.
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets Other intangible assets consist primarily of acquired seed germplasm, intellectual property, trademarks and customer relationships. Seed germplasm is the genetic material used in new seed varieties. Germplasm is amortized on a straight-line basis over useful lives ranging from five years for completed technology germplasm to a maximum of 30 years for certain core technology germplasm. Completed technology germplasm consists of seed hybrids and varieties that are commercially available. Core technology germplasm is the collective germplasm of parental seeds and has a longer useful life as it is used to develop new seed hybrids and varieties. Acquired intellectual property includes intangible assets related to acquisitions and licenses through which Monsanto has acquired the rights to various research and discovery technologies. These encompass intangible assets such as enabling processes and data libraries necessary to support the integrated genomics and biotechnology platforms. These intangible assets have alternative future uses and are amortized over useful lives ranging from one year to 18 years . The useful lives of acquired germplasm and acquired intellectual property are determined based on consideration of several factors including the nature of the asset, its expected use, length of licensing agreement or patent and the period over which benefits are expected to be received from the use of the asset. Monsanto has a broad portfolio of trademarks for herbicide products, traits, agricultural seeds and vegetable seeds, and patents for our traits, formulations used to make our herbicides and various manufacturing processes. The amortization period for acquired trademarks and patents ranges from one year to 30 years . Trademarks are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The useful life of a trademark is determined based on the estimated market-life of the associated company, brand or product. Patents are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period in which the patent is legally protected, the period over which benefits are expected to be received, or the estimated market-life of the product with which the patent is associated, whichever is shorter. In conjunction with acquisitions, Monsanto obtains access to the distribution channels and customer relationships of the acquired companies. These relationships are expected to provide economic benefits to Monsanto. The amortization period for customer relationships ranges from one year to 20 years , and amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over these periods. The amortization period of customer relationships represents management’s best estimate of the expected usage or consumption of the economic benefits of the acquired assets, which is based on the company’s historical experience of customer attrition rates. In accordance with the Intangibles – Goodwill and Other topic of the ASC, all amortizable intangible assets are assessed for impairment whenever events indicate a possible loss. Such an assessment involves estimating undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life of the intangible. If the review indicates that undiscounted cash flows are less than the recorded value of the intangible asset, the carrying amount of the intangible is reduced by the estimated cash-flow shortfall on a discounted basis, and a corresponding loss is charged to the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Additions and improvements are capitalized; these include all material, labor and engineering costs to design, install or improve the asset and interest costs on construction projects. Such costs are not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. Routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The cost of plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset — weighted-average periods of approximately 25 years for buildings, 10 years for machinery and equipment and five years for software. In compliance with the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the ASC, long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever in management’s judgment conditions indicate a possible loss. Such impairment tests compare estimated undiscounted cash flows to the recorded value of the asset. If an impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to its fair value or, if fair value is not readily determinable, to an estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows.
Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Remediation Liabilities	Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Monsanto follows the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations topic of the ASC, which addresses financial accounting for and reporting of costs and obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. Monsanto has asset retirement obligations with carrying amounts totaling $68 million and $59 million included in other liabilities on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively, primarily relating to its manufacturing facilities. Monsanto follows the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations topic of the ASC, which provides guidance for recognizing, measuring and disclosing environmental remediation liabilities. Monsanto accrues these costs in the period when responsibility is established and when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable based on current law and existing technology. Postclosure and remediation costs for hazardous waste sites and other waste facilities at operating locations are accrued over the estimated life of the facility, as part of its anticipated closure cost.
Litigation and Other Contingencies	Litigation and Other Contingencies Monsanto is involved from time to time in various intellectual property, biotechnology, tort, contract, antitrust, shareowner claims, environmental and other litigation, claims and legal proceedings; environmental remediation; and government investigations. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes to those matters, as well as ranges of probable losses, to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. In accordance with the Contingencies topic of the ASC, accruals for such contingencies are recorded to the extent that management concludes their occurrence is probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. Disclosure for specific legal contingencies is provided if the likelihood of occurrence is at least reasonably possible and the exposure is considered material to the consolidated financial statements. In making determinations of likely outcomes of litigation matters, management considers many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, past experience, scientific and other evidence, interpretation of relevant laws or regulations and the specifics and status of each matter. If the assessment of the various factors changes, the estimates may change. That may result in the recording of an accrual or a change in a previously recorded accrual. Predicting the outcome of claims and litigation and estimating related costs and exposure involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual costs to vary materially from estimates and accruals.
Guarantees	Guarantees Monsanto is subject to various commitments under contractual and other commercial obligations. The company recognizes liabilities for contingencies and commitments under the Guarantees topic of the ASC. For additional information on the company’s commitments and other contractual and commercial obligations.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements for most of Monsanto’s ex-U.S. operations are translated to U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. For assets and liabilities, the fiscal year-end rate is used. For revenues, expenses, gains and losses, an approximation of the average rate for the period is used. Unrealized currency adjustments in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position are accumulated in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The financial statements of ex-U.S. operations in highly inflationary economies are translated at either current or historical exchange rates at the time they are deemed highly inflationary, in accordance with the Foreign Currency Matters topic of the ASC . These currency adjustments and the remeasurement of assets and liabilities of ex-U.S. operations with the U.S. dollar designated as their functional currency are included in net income. Based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Monsanto designated Venezuela as a hyperinflationary country effective June 1, 2009. The functional currency of the company's foreign entities in Argentina is the U.S. dollar. Significant translation exposures include the Brazilian real, the European euro, the Mexican peso, the Australian dollar, Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah and South African rand. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on Monsanto’s cash flow, liquidity or capital resources.
Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments	Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments Monsanto uses financial derivative instruments and natural hedges to limit its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. Monsanto does not use financial derivative instruments for the purpose of speculating in foreign currencies, commodities or interest rates. Monsanto continually monitors its underlying market risk exposures and believes that it can modify or adapt its hedging strategies as needed. In accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, all derivatives, whether designated for hedging relationships or not, are recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position at their fair value. At the time a derivative contract is entered into, Monsanto designates each derivative as: (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (a fair-value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows that are to be received or paid in connection with a recognized asset or liability (a cash-flow hedge), (3) a foreign-currency fair-value or cash-flow hedge (a foreign-currency hedge), (4) a foreign-currency hedge of the net investment in a foreign subsidiary or (5) a derivative that does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is considered highly effective, and that is designated as and qualifies as a fair-value hedge, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current-period net income. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is considered highly effective, and that is designated as and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge, to the extent that the hedge is effective, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss until net income is affected by the variability from cash flows of the hedged item. Any hedge ineffectiveness is included in current-period net income. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is considered highly effective, and that is designated as and qualifies as a foreign-currency hedge, are recorded either in current-period net income or in accumulated other comprehensive loss, depending on whether the hedging relationship satisfies the criteria for a fair-value or cash-flow hedge. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is considered highly effective, and that is designated as a foreign-currency hedge of the net investment in a foreign subsidiary, are recorded in the accumulated foreign currency translation. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedges are reported in current-period net income. Monsanto formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair-value, cash-flow or foreign-currency hedges either to specific assets and liabilities on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position, or to firm commitments or forecasted transactions. Monsanto formally assesses a hedge at its inception and on an ongoing basis thereafter to determine whether the hedging relationship between the derivative and the hedged item is still highly effective, and whether it is expected to remain highly effective in future periods, in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows. When derivatives cease to be highly effective hedges, Monsanto discontinues hedge accounting prospectively.

RESTRUCTURING RESTRUCTURING (Ta

RESTRUCTURING RESTRUCTURING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The following table displays the pretax charges of $493 million incurred by segment under the fiscal year 2015 restructuring plan for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Work Force Reductions $ 204 $ 13 $ 217 Asset Impairments and Write-offs: Property, plant and equipment 81 — 81 Inventory 51 — 51 Goodwill and other intangible assets 144 — 144 Total Restructuring Charges, Net $ 480 $ 13 $ 493 Restructuring charges were recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Operations as follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 Cost of Goods Sold (1) $ (100 ) Restructuring Charges (1) (393 ) Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes $ (493 ) Income Tax Provision 155 Net Income $ (338 ) (1) The $100 million of restructuring charges in cost of goods sold is recorded to the Seeds and Genomics segment. The $393 million of restructuring charges is split by segment as follows: $13 million in Agricultural Productivity and $380 million in Seeds and Genomics.
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The following table summarizes the activities related to the company's 2015 Restructuring Plan. (Dollars in millions) Work Force Reductions Asset Impairments Total Restructuring charges recognized in fourth quarter 2015 $ 217 $ 276 $ 493 Asset impairments and write-offs — (276 ) (276 ) Ending Liability as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ 217 $ — $ 217

RECEIVABLES (Tables)

RECEIVABLES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance For Doubtful Trade Receivables	The following table displays a roll forward of the allowance for doubtful trade receivables for fiscal years 2013 , 2014 and 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2012 $ 64 Additions — charged to expense 32 Other (1) (28 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 68 Additions — charged to expense 44 Other (1) (40 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 72 Additions — charged to expense 44 Other (1) (57 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 59 (1) Includes reclassifications to long-term, write-offs, recoveries and foreign currency translation adjustments.
Allowance For Doubtful Long Term Receivables	The following table displays a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses related to long-term customer receivables for fiscal years 2013 , 2014 and 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2012 $ 141 Incremental Provision 7 Recoveries (1 ) Write-Offs (47 ) Other (1) 4 Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 104 Incremental Provision 11 Recoveries (4 ) Write-Offs (15 ) Other (1) 29 Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 125 Incremental Provision 9 Recoveries (3 ) Write-Offs (28 ) Other (1) 17 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 120 (1) Includes reclassifications from the allowance for current receivables and foreign currency translation adjustments.
Trade Receivables By Customer Concentration	The following table sets forth Monsanto’s gross trade receivables by geographic area as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , by significant customer concentrations: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Argentina $ 298 $ 327 Asia-Pacific 185 175 Brazil 181 178 Canada 43 22 Europe-Africa 498 522 Mexico 202 160 United States 230 579 Other 58 123 Gross Trade Receivables 1,695 2,086 Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (59 ) (72 ) Trade Receivables, Net $ 1,636 $ 2,014

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS (Ta

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS (Tables) [Abstract]
Customer Financing Programs	Monsanto participates in customer financing programs as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment U.S. agreement to sell trade receivables (1) Outstanding balance $ 851 $ 436 Maximum future payout under recourse provisions 125 21 European and Latin American agreements to sell trade receivables (2) Outstanding balance $ 124 $ 67 Maximum future payout under recourse provisions 22 34 Agreements with Lenders (3) Outstanding balance $ 75 $ 71 Maximum future payout under the guarantee 62 51
Customer Financing Programs, Sales of Receivables	The gross amounts of receivables sold under transactions that qualify for sales treatment are: Gross Amounts of Receivables Sold Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment U.S. agreement to sell trade receivables (1) $ 852 $ 457 $ 349 European and Latin American agreements to sell trade receivables (2) 165 78 16 (1) Monsanto has agreements in the United States to sell trade receivables, both with and without recourse, up to a maximum outstanding balance of $1.4 billion and to service such accounts. These receivables qualify for sales treatment under the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The liability for the guarantees for sales with recourse is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based upon the company's historical collection experience and a current assessment of credit exposure. (2) Monsanto has various agreements in European and Latin American countries to sell trade receivables, both with and without recourse. The sales within these programs qualify for sales treatment under the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The liability for the guarantees for sales with recourse is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based on the company’s historical collection experience for the customers associated with the sale of the receivables and a current assessment of credit exposure. (3) Monsanto has additional agreements with lenders to establish programs that provide financing for select customers in the United States, Brazil, Latin America and Europe. Monsanto provides various levels of recourse through guarantees of the accounts in the event of customer default. The term of the guarantee is equivalent to the term of the customer loans. The liability for the guarantees is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based on the company’s historical collection experience with customers that participate in the program and a current assessment of credit exposure. If performance is required under the guarantee, Monsanto may retain amounts that are subsequently collected from customers.

INVENTORY (Tables)

INVENTORY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	Components of inventory are: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Finished Goods $ 1,603 $ 1,591 Goods In Process 1,627 1,721 Raw Materials and Supplies 420 445 Inventory at FIFO Cost 3,650 3,757 Excess of FIFO over LIFO Cost (154 ) (160 ) Total $ 3,496 $ 3,597
Inventory Obsolescence Reserve	The following table displays a roll forward of the inventory obsolescence reserve for fiscal years 2013 , 2014 and 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2012 $ 361 Additions — charged to expense 336 Deductions and other (1) (289 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 408 Additions — charged to expense 331 Deductions and other (1) (324 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 415 Additions — charged to expense 390 Deductions and other (1) (371 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 434 (1) Deductions and other includes disposals and foreign currency translation adjustments.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property Plant And Equipment Table	Components of property, plant and equipment are as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Land and Improvements $ 643 $ 611 Buildings and Improvements 2,143 2,122 Machinery and Equipment 5,653 5,676 Computer Software 893 779 Construction In Progress and Other 1,096 1,169 Total Property, Plant and Equipment 10,428 10,357 Less: Accumulated Depreciation 5,455 5,275 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net $ 4,973 $ 5,082

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE43

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill	Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 , by segment, are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 3,461 $ 59 $ 3,520 Acquisition activity (see Note 4) 783 — 783 Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments 18 (2 ) 16 Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 4,262 $ 57 $ 4,319 Dispositions (75 ) — (75 ) Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments and other adjustments (183 ) — (183 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 4,004 $ 57 $ 4,061
Other Intangible Assets Information	Information regarding the company’s other intangible assets is as follows: As of Aug. 31, 2015 As of Aug. 31, 2014 (Dollars in millions) Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired Germplasm $ 1,074 $ (750 ) $ 324 $ 1,116 $ (751 ) $ 365 Acquired Intellectual Property 1,168 (598 ) 570 1,160 (507 ) 653 Trademarks 353 (152 ) 201 366 (142 ) 224 Customer Relationships 318 (212 ) 106 338 (204 ) 134 Other 176 (146 ) 30 181 (106 ) 75 Total Other Intangible Assets, Finite Lives $ 3,089 $ (1,858 ) $ 1,231 $ 3,161 $ (1,710 ) $ 1,451 In Process Research & Development, Indefinite Lives 101 — 101 103 — 103 Total Other Intangible Assets $ 3,190 $ (1,858 ) $ 1,332 $ 3,264 $ (1,710 ) $ 1,554
Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense	The estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows: (Dollars in millions) Amount 2016 $ 164 2017 161 2018 134 2019 123 2020 117

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes are: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 2,092 $ 2,436 $ 2,385 Outside United States 1,069 1,391 1,044 Total $ 3,161 $ 3,827 $ 3,429
Components Of Income Tax Provision	The components of income tax provision from continuing operations are: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current: U.S. federal $ 675 $ 648 $ 432 U.S. state 69 65 52 Outside United States 408 410 305 Total Current $ 1,152 $ 1,123 $ 789 Deferred: U.S. federal (91 ) 41 159 U.S. state (2 ) (2 ) 1 Outside United States (195 ) (84 ) (34 ) Total Deferred (288 ) (45 ) 126 Total $ 864 $ 1,078 $ 915
Tax Rate Reconciliation	Factors causing Monsanto’s income tax provision from continuing operations to differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate are: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. Federal Statutory Rate $ 1,106 $ 1,339 $ 1,200 U.S. Domestic Manufacturing Deduction (87 ) (75 ) (68 ) U.S. R&D Tax Credit (30 ) (12 ) (43 ) U.S. State Income Taxes 39 45 43 Lower Taxes on Foreign Operations (209 ) (230 ) (78 ) Valuation Allowances 13 12 — Adjustment for Unrecognized Tax Benefits (4 ) (8 ) (110 ) Other 36 7 (29 ) Income Tax Provision $ 864 $ 1,078 $ 915
Deferred Income Tax	Deferred income tax balances are related to: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Net Operating Loss and Other Carryforwards $ 323 $ 443 Employee Fringe Benefits 305 259 Restructuring and Impairment Reserves 242 135 Inventories 173 106 Royalties 154 129 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 72 70 Environmental and Litigation Reserves 69 69 Intangibles — 74 Other 307 350 Valuation Allowance (68 ) (63 ) Total Deferred Tax Assets $ 1,577 $ 1,572 Property, Plant and Equipment 539 585 Intangibles 361 400 Other — 81 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 900 1,066 Net Deferred Tax Assets $ 677 $ 506
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Balance Sept. 1 $ 152 $ 167 Increases for prior year tax positions 12 13 Decreases for prior year tax positions (14 ) (16 ) Increases for current year tax positions 7 5 Settlements — (1 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (12 ) (14 ) Foreign currency translation (10 ) (2 ) Balance Aug. 31 $ 135 $ 152
Tax Years	For Monsanto’s major tax jurisdictions, the tax years that remain subject to examination are shown below: Jurisdiction U.S. federal income tax 2011-2015 U.S. state and local income taxes 2000-2015 Argentina 2001-2015 Brazil 2006-2015

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGE45

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-Term Debt	Short-Term Debt As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt $ 308 $ 12 Mandatorily Redeemable Shares of VIE — 136 Notes Payable to Banks 307 85 Total Short-Term Debt $ 615 $ 233
Long-Term Debt Table	Long-Term Debt As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Floating Rate Senior Notes, Due 2016 (1) $ 399 $ 398 2.750% Senior Notes, Due 2016 (1) — 299 1.150% Senior Notes, Due 2017 (1) 498 497 5.125% Senior Notes, Due 2018 (1) 299 299 1.850% Senior Notes, Due 2018 (1) 298 298 2.125% Senior Notes, Due 2019 (1) 497 496 2.750% Senior Notes, Due 2021 (1) 496 495 2.200% Senior Notes, Due 2022 (1) 248 248 3.375% Senior Notes, Due 2024 (1) 744 743 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2025 (1) 287 284 2.850% Senior Notes, Due 2025 (1) 296 — 4.200% Senior Notes, Due 2034 (1) 492 492 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2035 (1) 393 392 5.875% Senior Notes, Due 2038 (1) 245 245 3.600% Senior Notes, Due 2042 (1) 247 247 4.650% Senior Notes, Due 2043 (1) 297 297 4.400% Senior Notes, Due 2044 (1) 982 981 3.950% Senior Notes, Due 2045 (1) 493 — 4.300% Senior Notes, Due 2045 (1) 361 — 4.700% Senior Notes, Due 2064 (1) 734 734 Mandatorily Redeemable Shares of VIE 96 — Other (including Capital Leases) 27 20 Total Long-Term Debt $ 8,429 $ 7,465 (1) Amounts are net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs.
Interest Expense on Debt	The information regarding interest expense below reflects Monsanto’s interest expense on debt, mandatorily redeemable shares, customer financing and the amortization of debt issuance costs and interest rate swaps: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest Cost Incurred $ 460 $ 275 $ 195 Less: Capitalized on Construction 27 27 23 Interest Expense $ 433 $ 248 $ 172

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following tables set forth by level Monsanto’s assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 . As required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is a significant component of the fair value measurement. Monsanto’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of fair value assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2015, Using (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Balance Assets at Fair Value: Cash equivalents $ 3,213 $ — $ — $ 3,213 Short-term investments 47 — — 47 Equity securities 17 — — 17 Derivative assets related to: Foreign currency — 40 — 40 Commodity contracts 1 7 — 8 Interest rate contracts — 2 — 2 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 3,278 $ 49 $ — $ 3,327 Liabilities at Fair Value: Short-term debt instruments (1) — 619 — 619 Long-term debt instruments (1) — 8,028 96 8,124 Derivative liabilities related to: Foreign currency — 11 — 11 Commodity contracts 35 50 — 85 Total Liabilities at Fair Value $ 35 $ 8,708 $ 96 $ 8,839 (1) Debt instruments, excluding mandatorily redeemable shares, are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are measured at fair value for disclosure purposes, as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC.	Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2014, Using (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Balance Assets at Fair Value: Cash equivalents $ 1,664 $ — $ — $ 1,664 Short-term investments 40 — — 40 Equity securities 22 — — 22 Derivative assets related to: Foreign currency — 11 — 11 Commodity contracts 20 16 — 36 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 1,746 $ 27 $ — $ 1,773 Liabilities at Fair Value: Short-term debt instruments $ — $ 97 $ 136 $ 233 Long-term debt instruments (1) — 7,928 — 7,928 Derivative liabilities related to: Foreign currency — 19 — 19 Commodity contracts 76 15 — 91 Total Liabilities at Fair Value $ 76 $ 8,059 $ 136 $ 8,271 (1) Long-term debt instruments are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are measured at fair value for disclosure purposes, as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC.
Level 3 Rollforward	The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 short-term debt instruments for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 (1) $ 136 Accretion expense 12 Repayment of mandatorily redeemable shares (101 ) Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments (47 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ — (1) Includes 300,000 mandatorily redeemable shares outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $447 ) as of Aug. 31, 2014. The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 long-term debt instruments for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ — Issuance of mandatorily redeemable shares of VIE (1) 96 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 (1) $ 96 (1) Includes 350,000 mandatorily redeemable shares outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $274 ) as of Aug. 31, 2015.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments (Notional Amounts)	The notional amounts of the company’s derivative instruments outstanding as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , are as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Derivatives Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 456 $ 585 Commodity contracts 591 626 Interest rate contracts 150 — Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges $ 1,197 $ 1,211 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 1,926 $ 2,054 Commodity contracts 163 272 Interest rate contracts — 160 Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ 2,089 $ 2,486
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments	The net presentation of the company’s derivative instruments outstanding is as follows: As of Aug. 31, 2015 (in millions) Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Net Amounts Included in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Collateral Pledged Net Amounts Reported in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Other Items Included in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Balance Asset Derivatives: Miscellaneous receivables Derivatives designated as hedges: Interest rate contracts 2 — 2 — 2 Total miscellaneous receivables 2 — 2 — 2 801 803 Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) — (29 ) (29 ) 29 — Foreign exchange contracts 25 — 25 — 25 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 7 — 7 — 7 Foreign exchange contracts 14 — 14 — 14 Total other current assets 46 (29 ) 17 29 46 153 199 Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 1 — 1 — 1 Commodity contracts (1) 1 (6 ) (5 ) 6 1 Total other assets 2 (6 ) (4 ) 6 2 608 610 Total Asset Derivatives $ 50 $ (35 ) $ 15 $ 35 $ 50 Liability Derivatives: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 29 (29 ) — — — Total other current assets 29 (29 ) — — — Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 6 (6 ) — — — Total other assets 6 (6 ) — — — Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 27 — 27 — 27 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 9 — 9 — 9 Foreign exchange contracts 11 — 11 — 11 Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 47 — 47 — 47 $ 744 $ 791 Other liabilities Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 14 — 14 — 14 Total other liabilities 14 — 14 — 14 331 345 Total Liability Derivatives $ 96 $ (35 ) $ 61 $ — $ 61 (1) As allowed by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, commodity derivative assets and liabilities have been offset by collateral subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement. Therefore, these commodity contracts that are in an asset or liability position are included in asset accounts within the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. As of Aug. 31, 2014 (in millions) Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Net Amounts Included in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Collateral Pledged Net Amounts Reported in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Other Items Included in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Statement of Consolidated Financial Position Balance Asset Derivatives: Trade receivables, net Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ — $ (10 ) $ (10 ) $ 10 $ — Total trade receivables, net — (10 ) (10 ) 10 — $ 2,014 $ 2,014 Miscellaneous receivables Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 5 — 5 — 5 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 4 — 4 — 4 Commodity contracts 13 — 13 — 13 Total miscellaneous receivables 22 — 22 — 22 795 817 Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 4 (57 ) (53 ) 53 — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 19 (1 ) 18 — 18 Total other current assets 23 (58 ) (35 ) 53 18 187 205 Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 2 — 2 — 2 Commodity contracts (1) — (19 ) (19 ) 19 — Total other assets 2 (19 ) (17 ) 19 2 744 746 Total Asset Derivatives $ 47 $ (87 ) $ (40 ) $ 82 $ 42 Liability Derivatives: Trade receivables, net Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 10 $ (10 ) $ — $ — $ — Total trade receivables, net 10 (10 ) — — — Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 57 (57 ) — — — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 1 (1 ) — — — Total other current assets 58 (58 ) — — — Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 19 (19 ) — — — Total other assets 19 (19 ) — — — Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 6 — 6 — 6 Commodity contracts 3 — 3 — 3 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 13 — 13 — 13 Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 22 — 22 — 22 $ 940 $ 962 Other liabilities Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 1 — 1 — 1 Total other liabilities 1 — 1 — 1 341 342 Total Liability Derivatives $ 110 $ (87 ) $ 23 $ — $ 23 (1) As allowed by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, commodity derivative assets and liabilities have been offset by collateral subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement. Therefore, these commodity contracts that are in an asset or liability position are included in asset accounts within the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position.
Gains Losses of Derivative Instruments	The gains and losses on the company’s derivative instruments are as follows: Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL (1) (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (2)(3) Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Income Statement Classification Derivatives Designated as Hedges: Fair value hedges: Commodity contracts (3) $ — $ (1 ) $ — Cost of goods sold Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 51 $ (4 ) $ 5 31 3 — Net sales Foreign exchange contracts 26 1 (5 ) 9 (3 ) 4 Cost of goods sold Commodity contracts (92 ) (106 ) (123 ) (81 ) (14 ) 113 Cost of goods sold Interest rate contracts (85 ) (2 ) — (13 ) (12 ) (12 ) Interest expense Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges (100 ) (111 ) (123 ) (54 ) (27 ) 105 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts (4) (73 ) (1 ) 41 Other expense, net Commodity contracts (3 ) 4 (9 ) Net sales Commodity contracts — 21 (2 ) Cost of goods sold Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges (76 ) 24 30 Total Derivatives $ (100 ) $ (111 ) $ (123 ) $ (130 ) $ (3 ) $ 135 (1) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL). (2) For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, this represents the effective portion of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCL into income during the period. (3) The gain or loss on derivatives designated as hedges from ineffectiveness included in current earnings is not significant during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . No gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . (4) Gain or loss on foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedges was offset by a foreign currency transaction gain of $42 million , a loss of $96 million and a loss of $129 million during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN48

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of pension cost for these plans were: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2014 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2013 (Dollars in millions) U.S. Outside the U.S. Total U.S. Outside the U.S. Total U.S. Outside the U.S. Total Service Cost for Benefits Earned during the Year $ 64 $ 12 $ 76 $ 61 $ 12 $ 73 $ 68 $ 10 $ 78 Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation 88 7 95 90 9 99 74 9 83 Assumed Return on Plan Assets (1) (151 ) (8 ) (159 ) (135 ) (10 ) (145 ) (137 ) (10 ) (147 ) Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 50 6 56 62 4 66 74 5 79 Curtailment and Settlement Charge — 2 2 — 3 3 — 7 7 Other Adjustment — — — — 1 1 — (4 ) (4 ) Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 51 $ 19 $ 70 $ 78 $ 19 $ 97 $ 79 $ 17 $ 96 (1) Generally the calculated value of assets reflects non-liability matching gains/(losses) over a 4 to 5 year period.
Changes Recognized in OCI Pension	The other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 , were: (Dollars in millions) U.S. Outside the U.S. Total Current Year Actuarial Loss $ 154 $ 10 $ 164 Recognition of Actuarial Loss (1)(2) (50 ) (8 ) (58 ) Currency gain — (7 ) (7 ) Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) $ 104 $ (5 ) $ 99 (1) The U.S. Plans' actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized over a 10 to 16 year period which represents the average future working lifetime for active participants. (2) Plans outside the U.S. generally amortize actuarial gains/(losses) over a 5 to 21 year period which represents the average future working lifetime for active participants.
Assumptions Used to Determine Pension Costs	The following assumptions, calculated on a weighted-average basis, were used to determine pension costs for the principal plans in which Monsanto employees participated: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2014 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2013 U.S. Outside the U.S. U.S. Outside the U.S. U.S. Outside the U.S. Discount Rate 4.04 % 3.01 % 4.44 % 3.62 % 3.44 % 3.89 % Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets 7.50 % 6.21 % 7.50 % 6.12 % 7.50 % 6.65 % Annual Rate of Salary Increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level) 4.00 % 3.92 % 4.00 % 3.95 % 4.00 % 3.89 %
Funded Status	Monsanto uses a measurement date of August 31 for its pension plans. The funded status of the pension plans as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , was as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Total Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 2,196 $ 2,049 $ 273 $ 255 $ 2,469 $ 2,304 Service cost 64 61 12 12 76 73 Interest cost 88 90 7 9 95 99 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 2 2 Actuarial loss 13 117 9 15 22 132 Benefits paid (171 ) (121 ) (8 ) (9 ) (179 ) (130 ) Settlements / curtailments — — (7 ) (10 ) (7 ) (10 ) Currency gain — — (38 ) — (38 ) — Other — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Benefit Obligation at End of Period $ 2,190 $ 2,196 $ 250 $ 273 $ 2,440 $ 2,469 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 2,298 $ 1,977 $ 190 $ 166 $ 2,488 $ 2,143 Actual return on plan assets 11 404 9 21 20 425 Employer contributions (1) 4 38 15 19 19 57 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 2 2 Settlements — — (7 ) (10 ) (7 ) (10 ) Benefits paid (1) (171 ) (121 ) (8 ) (9 ) (179 ) (130 ) Currency gain — — (31 ) 1 (31 ) 1 Plan Assets at End of Period $ 2,142 $ 2,298 $ 170 $ 190 $ 2,312 $ 2,488 Net Liability (Asset) Recognized $ 48 $ (102 ) $ 80 $ 83 $ 128 $ (19 ) (1) Employer contributions and benefits paid include $11 million and $13 million paid from employer assets for unfunded plans in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Assumptions Used to Determine Pension Benefit Obligation	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , were as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.33% 4.04% 2.66% 3.01% Rate of Compensation Increase 4.00% 4.00% 3.76% 3.92%
Projected Benefit Obligations In Excess of Plan Assets	The projected benefit obligation ("PBO") and the fair value of the plan assets for pension plans with PBOs in excess of plan assets as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , were as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Total As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 PBO $ 73 $ 66 $ 216 $ 242 $ 289 $ 308 Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets — — 135 156 135 156
Accumulated Benefit Obligations In Excess of Plan Assets	The PBO, ABO and the fair value of the plan assets for pension plans with ABOs in excess of plan assets as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , were as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Total As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 PBO $ 73 $ 66 $ 110 $ 115 $ 183 $ 181 ABO 69 62 90 94 159 156 Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets — — 34 32 34 32
Net Amount Recognized	As of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , amounts recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position were included in the following financial position accounts: Net Amount Recognized U.S. Outside the U.S. Total As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Other Assets $ (26 ) $ (168 ) $ (8 ) $ (12 ) $ (34 ) $ (180 ) Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals 7 7 5 7 12 14 Postretirement Liabilities 67 59 83 88 150 147 Net Liability (Asset) Recognized $ 48 $ (102 ) $ 80 $ 83 $ 128 $ (19 )
Pre-Tax Components Recognized in AOCI Pension	The following table provides a summary of the pretax components of the amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: U.S. Outside the U.S. Total As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net Prior Service Cost $ — $ — $ (1 ) $ — $ (1 ) $ — Net Loss 428 324 53 57 481 381 Total $ 428 $ 324 $ 52 $ 57 $ 480 $ 381
Pension Plan Asset Allocation United States	U.S. Plans: The asset allocations for Monsanto’s U.S. pension plans as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , and the target allocation range for fiscal year 2016 , by asset category, follow. The fair value of assets for these plans was $2.1 billion and $2.3 billion as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. Target Allocation Range (1) Percentage of Plan Assets As of Aug. 31, Asset Category 2016 2015 2014 Public Equity Securities 44-54% 47.9 % 51.1 % Private Equity Investments 2-8% 4.8 % 3.8 % Debt Securities 34-44% 42.7 % 40.5 % Real Estate 2-8% 4.3 % 4.1 % Other 0-3% 0.3 % 0.5 % Total 100.0 % 100.0 % (1) The target allocation range may change as the funded status of the plan increases/decreases.
Pension Plan Asset Allocation Foreign	Plans Outside the United States: The weighted-average asset allocation for Monsanto’s pension plans outside of the United States as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , and the weighted-average target allocation for fiscal year 2016 , by asset category, follow. The fair value of plan assets for these plans was $170 million and $190 million as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation (1) As of Aug. 31, Asset Category 2016 2015 2014 Equity Securities 37.0 % 32.0 % 32.8 % Debt Securities 45.6 % 49.3 % 52.3 % Other 17.4 % 18.7 % 14.9 % Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % (1) Monsanto’s plans outside the United States have a wide range of target allocations, and therefore the 2016 target allocations shown above reflect a weighted-average calculation of the target allocations of each of the plans.
United States Pension Plan Asset Fair Value	U.S. Plans: The fair values of our U.S. defined benefit pension plan investments as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , by asset category, are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2015 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash Collateral Offset (1) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2015 Investments at Fair Value: Cash $ 19 $ — $ — $ — $ 19 Debt Securities: U.S. government debt — 265 — — 265 U.S. state and municipal debt — 17 — — 17 Foreign government debt — 10 — — 10 U.S. corporate debt — 362 — — 362 Foreign corporate debt — 70 — — 70 U.S. term bank loans — 1 — — 1 Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization 30 — — — 30 Domestic large capitalization 266 — — — 266 International: Developed markets 154 — — — 154 Emerging markets 30 1 — — 31 Private Equity Investments — — 103 — 103 Real Estate Investments — — 93 — 93 Partnership Interests — — 32 — 32 Interest in Pooled Funds: Cash and cash equivalent funds — 49 — — 49 Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic small-capitalization — 29 — — 29 Domestic large-capitalization — 348 — — 348 International — 92 — — 92 Corporate debt funds — 161 — — 161 Interest in Pooled Collateral Fund — Securities Lending — 251 — — 251 Derivatives: Equity index futures 4 — — (4 ) — Common and preferred stock sold short — (52 ) — 53 1 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 503 $ 1,604 $ 228 $ 49 $ 2,384 (1) Futures derivative assets and common and preferred stock sold short have been offset by cash collateral held by the counterparty. Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2014 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash Collateral Offset (1) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2014 Investments at Fair Value: Cash $ 14 $ — $ — $ — $ 14 Debt Securities: U.S. government debt — 339 — — 339 U.S. agency debt — 5 — — 5 U.S. state and municipal debt — 31 — — 31 Foreign government debt — 4 — — 4 U.S. corporate debt — 288 — — 288 Mortgage-backed securities — 3 — — 3 Asset-backed securities — 3 — — 3 Foreign corporate debt — 77 — — 77 U.S. term bank loans — 5 — — 5 Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization 36 — — — 36 Domestic large capitalization 459 — — — 459 International: Developed markets 181 — — — 181 Emerging markets 34 1 — — 35 Private Equity Investments — — 87 — 87 Partnership Interests — — 32 — 32 Real Estate Investments — — 94 — 94 Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents funds — 58 — — 58 Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic small-capitalization — 7 — — 7 Domestic large-capitalization — 318 — — 318 International — 105 — — 105 Corporate debt funds — 98 — — 98 Mortgage-backed securities — — 8 — 8 Interest in Pooled Collateral Fund — Securities Lending — 334 — — 334 Derivatives: Interest rate futures (1 ) — — 1 — Equity index futures (3 ) — — 3 — Foreign currency forwards — 1 — (1 ) — Common and preferred stock sold short — (54 ) — 55 1 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 720 $ 1,623 $ 221 $ 58 $ 2,622 (1) Futures derivative assets and common and preferred stock sold short have been offset by cash collateral held by the counterparty.
United States Pension plan Asset Level 3 Rollforward	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Level 3 investments as of Aug. 31, 2014 , and Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Private Equity Investments Partnership Interests Real Estate Investments Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund Investments Total Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 77 $ 32 $ 90 $ 8 $ 207 Purchases 15 — 5 — 20 Sales (18 ) (3 ) (6 ) — (27 ) Realized/unrealized gains 13 3 5 — 21 Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 87 $ 32 $ 94 $ 8 $ 221 Net Unrealized Gains Still Held Included in Earnings (1) $ 16 $ — $ 6 $ — $ 22 (Dollars in millions) Private Equity Investments Partnership Interests Real Estate Investments Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund Investments Total Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 87 $ 32 $ 94 $ 8 $ 221 Purchases 26 — 6 — 32 Sales (23 ) — (20 ) (8 ) (51 ) Realized/unrealized gains 13 — 13 — 26 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 103 $ 32 $ 93 $ — $ 228 Net Unrealized Gains Still Held Included in Earnings (1) $ 12 $ 1 $ 9 $ — $ 22 (1) Represents the amount of total gains for the period attributable to change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 that are still held as of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 .
Investments At Fair Value To Plan Assets Reconciliation	The following table reconciles the investments at fair value to the plan assets as of Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Total Investments at Fair Value $ 2,384 Liability to return collateral held under securities lending agreement (251 ) Non-interest bearing cash 1 Accrued income / (expense) 8 Plan Assets at the End of the Period $ 2,142
Foreign Pension Plan Asset Fair Value	Plans Outside the United States: The fair values of our defined benefit pension plan investments outside of the United States as of Aug. 31, 2015, and Aug. 31, 2014, by asset category, are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2015 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2015 Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 2 $ — $ — $ 2 Debt Securities — Foreign Government Debt — 9 — 9 Common and Preferred Stock 42 — — 42 Insurance-Backed Securities — — 31 31 Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds 6 5 — 11 Government debt funds — 11 — 11 Corporate debt funds — 64 — 64 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 50 $ 89 $ 31 $ 170 Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2014 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2014 Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 2 $ — $ — $ 2 Debt Securities — Foreign Government Debt — 16 — 16 Common and Preferred Stock 46 — — 46 Insurance-Backed Securities — — 25 25 Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds — 15 — 15 Government debt funds — 11 — 11 Corporate debt funds — 75 — 75 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 48 $ 117 $ 25 $ 190
Foreign Pension plan Asset Level 3 Rollforward	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Level 3 investments as of Aug. 31, 2014 , and Aug. 31, 2015 . (Dollars in millions) Insurance-Backed Securities Balance Aug. 31, 2013 $ 19 Purchases 6 Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 25 Purchases 6 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 31
Expected Cash Flows Pension	The expected employer contributions and benefit payments are shown in the following table for the pension plans: (Dollars in millions) U.S. Outside the U.S. Employer Contributions 2016 (funded Plans) $ — $ 8 Benefits Paid Directly by Employer 2016 (unfunded Plans) 7 5 Benefit Payments (1) 2016 192 16 2017 180 14 2018 179 16 2019 178 14 2020 177 17 2021-2025 850 75

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEA49

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Periodic Cost Postretirement	The cost components of these plans were: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period $ 7 $ 7 $ 9 Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation 6 7 6 Amortization of Prior Service Credit (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization of Actuarial Gain (4 ) (13 ) (5 ) Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 8 $ — $ 9
Changes Recognized in OCI Postretirement	The other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , were: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Actuarial Loss $ 2 $ 6 Amortization of Prior Service Credit (1) 1 1 Amortization of Actuarial Gain (1) 4 13 Total Loss Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ 7 $ 20 (1) For other postretirement benefits the actuarial gains/(losses) and prior service credit are amortized over a 8 to 14 year period which represents the average future working lifetime for active participants.
Assumptions Used to Determine Postretirement Costs	The following assumptions, calculated on a weighted-average basis, were used to determine the postretirement costs for the principal plans in which Monsanto employees participated: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount Rate Postretirement 3.60% 3.95% 2.95% Discount Rate Postemployment 2.40% 2.55% 1.55% Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 6.00% 6.50% 7.00% Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
One Percent Effect on Postretirement Costs and Benefit Obligation	A 1 percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects: (Dollars in millions) 1 Percentage-Point Increase 1 Percentage-Point Decrease Effect on Total of Service and Interest Cost $1 $(1) Effect on Postretirement Benefit Obligation $4 $(4)
Benefit Obligations Postretirement	The status of the postretirement health care, life insurance and employee disability benefit plans in which Monsanto employees participated was as follows for the periods indicated: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 189 $ 192 Service cost 7 7 Interest cost 6 7 Actuarial loss 2 6 Plan participant contributions 5 5 Medicare Part D subsidy receipts 1 1 Benefits paid (32 ) (29 ) Currency impact (2 ) — Benefit Obligation at End of Period $ 176 $ 189
Assumptions Used to Determine Postretirement Benefit Obligation	Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 2014 Discount Rate Postretirement 3.85% 3.60% Discount Rate Postemployment 2.30% 2.40% Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs (1) 5.50% 6.00% Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 5.00% 5.00% (1) As of Aug. 31, 2015, this rate is assumed to decrease to 5 percent for 2017 and remain at that level thereafter.
Postretirement Amounts Recognized in Statements Of Consolidated Financial Position	As of Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , amounts recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position were as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals $ 22 $ 22 Postretirement Liabilities 154 167 Total Liability Recognized $ 176 $ 189
Pre-Tax Components Recognized in AOCI Postretirement	The following table provides a summary of the pretax components of the amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss during the period. Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 Actuarial Gain $ (17 ) $ (23 ) Prior Service Credit — (1 ) Total Income Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ (17 ) $ (24 )
Expected Cash Flows Postretirement	Information about the expected cash flows for the other postretirement benefit plans follows: (Dollars in millions) Total Benefits Paid Directly by Employer 2016 $ 22 Benefit Payments (1) (2) 2016 22 2017 21 2018 20 2019 19 2020 19 2021-2025 74 (1) Benefit payments are net of expected federal subsidy receipts related to prescription drug benefits granted under the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which are estimated to be less than $1 million annually. (2) Expected benefit payments include benefits paid directly by employer for unfunded plans.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Components of Stock Based Compensation	The following table shows the components of stock-based compensation in the Statements of Consolidated Operations and Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2013 Cost of Goods Sold $ 8 $ 8 $ 11 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 80 82 69 Research and Development Expenses 31 31 20 Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included in Operating Expenses 119 121 100 Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (119 ) (121 ) (100 ) Income Tax Benefit 38 40 34 Net Loss $ (81 ) $ (81 ) $ (66 ) Basic Loss per Share $ (0.17 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.12 ) Diluted Loss per Share $ (0.17 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.12 ) Net Cash Required by Operating Activities $ (44 ) $ (72 ) $ (79 ) Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities $ 44 $ 72 $ 79
Rollforward of Stock Options	A summary of the status of Monsanto’s stock options for the periods from Sept. 1, 2012, through August 31, 2015, follows: Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price Balance Outstanding Sept.1, 2012 19,454,934 $ 58.56 Granted 1,912,030 90.70 Exercised (5,306,225 ) 48.33 Forfeited (196,852 ) 79.95 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2013 15,863,887 65.59 Granted 2,302,786 84.97 Exercised (4,537,028 ) 54.72 Forfeited (192,010 ) 90.06 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2014 13,437,635 72.23 Granted 1,730,040 112.94 Exercised (2,439,135 ) 56.47 Forfeited (241,786 ) 75.56 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2015 12,486,754 $ 80.88
Restricted Stock	A summary of the status of Monsanto’s restricted stock, restricted stock units and directors’ deferred stock compensation plans for fiscal year 2015 follows in the tables below: Restricted Stock Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Values Restricted Stock Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Values Directors’ Deferred Stock Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested as of Aug. 31, 2014 4,042 $ 111.37 2,228,997 $ 89.54 — $ — Granted 3,307 115.65 782,870 108.40 17,518 115.65 Vested (3,307 ) 115.65 (695,231 ) 74.21 (17,518 ) 115.65 Forfeitures — — (376,814 ) 104.54 — — Nonvested as of Aug. 31, 2015 4,042 $ 111.37 1,939,822 $ 99.74 — $ — Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable (dollars in millions) $ — $ 84 $ — Remaining weighted-average period of expense recognition/requisite service periods (in years) 1.5 1 0
Weighted Average and Fair Value	Weighted-average grant-date fair value during fiscal year Total fair value of equity vested during fiscal year (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Restricted stock $ 115.65 $ 108.10 $ 96.06 $ — $ 1 $ — Restricted stock units 108.42 102.10 88.80 52 32 16 Directors’ deferred stock 115.65 98.38 87.58 2 — 2
Assumptions Used To Value Stock Options	The following assumptions are used to calculate the estimated value of employee stock options: Lattice-binomial Assumptions 2015 2014 2013 Expected Dividend Yield 1.7 % 1.7 % 1.9 % Expected Volatility 20%-35% 19%-36% 23%-37% Weighted-Average Volatility 25.9 % 27.5 % 30.4 % Risk-Free Interest Rates 1.56%-2.11% 0.70%-2.34% 0.85%-2.00% Weighted-Average Risk-Free Interest Rate 1.99 % 1.66 % 1.14 % Expected Option Life (in years) 7 6 7

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI51

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table sets forth the after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive loss and changes thereto: (Dollars in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Gain on Available for Sale Securities Cash Flow Hedges Postretirement Benefit Items Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance as of Aug. 31, 2013 $ (831 ) $ 8 $ (115 ) $ (340 ) $ (1,278 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 100 — (69 ) 88 119 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (3 ) 17 31 45 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 100 (3 ) (52 ) 119 164 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2014 (731 ) 5 (167 ) (221 ) (1,114 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,596 ) — (54 ) (94 ) (1,744 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (3 ) 31 29 57 Net current-period other comprehensive loss (1,596 ) (3 ) (23 ) (65 ) (1,687 ) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ (2,327 ) $ 2 $ (190 ) $ (286 ) $ (2,801 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table provides additional information regarding items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Affected Line Item in the Statement of Consolidated Operations (Dollars in millions) Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 2014 Available for Sale Securities: Gain on Sale of Security $ (4 ) $ (6 ) Other expense, net Impairment — 1 Other expense, net (4 ) (5 ) Total before income taxes 1 2 Income tax provision $ (3 ) $ (3 ) Net of tax Cash Flow Hedges: Foreign Exchange Contracts $ (31 ) $ (3 ) Net sales Foreign Exchange Contracts (9) 3 Cost of goods sold Commodity Contracts 81 14 Cost of goods sold Interest Rate Contracts 13 12 Interest expense 54 26 Total before income taxes (23 ) (9 ) Income tax provision $ 31 $ 17 Net of tax Postretirement Benefit Items: Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss $ 16 $ 14 Inventory / Cost of goods sold (1) Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 31 36 Selling, general and administrative expenses 47 50 Total before income taxes (18 ) (19 ) Income tax provision $ 29 $ 31 Net of tax Total Reclassifications For The Period $ 57 $ 45 Net of tax (1) The amortization of unrecognized net loss is recorded to net periodic benefit cost, which is allocated to selling, general and administrative expenses and to inventory, which is recognized through cost of goods sold. The company recorded $16 million and $14 million of net periodic benefit cost to inventory, of which approximately $16 million and $14 million was recognized in cost of goods sold during the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2015 , and Aug. 31, 2014 , respectively. See Note 16 — Postretirement Benefits - Pensions — and Note 17 — Postretirement Benefits - Health Care and Other Postemployment Benefits — for additional information.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic Earnings Per Share Table	Year Ended Aug. 31, (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares 476.9 519.3 533.7 Dilutive Potential Common Shares 4.5 5.6 6.0 Antidilutive Potential Common Shares 1.7 1.7 1.8 Shares Excluded From Computation of Dilutive Potential Shares with Exercise Prices Greater than the Average Market Price of Common Shares for the Period 0.1 — 0.1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW (Tables)

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash Payments for Interest and Taxes	Cash payments for interest and taxes during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , were as follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest $ 343 $ 158 $ 141 Taxes 992 1,019 907

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Obligations	The following table sets forth the company’s estimates of future payments under contracts as of Aug. 31, 2015 . Payments Due by Fiscal Year Ending Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) Total 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 and beyond Total Debt, including Capital Lease Obligations $ 9,044 $ 615 $ 995 $ 302 $ 800 $ 3 $ 6,329 Interest Payments Relating to Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (1) 6,657 330 321 300 281 268 5,157 Operating Lease Obligations 525 138 99 78 61 50 99 Purchase Obligations: Commitments to purchase inventories 2,681 1,075 364 332 313 264 333 Commitments to purchase breeding research 550 55 55 55 55 55 275 R&D alliances and joint venture obligations 166 49 39 30 22 21 5 Uncompleted additions to property 198 198 — — — — — Other Liabilities: Postretirement liabilities (2) 42 42 — — — — — Unrecognized tax benefits (3) 80 — — — — — — Other liabilities 201 24 16 12 6 6 137 Total Contractual Obligations $ 20,144 $ 2,526 $ 1,889 $ 1,109 $ 1,538 $ 667 $ 12,335 (1) For variable rate debt, interest is calculated using the applicable rates as of Aug. 31, 2015 . (2) Includes the company’s planned pension and other postretirement benefit contributions for 2016 . The actual amounts funded in 2016 may differ from the amounts listed above. Contributions in 2017 and beyond are excluded as those amounts are unknown. Refer to Note 16 — Postretirement Benefits - Pensions — and Note 17 — Postretirement Benefits - Health Care and Other Postemployment Benefits — for more information. (3) Unrecognized tax benefits relate to uncertain tax positions recorded under the Income Taxes topic of the ASC. The company is unable to reasonably predict the timing of tax settlements, as tax audits can involve complex issues, and the resolution of those issues may span multiple years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation. See Note 12 — Income Taxes — for more information.
Discounted and Undiscounted Environmental And Litigation Liabilities	The following table provides a detailed summary of the discounted and undiscounted amounts included in the reserve for environmental and litigation liabilities: (Dollars in millions) Aggregate Undiscounted Amount $ 207 Discounted Portion: Expected payment (undiscounted) for: 2016 24 2017 16 2018 12 2019 6 2020 6 Undiscounted aggregate expected payments after 2020 137 Aggregate Amount to be Discounted as of Aug. 31, 2015 201 Discount, as of Aug. 31, 2015 (52 ) Aggregate Discounted Amount Accrued as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ 149 Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ 356
Environmental And Litigation Liabilities	Changes in the environmental and litigation liabilities for fiscal years 2013 , 2014 and 2015 are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Balance at Aug. 31, 2012 $ 270 Payments (35 ) Accretion 5 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2013 31 Balance at Aug. 31, 2013 $ 271 Payments (69 ) Accretion 7 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2014 82 Balance at Aug. 31, 2014 $ 291 Payments (67 ) Accretion 3 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2015 129 Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ 356

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Ta

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment Information	Data for the Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity reportable segments, as well as for Monsanto’s significant operating segments, are presented in the table that follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Net Sales (1) Corn seed and traits $ 5,953 $ 6,401 $ 6,596 Soybean seed and traits 2,276 2,102 1,653 Cotton seed and traits 523 665 695 Vegetable seeds 816 867 821 All other crops seeds and traits 675 705 575 Total Seeds and Genomics $ 10,243 $ 10,740 $ 10,340 Agricultural productivity 4,758 5,115 4,521 Total Agricultural Productivity $ 4,758 $ 5,115 $ 4,521 Total $ 15,001 $ 15,855 $ 14,861 Gross Profit Corn seed and traits $ 3,557 $ 3,932 $ 3,929 Soybean seed and traits 1,510 1,364 948 Cotton seed and traits 408 461 519 Vegetable seeds 372 401 337 All other crops seeds and traits 430 438 350 Total Seeds and Genomics $ 6,277 $ 6,596 $ 6,083 Agricultural productivity 1,905 1,978 1,570 Total Agricultural Productivity $ 1,905 $ 1,978 $ 1,570 Total $ 8,182 $ 8,574 $ 7,653 EBIT (2)(3) Seeds and genomics $ 2,206 $ 2,607 $ 2,412 Agricultural productivity 1,294 1,345 1,048 Total $ 3,500 $ 3,952 $ 3,460 Depreciation and Amortization Expense Seeds and genomics $ 586 $ 568 $ 495 Agricultural productivity 130 123 120 Total $ 716 $ 691 $ 615 Equity Affiliate Loss (Income) (4) Seeds and genomics $ 13 $ 8 $ (15 ) Agricultural productivity — — — Total $ 13 $ 8 $ (15 ) Total Assets Seeds and genomics $ 17,330 $ 17,548 $ 16,235 Agricultural productivity 4,590 4,370 4,416 Total $ 21,920 $ 21,918 $ 20,651 Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases Seeds and genomics $ 762 $ 831 $ 619 Agricultural productivity 205 174 122 Total $ 967 $ 1,005 $ 741 Investment in Equity Affiliates Seeds and genomics $ 114 $ 126 $ 91 Agricultural productivity — — — Total $ 114 $ 126 $ 91 (1) Represents net sales from continuing operations. (2) EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes; see the following table for reconciliation. Earnings (loss) is intended to mean net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Operations under generally accepted accounting principles. EBIT is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments. (3) Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes income of $45 million , $22 million and $17 million from discontinued operations for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (4) Equity affiliate loss (income) is included in other expense, net in the Statements of Consolidated Operations.
The reconciliation of EBIT to Net Income	A reconciliation of EBIT to net income for each period follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 EBIT (1) $ 3,500 $ 3,952 $ 3,460 Interest Expense — Net 328 146 80 Income Tax Provision (2) 858 1,066 898 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 2,314 $ 2,740 $ 2,482 (1) Includes the income from operations of discontinued businesses and pre-tax noncontrolling interest. (2) Includes the income tax provision from continuing operations, the income tax benefit on noncontrolling interest and the income tax provision on discontinued operations.
Net Sales And Long Lived Assets by World Area	Net sales and long-lived assets are attributed to the geographic areas of the relevant Monsanto legal entities. For example, a sale from the United States to a customer in Brazil is reported as a U.S. export sale. Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers Long-Lived Assets Year Ended Aug. 31, As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 United States $ 8,612 $ 8,625 $ 8,044 $ 7,714 $ 8,112 Europe-Africa 1,834 2,192 2,042 1,309 1,460 Brazil 1,725 1,778 1,547 614 871 Argentina 871 1,092 1,121 427 396 Asia-Pacific 686 837 806 293 315 Canada 601 636 615 104 124 Mexico 537 503 466 163 135 Other 135 192 220 394 380 Total $ 15,001 $ 15,855 $ 14,861 $ 11,018 $ 11,793

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tab

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Data	The following tables include financial data for the fiscal year quarters in 2015 and 2014 which have been adjusted for discontinued operations. (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 1st (2) 2nd (3) 3rd (4) 4th (5)(6) 2015 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total Net Sales $ 2,870 $ 5,197 $ 4,579 $ 2,355 $ 15,001 Gross Profit 1,411 3,039 2,736 996 8,182 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company 227 1,418 1,141 (500 ) 2,286 Income on Discontinued Operations 16 7 — 5 28 Net Income (Loss) 243 1,419 1,155 (492 ) 2,325 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 243 $ 1,425 $ 1,141 $ (495 ) $ 2,314 Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income (Loss) from continuing operations $ 0.47 $ 2.93 $ 2.41 $ (1.07 ) $ 4.79 Income on discontinued operations 0.03 0.02 — 0.01 0.06 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.50 $ 2.95 $ 2.41 $ (1.06 ) $ 4.85 Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income (Loss) from continuing operations $ 0.47 $ 2.90 $ 2.39 $ (1.07 ) $ 4.75 Income on discontinued operations 0.03 0.02 — 0.01 0.06 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.50 $ 2.92 $ 2.39 $ (1.06 ) $ 4.81 2014 Net Sales $ 3,143 $ 5,832 $ 4,250 $ 2,630 $ 15,855 Gross Profit 1,563 3,447 2,331 1,233 8,574 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company 359 1,666 858 (156 ) 2,727 Income on Discontinued Operations 9 4 — — 13 Net Income (Loss) 373 1,672 880 (163 ) 2,762 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 368 $ 1,670 $ 858 $ (156 ) $ 2,740 Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income (Loss) from continuing operations $ 0.68 $ 3.18 $ 1.64 $ (0.31 ) $ 5.25 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 — — — 0.03 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.70 $ 3.18 $ 1.64 $ (0.31 ) $ 5.28 Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income (Loss) from continuing operations $ 0.67 $ 3.15 $ 1.62 $ (0.31 ) $ 5.19 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 — — — 0.03 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.69 $ 3.15 $ 1.62 $ (0.31 ) $ 5.22 (1) Because Monsanto reported a loss from continuing operations in the fourth quarter 2015 and 2014, generally accepted accounting principles require diluted loss per share to be calculated using weighted-average common shares outstanding, excluding common stock equivalents. As a result, the quarterly earnings (loss) per share may not total to the full-year amount. (2) In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the company recorded $7.7 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation settlements with a corresponding income tax benefit of $2.9 million . (3) In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the company recorded $10.0 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation settlements with a corresponding income tax benefit of $3.8 million . (4) In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the company recorded $274.0 million of net sales as a result of the sale of a perpetual license to intellectual property, with a corresponding income tax provision of $102.1 million . The company also recorded $57.0 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation settlements and a potential SEC settlement with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $8.4 million . (5) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the company recorded $100.5 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $92.6 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation settlements and a potential SEC settlement and $392.7 million of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $172.8 million . (6) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the company recorded $31.8 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to legacy environmental settlements with a corresponding income tax benefit of $12.2 million .

BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESE57

BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Reclassification of Debt Issuance Costs [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	$ 63

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI58

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Advertising Expense	$ 74	$ 90	$ 95
Percentage Of LIFO Inventory	11.00%	9.00%

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI59

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Other Intangible Assets - Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member] | Acquired Germplasm [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Acquired Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	1 year
Maximum [Member] | Acquired Germplasm [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	30 years
Maximum [Member] | Acquired Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	18 years
Maximum [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	30 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	20 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI60

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Property, Plant and Equipment - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation	$ 68	$ 59
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	25 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Narrativ

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 29, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 3,520					$ 4,061	$ 4,319	$ 3,520
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired						$ 8	$ 922	165
The Climate Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction cost									$ 18
Acquiree percentage									100.00%
Business Acquisition Fair Value									$ 932
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired					$ 917
Diekmann GMBH & Co. KG [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction cost	1							1
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	30
Business Acquisition Fair Value	$ 30							$ 30
GrassRoots Biotechnology, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction cost		$ 1
Acquiree percentage		100.00%
Business Acquisition Fair Value		$ 15
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired		$ 15
Rosetta Green Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction cost			$ 1
Business Acquisition Fair Value			35
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired			$ 35
Agradis, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction cost				$ 1
Business Acquisition Fair Value				85
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired				$ 85

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Details

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Details of acquired identifiable intangible assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member] | Acquired Germplasm [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	1 year
Maximum [Member] | Acquired Germplasm [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	30 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	20 years

RESTRUCTURING - Schedule of res

RESTRUCTURING - Schedule of restructuring charges recored in the statement of consolidated operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ (393)	$ 0	$ 0
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(100)
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(393)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 493	(493)
Income Tax Provision
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		155
Net Income
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(338)
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ (392.7)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(100)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(380)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(480)
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(13)
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ (13)

RESTRUCTURING RESTRUCTURING - P

RESTRUCTURING RESTRUCTURING - Pretax restructuring charges related to 2015 restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ (393)	$ 0	$ 0
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ (392.7)
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	(217)	(217)
Impairment in value of Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(81)
Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(51)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(144)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(480)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(204)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(81)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(51)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(144)
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(13)
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		(13)
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Impairment in value of Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 493	$ (493)

RESTRUCTURING - Restructuring C

RESTRUCTURING - Restructuring Charges by Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ (393)	$ 0	$ 0
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ (392.7)
Asset impairments and write-offs	(276)
Ending Liability as of Aug. 31, 2015	217	217
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	(217)	(217)
Asset impairments and write-offs	0
Ending Liability as of Aug. 31, 2015	217	217
Impairment Of Asset [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	(276)
Asset impairments and write-offs	(276)
Ending Liability as of Aug. 31, 2015	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 493	$ (493)

RESTRUCTURING - Narrative (Deta

RESTRUCTURING - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 393	$ 0	$ 0
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 392.7
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	217	217
Impairment in value of Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		81
Impairment Of Asset [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	276
Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		51
Goodwill [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		73
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		71
Minimum [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	850	850
Minimum [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	330	330
Minimum [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	145	145
Minimum [Member] | Impairment Of Asset [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	375	375
Maximum [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	900	900
Maximum [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	350	350
Maximum [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	160	160
Maximum [Member] | Impairment Of Asset [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	390	390
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ (493)	$ 493

RECEIVABLES (Details)

RECEIVABLES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent		$ 156	$ 136
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		72	68	$ 64
Additions - Charged to Expense		44	44	32
Other	[1]	(57)	(40)	(28)
Ending Balance		59	72	68
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Long Term [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		125	104	141
Incremental Provision		9	11	7
Recoveries		(3)	(4)	(1)
Write Offs		(28)	(15)	(47)
Other		17	29	4	[2]
Ending Balance		$ 120	$ 125	$ 104
[1]	Includes reclassifications to long-term, write-offs, recoveries and foreign currency translation adjustments.
[2]	Includes reclassifications from the allowance for current receivables and foreign currency translation adjustments.

RECEIVABLES (Trade Receivables

RECEIVABLES (Trade Receivables by Customer Concentration) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	$ 1,695	$ 2,086
Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	(59)	(72)	$ (68)	$ (64)
Trade Receivables, Net	1,636	2,014
Argentina [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	298	327
Asia Pacific [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	185	175
Brazil [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	181	178
Canada [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	43	22
Europe Africa [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	498	522
Mexico [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	202	160
UNITED STATES
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	230	579
Other Credit Derivatives [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	$ 58	$ 123

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS (De

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS (Details) $ in Millions, BRL in Billions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015BRL	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)
US agreement to sell trade receivables [Member]
Customer Financing Qualified Programs [Abstract]
Outstanding balance	[1]		$ 851	$ 436
Maximum future payout under recourse provisions	[1]		125	21
Customer Financing Programs, Receivables Sold [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Receivables Sold	[1]		852	457	$ 349
Additional Information [Abstract]
Maximum Amount Of Potential Sales Of Receivables			1,400
European agreements to sell accounts receivables [Member]
Customer Financing Qualified Programs [Abstract]
Outstanding balance	[2]		124	67
Maximum future payout under recourse provisions	[2]		22	34
Customer Financing Programs, Receivables Sold [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Receivables Sold	[2]		165	78	$ 16
Agreements with Lenders [Member]
Customer Financing Qualified Programs [Abstract]
Outstanding balance	[3]		75	71
Maximum future payout under recourse provisions	[3]		62	$ 51
Brazil Qspe [Member]
Additional Information [Abstract]
Maximum Amount Of Potential Sales Of Receivables		BRL 1	$ 274
[1]	Monsanto has agreements in the United States to sell trade receivables, both with and without recourse, up to a maximum outstanding balance of $1.4 billion and to service such accounts. These receivables qualify for sales treatment under the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The liability for the guarantees for sales with recourse is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based upon the company's historical collection experience and a current assessment of credit exposure.
[2]	Monsanto has various agreements in European and Latin American countries to sell trade receivables, both with and without recourse. The sales within these programs qualify for sales treatment under the Transfers and Servicing topic of the ASC and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The liability for the guarantees for sales with recourse is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based on the company’s historical collection experience for the customers associated with the sale of the receivables and a current assessment of credit exposure.
[3]	Monsanto has additional agreements with lenders to establish programs that provide financing for select customers in the United States, Brazil, Latin America and Europe. Monsanto provides various levels of recourse through guarantees of the accounts in the event of customer default. The term of the guarantee is equivalent to the term of the customer loans. The liability for the guarantees is recorded at an amount that approximates fair value, based on the company’s historical collection experience with customers that participate in the program and a current assessment of credit exposure. If performance is required under the guarantee, Monsanto may retain amounts that are subsequently collected from customers.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES Narr

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
Cost method investments	$ 90	$ 91
Senior Interest [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
VIE, ownership percentage	90.00%	91.00%
Monsanto Interest [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
VIE, ownership percentage	10.00%	9.00%
Minimum [Member] | Monsanto Interest [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
VIE, ownership percentage	10.00%
Brazil Revolving Financing Program [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
Maximum loss exposure	$ 11	$ 13
Biotechnology Company [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
Maximum funding amount	118
Maximum loss exposure	$ 62	$ 43

INVENTORY (Details)

INVENTORY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Effect Of LIFO Inventory Liquidation On Income		$ 0	$ 0
Components of Inventory (Details)
Finished Goods		1,603	1,591
Goods In Process		1,627	1,721
Raw Materials and Supplies		420	445
Inventory at FIFO Cost		3,650	3,757
Excess of FIFO over LIFO Cost		(154)	(160)
Total		3,496	3,597
Inventory Obsolescence [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		415	408	$ 361
Additions — charged to expense		390	331	336
Deductions and other	[1]	(371)	(324)	(289)
Ending Balance		$ 434	$ 415	$ 408
[1]	Deductions and other includes disposals and foreign currency translation adjustments.

INVENTORY INVENTORY - Impairmen

INVENTORY INVENTORY - Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 393	$ 0	$ 0
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 392.7
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member] | Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 51

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT73

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	$ 10,428	$ 10,428	$ 10,357
Less: Accumulated Depreciation	5,455	5,455	5,275
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $2 and 2014: $2)	4,973	4,973	5,082
Gross assets acquired under capital leases	42	42	42
Restructuring charges		393	0	$ 0
Land and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	643	643	611
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	2,143	2,143	2,122
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	5,653	5,653	5,676
Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	893	893	779
Construction In Progress And Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	1,096	1,096	$ 1,169
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 392.7
Impairment in value of Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 81

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE74

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Schedule of net carrying amount of goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated Impairment	$ 2,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,319	$ 3,520
Acquisition activity (see Note 4)		783
Dispositions	(75)
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	(183)	16
Ending Balance	4,061	4,319
Seeds And Genomics [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,262	3,461
Acquisition activity (see Note 4)		783
Dispositions	(75)
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	(183)	18
Ending Balance	4,004	4,262
Agricultural Productivity [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	57	59
Acquisition activity (see Note 4)		0
Dispositions	0
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	0	(2)
Ending Balance	$ 57	$ 57

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE75

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Information of other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	$ 3,089	$ 3,161
Accumulated Amortization	(1,858)	(1,710)
Net	1,231	1,451
Total Other Intangible Assets, Carrying Amount	3,190	3,264
Total Other Intangible Assets, net	1,332	1,554
Amortization Expense	143	136	$ 111
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
In Process Research & Development, Indefinite Lives	101	103
Acquired Germplasm [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	1,074	1,116
Accumulated Amortization	(750)	(751)
Net	324	365
Acquired Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	1,168	1,160
Accumulated Amortization	(598)	(507)
Net	570	653
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	353	366
Accumulated Amortization	(152)	(142)
Net	201	224
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	318	338
Accumulated Amortization	(212)	(204)
Net	106	134
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	176	181
Accumulated Amortization	(146)	(106)
Net	$ 30	$ 75

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE76

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Schedule of estimated amortization expense (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 164
2,017	161
2,018	134
2,019	123
2,020	$ 117

INCOME TAXES (Components of inc

INCOME TAXES (Components of income from continuing operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 2,092	$ 2,436	$ 2,385
Outside United States	1,069	1,391	1,044
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$ 3,161	$ 3,827	$ 3,429

INCOME TAXES (Components of i78

INCOME TAXES (Components of income tax provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Current:
U.S. federal	$ 675	$ 648	$ 432
U.S. state	69	65	52
Outside United States	408	410	305
Total Current	1,152	1,123	789
Deferred:
U.S. federal	(91)	41	159
U.S. state	(2)	(2)	1
Outside United States	(195)	(84)	(34)
Total Deferred	(288)	(45)	126
Total	$ 864	$ 1,078	$ 915

INCOME TAXES (Income Tax Reconc

INCOME TAXES (Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
U.S. Federal Statutory Rate	$ 1,106	$ 1,339	$ 1,200
U.S. Domestic Manufacturing Deduction	(87)	(75)	(68)
U.S. R&D Tax Credit	(30)	(12)	(43)
U.S. State Income Taxes	39	45	43
Lower Taxes on Foreign Operations	(209)	(230)	(78)
Valuation Allowances	13	12	0
Adjustment for Unrecognized Tax Benefits	(4)	(8)	(110)
Other	36	7	(29)
Total	$ 864	$ 1,078	$ 915

INCOME TAXES (Components of def

INCOME TAXES (Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Net Operating Loss and Other Carryforwards	$ 323	$ 443
Employee Fringe Benefits	305	259
Restructuring and Impairment Reserves	242	135
Inventories	154	129
Royalties	173	106
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	72	70
Environmental and Litigation Reserves	69	69
Intangibles	0	74
Other	307	350
Valuation Allowance	(68)	(63)
Total Deferred Tax Assets	1,577	1,572
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	539	585
Intangibles	361	400
Other	0	81
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities	900	1,066
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$ 677	$ 506

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detai

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 600
Undistributed Foreign Earnings	4,700
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	135	$ 152	$ 167
Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Favorably Impact Effective Tax Rate	100	102
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued	28	38
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties And Interest Expense	6	$ 4	$ 10
Potential Decrease In Uncertain Tax Benefits	$ 55

INCOME TAXES (Reconciliation of

INCOME TAXES (Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 152	$ 167
Increases for prior year tax positions	12	13
Decreases for prior year tax positions	(14)	(16)
Increases for current year tax positions	7	5
Settlements	0	(1)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(12)	(14)
Foreign currency translation	(10)	(2)
Ending Balance	$ 135	$ 152

INCOME TAXES (Years subject to

INCOME TAXES (Years subject to examination) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
US federal income tax [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,011
US federal income tax [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,015
U.S. state and local income taxes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,000
U.S. state and local income taxes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,015
Argentina [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,001
Argentina [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,015
Brazil [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,006
Brazil [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,015

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEM

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Short-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	$ 308	$ 12
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Settlement Terms, Share Value, Amount, Current	0	136
Notes Payable to Banks	307	85
Total Short-Term Debt	$ 615	$ 233

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGE85

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt (variable interest entities restricted)		$ 96,000,000				$ 0
Other (including Capital Leases)		27,000,000				20,000,000
Total Long-Term Debt		8,429,000,000				7,465,000,000
Commercial Paper		0
Floating Rate Notes Due Twenty Sixteen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 400,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 399,000,000				398,000,000
Maturity Date		Nov. 7, 2016
Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 0				299,000,000
Interest Rate		2.75%
Maturity Date		Apr. 15, 2016
Senior Notes Due Twenty Seventeen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 500,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 498,000,000				497,000,000
Interest Rate		1.15%
Maturity Date		Jun. 30, 2017
Senior Notes Due November Twenty Eighteen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					300,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 298,000,000				298,000,000
Interest Rate		1.85%
Maturity Date		Nov. 15, 2018
Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 248,000,000				248,000,000
Interest Rate		2.20%
Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2022
Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 287,000,000				284,000,000
Interest Rate		5.50%
Maturity Date		Aug. 15, 2025
Senior Notes Due April Twenty Twenty Five [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 300,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 296,000,000				0
Interest Rate		2.85%
Maturity Date		Apr. 15, 2025
Senior Notes Due April Twenty Eighteen [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 299,000,000				299,000,000
Interest Rate		5.125%
Maturity Date		Apr. 15, 2018
Senior Notes Due Twenty Nineteen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							500,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 497,000,000				496,000,000
Interest Rate		2.125%
Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2019
Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							500,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 496,000,000				495,000,000
Interest Rate		2.75%
Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2021
Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							750,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 744,000,000				743,000,000
Interest Rate		3.375%
Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2024
Senior Notes Due Twenty Thirty Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							500,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 492,000,000				492,000,000
Interest Rate		4.20%
Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2034
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							1,000,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 982,000,000				981,000,000
Interest Rate		4.40%
Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2044
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Five [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 365,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 361,000,000				0
Interest Rate		4.30%
Maturity Date		Jan. 29, 2045
Senior Notes Due April Twenty Forty Five [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 500,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 493,000,000				0
Interest Rate		3.95%
Maturity Date		Apr. 15, 2045
Senior Notes Due Twenty Sixty Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 750,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 734,000,000				734,000,000
Interest Rate		4.70%
Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2064
Senior Notes Due 2035 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 393,000,000				392,000,000
Interest Rate		5.50%
Maturity Date		Jul. 30, 2035
Senior Notes Due 2038 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 245,000,000				245,000,000
Interest Rate		5.875%
Maturity Date		Apr. 15, 2038
Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 247,000,000				247,000,000
Interest Rate		3.60%
Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2042
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 300,000,000
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 297,000,000				$ 297,000,000
Interest Rate		4.65%
Maturity Date		Nov. 15, 2043
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding		$ 0
[1]	Amounts are net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs.

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGE86

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015		Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Debt, Fair Value		$ 619,000,000							$ 233,000,000
Weighted average interest rate		3.00%							9.00%
Long-term Debt, Fair Value		$ 8,124,000,000	[1]						$ 7,928,000,000
Commercial Paper		0
Senior Notes Due November Twenty Eighteen [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 300,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 298,000,000							298,000,000
Interest Rate		1.85%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Nov. 15, 2018
Credit Facility Agreement 2011 [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 2,500,000,000	2,000,000,000
Senior Notes Due April Twenty Twenty Five [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 300,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 296,000,000							0
Interest Rate		2.85%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Apr. 15, 2025
Senior Notes Due April Twenty Forty Five [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 500,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 493,000,000							0
Interest Rate		3.95%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Apr. 15, 2045
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Five [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						$ 365,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 361,000,000							0
Interest Rate		4.30%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jan. 29, 2045
Senior Notes Due Twenty Seventeen [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										$ 500,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 498,000,000							497,000,000
Interest Rate		1.15%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jun. 30, 2017
Senior Notes Due Twenty Nineteen [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										500,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 497,000,000							496,000,000
Interest Rate		2.125%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2019
Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty One [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										500,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 496,000,000							495,000,000
Interest Rate		2.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2021
Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty Four [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										750,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 744,000,000							743,000,000
Interest Rate		3.375%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2024
Senior Notes Due Twenty Thirty Four [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										500,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 492,000,000							492,000,000
Interest Rate		4.20%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2034
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Four [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										1,000,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 982,000,000							981,000,000
Interest Rate		4.40%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2044
Senior Notes Due Twenty Sixty Four [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										$ 750,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 734,000,000							734,000,000
Interest Rate		4.70%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2064
Floating Rate Notes Due Twenty Sixteen [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							400,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 399,000,000							398,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Nov. 7, 2016
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Three [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 300,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 297,000,000							$ 297,000,000
Interest Rate		4.65%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Nov. 15, 2043
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity					$ 3,000,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding		$ 0
[1]	Debt instruments, excluding mandatorily redeemable shares, are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are measured at fair value for disclosure purposes, as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC.
[2]	Amounts are net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs.

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGE87

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Interest expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Interest Cost Incurred	$ 460	$ 275	$ 195
Less: Capitalized on Construction	27	27	23
Interest Expense	$ 433	$ 248	$ 172

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value Hierarchy Levels) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 3,213		$ 1,664
Short-term investments	47		40
Equity securities	17		22
Foreign currency	40		11
Commodity contracts	8		36
Interest rate contracts	2
Total Assets at Fair Value	3,327		1,773
Short-term debt instruments(1)	619		233
Long-term debt instruments(1)	8,124	[1]	7,928
Foreign currency	11		19
Commodity contracts	85		91
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	8,839		8,271
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	3,213		1,664
Short-term investments	47		40
Equity securities	17		22
Foreign currency	0		0
Commodity contracts	1		20
Interest rate contracts	0
Total Assets at Fair Value	3,278		1,746
Short-term debt instruments(1)	0		0
Long-term debt instruments(1)	0	[1]	0
Foreign currency	0		0
Commodity contracts	35		76
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	35		76
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0		0
Short-term investments	0		0
Equity securities	0		0
Foreign currency	40		11
Commodity contracts	7		16
Interest rate contracts	2
Total Assets at Fair Value	49		27
Short-term debt instruments(1)	619		97
Long-term debt instruments(1)	8,028	[1]	7,928
Foreign currency	11		19
Commodity contracts	50		15
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	8,708		8,059
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0		0
Short-term investments	0		0
Equity securities	0		0
Foreign currency	0		0
Commodity contracts	0		0
Interest rate contracts	0
Total Assets at Fair Value	0		0
Short-term debt instruments(1)	0		136
Long-term debt instruments(1)	96	[1]	0
Foreign currency	0		0
Commodity contracts	0		0
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$ 96		$ 136
[1]	Debt instruments, excluding mandatorily redeemable shares, are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are measured at fair value for disclosure purposes, as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the ASC.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Summar

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Summary of the Change in Level 3 Liability) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Aug. 31, 2015BRL / sharesshares	Aug. 31, 2014$ / sharesshares	Aug. 31, 2014BRL / sharesshares
Short-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 136
Accretion expense	12
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	(47)
Repayment of mandatorily redeemable shares	(101)
Ending Balance	0
Mandatorily Redeemable Shares Outstanding | shares			300,000	300,000
Mandatorily Redeemable Shares, Par Value | (per share)			$ 447	BRL 1,000
Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0
Issuance of mandatorily redeemable shares of VIE	96
Ending Balance	$ 96
Mandatorily Redeemable Shares Outstanding | shares	350,000	350,000
Mandatorily Redeemable Shares, Par Value | (per share)	$ 274	BRL 1,000

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrat

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details) number in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liability Non-Recurring Charge	0	0	0
Asset impairment charges			$ 0
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 4,973	$ 5,082
Other Intangible Assets, Net	$ 1,332	$ 1,554
Fair Value Transfers, Amount	0	0
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	$ 81	$ 23
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	49	11
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	32
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Research and Development Expense [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges		8
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges		5
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	71	20
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges		19
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	71
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Research and Development Expense [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges		1
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	50	4
Other Intangible Assets, Net	1	20
Impairment Of Asset [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	131	27
Other Intangible Assets, Net	$ 71	$ 40

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Narrative

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$ (74)
Loss on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring	$ 2	$ 2
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net			$ 0
Description of Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge	0	0	0
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Accounts Receivable	$ 0	$ 0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge	24 months
Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge	36 months
ISDA Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Net Liability Position Aggregate Fair Value	$ 41	$ 11

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Notional

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Notional Amounts of Derivative Instruments Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	$ 1,197	$ 1,211
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	2,089	2,486
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	456	585
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	1,926	2,054
Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	591	626
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	163	272
Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	150	0
Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	$ 0	$ 160

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Valu

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value of Derivatives Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Accounts Receivable		$ 0		$ 0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		50		47
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(35)		(87)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		15		(40)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		35		82
Derivative Asset		50		42
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		96		110
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(35)		(87)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		61		23
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		61		23
Trade receivables, net (variable interest entities restricted - 2015: $0 and 2014: $39)		1,636		2,014
Miscellaneous receivables		803		817
Other current assets		199		205
Other Assets, Noncurrent		610		746
Miscellaneous short-term accruals (variable interest entity restricted - 2015: $7 and 2014: $0)		791		962
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent		345		342
Gain (Loss) from Components Excluded from Assessment of Cash Flow Hedge Effectiveness, Net		0		0		$ 0
Miscellaneous receivables [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		2		22
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		0		0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		2		22
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Asset		2		22
Non-derivative Balances		801		795
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset				0
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset				(10)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				(10)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral				10
Derivative Asset				0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability				10
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset				(10)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral				0
Derivative Liability				0
Non-derivative Balances				2,014
Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		46		23
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(29)		(58)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		17		(35)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		29		53
Derivative Asset		46		18
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		29		58
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(29)		(58)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		0		0
Non-derivative Balances		153		187
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		2		2
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(6)		(19)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		(4)		(17)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		6		19
Derivative Asset		2		2
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		6		19
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(6)		(19)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		0		0
Non-derivative Balances		608		744
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		47		22
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		47		22
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		47		22
Non-derivative Balances		(744)		(940)
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		14		1
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		14		1
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		14		1
Non-derivative Balances		(331)		(341)
Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Miscellaneous receivables [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		2
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		2
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0
Derivative Asset		2
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Miscellaneous receivables [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset				5
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset				0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				5
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral				0
Derivative Asset				5
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Miscellaneous receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset				4
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset				0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				4
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral				0
Derivative Asset				4
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other current assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	[1]	25
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	[1]	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	[1]	25
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral	[1]	0
Derivative Asset	[1]	25
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other current assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	[1]	14
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	[1]	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	[1]	14
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral	[1]	0
Derivative Asset	[1]	14
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		1		2	[2]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		0		0	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		1		2	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0	[2]
Derivative Asset		1		2	[2]
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability				6
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset				0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				6
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral				0
Derivative Liability				6
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		11		13
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		11		13
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		11		13
Commodity Contract [Member] | Miscellaneous receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset				13
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset				0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				13
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral				0
Derivative Asset				13
Commodity Contract [Member] | Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	[2]			0
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	[2]			(10)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	[2]			(10)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral	[2]			10
Derivative Asset	[2]			0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	[2]			10
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	[2]			(10)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	[2]			0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral	[2]			0
Derivative Liability	[2]			0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other current assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		0	[1]	4	[2]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(29)	[1]	(57)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		(29)	[1]	(53)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		29	[1]	53	[2]
Derivative Asset		0	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		29	[1]	57	[2]
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(29)	[1]	(57)	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		0	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Liability		0	[1]	0	[2]
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other current assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		7	[1]	19	[2]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		0	[1]	(1)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		7	[1]	18	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Asset		7	[1]	18	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	[2]			1
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	[2]			(1)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	[2]			0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral	[2]			0
Derivative Liability	[2]			0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		1	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(6)	[1]	(19)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		(5)	[1]	(19)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		6	[1]	19	[2]
Derivative Asset		1	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		6	[1]	19	[2]
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(6)	[1]	(19)	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		0	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Liability		0	[1]	0	[2]
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		27		3
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		27		3
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		27		3
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		9
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		9
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0
Derivative Liability		9
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		14		1
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		14		1
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		$ 14		$ 1
[1]	As allowed by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, commodity derivative assets and liabilities have been offset by collateral subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement. Therefore, these commodity contracts that are in an asset or liability position are included in asset accounts within the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position.
[2]	As allowed by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, commodity derivative assets and liabilities have been offset by collateral subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement. Therefore, these commodity contracts that are in an asset or liability position are included in asset accounts within the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Gain (Los

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Gain (Loss) from Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring		$ 2	$ 2
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net				$ 0
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	[1]	(100)	(111)	(123)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income		(130)	(3)	135
Gain (Loss) from Components Excluded from Assessment of Cash Flow Hedge Effectiveness, Net		0	0	0
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized		42	(96)	(129)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	[1]	(100)	(111)	(123)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	[2]	(54)	(27)	105
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net		(76)	24	30
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	[3]	(73)	(1)	41
Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net		0	21	(2)
Commodity Contract [Member] | Sales [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net		(3)	4	(9)
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	[4]	0	(1)	0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	[1]	26	1	(5)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2]	9	(3)	4
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Sales [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	[1]	51	(4)	5
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2],[5]	31	3	0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	[1]	(85)	(2)	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2],[6]	(13)	(12)	(12)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	[1]	(92)	(106)	(123)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2],[7]	$ (81)	$ (14)	$ 113
[1]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL).
[2]	For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the ASC, this represents the effective portion of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCL into income during the period.
[3]	foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedges was offset by a foreign currency transaction gain of $42 million, a loss of $96 million and a loss of $129 million during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[4]	.
[5]	The gain or loss on derivatives designated as hedges from ineffectiveness included in current earnings is not significant during 2015, 2014 or 2013. No gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during 2015, 2014 or 2013.
[6]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjE4ZjI5NDE2NWFhYTQwMjg4YzRkMTViM2Q2ODM3NDBlfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246MDhGQzUyRTQxM0RGMjk1Qjk2RjI0QTdCRTZBOUU0M0EM}
[7]	Gain or loss on

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN95

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Net Loss to Be Amortized from AOCI	$ 51
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ 70	$ 97	$ 96
Maximum Days Required to Notify Interest in Pooled Funds	10
Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 2,312	2,488	2,143
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ 70	$ 97	$ 96
Expected long-term return on assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 2,142	$ 2,298	$ 1,977
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	51	78	$ 79
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 2,100	$ 2,100
Expected long-term return on assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis	$ 2,384	$ 2,622
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	170	190	$ 166
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	19	19	$ 17
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 192	$ 213
Expected long-term return on assets	6.21%	6.12%	6.65%
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis	$ 170	$ 190
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Market Capitalization	2,000
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Market Capitalization	2,000
Future [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional value	161	147
Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional value	57	53
Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis	$ 1	$ 1

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN96

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned during the Year	$ 76	$ 73	$ 78
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	95	99	83
Assumed Return on Plan Assets(1)	(159)	(145)	(147)
Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss	56	66	79
Curtailment and Settlement Charge	2	3	7
Other Adjustment	0	1	(4)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	70	97	96
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned during the Year	64	61	68
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	88	90	74
Assumed Return on Plan Assets(1)	(151)	(135)	(137)
Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss	50	62	74
Curtailment and Settlement Charge	0	0	0
Other Adjustment	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	51	78	79
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned during the Year	12	12	10
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	7	9	9
Assumed Return on Plan Assets(1)	(8)	(10)	(10)
Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss	6	4	5
Curtailment and Settlement Charge	2	3	7
Other Adjustment	0	1	(4)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	19	19	17
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned during the Year	76	73
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	95	99
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ 70	$ 97	$ 96
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumed return on plan assets, non-liability matching gains (losses), period used in calculation (in years)	4 years
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumed return on plan assets, non-liability matching gains (losses), period used in calculation (in years)	5 years

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN97

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Changes Recognized in OCI Pension) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current Year Actuarial Loss	$ 164
Recognition of Actuarial Loss (1)(2)	(58)
Currency gain	(7)
Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)	99
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current Year Actuarial Loss	154
Recognition of Actuarial Loss (1)(2)	(50)
Currency gain	0
Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)	104
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current Year Actuarial Loss	10
Recognition of Actuarial Loss (1)(2)	(8)
Currency gain	(7)
Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)	$ (5)
Minimum [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	5 years
Maximum [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	16 years
Maximum [Member] | Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	21 years

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN98

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Assumptions Used to Determine Pension Costs) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate	4.04%	4.44%	3.44%
Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Annual Rate of Salary Increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate	3.01%	3.62%	3.89%
Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets	6.21%	6.12%	6.65%
Annual Rate of Salary Increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	3.92%	3.95%	3.89%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN99

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Schedule of Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Service cost		$ 76	$ 73	$ 78
Interest cost		95	99	83
Total [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		2,469	2,304
Service cost		76	73
Interest cost		95	99
Plan participants’ contributions		2	2
Actuarial loss		22	132
Benefits paid	[1]	(179)	(130)
Settlements / curtailments		(7)	(10)
Currency gain		(38)	0
Other		0	(1)
Benefit Obligation at End of Period		2,440	2,469	2,304
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		2,488	2,143
Actual return on plan assets		20	425
Employer contributions	[1]	19	57
Plan participants’ contributions		2	2
Settlements		(7)	(10)
Benefits paid	[1]	(179)	(130)
Currency gain		(31)	1
Plan Assets at End of Period		2,312	2,488	2,143
Net Liability (Asset) Recognized		128	(19)
Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Assets		11	13
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets		135	156
U.S. [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		2,196	2,049
Service cost		64	61	68
Interest cost		88	90	74
Plan participants’ contributions		0	0
Actuarial loss		13	117
Benefits paid	[1]	(171)	(121)
Settlements / curtailments		0	0
Currency gain		0	0
Other		0	0
Benefit Obligation at End of Period		2,190	2,196	2,049
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		2,298	1,977
Actual return on plan assets		11	404
Employer contributions	[1]	4	38
Plan participants’ contributions		0	0
Settlements		0	0
Benefits paid	[1]	(171)	(121)
Currency gain		0	0
Plan Assets at End of Period		2,142	2,298	1,977
Net Liability (Asset) Recognized		48	(102)
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets		0	0
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		273	255
Service cost		12	12	10
Interest cost		7	9	9
Plan participants’ contributions		2	2
Actuarial loss		9	15
Benefits paid	[1]	(8)	(9)
Settlements / curtailments		(7)	(10)
Currency gain		(38)	0
Other		0	(1)
Benefit Obligation at End of Period		250	273	255
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		190	166
Actual return on plan assets		9	21
Employer contributions	[1]	15	19
Plan participants’ contributions		2	2
Settlements		(7)	(10)
Benefits paid	[1]	(8)	(9)
Currency gain		(31)	1
Plan Assets at End of Period		170	190	$ 166
Net Liability (Asset) Recognized		80	83
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets		$ 135	$ 156
[1]	Employer contributions and benefits paid include $11 million and $13 million paid from employer assets for unfunded plans in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE100

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Assumptions Used to Determine Pension Benefit Obligation) (Details)	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate	4.33%	4.04%
Rate of Compensation Increase	4.00%	4.00%
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate	2.66%	3.01%
Rate of Compensation Increase	3.76%	3.92%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE101

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	$ 289	$ 308
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets	135	156
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	73	66
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets	0	0
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	216	242
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets	$ 135	$ 156

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE102

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	$ 183	$ 181
ABO	159	156
Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets	34	32
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	2,100	2,100
PBO	73	66
ABO	69	62
Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets	0	0
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	192	213
PBO	110	115
ABO	90	94
Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets	$ 34	$ 32

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE103

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Net Amount Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Postretirement Liabilities	$ 336	$ 345
Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals	12	14
Postretirement Liabilities	150	147
Other Assets	(34)	(180)
Net Liability (Asset) Recognized	128	(19)
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals	7	7
Postretirement Liabilities	67	59
Other Assets	(26)	(168)
Net Liability (Asset) Recognized	48	(102)
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals	5	7
Postretirement Liabilities	83	88
Other Assets	(8)	(12)
Net Liability (Asset) Recognized	$ 80	$ 83

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE104

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Pre-Tax Components Recognized in AOCI Pension) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Prior Service Cost	$ (1)	$ 0
Net Loss	481	381
Total	480	381
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Prior Service Cost	0	0
Net Loss	428	324
Total	428	324
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Prior Service Cost	(1)	0
Net Loss	53	57
Total	$ 52	$ 57

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE105

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Pension Plan Asset Allocation United States) (Details) - U.S. [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
Public Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	47.90%	51.10%
Private Equity Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	4.80%	3.80%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	42.70%	40.50%
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	4.30%	4.10%
Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	0.30%	0.50%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Public Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation, Minimum	44.00%
Target Allocation, Maximum	54.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation, Minimum	2.00%
Target Allocation, Maximum	8.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation, Minimum	34.00%
Target Allocation, Maximum	44.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation, Minimum	2.00%
Target Allocation, Maximum	8.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation, Minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation, Maximum	3.00%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE106

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Pension Plan Asset Allocation Foreign) (Details) - Outside the U.S. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis		$ 170	$ 190
Percentage of Plan Assets		100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets		32.00%	32.80%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets		49.30%	52.30%
Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets		18.70%	14.90%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	[1]	100.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	[1]	37.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	[1]	45.60%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	[1]	17.40%
[1]	Monsanto’s plans outside the United States have a wide range of target allocations, and therefore the 2016 target allocations shown above reflect a weighted-average calculation of the target allocations of each of the plans.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE107

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (United States Pension Plan Asset Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Future [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments		$ 161		$ 147
Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments		57		53
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		2,384		2,622
U.S. [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		503		720
U.S. [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		1,604		1,623
U.S. [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		228		221
U.S. [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		49	[1]	58	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		19		14
U.S. [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		19		14
U.S. [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Cash [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | US government debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		265		339
U.S. [Member] | US government debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | US government debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		265		339
U.S. [Member] | US government debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | US government debt [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | US agency debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				5
U.S. [Member] | US agency debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | US agency debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				5
U.S. [Member] | US agency debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | US agency debt [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	[2]			0
U.S. [Member] | US state and municipal debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		17		31
U.S. [Member] | US state and municipal debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | US state and municipal debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		17		31
U.S. [Member] | US state and municipal debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | US state and municipal debt [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	[2]	0		0
U.S. [Member] | Foreign government debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		10		4
U.S. [Member] | Foreign government debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Foreign government debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		10		4
U.S. [Member] | Foreign government debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Foreign government debt [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | US corporate debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		362		288
U.S. [Member] | US corporate debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | US corporate debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		362		288
U.S. [Member] | US corporate debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | US corporate debt [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Mortgage-Backed securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				3
U.S. [Member] | Mortgage-Backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Mortgage-Backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				3
U.S. [Member] | Mortgage-Backed securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Mortgage-Backed securities [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	[2]			0
U.S. [Member] | Asset-Backed securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				3
U.S. [Member] | Asset-Backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Asset-Backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				3
U.S. [Member] | Asset-Backed securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Asset-Backed securities [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	[2]			0
U.S. [Member] | Foreign corporate debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		70		77
U.S. [Member] | Foreign corporate debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Foreign corporate debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		70		77
U.S. [Member] | Foreign corporate debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Foreign corporate debt [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | US Term Bank Loans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		1		5
U.S. [Member] | US Term Bank Loans [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | US Term Bank Loans [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		1		5
U.S. [Member] | US Term Bank Loans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | US Term Bank Loans [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		30		36
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		30		36
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic large capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		266		459
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		266		459
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Developed markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		154		181
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Developed markets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		154		181
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Developed markets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Developed markets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Developed markets [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Emerging markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		31		35
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Emerging markets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		30		34
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Emerging markets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		1		1
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Emerging markets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Emerging markets [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		103		87
U.S. [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		103		87
U.S. [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Partnership Interest [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		32		32
U.S. [Member] | Partnership Interest [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Partnership Interest [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Partnership Interest [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		32		32
U.S. [Member] | Partnership Interest [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		49		58
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		49		58
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic small-capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		29		7
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic small-capitalization [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic small-capitalization [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		29		7
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic small-capitalization [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic small-capitalization [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic large-capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		348		318
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic large-capitalization [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic large-capitalization [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		348		318
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic large-capitalization [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: Domestic large-capitalization [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		92		105
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: International [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: International [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		92		105
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: International [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds: International [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Corporate debt funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		161		98
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Corporate debt funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Corporate debt funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		161		98
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Corporate debt funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Corporate debt funds [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Mortgage-Backed securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				8
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Mortgage-Backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Mortgage-Backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Mortgage-Backed securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				8
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Mortgage-Backed securities [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	[2]			0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Collerateral Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		251		334
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Collerateral Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Collerateral Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		251		334
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Collerateral Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Interest in Pooled Collerateral Fund [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0	[1]	0	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Interest Rate Futures [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Interest Rate Futures [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				(1)
U.S. [Member] | Interest Rate Futures [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Interest Rate Futures [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Interest Rate Futures [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	[1]			1
U.S. [Member] | Equity Index Futures
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Equity Index Futures | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		4		(3)
U.S. [Member] | Equity Index Futures | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Equity Index Futures | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Equity Index Futures | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	[1]	(4)		3
U.S. [Member] | Foreign currency forward [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Foreign currency forward [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Foreign currency forward [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				1
U.S. [Member] | Foreign currency forward [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value				0
U.S. [Member] | Foreign currency forward [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	[1]			(1)
U.S. [Member] | Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		1		1
U.S. [Member] | Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		(52)		(54)
U.S. [Member] | Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		53	[1]	55	[2]
U.S. [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		93		94
U.S. [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		0		0
U.S. [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		93		94
U.S. [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Cash Collateral Offset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value		$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[2]
[1]	Futures derivative assets and common and preferred stock sold short have been offset by cash collateral held by the counterparty.
[2]	Futures derivative assets and common and preferred stock sold short have been offset by cash collateral held by the counterparty.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE108

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSION (United States Pension Plan Asset Level 3 Rollforward) (Details) - U.S. [Member] - Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 221	$ 207
Purchases		32	20
Sales		(51)	(27)
Realized/unrealized gains		26	21
Ending Balance		228	221
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Still Held Included in Earnings	[1]	22	22
Private Equity Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		87	77
Purchases		26	15
Sales		(23)	(18)
Realized/unrealized gains		13	13
Ending Balance		103	87
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Still Held Included in Earnings	[1]	12	16
Partnership Interests [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		32	32
Purchases		0	0
Sales		0	(3)
Realized/unrealized gains		0	3
Ending Balance		32	32
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Still Held Included in Earnings	[1]	1	0
Real Estate Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		94	90
Purchases		6	5
Sales		(20)	(6)
Realized/unrealized gains		13	5
Ending Balance		93	94
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Still Held Included in Earnings	[1]	9	6
Mortgage-Backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		8	8
Purchases		0	0
Sales		(8)	0
Realized/unrealized gains		0	0
Ending Balance		0	8
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Still Held Included in Earnings	[1]	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	1) Represents the amount of total gains for the period attributable to change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 that are still held as of Aug. 31, 2015, and Aug. 31, 2014.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE109

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Investments at Fair Value to Plan Assets Reconciliation) (Details) - U.S. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	$ 2,384
Liability to return collateral held under securities lending agreement	(251)
Non-interest bearing cash	1
Accrued income / (expense)	8
Plan Assets at End of Period	$ 2,142	$ 2,298	$ 1,977

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE110

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Foreign Pension Plan Asset Fair Value) (Details) - Outside the U.S. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	$ 170	$ 190
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	50	48
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	89	117
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	31	25
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	2	2
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	2	2
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Debt Securities - Foreign Government Debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	9	16
Debt Securities - Foreign Government Debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Debt Securities - Foreign Government Debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	9	16
Debt Securities - Foreign Government Debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Common and Preferred Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	42	46
Common and Preferred Stock [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	42	46
Common and Preferred Stock [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Common and Preferred Stock [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Insurance Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	31	25
Insurance Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Insurance Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Insurance Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	31	25
Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	11	15
Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	6	0
Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	5	15
Interest in Pooled Funds: Common and preferred stock funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Interest in Pooled Funds: Government debt funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	11	11
Interest in Pooled Funds: Government debt funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Interest in Pooled Funds: Government debt funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	11	11
Interest in Pooled Funds: Government debt funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Interest in Pooled Funds: Corporate debt funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	64	75
Interest in Pooled Funds: Corporate debt funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	0	0
Interest in Pooled Funds: Corporate debt funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	64	75
Interest in Pooled Funds: Corporate debt funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	$ 0	$ 0

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE111

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSION (Foreign Pension Plan Asset Level 3 Rollforward) (Details) - Outside the U.S. [Member] - Insurance-Backed Securities [Member] - Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 25	$ 19
Purchases	6	6
Ending Balance	$ 31	$ 25

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE112

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSION (Expected Cash Flows Pension) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer Contributions 2016 (funded Plans)	$ 0
Benefits Paid Directly by Employer to Unfunded Plan	7
2,016	192
2,017	180
2,018	179
2,019	178
2,020	177
2021-2025	850
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer Contributions 2016 (funded Plans)	8
Benefits Paid Directly by Employer to Unfunded Plan	5
2,016	16
2,017	14
2,018	16
2,019	14
2,020	17
2021-2025	$ 75

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE113

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total postretirement benefit costs (less than $1 million in 2014)	$ 70	$ 97	$ 96
Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total postretirement benefit costs (less than $1 million in 2014)	$ 8	$ 0	$ 9
Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	6.00%	6.50%	7.00%
Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Amortization of net gain	$ 4
Amortization of net prior service credit	1
Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Assets	22
Postretirement Liabilities [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	32	$ 31
Other Liabilities [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	$ 71	$ 66

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE114

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Net Periodic Cost Postretirement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period	$ 76	$ 73	$ 78
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	95	99	83
Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost (less than $1 million in 2014)	70	97	96
Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period	7	7	9
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	6	7	6
Amortization of Prior Service Credit	(1)	(1)	(1)
Amortization of Actuarial Gain	(4)	(13)	(5)
Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost (less than $1 million in 2014)	$ 8	$ 0	$ 9

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE115

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Changes Recognized in OCI Postretirement) (Details) - Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial Loss (Gain)	$ 2	$ 6
Amortization of Prior Service Credit(1)	1	1
Amortization of Actuarial Gain(1)	4	13
Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)	$ 7	$ 20
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	8 years
Amortization period of net prior service credits (in years)	8 years
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	14 years
Amortization period of net prior service credits (in years)	14 years

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE116

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Assumptions Used to Determine Postretirement Costs) (Details) - Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate Postretirement	3.60%	3.95%	2.95%
Discount Rate Postemployment	2.40%	2.55%	1.55%
Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	6.00%	6.50%	7.00%
Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE117

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (One Percent Effect on Postretirement Costs and Benefit Obligation) (Details) - Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of 1 Percentage-Point Increase on Total Service and Interest Cost	$ 1
Effect of 1 Percentage-Point Decrease on Total Service and Interest Cost	(1)
Effect of 1 Percentage-Point Increase on Postretirement Benefit Obligation	4
Effect of 1 Percentage-Point Decrease on Postretirement Benefit Obligation	$ (4)

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE118

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Benefit Obligations Postretirement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Service cost	$ 76	$ 73	$ 78
Interest cost	95	99	83
Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	189	192
Service cost	7	7	9
Interest cost	6	7	6
Actuarial loss (gain)	2	6
Plan participants’ contributions	5	5
Medicare Part D subsidy receipts	1	1
Benefits paid	(32)	(29)
Currency impact	(2)	0
Benefit Obligation at End of Period	$ 176	$ 189	$ 192

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE119

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Assumptions Used to Determine Postretirement Benefit Obligation) (Details) - Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate Postretirement		3.85%	3.60%
Discount Rate Postemployment		2.30%	2.40%
Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	[1]	5.50%	6.00%
Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs		5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
[1]	As of Aug. 31, 2015, this rate is assumed to decrease to 5 percent for 2017 and remain at that level thereafter.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE120

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Postretirement Amounts Recognized in Statements of Consolidated Financial Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Postretirement Liabilities	$ 336	$ 345
Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals	22	22
Postretirement Liabilities	154	167
Total Liability Recognized	$ 176	$ 189	$ 192

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE121

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Pre-Tax Components Recognized in AOCI Postretirement) (Details) - Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial Gain	$ (17)	$ (23)
Prior Service Credit	0	(1)
Total	$ (17)	$ (24)

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE122

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Expected Cash Flows Postretirement) (Details) - Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$ 22
Prescription Drug Benefit, Effect of Subsidy on Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost	1
2,016	22	[1],[2]
2,017	21	[1],[2]
2,018	20	[1],[2]
2,019	19	[1],[2]
2,020	19	[1],[2]
2021-2025	$ 74	[1],[2]
[1]	(1) Benefit payments are net of expected federal subsidy receipts related to prescription drug benefits granted under the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which are estimated to be less than $1 million annually.
[2]	(2) Expected benefit payments include benefits paid directly by employer for unfunded plans.

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS (Details

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Age of Employee to Participate	18 years
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 59	$ 60	$ 18
Liability related to ESOP			0
Defined Contribution Plan, Non-elective contribution	$ 6	$ 3	$ 1
Minimum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Contribution Percentage	1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Contribution Percentage	25.00%
Current Period [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employee's Gross Pay	8.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	80.00%

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLA124

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 24, 2012shares	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / shares	Nov. 01, 2013shares	Aug. 31, 2012shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost capitalized as part of inventory		$ 3	$ 3	$ 3
Ratio for Shares		0.11
Options Exercisable, Options | shares		8,971,467
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		4 years
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price | $ / shares		$ 73.32
Exercisable intrinsic value		$ 223
Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included in Operating Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 119	121	100
Equity Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized | shares	33,600,000
Decrease in remaining shares available | shares		2.7
Plan term		10 years
The Climate Corporation 2006 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Plan term		10 years
Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value		$ 18
Share-based liabilities paid		$ 0	$ 1	$ 1
Awards outstanding and vested | shares		300,762
Nonqualified stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonqualified stock options vested or expected to vest | shares		12,194,326
Weighted average contractual term		5 years
Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares		$ 80.27
Vested or expected to vest, intrinsic value		$ 248
Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares		$ 24.38	$ 38.23	$ 21.46
Exercises in period intrinsic value		$ 150	$ 273	$ 272
Pretax unrecognized compensation expense		$ 41
Weighted average remaining vesting period		2 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value		$ 1
Share-based liabilities paid		1
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value		1
Share-based liabilities paid		1	1	1
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value		1
Share-based liabilities paid		$ 0	$ 1	$ 1
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Maximum [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized | shares						8,600,000
Additional shares authorized | shares	25,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant | shares		22,700,000
The Climate Corporation 2006 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant | shares		1,000,000
The Climate Corporation 2006 Stock Plan [Member] | Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized | shares					2,000,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLA125

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Components of Stock Based Compensation) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 8,000,000	$ 8,000,000	$ 11,000,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	80,000,000	82,000,000	69,000,000
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	31,000,000	31,000,000	20,000,000
Operating Expense [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	119,000,000	121,000,000	100,000,000
Continuing Operations [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(119,000,000)	(121,000,000)	(100,000,000)
Income Tax Benefit [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	38,000,000	40,000,000	34,000,000
Net Income (Loss) [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(81,000,000)	(81,000,000)	(66,000,000)
Basic Loss Per Share [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(0.17)	(0.16)	(0.12)
Diluted Loss Per Share [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(0.17)	(0.15)	(0.12)
Net Cash Required By Operating Activities [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(44,000,000)	(72,000,000)	(79,000,000)
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 44,000,000	$ 72,000,000	$ 79,000,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLA126

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Rollforward of Stock Options) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Options	13,437,635	15,863,887	19,454,934
Beginning Balance, Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 72.23	$ 65.59	$ 58.56
Options, Granted	1,730,040	2,302,786	1,912,030
Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$ 112.94	$ 84.97	$ 90.70
Options, Exercised	(2,439,135)	(4,537,028)	(5,306,225)
Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$ 56.47	$ 54.72	$ 48.33
Options, Forfeited	(241,786)	(192,010)	(196,852)
Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$ 75.56	$ 90.06	$ 79.95
Ending Balance, Options	12,486,754	13,437,635	15,863,887
Ending Balance, Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 80.88	$ 72.23	$ 65.59

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLA127

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Restricted Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock Based compensation other than options [Roll Forward]
Nonvested as of	4,042
Granted	3,307
Vested	(3,307)
Forfeitures	0
Nonvested as of	4,042	4,042
Other Than Options Weighted Average Fair Value [Abstract]
Nonvested as of	$ 111.37
Granted	115.65
Vested	115.65
Forfeitures	0
Nonvested as of	$ 111.37	$ 111.37
Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable	$ 0
Weighted average remaining vesting period of expense recognition/requisite service periods in years	1 year 6 months
Additional Information [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value during fiscal year	$ 115.65	$ 108.10	$ 96.06
Total fair value of equity vested during fiscal year	$ 0	$ 1	$ 0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stock Based compensation other than options [Roll Forward]
Nonvested as of	2,228,997
Granted	782,870
Vested	(695,231)
Forfeitures	(376,814)
Nonvested as of	1,939,822	2,228,997
Other Than Options Weighted Average Fair Value [Abstract]
Nonvested as of	$ 89.54
Granted	108.40
Vested	74.21
Forfeitures	104.54
Nonvested as of	$ 99.74	$ 89.54
Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable	$ 84
Weighted average remaining vesting period of expense recognition/requisite service periods in years	1 year
Additional Information [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value during fiscal year	$ 108.42	$ 102.10	$ 88.80
Total fair value of equity vested during fiscal year	$ 52	$ 32	$ 16
Directors Deferred Stock [Member]
Stock Based compensation other than options [Roll Forward]
Nonvested as of	0
Granted	17,518
Vested	(17,518)
Forfeitures	0
Nonvested as of	0	0
Other Than Options Weighted Average Fair Value [Abstract]
Nonvested as of	$ 0
Granted	115.65
Vested	115.65
Forfeitures	0
Nonvested as of	$ 0	$ 0
Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable	$ 0
Additional Information [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value during fiscal year	$ 115.65	$ 98.38	$ 87.58
Total fair value of equity vested during fiscal year	$ 2	$ 0	$ 2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLA128

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Assumptions Used to Value Stock Options) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected Dividend Yield	1.70%	1.70%	1.90%
Expected Volatility Minimum	20.00%	19.00%	23.00%
Expected Volatility Maximum	35.00%	36.00%	37.00%
Weighted-Average Volatility	25.90%	27.50%	30.40%
Risk Free Interest Rate Minimum	1.56%	0.70%	0.85%
Risk Free Interest Rate Maximum	2.11%	2.34%	2.00%
Weighted-Average Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.99%	1.66%	1.14%
Expected Option Life (in years)	7 years	6 years	7 years

CAPITAL STOCK (Common Stock and

CAPITAL STOCK (Common Stock and Preferred Stock) (Details) - $ / shares	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
CAPITAL STOCK [Abstract]
Common stock, Authorized	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, Par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock Authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, Par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, Outstanding	0	0
Common stock, Outstanding	467,903,711	485,261,017

CAPITAL STOCK (Treasury Stock)

CAPITAL STOCK (Treasury Stock) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Jul. 01, 2014	Jul. 01, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Jul. 07, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Treasury Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Share purchases under plans			$ 835	$ 7,082	$ 1,095
Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 6,000
Share Repurchase, Initial Shares Delivered							38.6
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Settlement Alternatives, Cash, at Fair Value				1,200
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			6.6			25.9
Shares delivered upon settlement			13.2
Share purchases under plans				$ 6,000		$ 3,000
Share Repurchase, Initial Payment							$ 4,800
Repurchase Plan 2014 [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount								$ 10,000
Stock repurchase program period	2 years
Share repurchase, shares received			20.2
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares			7	31.6
Share purchases under plans			$ 822	$ 5,100
Repurchase Program 2013 [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount									$ 2,000
Stock repurchase program period		3 years
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares				17	0.3
Share purchases under plans				$ 1,970	$ 30

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENS131

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		$ (2,801)	$ (1,114)	$ (1,278)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		(1,744)	119
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		57	45
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax		(1,687)	164	(242)
Other comprehensive (income) loss, reclassification adjustment, available for sale securities, tax		1	2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax		(23)	(9)	39
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax		(18)	(19)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(2,327)	(731)	(831)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		(1,596)	100
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		0	0
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax		(1,596)	100
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		(4)	(5)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		2	5	8
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(3)	(3)
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax		(3)	(3)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		54	26
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(190)	(167)	(115)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		(54)	(69)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		31	17
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax		(23)	(52)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(286)	(221)	$ (340)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		(94)	88
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		29	31
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax		(65)	119
Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		47	50
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		31	36
Other Expense [Member] | Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		0	1
Other Expense [Member] | Sale of Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		(4)	(6)
Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		81	14
Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		13	12
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Sales [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		(31)	(3)
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		(9)	3
Inventory [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	[1]	$ 16	$ 14
[1]	(1) The amortization of unrecognized net loss is recorded to net periodic benefit cost, which is allocated to selling, general and administrative expenses and to inventory, which is recognized through cost of goods sold. The company recorded $16 million and $14 million of net periodic benefit cost to inventory, of which approximately $16 million and $14 million was recognized in cost of goods sold during the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2015, and Aug. 31, 2014, respectively. See Note 16 — Postretirement Benefits - Pensions — and Note 17 — Postretirement Benefits - Health Care and Other Postemployment Benefits — for additional information.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares	476.9	519.3	533.7
Dilutive Potential Common Shares	4.5	5.6	6
Antidilutive Potential Common Shares	1.7	1.7	1.8
Shares Excluded From Computation of Dilutive Potential Shares with Exercise Prices Greater than the Average Market Price of Common Shares for the Period	0.1	0	0.1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFOR133

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest	$ 343	$ 158	$ 141
Taxes	$ 992	$ 1,019	$ 907

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFOR134

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Line Items]
Dividends payable	$ 254	$ 239	$ 228
Non cash capital expenditures	$ 225	$ 258	$ 222

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE135

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Contractual Obligations) (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	$ 20,144
2,015	2,526
2,016	1,889
2,017	1,109
2,018	1,538
2,019	667
2020 beyond	12,335
Total Debt, including Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	9,044
2,015	615
2,016	995
2,017	302
2,018	800
2,019	3
2020 beyond	6,329
Interest Payments Relating to Long-Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	6,657	[1]
2,015	330	[1]
2,016	321	[1]
2,017	300	[1]
2,018	281	[1]
2,019	268	[1]
2020 beyond	5,157	[1]
Operating Lease Obligations [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	525
2,015	138
2,016	99
2,017	78
2,018	61
2,019	50
2020 beyond	99
Uncompleted additions to property [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	198
2,015	198
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2020 beyond	0
Commitments to purchase inventories [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	2,681
2,015	1,075
2,016	364
2,017	332
2,018	313
2,019	264
2020 beyond	333
Commitments to purchase breeding research [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	550
2,015	55
2,016	55
2,017	55
2,018	55
2,019	55
2020 beyond	275
R and D alliances and joint venture obligations [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	166
2,015	49
2,016	39
2,017	30
2,018	22
2,019	21
2020 beyond	5
Other purchase obligations [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	18
2,015	18
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2020 beyond	0
Postretirement liabilities [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	42	[2]
2,015	42	[2]
2,016	0	[2]
2,017	0	[2]
2,018	0	[2]
2,019	0	[2]
2020 beyond	0	[2]
Unrecognized tax benefits [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	80	[3]
2,015	0	[3]
2,016	0	[3]
2,017	0	[3]
2,018	0	[3]
2,019	0	[3]
2020 beyond	0	[3]
Other liabilities [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	201
2,015	24
2,016	16
2,017	12
2,018	6
2,019	6
2020 beyond	$ 137
[1]	For variable rate debt, interest is calculated using the applicable rates as of Aug. 31, 2015.
[2]	Includes the company’s planned pension and other postretirement benefit contributions for 2016. The actual amounts funded in 2016 may differ from the amounts listed above. Contributions in 2017 and beyond are excluded as those amounts are unknown. Refer to Note 16 — Postretirement Benefits - Pensions — and Note 17 — Postretirement Benefits - Health Care and Other Postemployment Benefits — for more information.
[3]	Unrecognized tax benefits relate to uncertain tax positions recorded under the Income Taxes topic of the ASC. The company is unable to reasonably predict the timing of tax settlements, as tax audits can involve complex issues, and the resolution of those issues may span multiple years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation. See Note 12 — Income Taxes — for more information.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE136

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Leases and Guarantees Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent Expense	$ 273	$ 272	$ 259
Guarantees for indemnification liability	$ 1	$ 1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE137

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Environmental Liabilities Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Discount Rate Minimum	2.70%
Discount Rate Maximum	3.50%
Environmental remediation of sites company involvement minimum	1.00%
Environmental remediation of sites company involvement maximum	100.00%

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE138

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Discounted and Undiscounted Environmental and Litigation Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregate Undiscounted Amount	$ 207
2,016	24
2,017	16
2,018	12
2,019	6
2,020	6
Undiscounted aggregate expected payments after 2020	137
Aggregate Amount to be Discounted as of Aug. 31, 2015	201
Discount, as of Aug. 31, 2015	(52)
Aggregate Discounted Amount Accrued as of Aug. 31, 2015	149
Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2015	$ 356	$ 291	$ 271	$ 270

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE139

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Environmental and Litigation Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 291	$ 271	$ 270
Payments	(67)	(69)	(35)
Accretion	3	7	5
Adjustments to liabilities recognized	129	82	31
Ending Balance	$ 356	$ 291	$ 271

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE140

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Litigation Narrative) (Details) - Pending Litigation [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)plaintiff
State Courts in St Louis, Missouri and Los Angeles, California [Member] | Personal Injury Lawsuits [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs | plaintiff	750
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | SEC Financial Reporting Investigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation expense	$ 80

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES O

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Bond [Member]
Off Balance Sheet Arrangement [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Asset	$ 470

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Op

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Operating Segment Information) (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)		May. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)		May. 31, 2014USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)segment		Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments | segment												2
Net Sales		$ 2,355		$ 4,579	$ 5,197	$ 2,870	$ 2,630		$ 4,250	$ 5,832	$ 3,143	$ 15,001	[1]	$ 15,855	[1]	$ 14,861	[1]
Gross Profit		996		$ 2,736	$ 3,039	$ 1,411	1,233		$ 2,331	$ 3,447	$ 1,563	8,182		8,574		7,653
EBIT	[2],[3],[4]											3,500		3,952		3,460
Depreciation and Amortization Expense												716		691		615
Equity Affiliate Loss (Income)	[5]											13		8		(15)
Total Assets	[6]	21,920					21,918					21,920		21,918		20,651
Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases												967		1,005		741
Equity Method Investment		114					126					114		126		91
Income from operations of discontinued businesses												45		22		17
Total Seeds and Genomics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	[1]											10,243		10,740		10,340
Gross Profit												6,277		6,596		6,083
EBIT	[2],[3]											2,206		2,607		2,412
Depreciation and Amortization Expense												586		568		495
Equity Affiliate Loss (Income)	[5]											13		8		(15)
Total Assets		17,330	[6]				17,548	[6]				17,330	[6]	17,548	[6]	16,235	[5]
Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases												762		831		619
Equity Method Investment		114					126					114		126		91
Corn seed and traits [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												5,953	[1]	6,401		6,596	[1]
Gross Profit												3,557		3,932		3,929
Soybean seed and traits [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												2,276	[1]	2,102		1,653	[1]
Gross Profit												1,510		1,364		948
Cotton seed and traits [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												523	[1]	665		695	[1]
Gross Profit												408		461		519
Vegetable seeds [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												816	[1]	867		821	[1]
Gross Profit												372		401		337
All other crops seeds and traits [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												675	[1]	705		575	[1]
Gross Profit												430		438		350
Total Agricultural Productivity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	[1]											4,758		5,115		4,521
Gross Profit												1,905		1,978		1,570
EBIT	[2],[3]											1,294		1,345		1,048
Depreciation and Amortization Expense												130		123		120
Equity Affiliate Loss (Income)	[5]											0		0		0
Total Assets	[6]	4,590					4,370					4,590		4,370		4,416
Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases												205		174		122
Equity Method Investment		$ 0					$ 0					0		0		0
Agricultural productivity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												4,758	[1]	5,115		4,521	[1]
Gross Profit												$ 1,905		$ 1,978		$ 1,570
[1]	Represents net sales from continuing operations.
[2]	Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes income of $45 million, $22 million and $17 million from discontinued operations for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[3]	EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes; see the following table for reconciliation. Earnings (loss) is intended to mean net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Operations under generally accepted accounting principles. EBIT is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments.
[4]	Includes the income from operations of discontinued businesses and pre-tax noncontrolling interest.
[5]	Equity affiliate loss (income) is included in other expense, net in the Statements of Consolidated Operations.
[6]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjE4ZjI5NDE2NWFhYTQwMjg4YzRkMTViM2Q2ODM3NDBlfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246QUZGMkJENTE0NTc0QkE0RkU3NkI0QTdCRTZBQTU5OUUM}

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Th

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (The reconciliation of EBIT to Net Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
EBIT	[1],[2],[3]									$ 3,500	$ 3,952	$ 3,460
Interest Expense — Net										328	146	80
Income Tax Provision	[4]									858	1,066	898
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company		$ (495)	$ 1,141	$ 1,425	$ 243	$ (156)	$ 858	$ 1,670	$ 368	$ 2,314	$ 2,740	$ 2,482
[1]	Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes income of $45 million, $22 million and $17 million from discontinued operations for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	EBIT is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes; see the following table for reconciliation. Earnings (loss) is intended to mean net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Operations under generally accepted accounting principles. EBIT is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments.
[3]	Includes the income from operations of discontinued businesses and pre-tax noncontrolling interest.
[4]	Includes the income tax provision from continuing operations, the income tax benefit on noncontrolling interest and the income tax provision on discontinued operations.

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Ne

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Net Sales And Long Lived Assets by World Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	$ 2,355	$ 4,579	$ 5,197	$ 2,870	$ 2,630	$ 4,250	$ 5,832	$ 3,143	$ 15,001	[1]	$ 15,855	[1]	$ 14,861	[1]
Long-Lived Assets	11,018				11,793				11,018		11,793
UNITED STATES
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									8,612		8,625		8,044
Long-Lived Assets	7,714				8,112				7,714		8,112
Europe-Africa [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									1,834		2,192		2,042
Long-Lived Assets	1,309				1,460				1,309		1,460
BRAZIL
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									1,725		1,778		1,547
Long-Lived Assets	614				871				614		871
ARGENTINA
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									871		1,092		1,121
Long-Lived Assets	427				396				427		396
Asia-Pacific [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									686		837		806
Long-Lived Assets	293				315				293		315
CANADA
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									601		636		615
Long-Lived Assets	104				124				104		124
MEXICO
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									537		503		466
Long-Lived Assets	163				135				163		135
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									135		192		$ 220
Long-Lived Assets	$ 394				$ 380				$ 394		$ 380
[1]	Represents net sales from continuing operations.

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) (Det

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	$ 2,355	$ 4,579	$ 5,197	$ 2,870	$ 2,630	$ 4,250	$ 5,832	$ 3,143	$ 15,001	[1]	$ 15,855	[1]	$ 14,861	[1]
Gross Profit	996	2,736	3,039	1,411	1,233	2,331	3,447	1,563	8,182		8,574		7,653
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company	(500)	1,141	1,418	227	(156)	858	1,666	359	2,286		2,727		2,471
Income on Discontinued Operations	5	0	7	16	0	0	4	9	28		13		11
Net Income	(492)	1,155	1,419	243	(163)	880	1,672	373	2,325		2,762		2,525
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company	$ (495)	$ 1,141	$ 1,425	$ 243	$ (156)	$ 858	$ 1,670	$ 368	$ 2,314		$ 2,740		$ 2,482
Basic (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income (Loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (1.07)	$ 2.41	$ 2.93	$ 0.47	$ (0.31)	$ 1.64	$ 3.18	$ 0.68	$ 4.79		$ 5.25		$ 4.63
Income (Loss) on discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.01	0	0.02	0.03	0	0	0	0.02	0.06		0.03		0.02
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company (in dollars per share)	(1.06)	2.41	2.95	0.50	(0.31)	1.64	3.18	0.70	4.85		5.28		4.65
Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income (Loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	(1.07)	2.39	2.90	0.47	(0.31)	1.62	3.15	0.67	4.75		5.19		4.58
Income on discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.01	0	0.02	0.03	0	0	0	0.02	0.06		0.03		0.02
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company (in dollars per share)	$ (1.06)	$ 2.39	$ 2.92	$ 0.50	$ (0.31)	$ 1.62	$ 3.15	$ 0.69	$ 4.81		$ 5.22		$ 4.60
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									$ 2,686		$ 2,774		$ 2,550
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									864		1,078		915
Cost of Goods Sold									6,819		7,281		7,208
Restructuring charges									$ 393		$ 0		$ 0
Environmental and Litigation Settlements [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses			$ 10	$ 7.7
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			$ (3.8)	$ (2.9)
Environmental, Litigation, and Potential SEC Settlements [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 92.6	$ 57
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(8.4)
Legacy Environmental Settlements [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses					$ 31.8
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					$ (12.2)
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Cost of Goods Sold	100.5
Restructuring charges	392.7
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member] | Environmental, Litigation, and Potential SEC Settlements [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (172.8)
Intellectual Property [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		102.1
Net Sales		$ 274
[1]	Represents net sales from continuing operations.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Oct. 13, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Oct. 09, 2015	Jul. 07, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Share purchases under plans		$ 835	$ 7,082	$ 1,095
Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount								$ 6,000
Share Repurchase, Initial Shares Delivered							38.6
Share purchases under plans			6,000		$ 3,000
Share Repurchase, Initial Payment							$ 4,800
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Settlement Alternatives, Cash, at Fair Value			$ 1,200
Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount						$ 3,000
Share Repurchase, Initial Shares Delivered	28.4
Share purchases under plans	$ 3,000
Share Repurchase, Initial Payment	2,550
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Settlement Alternatives, Cash, at Fair Value	$ 450