Monsanto 10-K 27 Oct 17 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Oct. 25, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document type	10-K
Document period end date	Aug. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
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	No
Entity common stock shares outstanding		440,199,969
Entity public float			$ 49.8

Statements of Consolidated Oper

Statements of Consolidated Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	[1]	$ 14,640	$ 13,502	$ 15,001
Cost of goods sold		6,703	6,485	6,819
Gross Profit		7,937	7,017	8,182
Operating Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses		2,969	2,833	2,686
Research and development expenses		1,607	1,512	1,580
Restructuring charges		(36)	297	393
Pending Bayer transaction related costs		185	0	0
Total Operating Expenses		4,725	4,642	4,659
Income from Operations		3,212	2,375	3,523
Interest expense		452	436	433
Interest income		(76)	(74)	(105)
Other (income) expense, net		(50)	22	34
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		2,886	1,991	3,161
Income tax provision		626	695	864
Income from Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		2,260	1,296	2,297
Discontinued Operations:
Income from operations of discontinued businesses		21	27	45
Income tax provision		8	10	17
Income on Discontinued Operations		13	17	28
Net Income		2,273	1,313	2,325
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		13	(23)	11
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company		2,260	1,336	2,314
Amounts Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income from continuing operations		2,247	1,319	2,286
Income on discontinued operations		13	17	28
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company		$ 2,260	$ 1,336	$ 2,314
Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)		$ 5.12	$ 2.98	$ 4.79
Income on discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		0.03	0.04	0.06
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company (in dollars per share)		5.15	3.02	4.85
Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)		5.06	2.95	4.75
Income on discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		0.03	0.04	0.06
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company (in dollars per share)		$ 5.09	$ 2.99	$ 4.81
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)		438.8	442.7	476.9
Diluted (in shares)		443.8	447.1	481.4
[1]	Represents net sales from continuing operations

Statements of Consolidated Comp

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company	$ 2,260	$ 1,336	$ 2,314
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $(1), $2 and $(18), respectively	233	35	(1,596)
Postretirement benefit plan activity, net of tax of $52, $(35) and $(39), respectively	93	(54)	(65)
Unrealized net losses on investment holdings, net of tax of $(1), $(1) and $0, respectively	(2)	(2)	0
Realized net losses (gains) on investment holdings, net of tax of $1, $1 and $(1), respectively	2	1	(3)
Unrealized net derivative gains (losses), net of tax of $11, $(26) and $(46), respectively	21	(42)	(54)
Realized net derivative losses, net of tax of $24, $44 and $23, respectively	34	55	31
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	381	(7)	(1,687)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Monsanto Company	2,641	1,329	627
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	13	(23)	11
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Foreign currency translation	1	(1)	(4)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1	(1)	(4)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	14	(24)	7
Total Comprehensive Income	$ 2,655	$ 1,305	$ 634

Statements of Consolidated Com4

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ (1)	$ 2	$ (18)
Postretirement benefit plan activity, tax expense (benefit)	52	(35)	(39)
Unrealized net gains on investment holdings, tax (expense) benefit	(1)	(1)	0
Realized net (gains) losses on investment holdings, tax (expense) benefit	(1)	(1)	1
Unrealized net derivative gains (losses), tax (expense) benefit	11	(26)	(46)
Realized net derivative losses (gains), tax (expense) benefit	$ 24	$ 44	$ 23

Statements of Consolidated Fina

Statements of Consolidated Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Millions		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $94 and 2016: $122)		$ 1,856	$ 1,676
Short-term investments		8	60
Trade receivables, net (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $74 and 2016: $7)		2,161	1,926
Miscellaneous receivables (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $5 and 2016: $0)		827	755
Inventory, net		3,340	3,241
Assets held for sale		199	272
Other current assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $1 and 2016: $0)		260	227
Total Current Assets		8,651	8,157
Total property, plant and equipment		12,231	11,116
Less accumulated depreciation		6,301	5,885
Property, Plant and Equipment, net		5,930	5,231
Goodwill		4,088	4,020
Other Intangible Assets, Net		1,024	1,125
Deferred Tax Assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $11 and 2016: $0)		564	613
Long-Term Receivables, Net		121	101
Other Assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $4 and 2016: $0)		955	489
Total Assets	[1]	21,333	19,736
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $0 and 2016: $113)		870	1,587
Accounts payable (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $9 and 2016: $0)		1,068	1,006
Income taxes payable		58	41
Accrued compensation and benefits		578	239
Accrued marketing programs		1,918	1,650
Deferred revenues		727	568
Grower production accruals		59	47
Dividends payable		237	237
Customer payable		106	123
Restructuring reserves		37	227
Miscellaneous short-term accruals (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $2 and 2016: $0)		740	1,004
Total Current Liabilities		6,398	6,729
Long-Term Debt (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $104 and 2016: $0)		7,254	7,453
Postretirement Liabilities		313	371
Long-Term Deferred Revenue		114	35
Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities		192	68
Long-Term Portion of Environmental and Litigation Liabilities		218	200
Restructuring Reserves Long Term		9	17
Other Liabilities		377	318
Shareowners’ Equity:
Common stock (authorized: 1,500,000,000 shares, par value $0.01) Issued 613,219,246 and 611,435,047 shares, respectively; Outstanding 439,578,276 and 437,795,024 shares, respectively		6	6
Treasury stock 173,640,970 and 173,640,023 shares, respectively, at cost		(15,053)	(15,053)
Additional contributed capital		11,840	11,626
Retained earnings		12,072	10,763
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2,427)	(2,808)
Total Monsanto Company Shareowners’ Equity		6,438	4,534
Noncontrolling Interest		20	11
Total Shareowners’ Equity		6,458	4,545
Total Liabilities and Shareowners’ Equity		$ 21,333	$ 19,736
[1]	Equity affiliate loss (income) is included in other (income) expense, net in the Statements of Consolidated Operations.

Statements of Consolidated Fin6

Statements of Consolidated Financial Position (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entities restricted)	$ 94	$ 122
Trade receivables, net (variables interest entities restricted)	74	7
Miscellaneous receivables (variables interest entities restricted)	5	0
Other current assets (variables interest entities restricted)	1	0
Deferred Tax Assets (variables interest entities restricted)	11	0
Other Assets (variables interest entities restricted)	$ 4	$ 0
Shareowners’ Equity:
Common stock, Authorized	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, Par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, Issued	613,219,246	611,435,047
Common stock, Outstanding	439,578,276	437,795,024
Treasury Stock, at Cost	173,640,970	173,640,023
Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt (variable interest entities restricted)	$ 0	$ 113
Accounts payable (variable interest entities restricted)	9	0
Miscellaneous short-term accruals (variable interest entities restricted)	2	0
Long-term debt (variable interest entities restricted)	$ 104	$ 0

Statements of Consolidated Cash

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 2,273	$ 1,313	$ 2,325
Items that did not require (provide) cash:
Depreciation and amortization	748	727	716
Bad-debt expense	69	152	45
Stock-based compensation expense	126	111	111
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	(16)	(44)
Deferred income taxes	98	97	(271)
Restructuring impairments	46	147	276
Equity affiliate loss, net	15	15	7
Net gain on sales of a business or other assets	(163)	(181)	(2)
Other items, net	103	181	118
Changes in assets and liabilities that (required) provided cash, net of acquisitions:
Trade receivables	(262)	(498)	68
Inventory, net	(74)	181	(425)
Deferred revenues	220	189	32
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	458	176	235
Restructuring reserves	(198)	25	217
Pension contributions	(35)	(78)	(27)
Other items, net	(198)	47	(273)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	3,226	2,588	3,108
Cash Flows Provided (Required) by Investing Activities:
Purchases of short-term investments	0	(50)	(63)
Maturities of short-term investments	50	35	56
Capital expenditures	(1,240)	(923)	(967)
Purchases of long-term debt and equity securities	0	0	(30)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(11)	(2)	(8)
Technology and other investments	(71)	(69)	(48)
Other investments and property disposal proceeds	165	145	41
Net Cash Required by Investing Activities	(1,107)	(864)	(1,019)
Cash Flows (Required) Provided by Financing Activities:
Net change in financing with less than 90-day maturities	(695)	676	45
Short-term debt proceeds	72	49	57
Short-term debt reductions	(54)	(272)	(36)
Long-term debt proceeds	601	9	1,279
Long-term debt reductions	(1,019)	(306)	(107)
Debt issuance costs	(2)	0	(12)
Treasury stock purchases	0	(3,001)	(835)
Stock option exercises	103	81	137
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	16	44
Tax withholding on restricted stock and restricted stock units	(19)	(24)	(36)
Dividend payments	(948)	(964)	(938)
Payments to noncontrolling interests	(5)	(6)	(28)
Net Cash Required by Financing Activities	(1,966)	(3,742)	(430)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	27	(7)	(325)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	180	(2,025)	1,334
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	1,676	3,701	2,367
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$ 1,856	$ 1,676	$ 3,701

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, 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 (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	11							11
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,691)					(1,687)		(4)
Treasury stock purchases	(821)		(2,021)	1,200
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit tax 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 ($2.01, $2.16 and $2.16 for 2015, 2016, and 2017 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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	1,313
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	1,336				1,336
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(23)							(23)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(8)					(7)		(1)
Treasury stock purchases	(3,001)		(3,000)	(1)
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit tax withholding	(24)			(24)
Issuance of shares under employee stock plans	81			81
Net excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	11			11
Stock-based compensation expense	111			111
Cash dividends per common share ($2.01, $2.16 and $2.16 for 2015, 2016, and 2017 respectively)	(947)				(947)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	10			(16)				26
Payments to noncontrolling interest	(6)							(6)
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2016	4,545	6	(15,053)	11,626	10,763	(2,808)		11
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	2,273
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	2,260				2,260
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	13							13
Other comprehensive income (loss)	382					381		1
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit tax withholding	(18)			(18)
Issuance of shares under employee stock plans	105			105
Stock-based compensation expense	127			127
Cash dividends per common share ($2.01, $2.16 and $2.16 for 2015, 2016, and 2017 respectively)	(951)				(951)
Payments to noncontrolling interest	(5)							(5)
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2017	$ 6,458	$ 6	$ (15,053)	$ 11,840	$ 12,072	$ (2,427)		$ 20
[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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 2.16	$ 2.16	$ 2.01

BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENT

BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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 digital agriculture products 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 reportable 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 digital 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 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. On Nov. 2, 2015, the company signed a definitive agreement with Deere & Company (“Deere”) to sell the Precision Planting equipment business which is included in the Seed and Genomics segment for approximately $190 million in cash, subject to customary working capital adjustments. In May 2017, the company terminated its agreement with Deere to sell the Precision Planting equipment business. On Jul. 25, 2017, the company signed a definitive agreement with AGCO Corporation to sell the Precision Planting equipment business for approximately $200 million in cash, subject to customary working capital adjustments. The sale of the business is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 after satisfying customary closing conditions. As of Aug. 31, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2016, Monsanto had $156 million and $172 million of assets held for sale, respectively, and $12 million of liabilities held for sale classified within miscellaneous short-term accruals, respectively, on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position related to this transaction. The assets were primarily classified as inventory, net; trade receivables, net; property, plant, and equipment, net; goodwill; and other intangible assets, net, and the liabilities were primarily classified as accrued marketing programs and accounts payable. During the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2017, the company divested its European-based silthiofam seed-treatment chemical business previously reported as part of the Agricultural Productivity segment for approximately $140 million in cash, subject to customary working capital adjustments. Approximately $85 million , less the carrying amount of assets sold of approximately $2 million , was recognized within other (income) expense, net in the Statement of Consolidated Operations for the fiscal year ended Aug, 31, 2017. The recognition of the remaining $55 million is contingent on silthiofam re-registration within the European Union. 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, 2017
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 or other customers 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, Monsanto accounts for such elements as a combined unit of accounting. The company allocates 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, Monsanto determines 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, Monsanto uses its best estimate of selling price for that unit of accounting. When Monsanto uses its 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 Monsanto’s 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 unless required by law, 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. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in net sales, and costs incurred by the company for the delivery of goods are classified as cost of goods sold in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. 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 $68 million , $64 million and $74 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Customer incentive program costs are recorded in accordance with the Revenue Recognition topic of the ASC, based on specific performance criteria met by Monsanto’s customers, such as purchase volumes, promptness of payment and market share increases. In fiscal 2017 and 2016, the company had Agricultural Productivity customer incentive programs providing certain customers price protection consideration if standard published prices are lowered from the price the distributor was charged on the eligible products on or before April 30 of the respective program year. 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, customers may receive free product. 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. Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016, represent the estimated future tax benefits to be received from 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 tax returns in the jurisdictions in which it does business. Management regularly assesses the risk of the company’s tax return filing positions and believes its accruals for uncertain tax positions are adequate as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 . 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 value for inventory measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value for inventory measured under the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost method. 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 17 and 11 percent of total company inventory as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 ) is determined by using the 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 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. 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 two years to 19 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 its traits, formulations used to make its herbicides and various manufacturing processes. The amortization period for acquired trademarks and patents ranges from three years 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 five years 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 Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the ASC, all amortizable intangible assets are assessed for impairment whenever events indicate a possible loss. At a minimum, Monsanto assesses all amortizable intangible assets annually. 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, ten 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 financial reporting of a liability for an asset retirement obligation and an environmental remediation liability that results from the normal operation of a long-lived asset. Monsanto has asset retirement obligations with carrying amounts totaling $83 million and $78 million included in other liabilities on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , respectively, primarily relating to its manufacturing facilities. In accordance with the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations topic of the ASC, 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. 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, Mexican peso, European euro, Indian rupee, South African rand, Turkish lira and Ukrainian hryvnia. 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) or (4) 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 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, 2017
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” which seeks to better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2018. Adoption will be applied on a modified retrospective approach to existing hedging relationships as of the date of adoption. Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In May 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Scope of Modification Accounting” which clarifies modification accounting for share-based payment awards should not be applied if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the modified award are the same before and immediately after the modification. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2017. Adoption will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. Accordingly, Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” which requires the disaggregation of the service cost component from other components of net periodic benefit cost, clarifies how to present the service cost component and other components of net benefit costs in the Statements of Consolidated Operations and allows only the service cost component of net benefit costs to be eligible for capitalization. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year for which interim or annual statements have not been issued. Adoption will be applied on a retrospective basis for the presentation of all components of net periodic benefit costs and on a prospective basis for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. Accordingly, Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sale of Nonfinancial Assets” which clarifies the scope of transactions that are accounted for in accordance with the Other Income topic of the ASC as well as when these assets would be derecognized. The Other Income topic of the ASC applies to a sale or transfer to a non-customer of nonfinancial assets or financial assets in a contract with substantially all of the fair value concentrated in nonfinancial assets. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2017, with an early adoption of one-year permitted. This guidance is required to be adopted at the same time “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” is adopted. 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. The method of adoption elected may be different than the method of adoption for “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” which would eliminate the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, the amount of an impairment charge would be recognized if the carrying amount of a reporting unit is greater than its fair value. This standard is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairments tests in fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Adoption will be applied on a prospective basis. Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business” which requires an evaluation of whether substantially all fair value of the assets acquired or disposed of is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If this threshold is met, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process. Transactions that meet the definition of a business are expected to decrease as a result of the adoption of this guidance. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Adoption will be applied on a prospective basis. Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In November 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash” which requires restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be classified in the Statements of Cash Flows as cash and cash equivalents. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Adoption will be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In October 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory” which will require the income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory to be recognized when the transfer occurs. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. Adoption will be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Monsanto is required to adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” which clarifies the classification of the activity in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows and how the predominant principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have more than one class of cash flows. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Adoption will be applied retrospectively. Monsanto is required to adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” which replaces the incurred loss methodology to record credit losses with a methodology that reflects the expected credit losses for financial assets not accounted for at fair value with gains and losses recognized through net income. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2018. This standard will be adopted on a modified retrospective basis. Monsanto is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” which simplifies the income tax consequences, accounting for forfeitures and classification on the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Monsanto is required to adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The company elected to early adopt this standard in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017. See Note 19 — Stock-Based Compensation Plans for further discussion of the impact of adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Leases” which will supersede the existing lease guidance and will require all leases with a term greater than 12 months to be recognized in the Statements of Financial Position and eliminate current real estate-specific lease guidance, while maintaining substantially similar classification criteria for distinguishing between finance leases and operating leases. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. This standard will be adopted on a modified retrospective basis. Monsanto is required to adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In January 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” which would require equity investments not accounted for as an equity method investment or that result in consolidation to be recorded at their fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. Those equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value may be measured at cost less impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2017, with early adoption prohibited. Monsanto is required to adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 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 adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which has been further clarified and amended. 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 is required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. One-year early adoption is permitted. The initial analysis identifying areas that will be impacted by the new guidance is substantially complete, and the company is currently analyzing the potential impacts to the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The company believes the most significant impact relates to its accounting for biotechnology trait license revenue with fixed payments. Specifically, under the new standard, revenue for biotechnology trait licenses with fixed payments are expected to be recognized upon commencement of the license term rather than over the contract period. Due to complexities of certain biotechnology trait license agreements, the actual revenue recognition treatment under the standard will be dependent upon contract-specific terms and may vary in some instances from recognition upon commencement of the license term. Upon adoption, the company may recognize a cumulative material adjustment to increase retained earnings, reflecting license revenue for which the contract period has not yet finished. The company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have an impact on the cash flows related to these license agreements. Revenue from seed sales, agricultural chemical products and biotechnology trait licenses recognized as third-party seed companies sell seed is expected to remain substantially unchanged. The company anticipates utilizing the modified retrospective method for adopting the standard.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	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 R&D 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. 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, 2017
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) 2017 2016 2015 Cost of Goods Sold (1) $ (25 ) $ (67 ) $ (100 ) Restructuring Charges (2) 36 (297 ) (393 ) Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes $ 11 $ (364 ) $ (493 ) Income Tax Provision 1 101 155 Net Income $ 12 $ (263 ) $ (338 ) (1) The $25 million of restructuring charges in cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2017, is split by segment as follows: $4 million in Agricultural Productivity and $21 million in Seeds and Genomics. The $67 million of restructuring charges in cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2016, is split by segment as follows: $1 million in Agricultural Productivity and $66 million in Seeds and Genomics. The $100 million of restructuring charges in cost of goods sold is recorded to the Seeds and Genomics segment for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2015. (2) The net reversal of previously recognized expense of $36 million for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2017, is split by segment as follows: $3 million in Agricultural Productivity and $33 million in Seeds and Genomics. The $297 million of restructuring charges for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2016, is split by segment as follows: $36 million in Agricultural Productivity and $261 million in Seeds and Genomics. The $393 million of restructuring charges for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2015, 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. On Jan. 5, 2016, the company approved additional actions which together with the Oct. 6, 2015, actions comprise the 2015 Restructuring Plan. Actions include streamlining and reprioritizing some commercial, enabling, supply chain and research and development efforts. Cumulative pretax charges related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan are estimated to be $900 million to $965 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: $325 million to $350 million in work force reductions, including severance and related benefits; $95 million to $115 million in facility closures / exit costs, including contract termination costs; $480 million to $500 million in asset impairments and write-offs related to property, plant and equipment, inventory and goodwill and other assets. These pretax charges are currently estimated to be incurred primarily by the Seeds and Genomics segment. The following tables display the net reversal of previously recognized expense of $11 million , pretax charges of $364 million and $493 million incurred by segment under the 2015 Restructuring Plan for the fiscal years ended Aug. 31, 2017 , Aug. 31, 2016, and Aug. 31, 2015, respectively, as well as the cumulative pretax charges of $846 million under the 2015 Restructuring Plan. Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2016 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Work Force Reductions $ (76 ) $ (5 ) $ (81 ) $ 179 $ 10 $ 189 $ 204 $ 13 $ 217 Facility Closures/Exit Costs 19 5 24 23 5 28 — — — Asset Impairments and Write-offs: Property, plant and equipment 31 1 32 41 2 43 81 — 81 Inventory 11 — 11 42 — 42 51 — 51 Goodwill and other assets 3 — 3 42 20 62 144 — 144 Total Restructuring Charges, Net $ (12 ) $ 1 $ (11 ) $ 327 $ 37 $ 364 $ 480 $ 13 $ 493 Cumulative Amount through Aug. 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Work Force Reductions $ 307 $ 18 $ 325 Facility Closures/Exit Costs 42 10 52 Asset Impairments and Write-offs: Property, plant and equipment 153 3 156 Inventory 104 — 104 Goodwill and other assets 189 20 209 Total Restructuring Charges, Net $ 795 $ 51 $ 846 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 a long-lived asset and finite-lived intangible asset impairment review, Monsanto evaluates such impairment issues under the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the ASC. The fiscal years ended Aug. 31, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2016, include the reversal of $112 million and $44 million , respectively, of previously recognized expense due to changes in estimates related to work force reductions. Monsanto did not reverse any restructuring expense in the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2015. The following table summarizes the activities related to the company’s 2015 Restructuring Plan. (Dollars in millions) Work Force Reductions (1) Facility Closures/Exit Costs (2) Asset Impairments Total Restructuring charges recognized in fourth quarter fiscal year 2015 $ 217 $ — $ 276 $ 493 Asset impairments and write-offs — — (276 ) (276 ) Ending Liability as of Aug. 31, 2015 $ 217 $ — $ — $ 217 Net restructuring charges recognized in fiscal year 2016 189 28 147 364 Cash payments (164 ) (28 ) — (192 ) Asset impairments and write-offs — — (147 ) (147 ) Foreign currency impact 2 — — 2 Ending Liability as of Aug. 31, 2016 $ 244 $ — $ — $ 244 Net restructuring charges recognized in fiscal year 2017 (81 ) 24 46 (11 ) Cash payments (119 ) (22 ) — (141 ) Asset impairments and write-offs — — (46 ) (46 ) Ending Liability as of Aug. 31, 2017 $ 44 $ 2 $ — $ 46 (1) The restructuring liability balance included $8 million and $17 million that were recorded in long-term restructuring reserves in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as of Aug. 31, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2016, respectively. (2) The restructuring liability balance included $1 million that was recorded in long-term restructuring reserves in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position as of Aug. 31, 2017.

RECEIVABLES

RECEIVABLES	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
RECEIVABLES	RECEIVABLES The following table displays a roll forward of the allowance for doubtful trade receivables for fiscal years 2015 , 2016 and 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 72 Additions — charged to expense 44 Other (1) (57 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 59 Additions — charged to expense 82 Other (1) (47 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 94 Additions — charged to expense 100 Write-Offs (30 ) Reclassifications to long-term (67 ) Other (2) (19 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 78 (1) Includes reclassifications to long-term, write-offs, recoveries and foreign currency translation adjustments. (2) Includes 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 $398 million and $260 million with corresponding allowances for credit losses on these receivables of $277 million and $228 million , as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , respectively. These long-term customer receivable balances and the corresponding allowances 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 2015 , 2016 and 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 125 Incremental provision 9 Recoveries (3 ) Write-Offs (28 ) Other (1) 17 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 120 Incremental provision 78 Recoveries (2 ) Write-Offs (4 ) Other (1) 36 Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 228 Incremental provision 20 Recoveries (2) (38 ) Write-Offs (2 ) Reclassifications from allowance for current receivables 67 Foreign currency translation adjustments 2 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 277 (1) Includes reclassifications from the allowance for current receivables, write-offs and foreign currency translation adjustments. (2) Recoveries were significantly higher in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 and 2015, due to a one time significant recovery of previously recorded provisions related to the India cotton business. 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , by significant customer concentrations: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Argentina $ 312 $ 302 Asia-Pacific 130 113 Brazil 215 234 Canada 32 27 Europe-Africa 640 550 Mexico 121 147 United States 731 574 Other 58 73 Gross Trade Receivables 2,239 2,020 Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (78 ) (94 ) Trade Receivables, Net $ 2,161 $ 1,926

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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) 2017 2016 Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment U.S. agreement to sell trade receivables (1) Outstanding balance $ 539 $ 511 Maximum future payout under recourse provisions 21 19 European and Latin American agreements to sell trade receivables (2) Outstanding balance $ 107 $ 60 Maximum future payout under recourse provisions 27 35 Agreements with Lenders (3) Outstanding balance $ 92 $ 73 Maximum future payout under the guarantee 52 57 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) 2017 2016 2015 Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment U.S. agreement to sell trade receivables (1) $ 637 $ 511 $ 852 European and Latin American agreements to sell trade receivables (2) 131 96 165 (1) Monsanto has agreements in the United States to sell trade receivables, both with and without recourse, up to a maximum outstanding balance of $1.5 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. 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 on the company’s historical collection experience 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, 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 350 million Brazilian reais (approximately $111 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 ) 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 Investments . There were no significant recourse or non-recourse liabilities for all programs as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 . There were no significant delinquent loans for all programs as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 .

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND INVESTMENTS Variable Interest Entities On Oct. 19, 2016, Monsanto exited a financing program in Brazil that was recorded as a consolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”). On Nov. 4, 2016, Monsanto entered into a new financing program in Brazil that is recorded as a consolidated VIE. For the most part, the new and previous arrangements of the Brazil VIE consist 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. Under the new arrangement, third parties, primarily investment funds, hold senior interests of 85 percent , and Monsanto holds the remaining 15 percent interest in the entity as of Aug. 31, 2017 . Under the previous arrangement, as of Aug. 31, 2016 , third parties, primarily investment funds, held senior interest of 89 percent , and Monsanto held the remaining 11 percent interest. Under the new arrangement, the senior interests held by third parties are mandatorily redeemable shares and are included in long-term debt in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position as of as of Aug. 31, 2017 and were included in short-term debt in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position as of Aug. 31, 2016 . Under the new arrangement, Monsanto is required to maintain an investment in the Brazil VIE of at least 11.1 percent and could be required to provide additional contributions to the Brazil VIE. Monsanto currently has no unfunded commitments to the Brazil VIE. Creditors have no recourse against Monsanto in the event of default by the Brazil VIE. The company’s financial or other support provided to the Brazil VIE is limited to its investment. Even though Monsanto holds a subordinate interest in the Brazil VIE, the Brazil 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 Brazil VIE. As a result, the company is the primary beneficiary of the Brazil VIE, and the Brazil VIE has been consolidated in Monsanto’s consolidated financial statements. The assets of the Brazil VIE may only be used to settle the obligations of the respective entity. Third-party investors in the Brazil VIE do not have recourse to the general assets of Monsanto. See Note 7 — Customer Financing Programs and Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — for additional information. Monsanto has entered into an agreement with a third party to establish an entity to focus on research and development (“R&D”) related to agricultural fungicides for agricultural applications. This entity is recorded as a consolidated VIE of Monsanto. Under the arrangement, Monsanto holds a call option to acquire the majority of the equity interests in the R&D VIE from the third-party owner. Monsanto funds the operations of the R&D VIE in return for additional equity interests or to retain the call option. The funding is provided in separate research phases if research milestones are met. The R&D VIE was established to perform agricultural-based R&D activities for the benefit of Monsanto, and Monsanto provides all funding of the R&D VIE’s activities. Further, Monsanto has the power to direct the activities most significant to the R&D VIE. As a result, Monsanto is the primary beneficiary of the R&D VIE, and the R&D VIE is consolidated in Monsanto’s consolidated financial statements. The third-party owner of the R&D VIE do not have recourse to the general assets of Monsanto beyond Monsanto’s maximum exposure to loss at any given time relating to the R&D VIE. Monsanto has an agreement with a related party to establish an entity to focus on research, development and commercialization of insect resistant hybrid cotton in India. This entity is recorded as a consolidated VIE of Monsanto. Under the arrangement, Monsanto performs substantially all of the VIE’s activities, which are reimbursed by the VIE. Further, since this entity was formed with a Monsanto related party, it was determined that Monsanto is most closely associated with the VIE. As a result, Monsanto is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and the VIE is consolidated in Monsanto’s consolidated financial statements. The related-party owner of the VIE does not have recourse to the general assets of Monsanto beyond Monsanto’s maximum exposure to loss at any given time relating to the VIE, unless Monsanto is required to indemnify the related-party owner as a result of a third-party claim for injury to a person or damage to property caused by Monsanto’s activities as it relates to the VIE. Monsanto enters into agreements with agents and dealers to distribute certain branded seed in the United States. Monsanto offers financing to agents and dealers that constitutes a variable interest as it exposes Monsanto to variability of the agent or dealer. Certain agents and dealers with these financing arrangements have been determined to be VIEs. Monsanto does not consolidate the agents or dealers as Monsanto is not the primary beneficiary, and any exposure to loss is limited to the amount of financing provided to the agent or dealer. The amount of Monsanto’s exposure varies based on the seasonality of the business and is not material as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 . Monsanto enters into agreements with distributors and dealers to distribute certain branded seed in the United States. Monsanto offers distributors and dealers the right of return that exposes Monsanto to variability and constitutes a variable interest in certain distributors and dealers. Certain distributors and dealers with these arrangements have been determined to be VIEs. Monsanto does not consolidate the distributors and dealers with these arrangements as Monsanto is not the primary beneficiary, and any exposure to loss is limited to the amount of the variable interest in the entity. The amount of Monsanto’s exposure varies based on the seasonality of the business and is not material as of Aug. 31, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2016. In July 2017, Monsanto entered into an agreement with a third party to establish an entity to focus on the sale of industrial, ornamental, and turf non-selective agricultural herbicides. Monsanto has provided an uncustomary indemnification to the third party that provides Monsanto the option under specified conditions to dissolve the entity, terminate all commercial agreements of the entity or receive all interest in the entity. Monsanto has determined the entity to be a VIE. Monsanto does not consolidate the entity as Monsanto is not the primary beneficiary. The amount of Monsanto’s exposure to loss related to the uncustomary indemnification is limited to approximately $29 million as of Aug. 31, 2017. Additionally, Monsanto has provided an indemnification to the third party and newly formed legal entity related to specified product claims. The amount of Monsanto’s exposure varies based upon the third party and newly formed legal entity’s losses related to such product claims and is not material as of Aug. 31, 2017. Equity Method and Cost Basis Investments Monsanto has equity method and cost basis investments recorded in other assets in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. Due to the nature of the cost basis investments, the fair market value is not readily determinable. These investments are reviewed for impairment indicators on a quarterly basis. Effective June 15, 2016, the company signed agreements to sell certain manufacturing assets and contribute to a newly-formed joint venture certain intellectual property, real property and tangible assets related to the company’s sorghum business. These agreements created a global joint venture in sorghum breeding that expanded the commercial and technology reach of the elite germplasm and remain focused on delivering important product offerings for sorghum growers so that they can continue to benefit from new innovations in the crop. Monsanto has a 40 percent membership interest, and Remington Holding, LLC has the remaining 60 percent membership interest of Innovative Seed Solutions, LLC (the “Joint Venture”). Monsanto sources sorghum products derived from the Joint Venture and offers these products through certain branded dealer networks globally. Monsanto received a cash payment of approximately $110 million and minority interest in the newly-formed Joint Venture, which combined resulted in a gain of $157 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 recorded in other (income) expense, net in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. For such investments that were accounted for under the equity method and cost basis included in other assets in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position, the amounts are summarized in the following table: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Equity Method Investments $ 166 $ 152 Cost Basis Investments 116 94 Total $ 282 $ 246

INVENTORY

INVENTORY	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORY	INVENTORY Components of inventory are: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Finished Goods $ 1,477 $ 1,404 Goods In Process 1,446 1,489 Raw Materials and Supplies 561 498 Inventory at FIFO Cost 3,484 3,391 Excess of FIFO over LIFO Cost (144 ) (150 ) Total $ 3,340 $ 3,241 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 2015 , 2016 and 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 415 Additions — charged to expense 390 Deductions and other (1) (371 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 434 Additions — charged to expense 410 Deductions and other (1) (376 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 468 Additions — charged to expense 294 Deductions and other (1) (281 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 481 (1) Deductions and other includes disposals and foreign currency translation adjustments. As part of Monsanto’s 2015 Restructuring Plan, inventory impairment charges of $11 million , $42 million and $51 million were recorded in fiscal year 2017 , 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 5 — Restructuring — for additional information.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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) 2017 2016 Land and Improvements $ 677 $ 645 Buildings and Improvements 2,358 2,225 Machinery and Equipment 6,210 5,871 Computer Software 1,166 1,008 Construction In Progress and Other 1,820 1,367 Total Property, Plant and Equipment 12,231 11,116 Less: Accumulated Depreciation 6,301 5,885 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net $ 5,930 $ 5,231 Gross assets acquired under capital leases of $20 million and $39 million are included primarily in machinery and equipment as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , respectively. 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 $32 million and $43 million were recorded in fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively. These impairment charges primarily were related to machinery and equipment. See Note 5 — Restructuring — for additional information.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The fiscal year 2017 and 2016 annual goodwill impairment tests were performed as of Mar. 1, 2017, and 2016, 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, 2017 , Monsanto considered potential triggering events or circumstances impacting goodwill and determined there was no impairment. As of fiscal year 2017 , 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 company has not had an impairment charge since the adoption of ASC 350. Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 , by segment, are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 4,004 $ 57 $ 4,061 Reclass to assets held for sale (41 ) — (41 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments 4 (4 ) — Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 3,967 $ 53 $ 4,020 Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments 72 (4 ) 68 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 4,039 $ 49 $ 4,088 In fiscal year 2017 , goodwill primarily increased due to foreign currency translation and finalization of the goodwill allocation related to the sale of the Precision Planting equipment business. In fiscal year 2016 , goodwill decreased due to the reclass to assets held for sale for the Precision Planting equipment business. See Note 1 — Background and Basis of Presentation — for further information. Information regarding the company’s other intangible assets is as follows: As of Aug. 31, 2017 As of Aug. 31, 2016 (Dollars in millions) Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired Germplasm $ 1,077 $ (814 ) $ 263 $ 1,070 $ (778 ) $ 292 Acquired Intellectual Property 1,079 (671 ) 408 1,042 (593 ) 449 Trademarks 335 (165 ) 170 334 (152 ) 182 Customer Relationships 291 (228 ) 63 301 (223 ) 78 Other 68 (40 ) 28 65 (33 ) 32 Total Other Intangible Assets, Finite Lives $ 2,850 $ (1,918 ) $ 932 $ 2,812 $ (1,779 ) $ 1,033 In Process Research & Development, Indefinite Lives 92 — 92 92 — 92 Total Other Intangible Assets $ 2,942 $ (1,918 ) $ 1,024 $ 2,904 $ (1,779 ) $ 1,125 The decrease from Aug. 31, 2016 , to Aug. 31, 2017 , in total other intangible assets, net is primarily related to amortization expense and 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 $144 million in fiscal year 2017 , $116 million in fiscal year 2016 and $143 million in fiscal year 2015 . The estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows: (Dollars in millions) Amount 2018 $ 121 2019 107 2020 105 2021 105 2022 101

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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) 2017 2016 2015 United States $ 1,720 $ 1,457 $ 2,092 Outside United States 1,166 534 1,069 Total $ 2,886 $ 1,991 $ 3,161 The components of income tax provision from continuing operations are: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Current: U.S. federal $ 236 $ 393 $ 675 U.S. state 25 43 69 Outside United States 319 231 408 Total Current $ 580 $ 667 $ 1,152 Deferred: U.S. federal 81 (109 ) (91 ) U.S. state 4 (7 ) (2 ) Outside United States (39 ) 144 (195 ) Total Deferred 46 28 (288 ) Total $ 626 $ 695 $ 864 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) 2017 2016 2015 U.S. Federal Statutory Rate $ 1,010 $ 697 $ 1,106 U.S. Domestic Manufacturing Deduction (41 ) (64 ) (87 ) U.S. R&D Tax Credit (34 ) (34 ) (30 ) U.S. State Income Taxes 27 28 39 Lower Taxes on Foreign Operations (409 ) (243 ) (209 ) Valuation Allowances 93 308 13 Adjustment for Unrecognized Tax Benefits — (6 ) (4 ) Other (20 ) 9 36 Income Tax Provision $ 626 $ 695 $ 864 Deferred income tax balances are related to: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Net Operating Loss and Other Carryforwards $ 608 $ 438 Employee Fringe Benefits 311 331 Royalties 220 189 Restructuring and Impairment Reserves 127 155 Inventories 93 91 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 85 77 Environmental and Litigation Reserves 82 70 Other 318 407 Valuation Allowance (394 ) (346 ) Total Deferred Tax Assets $ 1,450 $ 1,412 Property, Plant and Equipment 667 533 Intangibles 411 334 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 1,078 867 Net Deferred Tax Assets $ 372 $ 545 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , Monsanto had available approximately $587 million and $696 million , respectively, of net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”), most of which relates to Brazilian operations where NOLs have no expiration date. Management believes it is more likely than not that the company will realize these deferred tax assets in Brazil. As of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , Monsanto had approximately $328 million and $281 million, respectively, of deferred tax assets in Argentina, primarily related to accrued royalties for which a tax benefit will be realized when paid. As a result of losses generated in Argentina in the current and prior years, the company determined it was not more likely than not to utilize these deferred tax assets and established a valuation allowance against the entire balance of these deferred tax assets in Argentina. As of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , Monsanto had approximately $232 million and $97 million , respectively, of deferred tax assets in the United States related to foreign tax credits that have a ten year carryforward period that expires from 2025 to 2027. Management believes it is more likely than not that the company will realize these deferred tax assets in the United States. Income taxes and remittance taxes have not been recorded on approximately $4.2 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. 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. Due to the nature of the examinations, it may take several years before they are completed. Management regularly assesses the risk of the company’s tax return filing positions for all open years. For Monsanto’s major tax jurisdictions, the tax years that remain subject to examination are shown below: Jurisdiction U.S. Federal 2014-2017 U.S. State 2000-2017 Argentina 2001-2017 Brazil 2007-2017 As of Aug. 31, 2017 , Monsanto had total unrecognized tax benefits of $120 million , of which $100 million would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized. As of Aug. 31, 2016 , Monsanto had total unrecognized tax benefits of $123 million , of which $90 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 $34 million and $24 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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, 2017 , the company recognized $1 million of income tax expense for interest and penalties. For the year ended Aug. 31, 2016 , the company recognized less than $1 million of income tax benefit for interest and penalties. For the year ending Aug. 31, 2015 , the company recognized $6 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) 2017 2016 Balance Sept. 1 $ 123 $ 135 Increases for prior year tax positions 35 17 Decreases for prior year tax positions (33 ) (11 ) Increases for current year tax positions 9 8 Settlements (2 ) (1 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (11 ) (23 ) Foreign currency translation (1 ) (2 ) Balance Aug. 31 $ 120 $ 123 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 unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by as much as $50 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, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS Monsanto has 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 balance requirements, but the facility is subject to various fees, which are based on the company’s credit ratings. As of Aug. 31, 2017 , Monsanto was in compliance with all financial debt covenants, and there were no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility. In April 2016, Monsanto filed a shelf registration with the SEC (“2016 shelf registration”) that allows the company to issue a maximum aggregate amount of $6 billion of debt, equity and hybrid offerings. The 2016 shelf registration expires in April 2019. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Monsanto is subject to certain restrictions on its ability to incur additional indebtedness. Short-Term Debt As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt $ 806 $ 902 Mandatorily Redeemable Shares of Brazil VIE — 113 Notes Payable to Banks 64 72 Commercial Paper — 500 Total Short-Term Debt $ 870 $ 1,587 The fair value of total short-term debt was $877 million and $1,589 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , respectively. The weighted average interest rate on notes payable to banks and commercial paper was three percent and two percent as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , respectively. As of Aug. 31, 2017 , the company did not have any commercial paper borrowings outstanding, but it had short-term borrowings to support ex-U.S. operations throughout the year, which had weighted-average interest rates as indicated above. As of Aug. 31, 2016 , the company had commercial paper borrowings outstanding of $500 million . In October 2016, Monsanto entered into a $1 billion delayed draw term loan facility that matures the earlier of October 2019 or the consummation of the Merger with Bayer. Borrowings under the facility were $500 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and were included in current portion of long-term debt. Proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. Long-Term Debt As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 5.125% Senior Notes, Due 2018 (1) $ — $ 299 1.850% Senior Notes, Due 2018 (1) 299 299 2.125% Senior Notes, Due 2019 (1) 498 498 2.750% Senior Notes, Due 2021 (1) 497 496 2.200% Senior Notes, Due 2022 (1) 249 249 3.375% Senior Notes, Due 2024 (1) 745 744 2.850% Senior Notes, Due 2025 (1) 297 297 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2025 (1) 292 289 4.200% Senior Notes, Due 2034 (1) 493 492 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2035 (1) 393 393 5.875% Senior Notes, Due 2038 (1) 246 246 3.600% Senior Notes, Due 2042 (1) 248 247 4.650% Senior Notes, Due 2043 (1) 297 297 4.400% Senior Notes, Due 2044 (1) 983 982 4.300% Senior Notes, Due 2045 (1) 361 361 3.950% Senior Notes, Due 2045 (1) 494 493 4.700% Senior Notes, Due 2064 (1) 735 735 Mandatorily Redeemable Shares of Brazil VIE 104 — Other (including Capital Leases) 23 36 Total Long-Term Debt $ 7,254 $ 7,453 (1) Amounts are net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs. The fair value of total long-term debt was $7,603 million and $7,834 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , respectively. The interest rate on the mandatorily redeemable shares of the Brazil VIE is a variable rate. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — for additional information regarding mandatorily redeemable shares of the Brazil VIE. 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. The net proceeds from the issuances were used for general corporate purposes, which may have included share repurchases and capital expenditures. 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) 2017 2016 2015 Interest Cost Incurred $ 496 $ 468 $ 460 Less: Capitalized on Construction 44 32 27 Interest Expense $ 452 $ 436 $ 433

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 . 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, 2017, Using (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Balance Assets at Fair Value: Cash equivalents $ 1,034 $ — $ — $ 1,034 Short-term investments 8 — — 8 Equity securities 10 — — 10 Derivative assets related to: Foreign currency — 10 — 10 Commodity contracts 3 7 — 10 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 1,055 $ 17 $ — $ 1,072 Liabilities at Fair Value: Short-term debt instruments (1) — 877 — 877 Long-term debt instruments (1) — 7,499 104 7,603 Derivative liabilities related to: Foreign currency — 16 — 16 Commodity contracts 7 6 — 13 Total Liabilities at Fair Value $ 7 $ 8,398 $ 104 $ 8,509 (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, 2016, Using (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Balance Assets at Fair Value: Cash equivalents $ 1,081 $ — $ — $ 1,081 Short-term investments 60 — — 60 Equity securities 13 — — 13 Derivative assets related to: Foreign currency — 10 — 10 Commodity contracts 9 9 — 18 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 1,163 $ 19 $ — $ 1,182 Liabilities at Fair Value: Short-term debt instruments (1) $ — $ 1,476 $ 113 $ 1,589 Long-term debt instruments (1) — 7,834 — 7,834 Derivative liabilities related to: Foreign currency — 15 — 15 Commodity contracts 32 20 — 52 Interest rate contracts — 41 — 41 Total Liabilities at Fair Value $ 32 $ 9,386 $ 113 $ 9,531 (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. 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 (income) expense, net. The company’s short-term investments may consist of cash which is contractually restricted as to withdrawal or usage. The company’s equity securities consist of publicly traded equity investments. 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 are classified as Level 2. The company’s long-term debt securities are classified as Level 2 and valued using broker or dealer quoted prices with a maturity greater than one year. Short-term debt instruments may consist of commercial paper, current portion of long-term debt, borrowings under the delayed draw term loan facility and notes payable to banks. Commercial paper, notes payables to banks and borrowings under the delayed draw term loan facility 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. 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 as of Aug. 31, 2017 . Mandatorily redeemable shares are recorded in the Statements 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 . The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 short-term debt instruments for the year ended Aug. 31, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2016 (1) $ 113 Redemption of mandatorily redeemable shares (103 ) Accretion expense 2 Payments (7 ) Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments (5 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ — (1) Includes 350,000 mandatorily redeemable shares outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $309 ) as of Aug. 31, 2016 . The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 long-term debt instruments for the year ended Aug. 31, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ — Issuance of mandatorily redeemable shares 93 Accretion expense 9 Payments (5 ) Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments 7 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 (1) $ 104 (1) Includes 315,000 mandatorily redeemable shares outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $318 ) as of Aug. 31, 2017 . There were no significant measurements of liabilities to their implied fair value on a nonrecurring basis during fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Significant measurements during fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 of assets to their implied fair value on a nonrecurring basis were as follows: Property, Plant and Equipment Net: In fiscal year 2017, property, plant and equipment within the Seeds and Genomics segment with a net book value of $32 million was written down to its implied fair value estimate of $13 million , resulting in an impairment charge of $19 million , with $6 million included in cost of goods sold and $13 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 2016, property, plant and equipment within the Seeds and Genomics segment with a net book value of $67 million was written down to its implied fair value estimate of $26 million , resulting in an impairment charge of $41 million , with $16 million included in cost of goods sold and $25 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 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 an 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. Other Intangible Assets, Net: In fiscal year 2016, other intangible assets within the Seeds and Genomics segment with a net book value of $19 million were written down to their implied fair value of less than $1 million , resulting in an impairment charge of $19 million , with $19 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 2016, other intangible assets within the Agricultural Productivity segment with a net book value of $20 million were written down to their implied fair value of less than $1 million , resulting in an impairment charge of $20 million , with $20 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 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. 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 . 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, 2017
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 12 months for foreign currency hedges and 27 months for commodity hedges. During the next 12 months, a pretax net loss of approximately $26 million is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings. A pretax loss of $37 million was reclassified into other (income) expense, net as a result of the discontinuance of an interest rate hedge during fiscal year 2017, because it was probable the original forecasted transaction would not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. A pretax loss of less than $1 million was reclassified into cost of goods sold in the Statement of Consolidated Operations during fiscal year 2017 as a result of the discontinuance of foreign currency cash flow hedges because it was probable the original forecasted transactions would not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. A pretax loss of less than $1 million and a pretax loss of $2 million during fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively, was reclassified into cost of goods sold 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. 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 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . 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 Mexico, 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 consolidated 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , are as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Derivatives Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 453 $ 388 Commodity contracts 430 484 Interest rate contracts — 150 Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges $ 883 $ 1,022 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 2,133 $ 1,096 Commodity contracts 189 223 Interest rate contracts 21 116 Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ 2,343 $ 1,435 The net presentation of the company’s derivative instruments outstanding is as follows: As of Aug. 31, 2017 (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: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 2 $ (7 ) $ (5 ) $ 5 $ — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 6 — 6 — 6 Foreign exchange contracts 10 — 10 — 10 Total other current assets 18 (7 ) 11 5 16 $ 244 $ 260 Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 1 — 1 — 1 Total other assets 1 — 1 — 1 954 955 Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 1 (1 ) — — — Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 1 (1 ) — — — Total Asset Derivatives $ 20 $ (8 ) $ 12 $ 5 $ 17 Liability Derivatives: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 7 $ (7 ) $ — $ — $ — Total other current assets 7 (7 ) — — — Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 3 (1 ) 2 — 2 Foreign currency contracts 14 — 14 — 14 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 3 — 3 — 3 Foreign exchange contracts 2 — 2 — 2 Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 22 (1 ) 21 — 21 $ 719 $ 740 Total Liability Derivatives $ 29 $ (8 ) $ 21 $ — $ 21 (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, 2016 (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: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 9 $ (29 ) $ (20 ) $ 20 $ — Foreign exchange contracts 4 — 4 — 4 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 9 (6 ) 3 — 3 Foreign exchange contracts 6 — 6 — 6 Total other current assets 28 (35 ) (7 ) 20 13 $ 214 $ 227 Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) — (4 ) (4 ) 4 — Total other assets — (4 ) (4 ) 4 — 489 489 Total Asset Derivatives $ 28 $ (39 ) $ (11 ) $ 24 $ 13 Liability Derivatives: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 29 $ (29 ) $ — $ — $ — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 6 (6 ) — — — Total other current assets 35 (35 ) — — — Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 4 (4 ) — — — Total other assets 4 (4 ) — — — Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 11 — 11 — 11 Foreign currency contracts 8 — 8 — 8 Interest rate contracts 41 — 41 — 41 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 7 — 7 — 7 Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 67 — 67 — 67 $ 937 $ 1,004 Other liabilities Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 2 — 2 — 2 Total other liabilities 2 — 2 — 2 316 318 Total Liability Derivatives $ 108 $ (39 ) $ 69 $ — $ 69 (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) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Income Statement Classification Derivatives Designated as Hedges: Fair value hedges: Commodity contracts (3) $ 13 $ 7 $ — Cost of goods sold Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 3 $ (17 ) $ 51 7 8 31 Net sales Foreign exchange contracts 4 3 26 7 21 9 Cost of goods sold Commodity contracts 22 (12 ) (92 ) (20 ) (113 ) (81 ) Cost of goods sold Interest rate contracts — — — (37 ) — — Other (income) expense, net Interest rate contracts (3) 3 (42 ) (85 ) (15 ) (15 ) (13 ) Interest expense Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges 32 (68 ) (100 ) (45 ) (92 ) (54 ) Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts (4) 14 (36 ) (73 ) Other (income) expense, net Commodity contracts — 4 (3 ) Net sales Commodity contracts (1 ) 1 — Cost of goods sold Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges 13 (31 ) (76 ) Total Derivatives $ 32 $ (68 ) $ (100 ) $ (32 ) $ (123 ) $ (130 ) (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 fiscal 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . No gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during fiscal 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . (4) Gain or loss on foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedges was offset by a foreign currency transaction loss of $82 million , a loss of $178 million and a gain of $42 million during fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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 $19 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and $63 million as of Aug. 31, 2016 , 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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, Latin America 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, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS	POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS Monsanto maintains noncontributory pension plans for the benefit of its U.S. employees. Effective Jul. 8, 2012, the U.S. pension plans were closed to new entrants; there were no significant changes to the U.S. pension plans 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 The information that follows relates to Monsanto’s pension plans. The components of pension cost for these plans were: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2016 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 (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 $ 61 $ 12 $ 73 $ 61 $ 12 $ 73 $ 64 $ 12 $ 76 Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation 82 5 87 93 7 100 88 7 95 Assumed Return on Plan Assets (1) (170 ) (9 ) (179 ) (150 ) (9 ) (159 ) (151 ) (8 ) (159 ) Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 47 4 51 46 6 52 50 6 56 Restructuring Charges — 2 2 — 2 2 — 2 2 Other Adjustments — 1 1 — 2 2 — — — Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 20 $ 15 $ 35 $ 50 $ 20 $ 70 $ 51 $ 19 $ 70 (1) Generally the calculated value of assets reflects non-liability matching gains/(losses) over a four to five year period. The other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended Aug. 31, 2017 , were: (Dollars in millions) U.S. Outside the U.S. Total Current Year Actuarial Gain $ (55 ) $ (16 ) $ (71 ) Recognition of Actuarial Loss (1)(2) (47 ) (6 ) (53 ) Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ (102 ) $ (22 ) $ (124 ) (1) The U.S. Plans’ actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized over a nine 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 five 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, 2017 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2016 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 U.S. Outside the U.S. U.S. Outside the U.S. U.S. Outside the U.S. Discount Rate 3.43 % 1.93 % 4.33 % 2.66 % 4.04 % 3.01 % Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets 7.50 % 5.32 % 7.50 % 5.60 % 7.50 % 6.20 % Annual Rate of Salary Increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level) 4.00 % 3.60 % 4.00 % 3.76 % 4.00 % 3.92 % 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 2,427 $ 2,190 $ 272 $ 250 $ 2,699 $ 2,440 Service cost 61 61 12 12 73 73 Interest cost 82 93 5 7 87 100 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 2 2 Actuarial (gain)/loss (21 ) 203 (12 ) 20 (33 ) 223 Benefits paid (148 ) (137 ) (12 ) (13 ) (160 ) (150 ) Plan amendments — — — (6 ) — (6 ) Settlements / curtailments — — (21 ) (12 ) (21 ) (12 ) Special/Contractual Term Benefits — — 1 — 1 — Currency impact — — 13 (1 ) 13 (1 ) Other — 17 — 13 — 30 Benefit Obligation at End of Period $ 2,401 $ 2,427 $ 260 $ 272 $ 2,661 $ 2,699 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 2,324 $ 2,142 $ 182 $ 170 $ 2,506 $ 2,312 Actual return on plan assets 205 253 9 8 214 261 Employer contributions (1) 23 66 11 12 34 78 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 2 2 Settlements — — (16 ) (8 ) (16 ) (8 ) Benefits paid (1) (148 ) (137 ) (12 ) (13 ) (160 ) (150 ) Currency impact — — 9 — 9 — Other — — — 11 — 11 Plan Assets at End of Period $ 2,404 $ 2,324 $ 185 $ 182 $ 2,589 $ 2,506 Net Liability/(Asset) Recognized $ (3 ) $ 103 $ 75 $ 91 $ 72 $ 194 (1) Employer contributions and benefits paid include $14 million and $13 million paid from employer assets for unfunded plans in fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively. Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , were as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Discount Rate 3.73% 3.43% 2.56% 1.93% Rate of Compensation Increase 3.50% 4.00% 3.77% 3.60% The U.S. accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) was $2.3 billion and $2.4 billion as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , respectively. The ABO for plans outside of the United States was $204 million and $214 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 PBO $ 90 $ 2,426 $ 128 $ 250 $ 218 $ 2,676 Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets — 2,324 53 158 53 2,482 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 PBO $ 90 $ 96 $ 111 $ 130 $ 201 $ 226 ABO 86 91 93 108 179 199 Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets — — 37 46 37 46 As of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Other Assets $ (93 ) $ — $ (8 ) $ (8 ) $ (101 ) $ (8 ) Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals 9 9 5 5 14 14 Postretirement Liabilities 81 94 78 94 159 188 Net (Asset)/Liability Recognized $ (3 ) $ 103 $ 75 $ 91 $ 72 $ 194 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net Prior Service Credit $ — $ — $ (5 ) $ (6 ) $ (5 ) $ (6 ) Net Loss 380 482 38 61 418 543 Total $ 380 $ 482 $ 33 $ 55 $ 413 $ 537 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 $43 million . Plan Assets U.S. Plan: The asset allocations for Monsanto’s U.S. qualified pension plan as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , and the target allocation range for fiscal year 2018 , by asset category, are as follows. Target Allocation Range (1) Percentage of Plan Assets As of Aug. 31, Asset Category 2018 2017 2016 Public Equity Securities 44-54% 48.7 % 48.3 % Private Equity Investments 2-8% 4.5 % 4.5 % Debt Securities 34-48% 42.0 % 42.4 % Real Estate 2-8% 4.8 % 4.8 % 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 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . 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 2016, 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , and the weighted-average target allocation for fiscal year 2018 , by asset category, are as follows. Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation (1) As of Aug. 31, Asset Category 2018 2017 2016 Equity Securities 36.9 % 34.6 % 30.9 % Debt Securities 45.0 % 45.4 % 49.9 % Other 18.1 % 20.0 % 19.2 % 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 2018 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 5.3 percent in fiscal year 2017 , 5.6 percent in fiscal year 2016 and 6.2 percent in fiscal year 2015 . 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. Plan: The fair values of Monsanto’s U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan investments as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , by asset category, are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash Collateral Offset (1) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2017 Investments at Fair Value: Short Term Investments $ 38 $ 37 $ — $ — $ 75 Debt Securities: U.S. Government Debt — 281 — — 281 U.S. State & Municipal Debt — 17 — — 17 Foreign Government Debt — 11 — — 11 U.S. Corporate Debt — 391 — — 391 Foreign Corporate Debt — 61 — — 61 U.S. Term Bank Loans — 1 — — 1 Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic Small-Capitalization 25 — — — 25 Domestic Large-Capitalization 308 — — — 308 International Developed Markets 191 2 — — 193 International Emerging Markets 42 — — — 42 Private Equity Investments — — 111 — 111 Real Estate Investments — — 119 — 119 Futures 2 — — (2 ) — Common and Preferred Stock Sold Short — (66 ) — 66 — Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy $ 606 $ 735 $ 230 $ 64 $ 1,635 Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 759 Collateral Held Under Securities Lending Agreement Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 191 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 2,585 (1) Futures derivative assets and common and preferred stock sold short have been offset by cash collateral held by the counter party. Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2016 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash Collateral Offset (1) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2016 Investments at Fair Value: Short Term Investments $ 28 44 $ — $ — $ 72 Debt Securities: U.S. Government Debt — 296 — — 296 U.S. State & Municipal Debt — 19 — — 19 Foreign Government Debt — 9 — — 9 U.S. Corporate Debt — 386 — — 386 Foreign Corporate Debt — 65 — — 65 U.S. Term Bank Loans — 1 — — 1 Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic Small-Capitalization 15 — — — 15 Domestic Large-Capitalization 311 — — — 311 International Developed Markets 167 — — — 167 International Emerging Markets 39 1 — — 40 Private Equity Investments — — 104 — 104 Real Estate Investments — — 112 — 112 Futures 3 — — (3 ) — Common and Preferred Stock Sold Short — (56 ) — 60 4 Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy $ 563 $ 765 $ 216 $ 57 $ 1,601 Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 717 Collateral Held Under Securities Lending Agreement Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 166 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 2,484 (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, 2016 , and Aug. 31, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Private Equity Investments Partnership Interests Real Estate Investments Total Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 103 $ 32 $ 93 $ 228 Purchases 21 — 16 37 Sales (22 ) (32 ) (6 ) (60 ) Realized/unrealized gains 2 — 9 11 Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 104 $ — $ 112 $ 216 Net Unrealized Gains Still Held Included in Earnings (1) $ (7 ) $ (32 ) $ 10 $ (29 ) (Dollars in millions) Private Equity Investments Partnership Interests Real Estate Investments Total Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 104 $ — $ 112 $ 216 Purchases 20 — 13 33 Sales (24 ) — (13 ) (37 ) Realized/unrealized gains 11 — 7 18 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 111 $ — $ 119 $ 230 Net Unrealized Gains Still Held Included in Earnings (1) $ 5 $ — $ 4 $ 9 (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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 . The following table reconciles the investments at fair value to the plan assets as of Aug. 31, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Total Investments at Fair Value $ 2,585 Liability to return collateral held under securities lending agreement (191 ) Non-interest bearing cash 5 Accrued income 8 Other (liabilities) and receivables (3 ) Plan Assets at the End of the Period $ 2,404 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , by asset category, are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2017 Short Term Investments $ 4 $ — $ — $ 4 Debt Securities — Government and Corporate Debt — 83 — 83 Common and Preferred Stock 50 — — 50 Insurance-Backed Securities — — 33 33 Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy $ 54 $ 83 $ 33 $ 170 Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 15 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 185 Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2016 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2016 Short Term Investments $ 1 $ — $ — $ 1 Debt Securities — Government and Corporate Debt — 79 — 79 Common and Preferred Stock 45 — — 45 Insurance-Backed Securities — — 42 42 Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy $ 46 $ 79 $ 42 $ 167 Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 15 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 182 The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Level 3 investments as of Aug. 31, 2016 , and Aug. 31, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Insurance-Backed Securities Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 31 Purchases 5 Settlements (6 ) Net transfers into Level 3 12 Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 42 Purchases 3 Settlements (15 ) Realized/unrealized gains 3 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 33 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: Short Term Investments: 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. A portion are short-term collective investment funds, and because these commingled vehicles lack any formal listing or associated price quotes, they are classified as Level 2. 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. 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 depend on a variety of proprietary model methodologies, some of which may be derived from publicly available sources. However, there are also material inputs that are not readily observable, and that require subjective assessments. Private equity holdings represent illiquid investments structured as limited partnerships, and redemption requests are not 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. 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. The trustee obtains prices either from a property management appraisal firm or investment managers’ account statement. 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. Collective investment funds: In certain instances the Plan invests in pooled or commingled funds in order to gain diversification and efficiency. Although rare, there could be instances in which liquidity is suspended or in which purchases or sales occur at a price different from the net asset value (“NAV”). 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. The Corporate and Government Debt Funds is comprised of fixed income assets. 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 $140 million and $121 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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, 2017 , or Aug. 31, 2016 . Therefore, the short positions have been classified as Level 2, and their notional value was $67 million and $56 million , as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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. U.S. Plan: The following tables summarize unfunded commitments and redemption features for investments which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and Level 3 assets as of Aug. 31, 2017, and 2016 respectively. Unfunded Commitments and Redemption Features at Aug. 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Reported Value Unfunded Commitments Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Redemption Notice Period Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient $ 759 N/A Daily Daily Collateral Held Under Securities Lending Agreement Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient $ 191 N/A Daily Daily Private Equity Investments $ 111 $ 35 None N/A Real Estate Investments $ 119 $ 23 None, 1st bus. day of qtr, at qtr-end N/A, 45 Days Unfunded Commitments and Redemption Features at Aug. 31, 2016 (Dollars in Millions) Reported Value Unfunded Commitments Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Redemption Notice Period Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient $ 717 N/A Daily Daily Collateral Held Under Securities Lending Agreement Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient $ 166 N/A Daily Daily Private Equity Investments $ 104 $ 53 None N/A Real Estate Investments $ 112 $ 34 None, 1st bus. day of qtr, at qtr-end N/A, 45 Days 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 2018 (funded Plans) $ 60 $ 8 Benefits Paid Directly by Employer 2018 (unfunded Plans) 9 4 Benefit Payments (1) 2018 165 15 2019 151 13 2020 153 14 2021 155 17 2022 158 14 2023-2027 781 82 (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, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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. The following information pertains to the postretirement benefit plans in which Monsanto employees and certain former employees of Pharmacia allocated to Monsanto participate, principally health care plans and life insurance plans. The cost components of these plans were: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period $ 8 $ 7 $ 7 Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation 6 6 6 Amortization of Prior Service Credit — — (1 ) Amortization of Actuarial Loss/(Gain) 5 (4 ) (4 ) Restructuring Charges 2 — — Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 21 $ 9 $ 8 The other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , were: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Actuarial (Gain)/Loss $ (15 ) $ 27 Amortization of Actuarial (Loss)/Gain (1) (7 ) 4 Total Income Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ (22 ) $ 31 (1) For other postretirement benefits the actuarial gains/(losses) and prior service credit are amortized over a eight 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 U.S. plans in which Monsanto employees participated: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 2016 2015 Discount Rate Postretirement 3.00% 3.85% 3.60% Discount Rate Postemployment 1.75% 2.30% 2.40% Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 7.50% 5.50% 6.00% Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 4.50% 5.00% 5.00% A 7.5 percent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for fiscal year 2017 . This assumption is consistent with the plans’ recent experience and expectations of future growth. It is assumed that the rate will decrease to 7.0 percent for fiscal year 2018 and gradually decrease to 4.5 percent in 2023 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 one percentage increase or decrease would not have a material effect on the postretirement costs or benefit obligation. 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) 2017 2016 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 189 $ 176 Service cost 8 7 Interest cost 6 6 Actuarial (gain)/loss (17 ) 27 Plan participant contributions 7 5 Benefits paid (35 ) (32 ) Curtailment 2 — Benefit Obligation at End of Period $ 160 $ 189 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the U.S. plans as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , were as follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 2016 Discount Rate Postretirement 3.25% 3.00% Discount Rate Postemployment 2.15% 1.75% Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs (1) 7.00% 7.50% Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 4.50% 4.50% (1) As of Aug. 31, 2017 , this rate is assumed to decrease to 4.5 percent for 2023 and remain at that level thereafter. As of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , amounts recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position were as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals $ 24 $ 27 Postretirement Liabilities 136 162 Total Liability Recognized $ 160 $ 189 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) 2017 2016 Actuarial (Gain)/Loss $ (8 ) $ 14 Total (Income)/Loss Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive $ (8 ) $ 14 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 2018 $ 24 Benefit Payments (1) 2018 24 2019 21 2020 19 2021 18 2022 16 2023-2027 62 (1) Expected benefit payments include benefits paid directly by employer for unfunded plans. 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 $20 million and $22 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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 $65 million as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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, 2017
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 one to 25 percent of an employee’s eligible pay. Employee contributions are matched 80 percent by the company, up to a maximum of eight percent of eligible pay. In fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, the company recognized expense of $58 million , $61 million and $59 million , respectively, for matching contributions. 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 fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, the company recognized expense of $11 million , $8 million and $6 million , respectively, for non-elective contributions.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Accounting Standards Update No 2016-09 (ASU 2016-09), Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting was issued in March 2016 and early adopted by the company in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. Under ASU 2016-09, entities are permitted to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based payment awards. Forfeitures can be estimated or recognized when they occur. The company elected to continue to estimate its forfeiture rate, rather than recognizing forfeitures as they occur. Additionally, ASU 2016-09 addresses the presentation of excess tax benefits and employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. The standard requires presentation of excess tax benefits as an operating activity (combined with other income tax cash flows) on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. Monsanto adopted this change prospectively during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, which resulted in an increase in net cash required by financing activities and an increase in net cash provided by operating activities by an immaterial amount for the period ended Aug. 31, 2017. Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been adjusted. ASU 2016-09 also requires the presentation of amounts withheld for applicable income taxes on employee share-based awards as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows. This adoption did not have an impact on our cash flow statement as the company was already applying this approach. ASU 2016-09 also eliminates additional paid in capital ("APIC") pools and requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. This requirement is to be adopted prospectively by the company. The impact of this section of the standard was not material to any quarter or year-to-date period within fiscal year 2017 and thus the full year impact was reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017. In addition, the ASU requires that the excess tax benefit be removed from the overall calculation of diluted shares. The impact on diluted earnings per share of this adoption was also not material to any quarter or year-to-date period within fiscal year 2017. Finally, modified retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-09 eliminates the requirement that excess tax benefits be realized (i.e. through a reduction in income taxes payable) before they are recognized. The adoption of this portion of the standard had no impact on the financial statements. The following table shows the components of stock-based compensation in the Statements of Consolidated Operations and Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the comparative three years. 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. Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2015 Cost of Goods Sold $ 15 $ 14 $ 8 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 85 70 80 Research and Development Expenses 25 28 31 Restructuring Charges 1 (10 ) — Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included in Operating Charges 126 102 119 Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (126 ) (102 ) (119 ) Income Tax Benefit 48 38 38 Net Loss $ (78 ) $ (64 ) $ (81 ) Basic Loss per Share $ (0.18 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.17 ) Diluted Loss per Share $ (0.18 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.17 ) Excess Tax Benefits $ — $ 16 $ 44 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, (“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, 2017, 16.2 million shares were available for grant under the amended 2005 LTIP. For the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2017, the company did not grant any stock options. All unexercised stock options remain outstanding under the terms of their respective grants. The plans provide that the term of any option granted may not exceed ten 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. 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, restricted stock units and deferred stock is measured at fair value on the date of grant, net of estimated forfeitures, and recognized over the vesting period of the award. A summary of the status of Monsanto’s stock options for the periods from Sept. 1, 2014, through Aug. 31, 2017, follows: Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price Balance Outstanding Sept. 1, 2014 13,437,635 $ 72.23 Granted 1,730,040 112.94 Exercised (2,439,135 ) 56.47 Forfeited/expired (241,786 ) 75.56 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2015 12,486,754 80.88 Granted 2,264,950 91.39 Exercised (1,502,763 ) 97.51 Forfeited/expired (359,487 ) 92.65 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2016 12,889,454 85.56 Exercised (1,373,065 ) 111.47 Forfeited/expired (139,934 ) 97.50 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2017 11,376,455 $ 86.50 At Aug. 31, 2017, 9,662,903 stock options were exercisable. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of these stock options was four years, and the weighted-average exercise price was $84.64 per share. The aggregate intrinsic value of these stock options was $307 million at Aug. 31, 2017. At Aug. 31, 2017, 11,244,290 stock options were vested or expected to vest. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of these stock options was five years, and the weighted-average exercise price was $86.37 per share. The aggregate intrinsic value of these stock options was $347 million at Aug. 31, 2017. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $0 , $20.64 and $24.38 , respectively, per share. The total pretax intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $48 million , $66 million and $150 million , respectively. Pretax unrecognized compensation expense for stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, was $11 million as of Aug. 31, 2017, and will be recognized as expense over a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 0.9 years. A summary of the status of Monsanto’s restricted stock, restricted stock units and directors’ deferred stock compensation plans for fiscal year 2017 follows in the tables below: Restricted Stock Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Values Restricted Stock Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Values Nonvested as of Aug. 31, 2016 7,507 $ 96.58 1,688,918 $ 98.56 Granted 3,179 106.84 1,491,151 101.81 Vested (5,135 ) 111.93 (590,336 ) 102.41 Forfeitures — — (161,573 ) 99.95 Nonvested as of Aug. 31, 2017 5,551 $ 88.26 2,428,160 $ 99.53 Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable (dollars in millions) $ — $ 105 Remaining weighted-average period of expense recognition/requisite service periods (in years) 1.4 1.3 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) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Restricted stock $ 106.84 $ 91.29 $ 115.65 $ 1 $ 1 $ — Restricted stock units $ 101.81 $ 87.85 $ 108.42 $ 60 $ 66 $ 52 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 2016 2015 Expected Dividend Yield 1.9 % 1.7 % Expected Volatility 23-35% 20-35% Weighted-Average Volatility 27.5 % 25.9 % Risk-Free Interest Rates 1.40-2.05% 1.56-2.11% Weighted-Average Risk-Free Interest Rate 1.78 % 1.99 % Expected Option Life (in years) 7 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.

CAPITAL STOCK

CAPITAL STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, 2017, or Aug. 31, 2016. As of Aug. 31, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2016, 439.6 million and 437.8 million shares of common stock were outstanding, respectively. On Oct. 9, 2015, Monsanto entered into uncollared accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements with each of Citibank, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. The ASR agreements were completed and settled in accordance with the terms of the agreements in fiscal year 2016. Under the ASR agreements, the company purchased approximately 32.2 million of Monsanto common stock for an aggregate price of $3.0 billion , which was accounted for as an increase to treasury stock. The ASR agreements were entered into pursuant to the share repurchase authorization announced in June 2014. 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, 2016, 32.2 million shares were received under this authorization all of which were delivered upon settlement of the Oct. 9, 2015 ASR agreements for $3 billion . The share repurchase authorization expired on June 24, 2016.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, 2015 $ (2,327 ) $ 2 $ (190 ) $ (286 ) $ (2,801 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 35 (2 ) (42 ) (83 ) (92 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1 55 29 85 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 35 (1 ) 13 (54 ) (7 ) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2016 (2,292 ) 1 (177 ) (340 ) (2,808 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 233 (2 ) 21 55 307 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 2 34 38 74 Net current-period other comprehensive income 233 — 55 93 381 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2017 $ (2,059 ) $ 1 $ (122 ) $ (247 ) $ (2,427 ) The following table provides additional information regarding items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Affected Line Item in the Statement of Consolidated Operations (Dollars in millions) Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 2016 Available for Sale Securities: Loss on Sale of Security $ 3 $ 2 Other (income) expense, net 3 2 Total before income taxes (1 ) (1 ) Income tax provision $ 2 $ 1 Net of tax Cash Flow Hedges: Foreign Exchange Contracts $ (7 ) $ (8 ) Net sales Foreign Exchange Contracts (7) (21) Cost of goods sold Commodity Contracts 20 113 Cost of goods sold Interest Rate Contracts 37 — Other (income) expense, net Interest Rate Contracts 15 15 Interest expense 58 99 Total before income taxes (24 ) (44 ) Income tax provision $ 34 $ 55 Net of tax Postretirement Benefit Items: Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss $ 19 $ 16 Inventory / Cost of goods sold (1) Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 37 31 Selling, general and administrative expenses Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 4 — Restructuring charges 60 47 Total before income taxes (22 ) (18 ) Income tax provision $ 38 $ 29 Net of tax Total Reclassifications For The Period $ 74 $ 85 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 $19 million and $16 million of net periodic benefit cost to inventory, of which approximately $19 million and $16 million was recognized in cost of goods sold during of the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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, 2017
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 its exercise prices were greater than the average market price of common shares for the period. Year Ended Aug. 31, (In millions) 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares 438.8 442.7 476.9 Dilutive Potential Common Shares 5.0 4.4 4.5 Antidilutive Potential Common Shares 2.0 5.4 1.7

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash payments for interest and taxes during fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , were as follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Interest $ 417 $ 387 $ 343 Taxes 543 841 992 During fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the company recorded the following noncash investing and financing transactions: • During fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the company recognized noncash transactions related to restructuring. See Note 5 — Restructuring . • In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the board of directors declared a dividend payable in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of Aug. 31, 2017 , Aug. 31, 2016 , and Aug. 31, 2015 , a dividend payable of $237 million , $237 million and $254 million , respectively, was recorded. • During fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the company recognized noncash capital expenditures of $290 million , $210 million and $225 million , respectively, in accounts payable in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position. • During fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the company recognized noncash transactions related to stock-based compensation. See Note 19 — Stock-Based Compensation Plans — for further discussion of stock-based compensation.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, 2017 . Payments Due by Fiscal Year Ending Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) Total 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 and Total Debt, including Capital Lease Obligations $ 8,124 $ 870 $ 802 $ 108 $ 501 $ 253 $ 5,590 Interest Payments Relating to Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (1) 6,027 312 289 268 267 253 4,638 Operating Lease Obligations 511 149 109 84 60 44 65 Purchase Obligations: Commitments to purchase inventories 3,668 1,365 484 472 383 294 670 Commitments to purchase breeding research 440 55 55 55 55 55 165 R&D alliances and joint venture obligations 145 45 34 30 19 16 1 Uncompleted additions to property 775 771 4 — — — — Other purchase obligations 25 24 1 — — — — Other Liabilities: Postretirement liabilities (2) 105 105 — — — — — Unrecognized tax benefits (3) 93 — — — — — — Environmental liabilities 204 14 16 21 7 7 139 Total Contractual Obligations $ 20,117 $ 3,710 $ 1,794 $ 1,038 $ 1,292 $ 922 $ 11,268 (1) For variable rate debt, interest is calculated using the applicable rates as of Aug. 31, 2017 . (2) Includes the company’s planned pension and other postretirement benefit contributions for fiscal 2018 . The actual amounts funded in fiscal 2018 may differ from the amounts listed above. Contributions in fiscal 2019 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 reserves for 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 $262 million for fiscal year 2017 , $256 million for fiscal year 2016 and $273 million for fiscal year 2015 . 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 Monsanto’s 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 environmental obligations are backed by performance bonds. 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , related to these indemnifications. Monsanto provides guarantees for certain customer loans in the United States, Latin America and Europe. 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 Monsanto is party in its own name and proceedings to which its former parent, Pharmacia LLC (“Pharmacia”) or its former subsidiary, Solutia, Inc. (“Solutia”) is a party but that Monsanto manages and for which Monsanto is 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 3.2 to 3.6 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 $ 119 Discounted Portion: Expected payment (undiscounted) for: 2018 14 2019 16 2020 21 2021 7 2022 7 Undiscounted aggregate expected payments after 2022 139 Aggregate Amount to be Discounted as of Aug. 31, 2017 204 Discount, as of Aug. 31, 2017 (46 ) Aggregate Discounted Amount Accrued as of Aug. 31, 2017 $ 158 Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2017 $ 277 Changes in the environmental and litigation liabilities for fiscal years 2015 , 2016 and 2017 are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Balance at Aug. 31, 2014 $ 291 Payments (67 ) Accretion 3 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2015 129 Balance at Aug. 31, 2015 $ 356 Payments (117 ) Accretion 3 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2016 303 Balance at Aug. 31, 2016 $ 545 Payments (303 ) Accretion 2 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2017 33 Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2017 $ 277 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 one 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 was named in approximately 30 personal injury lawsuits filed over several years on behalf of approximately 750 persons in state courts in St. Louis, Missouri and Los Angeles, California. Plaintiffs claimed they were injured by PCBs manufactured by Pharmacia’s chemical business over four decades ago and incorporated into products made, used and sometimes disposed of by others. In September 2016, the parties reached an agreement to settle these personal injury lawsuits pursuant to which the company is required to pay up to $280 million into a settlement fund, with the settlement and the final payment amount contingent upon the level of claimant participation. As of Aug. 31, 2016, $280 million was recorded in the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position within miscellaneous short-term accruals; the related expense was included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. In November 2016 and December 2016, the first and second claimant participation levels were met, and the company paid $250 million and $25 million respectively, into the settlement fund. In February, June and September 2017, pro rata portions of the final claimant participation level were met, and payments totaling approximately $4 million were made. The company also has been named in lawsuits brought by various governmental entities claiming that Monsanto, Pharmacia and Solutia, collectively as a manufacturer of PCBs, should be responsible for a variety of damages due to PCBs in bodies of water, regardless of how PCBs came to be located there. The company believes that these novel claims are without merit and is vigorously defending the cases on legal and factual grounds. 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 arguments 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. The company is defending lawsuits in various state and federal courts, in which approximately 3,100 plaintiffs claim to have been injured by exposure to glyphosate-based products manufactured by the company. The majority of plaintiffs have brought actions in state courts in Missouri, Delaware and California, while the remainder of plaintiffs’ cases were filed in many different federal courts. In October 2016, the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation transferred to the Northern District of California all of the federal cases for pretrial purposes. The company believes that it has meritorious factual and legal defenses to these cases and is vigorously defending them. Legal actions have been filed in Brazil that raise various issues challenging the right to collect certain royalties for Roundup Ready soybeans, such as whether Brazilian pipeline patents have the duration of their corresponding U.S. patents (2014 for Roundup Ready soybeans) and whether Brazil’s Plant Variety Protection law affects the enforceability of patents. These issues are 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. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement: Monsanto has substantially completed making a significant expansion of the 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 in accordance with the Balance Sheet topic of the ASC 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, 2017
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 digital 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. The Agricultural Productivity reportable segment consists of the Agricultural Productivity operating segment. 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 the segment’s relative contribution to total Monsanto operations. Allocation percentages remain consistent for fiscal years 2015 , 2016 and 2017 . Data for the Seeds and Genomics and Agricultural Productivity reportable segments, as well as for Monsanto’s significant operating segments, is presented in the table that follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Net Sales (1) Corn seed and traits $ 6,270 $ 5,825 $ 5,953 Soybean seed and traits 2,662 2,162 2,276 Cotton seed and traits 615 440 523 Vegetable seeds 815 801 816 All other crops seeds and traits 551 760 675 Total Seeds and Genomics $ 10,913 $ 9,988 $ 10,243 Agricultural productivity 3,727 3,514 4,758 Total Agricultural Productivity $ 3,727 $ 3,514 $ 4,758 Total $ 14,640 $ 13,502 $ 15,001 Gross Profit Corn seed and traits $ 3,975 $ 3,450 $ 3,557 Soybean seed and traits 1,884 1,399 1,510 Cotton seed and traits 457 282 408 Vegetable seeds 435 401 372 All other crops seeds and traits 294 542 430 Total Seeds and Genomics $ 7,045 $ 6,074 $ 6,277 Agricultural productivity 892 943 1,905 Total Agricultural Productivity $ 892 $ 943 $ 1,905 Total $ 7,937 $ 7,017 $ 8,182 EBIT (2)(3)(4) Seeds and genomics $ 2,910 $ 2,292 $ 2,206 Agricultural productivity 353 116 1,294 Total $ 3,263 $ 2,408 $ 3,500 Depreciation and Amortization Expense Seeds and genomics $ 585 $ 593 $ 586 Agricultural productivity 163 134 130 Total $ 748 $ 727 $ 716 Equity Affiliate Loss (Income) (5) Seeds and genomics $ 18 $ 13 $ 13 Agricultural productivity (1 ) (1 ) — Total $ 17 $ 12 $ 13 Total Assets Seeds and genomics $ 16,768 $ 15,772 $ 17,330 Agricultural productivity 4,565 3,964 4,590 Total $ 21,333 $ 19,736 $ 21,920 Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases Seeds and genomics $ 757 $ 727 $ 762 Agricultural productivity 483 196 205 Total $ 1,240 $ 923 $ 967 Investment in Equity Affiliates Seeds and genomics $ 137 $ 152 $ 114 Agricultural productivity 29 — — Total $ 166 $ 152 $ 114 (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 GAAP. EBIT is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments. (3) Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes income of $21 million , $27 million and $45 million from discontinued operations for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (4) For the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , Seeds and Genomics EBIT includes losses from operations of noncontrolling interest of $19 million, income from operations of noncontrolling interest of $30 million and losses from operations of noncontrolling interest of $32 million , respectively. For the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes losses from operations of noncontrolling interest of $1 million , $2 million and $2 million , respectively. (5) Equity affiliate loss (income) is included in other (income) 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) 2017 2016 2015 EBIT (1) $ 3,263 $ 2,408 $ 3,500 Interest Expense — Net 376 362 328 Income Tax Provision (2) 627 710 858 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 2,260 $ 1,336 $ 2,314 (1) Includes the income from operations of discontinued businesses and the income (loss) from operations of noncontrolling interests. (2) Includes the income tax provision on discontinued operations and the income tax expense (benefit) of noncontrolling interest. 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) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 United States $ 8,235 $ 8,008 $ 8,612 $ 8,547 $ 7,779 Europe-Africa 1,841 1,536 1,834 1,591 1,321 Brazil 1,782 1,437 1,725 746 665 Argentina 969 856 871 352 345 Asia-Pacific 552 483 686 258 277 Canada 734 619 601 97 87 Mexico 415 436 537 140 138 Other 112 127 135 387 354 Total $ 14,640 $ 13,502 $ 15,001 $ 12,118 $ 10,966

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) The following tables include financial data for the fiscal year quarters in 2017 and 2016 which have been adjusted for discontinued operations. (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 1st (2)(3) 2nd (4)(5) 3rd (6)(7) 4th (8)(9) 2017 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total Net Sales $ 2,650 $ 5,074 $ 4,230 $ 2,686 $ 14,640 Gross Profit 1,259 2,952 2,386 1,340 7,937 Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company 19 1,365 843 20 2,247 Income on Discontinued Operations 10 3 — — 13 Net Income 35 1,366 847 25 2,273 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 29 $ 1,368 $ 843 $ 20 $ 2,260 Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income from continuing operations $ 0.05 $ 3.11 $ 1.92 $ 0.05 $ 5.12 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 0.01 — — 0.03 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.07 $ 3.12 $ 1.92 $ 0.05 $ 5.15 Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income from continuing operations $ 0.05 $ 3.08 $ 1.90 $ 0.05 $ 5.06 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 0.01 — — 0.03 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.07 $ 3.09 $ 1.90 $ 0.05 $ 5.09 2016 Net Sales $ 2,219 $ 4,532 $ 4,189 $ 2,562 $ 13,502 Gross Profit 901 2,598 2,380 1,138 7,017 (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company (265 ) 1,060 717 (193 ) 1,319 Income on Discontinued Operations 12 3 — 2 17 Net (Loss) Income (257 ) 1,060 715 (205 ) 1,313 Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ (253 ) $ 1,063 $ 717 $ (191 ) $ 1,336 Basic (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) (Loss) Income from continuing operations $ (0.58 ) $ 2.42 $ 1.64 $ (0.44 ) $ 2.98 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 — — — 0.04 Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ (0.56 ) $ 2.42 $ 1.64 $ (0.44 ) $ 3.02 Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) (Loss) Income from continuing operations $ (0.58 ) $ 2.40 $ 1.63 $ (0.44 ) $ 2.95 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 0.01 — — 0.04 Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ (0.56 ) $ 2.41 $ 1.63 $ (0.44 ) $ 2.99 (1) Because Monsanto reported a loss from continuing operations in the first quarter and fourth quarter fiscal 2016 , 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 2017 , the company recorded $1 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $8 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters, $130 million in charges for pending Bayer transaction related costs with $93 million recorded in pending Bayer transaction related costs and $37 million recorded in other (income) expense, net related to pending Bayer transaction related costs and $36 million of a net reversal of expense of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $42 million . The company also recorded net charges related to Argentine-related tax matters of $10 million , which resulted from a translation gain recorded in other (income) expense, net of $18 million and net charge against tax expense of $28 million based on similar circumstances as noted below in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (3) In the first quarter of fiscal 2016 , the company recorded $52 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $5 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters and $266 million of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $110 million . (4) In the second quarter of fiscal 2017 , the company divested its European-based silthiofam seed-treatment chemical business previously reported as part of the Agricultural Productivity segment resulting in a gain of $83 million in 2017 within other (income) expense, net in the Statements of Consolidated Operations with a corresponding income tax provision of $8 million . The company also recorded $6 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $9 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters, $27 million in charges recorded to pending Bayer transaction related costs and $23 million of restructuring charges related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $28 million . The company also recorded a charge related to Argentine-related tax matters of $7 million , which resulted from a translation loss recorded in other (income) expense, net based on similar circumstances as noted below in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (5) In the second quarter of fiscal 2016 , the company recorded $3 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters and a SEC settlement and $9 million of restructuring charges related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $4 million . (6) In the third quarter of fiscal 2017 , the company recorded $14 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $6 million of a net reversal of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters, $33 million in charges recorded to pending Bayer transaction related costs and $17 million of a net reversal of expense of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $7 million . The company also recorded a net reversal of charges related to Argentine-related tax matters of $2 million , which resulted from a translation gain recorded in other (income) expense, net of $11 million and a net charge against tax expense of $9 million based on similar circumstances as noted below in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (7) In the third quarter of fiscal 2016 , the company recorded $210 million of net sales as a result of agreements entered into related to the company’s alfalfa traits and technology, which resulted in upfront revenue accounted for as an exclusive perpetual license to intellectual property, with a corresponding income tax provision of $74 million . The company also recorded $1 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $16 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters and $15 million of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $13 million . The company also recorded a net tax charge of $219 million due to losses generated in Argentina in fiscal 2016 as well as uncertainties around the Argentina business. The company evaluated the recoverability of various items on the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position related to the Argentina business and determined an allowance against certain assets was necessary, which resulted in the net charge to tax expense. (8) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 , the company granted a licensee the right to certain corn licenses in Brazil which resulted in revenue of $227 million , with no corresponding income tax provision. The company also recorded $4 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $22 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters, $32 million in charges recorded to pending Bayer transaction related costs and $ 6 million of a net reversal of expense of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $ 20 million . The company also recorded a net charge of $ 30 million , which resulted from a translation gain recorded in other (income) expense, net of $ 21 million and a net charge against tax expense of $ 51 million based on similar circumstances as noted above in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (9) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 , the company recorded a $157 million gain in other expense, net as a result of the company signing definitive agreements to sell certain manufacturing assets and contribute to a newly-formed joint venture certain intellectual property, real property and tangible assets related to the company’s sorghum business, with a corresponding income tax provision of $47 million . The company also recorded $14 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $246 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters and a SEC settlement and $7 million of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $77 million . The company also recorded a net tax charge of $ 33 million for Argentine-related tax matters based on similar circumstances as noted above in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI36

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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 or other customers 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, Monsanto accounts for such elements as a combined unit of accounting. The company allocates 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, Monsanto determines 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, Monsanto uses its best estimate of selling price for that unit of accounting. When Monsanto uses its 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 Monsanto’s 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 unless required by law, 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. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in net sales, and costs incurred by the company for the delivery of goods are classified as cost of goods sold in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. 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 $68 million , $64 million and $74 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Customer incentive program costs are recorded in accordance with the Revenue Recognition topic of the ASC, based on specific performance criteria met by Monsanto’s customers, such as purchase volumes, promptness of payment and market share increases. In fiscal 2017 and 2016, the company had Agricultural Productivity customer incentive programs providing certain customers price protection consideration if standard published prices are lowered from the price the distributor was charged on the eligible products on or before April 30 of the respective program year. 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, customers may receive free product. 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.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016, represent the estimated future tax benefits to be received from 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 tax returns in the jurisdictions in which it does business. Management regularly assesses the risk of the company’s tax return filing positions and believes its accruals for uncertain tax positions are adequate as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 .
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 value for inventory measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value for inventory measured under the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost method. 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 17 and 11 percent of total company inventory as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 ) is determined by using the 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 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.
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 two years to 19 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 its traits, formulations used to make its herbicides and various manufacturing processes. The amortization period for acquired trademarks and patents ranges from three years 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 five years 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 Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the ASC, all amortizable intangible assets are assessed for impairment whenever events indicate a possible loss. At a minimum, Monsanto assesses all amortizable intangible assets annually. 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, ten 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 financial reporting of a liability for an asset retirement obligation and an environmental remediation liability that results from the normal operation of a long-lived asset. Monsanto has asset retirement obligations with carrying amounts totaling $83 million and $78 million included in other liabilities on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , respectively, primarily relating to its manufacturing facilities. In accordance with the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations topic of the ASC, 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.
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, Mexican peso, European euro, Indian rupee, South African rand, Turkish lira and Ukrainian hryvnia. 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) or (4) 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 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, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	Restructuring charges were recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Operations as follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Cost of Goods Sold (1) $ (25 ) $ (67 ) $ (100 ) Restructuring Charges (2) 36 (297 ) (393 ) Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes $ 11 $ (364 ) $ (493 ) Income Tax Provision 1 101 155 Net Income $ 12 $ (263 ) $ (338 ) (1) The $25 million of restructuring charges in cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2017, is split by segment as follows: $4 million in Agricultural Productivity and $21 million in Seeds and Genomics. The $67 million of restructuring charges in cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2016, is split by segment as follows: $1 million in Agricultural Productivity and $66 million in Seeds and Genomics. The $100 million of restructuring charges in cost of goods sold is recorded to the Seeds and Genomics segment for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2015. (2) The net reversal of previously recognized expense of $36 million for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2017, is split by segment as follows: $3 million in Agricultural Productivity and $33 million in Seeds and Genomics. The $297 million of restructuring charges for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2016, is split by segment as follows: $36 million in Agricultural Productivity and $261 million in Seeds and Genomics. The $393 million of restructuring charges for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2015, 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 tables display the net reversal of previously recognized expense of $11 million , pretax charges of $364 million and $493 million incurred by segment under the 2015 Restructuring Plan for the fiscal years ended Aug. 31, 2017 , Aug. 31, 2016, and Aug. 31, 2015, respectively, as well as the cumulative pretax charges of $846 million under the 2015 Restructuring Plan. Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2016 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Work Force Reductions $ (76 ) $ (5 ) $ (81 ) $ 179 $ 10 $ 189 $ 204 $ 13 $ 217 Facility Closures/Exit Costs 19 5 24 23 5 28 — — — Asset Impairments and Write-offs: Property, plant and equipment 31 1 32 41 2 43 81 — 81 Inventory 11 — 11 42 — 42 51 — 51 Goodwill and other assets 3 — 3 42 20 62 144 — 144 Total Restructuring Charges, Net $ (12 ) $ 1 $ (11 ) $ 327 $ 37 $ 364 $ 480 $ 13 $ 493 Cumulative Amount through Aug. 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Work Force Reductions $ 307 $ 18 $ 325 Facility Closures/Exit Costs 42 10 52 Asset Impairments and Write-offs: Property, plant and equipment 153 3 156 Inventory 104 — 104 Goodwill and other assets 189 20 209 Total Restructuring Charges, Net $ 795 $ 51 $ 846

RECEIVABLES (Tables)

RECEIVABLES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance For Doubtful Trade Receivables	The following table displays a roll forward of the allowance for doubtful trade receivables for fiscal years 2015 , 2016 and 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 72 Additions — charged to expense 44 Other (1) (57 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 59 Additions — charged to expense 82 Other (1) (47 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 94 Additions — charged to expense 100 Write-Offs (30 ) Reclassifications to long-term (67 ) Other (2) (19 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 78 (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 2015 , 2016 and 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 125 Incremental provision 9 Recoveries (3 ) Write-Offs (28 ) Other (1) 17 Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 120 Incremental provision 78 Recoveries (2 ) Write-Offs (4 ) Other (1) 36 Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 228 Incremental provision 20 Recoveries (2) (38 ) Write-Offs (2 ) Reclassifications from allowance for current receivables 67 Foreign currency translation adjustments 2 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 277 (1) Includes reclassifications from the allowance for current receivables, write-offs and foreign currency translation adjustments. (2) Recoveries were significantly higher in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 and 2015, due to a one time significant recovery of previously recorded provisions related to the India cotton business.
Trade Receivables By Customer Concentration	The following table sets forth Monsanto’s gross trade receivables by geographic area as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , by significant customer concentrations: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Argentina $ 312 $ 302 Asia-Pacific 130 113 Brazil 215 234 Canada 32 27 Europe-Africa 640 550 Mexico 121 147 United States 731 574 Other 58 73 Gross Trade Receivables 2,239 2,020 Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (78 ) (94 ) Trade Receivables, Net $ 2,161 $ 1,926

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS (Ta

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS [Abstract]
Customer Financing Programs	Monsanto participates in customer financing programs as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment U.S. agreement to sell trade receivables (1) Outstanding balance $ 539 $ 511 Maximum future payout under recourse provisions 21 19 European and Latin American agreements to sell trade receivables (2) Outstanding balance $ 107 $ 60 Maximum future payout under recourse provisions 27 35 Agreements with Lenders (3) Outstanding balance $ 92 $ 73 Maximum future payout under the guarantee 52 57
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) 2017 2016 2015 Transactions that Qualify for Sales Treatment U.S. agreement to sell trade receivables (1) $ 637 $ 511 $ 852 European and Latin American agreements to sell trade receivables (2) 131 96 165 (1) Monsanto has agreements in the United States to sell trade receivables, both with and without recourse, up to a maximum outstanding balance of $1.5 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. 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 on the company’s historical collection experience 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, 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 (Tab

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments and Cost Method Investments	For such investments that were accounted for under the equity method and cost basis included in other assets in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position, the amounts are summarized in the following table: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Equity Method Investments $ 166 $ 152 Cost Basis Investments 116 94 Total $ 282 $ 246

INVENTORY (Tables)

INVENTORY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	Components of inventory are: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Finished Goods $ 1,477 $ 1,404 Goods In Process 1,446 1,489 Raw Materials and Supplies 561 498 Inventory at FIFO Cost 3,484 3,391 Excess of FIFO over LIFO Cost (144 ) (150 ) Total $ 3,340 $ 3,241
Inventory Obsolescence Reserve	The following table displays a roll forward of the inventory obsolescence reserve for fiscal years 2015 , 2016 and 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014 $ 415 Additions — charged to expense 390 Deductions and other (1) (371 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 434 Additions — charged to expense 410 Deductions and other (1) (376 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 468 Additions — charged to expense 294 Deductions and other (1) (281 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 481 (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, 2017
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) 2017 2016 Land and Improvements $ 677 $ 645 Buildings and Improvements 2,358 2,225 Machinery and Equipment 6,210 5,871 Computer Software 1,166 1,008 Construction In Progress and Other 1,820 1,367 Total Property, Plant and Equipment 12,231 11,116 Less: Accumulated Depreciation 6,301 5,885 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net $ 5,930 $ 5,231

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE43

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill	Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 , by segment, are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Seeds and Genomics Agricultural Productivity Total Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 4,004 $ 57 $ 4,061 Reclass to assets held for sale (41 ) — (41 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments 4 (4 ) — Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 3,967 $ 53 $ 4,020 Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments 72 (4 ) 68 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 4,039 $ 49 $ 4,088
Other Intangible Assets Information	Information regarding the company’s other intangible assets is as follows: As of Aug. 31, 2017 As of Aug. 31, 2016 (Dollars in millions) Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired Germplasm $ 1,077 $ (814 ) $ 263 $ 1,070 $ (778 ) $ 292 Acquired Intellectual Property 1,079 (671 ) 408 1,042 (593 ) 449 Trademarks 335 (165 ) 170 334 (152 ) 182 Customer Relationships 291 (228 ) 63 301 (223 ) 78 Other 68 (40 ) 28 65 (33 ) 32 Total Other Intangible Assets, Finite Lives $ 2,850 $ (1,918 ) $ 932 $ 2,812 $ (1,779 ) $ 1,033 In Process Research & Development, Indefinite Lives 92 — 92 92 — 92 Total Other Intangible Assets $ 2,942 $ (1,918 ) $ 1,024 $ 2,904 $ (1,779 ) $ 1,125
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 2018 $ 121 2019 107 2020 105 2021 105 2022 101

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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) 2017 2016 2015 United States $ 1,720 $ 1,457 $ 2,092 Outside United States 1,166 534 1,069 Total $ 2,886 $ 1,991 $ 3,161
Components Of Income Tax Provision	The components of income tax provision from continuing operations are: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Current: U.S. federal $ 236 $ 393 $ 675 U.S. state 25 43 69 Outside United States 319 231 408 Total Current $ 580 $ 667 $ 1,152 Deferred: U.S. federal 81 (109 ) (91 ) U.S. state 4 (7 ) (2 ) Outside United States (39 ) 144 (195 ) Total Deferred 46 28 (288 ) Total $ 626 $ 695 $ 864
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) 2017 2016 2015 U.S. Federal Statutory Rate $ 1,010 $ 697 $ 1,106 U.S. Domestic Manufacturing Deduction (41 ) (64 ) (87 ) U.S. R&D Tax Credit (34 ) (34 ) (30 ) U.S. State Income Taxes 27 28 39 Lower Taxes on Foreign Operations (409 ) (243 ) (209 ) Valuation Allowances 93 308 13 Adjustment for Unrecognized Tax Benefits — (6 ) (4 ) Other (20 ) 9 36 Income Tax Provision $ 626 $ 695 $ 864
Deferred Income Tax	Deferred income tax balances are related to: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Net Operating Loss and Other Carryforwards $ 608 $ 438 Employee Fringe Benefits 311 331 Royalties 220 189 Restructuring and Impairment Reserves 127 155 Inventories 93 91 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 85 77 Environmental and Litigation Reserves 82 70 Other 318 407 Valuation Allowance (394 ) (346 ) Total Deferred Tax Assets $ 1,450 $ 1,412 Property, Plant and Equipment 667 533 Intangibles 411 334 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 1,078 867 Net Deferred Tax Assets $ 372 $ 545
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Balance Sept. 1 $ 123 $ 135 Increases for prior year tax positions 35 17 Decreases for prior year tax positions (33 ) (11 ) Increases for current year tax positions 9 8 Settlements (2 ) (1 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (11 ) (23 ) Foreign currency translation (1 ) (2 ) Balance Aug. 31 $ 120 $ 123
Tax Years	For Monsanto’s major tax jurisdictions, the tax years that remain subject to examination are shown below: Jurisdiction U.S. Federal 2014-2017 U.S. State 2000-2017 Argentina 2001-2017 Brazil 2007-2017

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGE45

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-Term Debt	Short-Term Debt As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt $ 806 $ 902 Mandatorily Redeemable Shares of Brazil VIE — 113 Notes Payable to Banks 64 72 Commercial Paper — 500 Total Short-Term Debt $ 870 $ 1,587
Long-Term Debt Table	Long-Term Debt As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 5.125% Senior Notes, Due 2018 (1) $ — $ 299 1.850% Senior Notes, Due 2018 (1) 299 299 2.125% Senior Notes, Due 2019 (1) 498 498 2.750% Senior Notes, Due 2021 (1) 497 496 2.200% Senior Notes, Due 2022 (1) 249 249 3.375% Senior Notes, Due 2024 (1) 745 744 2.850% Senior Notes, Due 2025 (1) 297 297 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2025 (1) 292 289 4.200% Senior Notes, Due 2034 (1) 493 492 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2035 (1) 393 393 5.875% Senior Notes, Due 2038 (1) 246 246 3.600% Senior Notes, Due 2042 (1) 248 247 4.650% Senior Notes, Due 2043 (1) 297 297 4.400% Senior Notes, Due 2044 (1) 983 982 4.300% Senior Notes, Due 2045 (1) 361 361 3.950% Senior Notes, Due 2045 (1) 494 493 4.700% Senior Notes, Due 2064 (1) 735 735 Mandatorily Redeemable Shares of Brazil VIE 104 — Other (including Capital Leases) 23 36 Total Long-Term Debt $ 7,254 $ 7,453 (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) 2017 2016 2015 Interest Cost Incurred $ 496 $ 468 $ 460 Less: Capitalized on Construction 44 32 27 Interest Expense $ 452 $ 436 $ 433

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 . 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, 2017, Using (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Balance Assets at Fair Value: Cash equivalents $ 1,034 $ — $ — $ 1,034 Short-term investments 8 — — 8 Equity securities 10 — — 10 Derivative assets related to: Foreign currency — 10 — 10 Commodity contracts 3 7 — 10 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 1,055 $ 17 $ — $ 1,072 Liabilities at Fair Value: Short-term debt instruments (1) — 877 — 877 Long-term debt instruments (1) — 7,499 104 7,603 Derivative liabilities related to: Foreign currency — 16 — 16 Commodity contracts 7 6 — 13 Total Liabilities at Fair Value $ 7 $ 8,398 $ 104 $ 8,509 (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, 2016, Using (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Balance Assets at Fair Value: Cash equivalents $ 1,081 $ — $ — $ 1,081 Short-term investments 60 — — 60 Equity securities 13 — — 13 Derivative assets related to: Foreign currency — 10 — 10 Commodity contracts 9 9 — 18 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 1,163 $ 19 $ — $ 1,182 Liabilities at Fair Value: Short-term debt instruments (1) $ — $ 1,476 $ 113 $ 1,589 Long-term debt instruments (1) — 7,834 — 7,834 Derivative liabilities related to: Foreign currency — 15 — 15 Commodity contracts 32 20 — 52 Interest rate contracts — 41 — 41 Total Liabilities at Fair Value $ 32 $ 9,386 $ 113 $ 9,531 (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.
Level 3 Rollforward	The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 long-term debt instruments for the year ended Aug. 31, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ — Issuance of mandatorily redeemable shares 93 Accretion expense 9 Payments (5 ) Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments 7 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 (1) $ 104 (1) Includes 315,000 mandatorily redeemable shares outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $318 ) as of Aug. 31, 2017 . The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 short-term debt instruments for the year ended Aug. 31, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2016 (1) $ 113 Redemption of mandatorily redeemable shares (103 ) Accretion expense 2 Payments (7 ) Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments (5 ) Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ — (1) Includes 350,000 mandatorily redeemable shares outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $309 ) as of Aug. 31, 2016 .

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , are as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Derivatives Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 453 $ 388 Commodity contracts 430 484 Interest rate contracts — 150 Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges $ 883 $ 1,022 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 2,133 $ 1,096 Commodity contracts 189 223 Interest rate contracts 21 116 Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ 2,343 $ 1,435
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments	The net presentation of the company’s derivative instruments outstanding is as follows: As of Aug. 31, 2017 (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: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 2 $ (7 ) $ (5 ) $ 5 $ — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 6 — 6 — 6 Foreign exchange contracts 10 — 10 — 10 Total other current assets 18 (7 ) 11 5 16 $ 244 $ 260 Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 1 — 1 — 1 Total other assets 1 — 1 — 1 954 955 Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 1 (1 ) — — — Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 1 (1 ) — — — Total Asset Derivatives $ 20 $ (8 ) $ 12 $ 5 $ 17 Liability Derivatives: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 7 $ (7 ) $ — $ — $ — Total other current assets 7 (7 ) — — — Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 3 (1 ) 2 — 2 Foreign currency contracts 14 — 14 — 14 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 3 — 3 — 3 Foreign exchange contracts 2 — 2 — 2 Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 22 (1 ) 21 — 21 $ 719 $ 740 Total Liability Derivatives $ 29 $ (8 ) $ 21 $ — $ 21 (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, 2016 (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: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 9 $ (29 ) $ (20 ) $ 20 $ — Foreign exchange contracts 4 — 4 — 4 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 9 (6 ) 3 — 3 Foreign exchange contracts 6 — 6 — 6 Total other current assets 28 (35 ) (7 ) 20 13 $ 214 $ 227 Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) — (4 ) (4 ) 4 — Total other assets — (4 ) (4 ) 4 — 489 489 Total Asset Derivatives $ 28 $ (39 ) $ (11 ) $ 24 $ 13 Liability Derivatives: Other current assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) $ 29 $ (29 ) $ — $ — $ — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 6 (6 ) — — — Total other current assets 35 (35 ) — — — Other assets Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts (1) 4 (4 ) — — — Total other assets 4 (4 ) — — — Miscellaneous short-term accruals Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 11 — 11 — 11 Foreign currency contracts 8 — 8 — 8 Interest rate contracts 41 — 41 — 41 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts 7 — 7 — 7 Total miscellaneous short-term accruals 67 — 67 — 67 $ 937 $ 1,004 Other liabilities Derivatives designated as hedges: Commodity contracts 2 — 2 — 2 Total other liabilities 2 — 2 — 2 316 318 Total Liability Derivatives $ 108 $ (39 ) $ 69 $ — $ 69 (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) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Income Statement Classification Derivatives Designated as Hedges: Fair value hedges: Commodity contracts (3) $ 13 $ 7 $ — Cost of goods sold Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 3 $ (17 ) $ 51 7 8 31 Net sales Foreign exchange contracts 4 3 26 7 21 9 Cost of goods sold Commodity contracts 22 (12 ) (92 ) (20 ) (113 ) (81 ) Cost of goods sold Interest rate contracts — — — (37 ) — — Other (income) expense, net Interest rate contracts (3) 3 (42 ) (85 ) (15 ) (15 ) (13 ) Interest expense Total Derivatives Designated as Hedges 32 (68 ) (100 ) (45 ) (92 ) (54 ) Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts (4) 14 (36 ) (73 ) Other (income) expense, net Commodity contracts — 4 (3 ) Net sales Commodity contracts (1 ) 1 — Cost of goods sold Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges 13 (31 ) (76 ) Total Derivatives $ 32 $ (68 ) $ (100 ) $ (32 ) $ (123 ) $ (130 ) (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 fiscal 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . No gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during fiscal 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . (4) Gain or loss on foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedges was offset by a foreign currency transaction loss of $82 million , a loss of $178 million and a gain of $42 million during fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN48

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of pension cost for these plans were: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2016 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 (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 $ 61 $ 12 $ 73 $ 61 $ 12 $ 73 $ 64 $ 12 $ 76 Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation 82 5 87 93 7 100 88 7 95 Assumed Return on Plan Assets (1) (170 ) (9 ) (179 ) (150 ) (9 ) (159 ) (151 ) (8 ) (159 ) Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 47 4 51 46 6 52 50 6 56 Restructuring Charges — 2 2 — 2 2 — 2 2 Other Adjustments — 1 1 — 2 2 — — — Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 20 $ 15 $ 35 $ 50 $ 20 $ 70 $ 51 $ 19 $ 70 (1) Generally the calculated value of assets reflects non-liability matching gains/(losses) over a four to five 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, 2017 , were: (Dollars in millions) U.S. Outside the U.S. Total Current Year Actuarial Gain $ (55 ) $ (16 ) $ (71 ) Recognition of Actuarial Loss (1)(2) (47 ) (6 ) (53 ) Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ (102 ) $ (22 ) $ (124 ) (1) The U.S. Plans’ actuarial gains/(losses) are amortized over a nine 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 five 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, 2017 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2016 Year Ended Aug. 31, 2015 U.S. Outside the U.S. U.S. Outside the U.S. U.S. Outside the U.S. Discount Rate 3.43 % 1.93 % 4.33 % 2.66 % 4.04 % 3.01 % Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets 7.50 % 5.32 % 7.50 % 5.60 % 7.50 % 6.20 % Annual Rate of Salary Increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level) 4.00 % 3.60 % 4.00 % 3.76 % 4.00 % 3.92 %
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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 2,427 $ 2,190 $ 272 $ 250 $ 2,699 $ 2,440 Service cost 61 61 12 12 73 73 Interest cost 82 93 5 7 87 100 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 2 2 Actuarial (gain)/loss (21 ) 203 (12 ) 20 (33 ) 223 Benefits paid (148 ) (137 ) (12 ) (13 ) (160 ) (150 ) Plan amendments — — — (6 ) — (6 ) Settlements / curtailments — — (21 ) (12 ) (21 ) (12 ) Special/Contractual Term Benefits — — 1 — 1 — Currency impact — — 13 (1 ) 13 (1 ) Other — 17 — 13 — 30 Benefit Obligation at End of Period $ 2,401 $ 2,427 $ 260 $ 272 $ 2,661 $ 2,699 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 2,324 $ 2,142 $ 182 $ 170 $ 2,506 $ 2,312 Actual return on plan assets 205 253 9 8 214 261 Employer contributions (1) 23 66 11 12 34 78 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 2 2 Settlements — — (16 ) (8 ) (16 ) (8 ) Benefits paid (1) (148 ) (137 ) (12 ) (13 ) (160 ) (150 ) Currency impact — — 9 — 9 — Other — — — 11 — 11 Plan Assets at End of Period $ 2,404 $ 2,324 $ 185 $ 182 $ 2,589 $ 2,506 Net Liability/(Asset) Recognized $ (3 ) $ 103 $ 75 $ 91 $ 72 $ 194 (1) Employer contributions and benefits paid include $14 million and $13 million paid from employer assets for unfunded plans in fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Assumptions Used to Determine Pension Benefit Obligation	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , were as follows: U.S. Outside the U.S. Year Ended Aug. 31, Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Discount Rate 3.73% 3.43% 2.56% 1.93% Rate of Compensation Increase 3.50% 4.00% 3.77% 3.60%
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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 PBO $ 90 $ 2,426 $ 128 $ 250 $ 218 $ 2,676 Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets — 2,324 53 158 53 2,482
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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 PBO $ 90 $ 96 $ 111 $ 130 $ 201 $ 226 ABO 86 91 93 108 179 199 Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets — — 37 46 37 46
Net Amount Recognized	As of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Other Assets $ (93 ) $ — $ (8 ) $ (8 ) $ (101 ) $ (8 ) Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals 9 9 5 5 14 14 Postretirement Liabilities 81 94 78 94 159 188 Net (Asset)/Liability Recognized $ (3 ) $ 103 $ 75 $ 91 $ 72 $ 194
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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net Prior Service Credit $ — $ — $ (5 ) $ (6 ) $ (5 ) $ (6 ) Net Loss 380 482 38 61 418 543 Total $ 380 $ 482 $ 33 $ 55 $ 413 $ 537
Pension Plan Asset Allocation United States	U.S. Plan: The asset allocations for Monsanto’s U.S. qualified pension plan as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , and the target allocation range for fiscal year 2018 , by asset category, are as follows. Target Allocation Range (1) Percentage of Plan Assets As of Aug. 31, Asset Category 2018 2017 2016 Public Equity Securities 44-54% 48.7 % 48.3 % Private Equity Investments 2-8% 4.5 % 4.5 % Debt Securities 34-48% 42.0 % 42.4 % Real Estate 2-8% 4.8 % 4.8 % 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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , and the weighted-average target allocation for fiscal year 2018 , by asset category, are as follows. Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation (1) As of Aug. 31, Asset Category 2018 2017 2016 Equity Securities 36.9 % 34.6 % 30.9 % Debt Securities 45.0 % 45.4 % 49.9 % Other 18.1 % 20.0 % 19.2 % 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 2018 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. Plan: The fair values of Monsanto’s U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan investments as of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , by asset category, are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash Collateral Offset (1) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2017 Investments at Fair Value: Short Term Investments $ 38 $ 37 $ — $ — $ 75 Debt Securities: U.S. Government Debt — 281 — — 281 U.S. State & Municipal Debt — 17 — — 17 Foreign Government Debt — 11 — — 11 U.S. Corporate Debt — 391 — — 391 Foreign Corporate Debt — 61 — — 61 U.S. Term Bank Loans — 1 — — 1 Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic Small-Capitalization 25 — — — 25 Domestic Large-Capitalization 308 — — — 308 International Developed Markets 191 2 — — 193 International Emerging Markets 42 — — — 42 Private Equity Investments — — 111 — 111 Real Estate Investments — — 119 — 119 Futures 2 — — (2 ) — Common and Preferred Stock Sold Short — (66 ) — 66 — Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy $ 606 $ 735 $ 230 $ 64 $ 1,635 Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 759 Collateral Held Under Securities Lending Agreement Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 191 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 2,585 (1) Futures derivative assets and common and preferred stock sold short have been offset by cash collateral held by the counter party. Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2016 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash Collateral Offset (1) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2016 Investments at Fair Value: Short Term Investments $ 28 44 $ — $ — $ 72 Debt Securities: U.S. Government Debt — 296 — — 296 U.S. State & Municipal Debt — 19 — — 19 Foreign Government Debt — 9 — — 9 U.S. Corporate Debt — 386 — — 386 Foreign Corporate Debt — 65 — — 65 U.S. Term Bank Loans — 1 — — 1 Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic Small-Capitalization 15 — — — 15 Domestic Large-Capitalization 311 — — — 311 International Developed Markets 167 — — — 167 International Emerging Markets 39 1 — — 40 Private Equity Investments — — 104 — 104 Real Estate Investments — — 112 — 112 Futures 3 — — (3 ) — Common and Preferred Stock Sold Short — (56 ) — 60 4 Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy $ 563 $ 765 $ 216 $ 57 $ 1,601 Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 717 Collateral Held Under Securities Lending Agreement Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 166 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 2,484 (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, 2016 , and Aug. 31, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Private Equity Investments Partnership Interests Real Estate Investments Total Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 103 $ 32 $ 93 $ 228 Purchases 21 — 16 37 Sales (22 ) (32 ) (6 ) (60 ) Realized/unrealized gains 2 — 9 11 Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 104 $ — $ 112 $ 216 Net Unrealized Gains Still Held Included in Earnings (1) $ (7 ) $ (32 ) $ 10 $ (29 ) (Dollars in millions) Private Equity Investments Partnership Interests Real Estate Investments Total Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 104 $ — $ 112 $ 216 Purchases 20 — 13 33 Sales (24 ) — (13 ) (37 ) Realized/unrealized gains 11 — 7 18 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 111 $ — $ 119 $ 230 Net Unrealized Gains Still Held Included in Earnings (1) $ 5 $ — $ 4 $ 9 (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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 .
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, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Total Investments at Fair Value $ 2,585 Liability to return collateral held under securities lending agreement (191 ) Non-interest bearing cash 5 Accrued income 8 Other (liabilities) and receivables (3 ) Plan Assets at the End of the Period $ 2,404
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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , by asset category, are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2017 Short Term Investments $ 4 $ — $ — $ 4 Debt Securities — Government and Corporate Debt — 83 — 83 Common and Preferred Stock 50 — — 50 Insurance-Backed Securities — — 33 33 Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy $ 54 $ 83 $ 33 $ 170 Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 15 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 185 Fair Value Measurements at Aug. 31, 2016 (Dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2016 Short Term Investments $ 1 $ — $ — $ 1 Debt Securities — Government and Corporate Debt — 79 — 79 Common and Preferred Stock 45 — — 45 Insurance-Backed Securities — — 42 42 Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy $ 46 $ 79 $ 42 $ 167 Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient 15 Total Investments at Fair Value $ 182
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, 2016 , and Aug. 31, 2017 . (Dollars in millions) Insurance-Backed Securities Balance Aug. 31, 2015 $ 31 Purchases 5 Settlements (6 ) Net transfers into Level 3 12 Balance Aug. 31, 2016 $ 42 Purchases 3 Settlements (15 ) Realized/unrealized gains 3 Balance Aug. 31, 2017 $ 33
Summary of Unfunded Commitments and Redemption Features Measured Using NAV	The following tables summarize unfunded commitments and redemption features for investments which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and Level 3 assets as of Aug. 31, 2017, and 2016 respectively. Unfunded Commitments and Redemption Features at Aug. 31, 2017 (Dollars in millions) Reported Value Unfunded Commitments Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Redemption Notice Period Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient $ 759 N/A Daily Daily Collateral Held Under Securities Lending Agreement Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient $ 191 N/A Daily Daily Private Equity Investments $ 111 $ 35 None N/A Real Estate Investments $ 119 $ 23 None, 1st bus. day of qtr, at qtr-end N/A, 45 Days Unfunded Commitments and Redemption Features at Aug. 31, 2016 (Dollars in Millions) Reported Value Unfunded Commitments Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) Redemption Notice Period Collective Investment Funds Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient $ 717 N/A Daily Daily Collateral Held Under Securities Lending Agreement Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient $ 166 N/A Daily Daily Private Equity Investments $ 104 $ 53 None N/A Real Estate Investments $ 112 $ 34 None, 1st bus. day of qtr, at qtr-end N/A, 45 Days
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 2018 (funded Plans) $ 60 $ 8 Benefits Paid Directly by Employer 2018 (unfunded Plans) 9 4 Benefit Payments (1) 2018 165 15 2019 151 13 2020 153 14 2021 155 17 2022 158 14 2023-2027 781 82

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEA49

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Net Periodic Cost Postretirement	The cost components of these plans were: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period $ 8 $ 7 $ 7 Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation 6 6 6 Amortization of Prior Service Credit — — (1 ) Amortization of Actuarial Loss/(Gain) 5 (4 ) (4 ) Restructuring Charges 2 — — Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 21 $ 9 $ 8
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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , were: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Actuarial (Gain)/Loss $ (15 ) $ 27 Amortization of Actuarial (Loss)/Gain (1) (7 ) 4 Total Income Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ (22 ) $ 31 (1) For other postretirement benefits the actuarial gains/(losses) and prior service credit are amortized over a eight 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 U.S. plans in which Monsanto employees participated: Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 2016 2015 Discount Rate Postretirement 3.00% 3.85% 3.60% Discount Rate Postemployment 1.75% 2.30% 2.40% Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 7.50% 5.50% 6.00% Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 4.50% 5.00% 5.00%
One Percent Effect on Postretirement Costs and Benefit Obligation	A one percentage increase or decrease would not have a material effect
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) 2017 2016 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 189 $ 176 Service cost 8 7 Interest cost 6 6 Actuarial (gain)/loss (17 ) 27 Plan participant contributions 7 5 Benefits paid (35 ) (32 ) Curtailment 2 — Benefit Obligation at End of Period $ 160 $ 189
Assumptions Used to Determine Postretirement Benefit Obligation	Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 2016 Discount Rate Postretirement 3.25% 3.00% Discount Rate Postemployment 2.15% 1.75% Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs (1) 7.00% 7.50% Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs 4.50% 4.50% (1) As of Aug. 31, 2017 , this rate is assumed to decrease to 4.5 percent for 2023 and remain at that level thereafter.
Postretirement Amounts Recognized in Statements Of Consolidated Financial Position	As of Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , amounts recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position were as follows: As of Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals $ 24 $ 27 Postretirement Liabilities 136 162 Total Liability Recognized $ 160 $ 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) 2017 2016 Actuarial (Gain)/Loss $ (8 ) $ 14 Total (Income)/Loss Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive $ (8 ) $ 14
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 2018 $ 24 Benefit Payments (1) 2018 24 2019 21 2020 19 2021 18 2022 16 2023-2027 62 (1) 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, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Components of Stock Based Compensation	Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2015 Cost of Goods Sold $ 15 $ 14 $ 8 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 85 70 80 Research and Development Expenses 25 28 31 Restructuring Charges 1 (10 ) — Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included in Operating Charges 126 102 119 Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (126 ) (102 ) (119 ) Income Tax Benefit 48 38 38 Net Loss $ (78 ) $ (64 ) $ (81 ) Basic Loss per Share $ (0.18 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.17 ) Diluted Loss per Share $ (0.18 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.17 ) Excess Tax Benefits $ — $ 16 $ 44
Rollforward of Stock Options	A summary of the status of Monsanto’s stock options for the periods from Sept. 1, 2014, through Aug. 31, 2017, follows: Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price Balance Outstanding Sept. 1, 2014 13,437,635 $ 72.23 Granted 1,730,040 112.94 Exercised (2,439,135 ) 56.47 Forfeited/expired (241,786 ) 75.56 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2015 12,486,754 80.88 Granted 2,264,950 91.39 Exercised (1,502,763 ) 97.51 Forfeited/expired (359,487 ) 92.65 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2016 12,889,454 85.56 Exercised (1,373,065 ) 111.47 Forfeited/expired (139,934 ) 97.50 Balance Outstanding Aug. 31, 2017 11,376,455 $ 86.50
Restricted Stock	A summary of the status of Monsanto’s restricted stock, restricted stock units and directors’ deferred stock compensation plans for fiscal year 2017 follows in the tables below: Restricted Stock Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Values Restricted Stock Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Values Nonvested as of Aug. 31, 2016 7,507 $ 96.58 1,688,918 $ 98.56 Granted 3,179 106.84 1,491,151 101.81 Vested (5,135 ) 111.93 (590,336 ) 102.41 Forfeitures — — (161,573 ) 99.95 Nonvested as of Aug. 31, 2017 5,551 $ 88.26 2,428,160 $ 99.53 Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable (dollars in millions) $ — $ 105 Remaining weighted-average period of expense recognition/requisite service periods (in years) 1.4 1.3
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) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Restricted stock $ 106.84 $ 91.29 $ 115.65 $ 1 $ 1 $ — Restricted stock units $ 101.81 $ 87.85 $ 108.42 $ 60 $ 66 $ 52
Assumptions Used To Value Stock Options	The following assumptions are used to calculate the estimated value of employee stock options: Lattice-binomial Assumptions 2016 2015 Expected Dividend Yield 1.9 % 1.7 % Expected Volatility 23-35% 20-35% Weighted-Average Volatility 27.5 % 25.9 % Risk-Free Interest Rates 1.40-2.05% 1.56-2.11% Weighted-Average Risk-Free Interest Rate 1.78 % 1.99 % Expected Option Life (in years) 7 7

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI51

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, 2015 $ (2,327 ) $ 2 $ (190 ) $ (286 ) $ (2,801 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 35 (2 ) (42 ) (83 ) (92 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1 55 29 85 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 35 (1 ) 13 (54 ) (7 ) Balance as of Aug. 31, 2016 (2,292 ) 1 (177 ) (340 ) (2,808 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 233 (2 ) 21 55 307 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 2 34 38 74 Net current-period other comprehensive income 233 — 55 93 381 Balance as of Aug. 31, 2017 $ (2,059 ) $ 1 $ (122 ) $ (247 ) $ (2,427 )
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, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Affected Line Item in the Statement of Consolidated Operations (Dollars in millions) Year Ended Aug. 31, 2017 2016 Available for Sale Securities: Loss on Sale of Security $ 3 $ 2 Other (income) expense, net 3 2 Total before income taxes (1 ) (1 ) Income tax provision $ 2 $ 1 Net of tax Cash Flow Hedges: Foreign Exchange Contracts $ (7 ) $ (8 ) Net sales Foreign Exchange Contracts (7) (21) Cost of goods sold Commodity Contracts 20 113 Cost of goods sold Interest Rate Contracts 37 — Other (income) expense, net Interest Rate Contracts 15 15 Interest expense 58 99 Total before income taxes (24 ) (44 ) Income tax provision $ 34 $ 55 Net of tax Postretirement Benefit Items: Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss $ 19 $ 16 Inventory / Cost of goods sold (1) Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 37 31 Selling, general and administrative expenses Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss 4 — Restructuring charges 60 47 Total before income taxes (22 ) (18 ) Income tax provision $ 38 $ 29 Net of tax Total Reclassifications For The Period $ 74 $ 85 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 $19 million and $16 million of net periodic benefit cost to inventory, of which approximately $19 million and $16 million was recognized in cost of goods sold during of the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017 , and Aug. 31, 2016 , 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, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic Earnings Per Share Table	Year Ended Aug. 31, (In millions) 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares 438.8 442.7 476.9 Dilutive Potential Common Shares 5.0 4.4 4.5 Antidilutive Potential Common Shares 2.0 5.4 1.7

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW (Tables)

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash Payments for Interest and Taxes	Cash payments for interest and taxes during fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , were as follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Interest $ 417 $ 387 $ 343 Taxes 543 841 992

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, 2017 . Payments Due by Fiscal Year Ending Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) Total 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 and Total Debt, including Capital Lease Obligations $ 8,124 $ 870 $ 802 $ 108 $ 501 $ 253 $ 5,590 Interest Payments Relating to Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (1) 6,027 312 289 268 267 253 4,638 Operating Lease Obligations 511 149 109 84 60 44 65 Purchase Obligations: Commitments to purchase inventories 3,668 1,365 484 472 383 294 670 Commitments to purchase breeding research 440 55 55 55 55 55 165 R&D alliances and joint venture obligations 145 45 34 30 19 16 1 Uncompleted additions to property 775 771 4 — — — — Other purchase obligations 25 24 1 — — — — Other Liabilities: Postretirement liabilities (2) 105 105 — — — — — Unrecognized tax benefits (3) 93 — — — — — — Environmental liabilities 204 14 16 21 7 7 139 Total Contractual Obligations $ 20,117 $ 3,710 $ 1,794 $ 1,038 $ 1,292 $ 922 $ 11,268 (1) For variable rate debt, interest is calculated using the applicable rates as of Aug. 31, 2017 . (2) Includes the company’s planned pension and other postretirement benefit contributions for fiscal 2018 . The actual amounts funded in fiscal 2018 may differ from the amounts listed above. Contributions in fiscal 2019 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 reserves for 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 $ 119 Discounted Portion: Expected payment (undiscounted) for: 2018 14 2019 16 2020 21 2021 7 2022 7 Undiscounted aggregate expected payments after 2022 139 Aggregate Amount to be Discounted as of Aug. 31, 2017 204 Discount, as of Aug. 31, 2017 (46 ) Aggregate Discounted Amount Accrued as of Aug. 31, 2017 $ 158 Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2017 $ 277
Environmental And Litigation Liabilities	Changes in the environmental and litigation liabilities for fiscal years 2015 , 2016 and 2017 are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Balance at Aug. 31, 2014 $ 291 Payments (67 ) Accretion 3 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2015 129 Balance at Aug. 31, 2015 $ 356 Payments (117 ) Accretion 3 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2016 303 Balance at Aug. 31, 2016 $ 545 Payments (303 ) Accretion 2 Adjustments to liabilities recognized in fiscal year 2017 33 Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2017 $ 277

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Ta

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, is presented in the table that follows: Year Ended Aug. 31, (Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Net Sales (1) Corn seed and traits $ 6,270 $ 5,825 $ 5,953 Soybean seed and traits 2,662 2,162 2,276 Cotton seed and traits 615 440 523 Vegetable seeds 815 801 816 All other crops seeds and traits 551 760 675 Total Seeds and Genomics $ 10,913 $ 9,988 $ 10,243 Agricultural productivity 3,727 3,514 4,758 Total Agricultural Productivity $ 3,727 $ 3,514 $ 4,758 Total $ 14,640 $ 13,502 $ 15,001 Gross Profit Corn seed and traits $ 3,975 $ 3,450 $ 3,557 Soybean seed and traits 1,884 1,399 1,510 Cotton seed and traits 457 282 408 Vegetable seeds 435 401 372 All other crops seeds and traits 294 542 430 Total Seeds and Genomics $ 7,045 $ 6,074 $ 6,277 Agricultural productivity 892 943 1,905 Total Agricultural Productivity $ 892 $ 943 $ 1,905 Total $ 7,937 $ 7,017 $ 8,182 EBIT (2)(3)(4) Seeds and genomics $ 2,910 $ 2,292 $ 2,206 Agricultural productivity 353 116 1,294 Total $ 3,263 $ 2,408 $ 3,500 Depreciation and Amortization Expense Seeds and genomics $ 585 $ 593 $ 586 Agricultural productivity 163 134 130 Total $ 748 $ 727 $ 716 Equity Affiliate Loss (Income) (5) Seeds and genomics $ 18 $ 13 $ 13 Agricultural productivity (1 ) (1 ) — Total $ 17 $ 12 $ 13 Total Assets Seeds and genomics $ 16,768 $ 15,772 $ 17,330 Agricultural productivity 4,565 3,964 4,590 Total $ 21,333 $ 19,736 $ 21,920 Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases Seeds and genomics $ 757 $ 727 $ 762 Agricultural productivity 483 196 205 Total $ 1,240 $ 923 $ 967 Investment in Equity Affiliates Seeds and genomics $ 137 $ 152 $ 114 Agricultural productivity 29 — — Total $ 166 $ 152 $ 114 (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 GAAP. EBIT is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments. (3) Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes income of $21 million , $27 million and $45 million from discontinued operations for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (4) For the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , Seeds and Genomics EBIT includes losses from operations of noncontrolling interest of $19 million, income from operations of noncontrolling interest of $30 million and losses from operations of noncontrolling interest of $32 million , respectively. For the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes losses from operations of noncontrolling interest of $1 million , $2 million and $2 million , respectively. (5) Equity affiliate loss (income) is included in other (income) 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) 2017 2016 2015 EBIT (1) $ 3,263 $ 2,408 $ 3,500 Interest Expense — Net 376 362 328 Income Tax Provision (2) 627 710 858 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 2,260 $ 1,336 $ 2,314 (1) Includes the income from operations of discontinued businesses and the income (loss) from operations of noncontrolling interests. (2) Includes the income tax provision on discontinued operations and the income tax expense (benefit) of noncontrolling interest.
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) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 United States $ 8,235 $ 8,008 $ 8,612 $ 8,547 $ 7,779 Europe-Africa 1,841 1,536 1,834 1,591 1,321 Brazil 1,782 1,437 1,725 746 665 Argentina 969 856 871 352 345 Asia-Pacific 552 483 686 258 277 Canada 734 619 601 97 87 Mexico 415 436 537 140 138 Other 112 127 135 387 354 Total $ 14,640 $ 13,502 $ 15,001 $ 12,118 $ 10,966

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tab

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Data	The following tables include financial data for the fiscal year quarters in 2017 and 2016 which have been adjusted for discontinued operations. (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 1st (2)(3) 2nd (4)(5) 3rd (6)(7) 4th (8)(9) 2017 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total Net Sales $ 2,650 $ 5,074 $ 4,230 $ 2,686 $ 14,640 Gross Profit 1,259 2,952 2,386 1,340 7,937 Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company 19 1,365 843 20 2,247 Income on Discontinued Operations 10 3 — — 13 Net Income 35 1,366 847 25 2,273 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 29 $ 1,368 $ 843 $ 20 $ 2,260 Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income from continuing operations $ 0.05 $ 3.11 $ 1.92 $ 0.05 $ 5.12 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 0.01 — — 0.03 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.07 $ 3.12 $ 1.92 $ 0.05 $ 5.15 Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) Income from continuing operations $ 0.05 $ 3.08 $ 1.90 $ 0.05 $ 5.06 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 0.01 — — 0.03 Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ 0.07 $ 3.09 $ 1.90 $ 0.05 $ 5.09 2016 Net Sales $ 2,219 $ 4,532 $ 4,189 $ 2,562 $ 13,502 Gross Profit 901 2,598 2,380 1,138 7,017 (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company (265 ) 1,060 717 (193 ) 1,319 Income on Discontinued Operations 12 3 — 2 17 Net (Loss) Income (257 ) 1,060 715 (205 ) 1,313 Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ (253 ) $ 1,063 $ 717 $ (191 ) $ 1,336 Basic (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) (Loss) Income from continuing operations $ (0.58 ) $ 2.42 $ 1.64 $ (0.44 ) $ 2.98 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 — — — 0.04 Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ (0.56 ) $ 2.42 $ 1.64 $ (0.44 ) $ 3.02 Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company: (1) (Loss) Income from continuing operations $ (0.58 ) $ 2.40 $ 1.63 $ (0.44 ) $ 2.95 Income on discontinued operations 0.02 0.01 — — 0.04 Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Monsanto Company $ (0.56 ) $ 2.41 $ 1.63 $ (0.44 ) $ 2.99 (1) Because Monsanto reported a loss from continuing operations in the first quarter and fourth quarter fiscal 2016 , 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 2017 , the company recorded $1 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $8 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters, $130 million in charges for pending Bayer transaction related costs with $93 million recorded in pending Bayer transaction related costs and $37 million recorded in other (income) expense, net related to pending Bayer transaction related costs and $36 million of a net reversal of expense of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $42 million . The company also recorded net charges related to Argentine-related tax matters of $10 million , which resulted from a translation gain recorded in other (income) expense, net of $18 million and net charge against tax expense of $28 million based on similar circumstances as noted below in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (3) In the first quarter of fiscal 2016 , the company recorded $52 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $5 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters and $266 million of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $110 million . (4) In the second quarter of fiscal 2017 , the company divested its European-based silthiofam seed-treatment chemical business previously reported as part of the Agricultural Productivity segment resulting in a gain of $83 million in 2017 within other (income) expense, net in the Statements of Consolidated Operations with a corresponding income tax provision of $8 million . The company also recorded $6 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $9 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters, $27 million in charges recorded to pending Bayer transaction related costs and $23 million of restructuring charges related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $28 million . The company also recorded a charge related to Argentine-related tax matters of $7 million , which resulted from a translation loss recorded in other (income) expense, net based on similar circumstances as noted below in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (5) In the second quarter of fiscal 2016 , the company recorded $3 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters and a SEC settlement and $9 million of restructuring charges related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $4 million . (6) In the third quarter of fiscal 2017 , the company recorded $14 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $6 million of a net reversal of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters, $33 million in charges recorded to pending Bayer transaction related costs and $17 million of a net reversal of expense of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $7 million . The company also recorded a net reversal of charges related to Argentine-related tax matters of $2 million , which resulted from a translation gain recorded in other (income) expense, net of $11 million and a net charge against tax expense of $9 million based on similar circumstances as noted below in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (7) In the third quarter of fiscal 2016 , the company recorded $210 million of net sales as a result of agreements entered into related to the company’s alfalfa traits and technology, which resulted in upfront revenue accounted for as an exclusive perpetual license to intellectual property, with a corresponding income tax provision of $74 million . The company also recorded $1 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $16 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters and $15 million of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $13 million . The company also recorded a net tax charge of $219 million due to losses generated in Argentina in fiscal 2016 as well as uncertainties around the Argentina business. The company evaluated the recoverability of various items on the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position related to the Argentina business and determined an allowance against certain assets was necessary, which resulted in the net charge to tax expense. (8) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 , the company granted a licensee the right to certain corn licenses in Brazil which resulted in revenue of $227 million , with no corresponding income tax provision. The company also recorded $4 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $22 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters, $32 million in charges recorded to pending Bayer transaction related costs and $ 6 million of a net reversal of expense of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $ 20 million . The company also recorded a net charge of $ 30 million , which resulted from a translation gain recorded in other (income) expense, net of $ 21 million and a net charge against tax expense of $ 51 million based on similar circumstances as noted above in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (9) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 , the company recorded a $157 million gain in other expense, net as a result of the company signing definitive agreements to sell certain manufacturing assets and contribute to a newly-formed joint venture certain intellectual property, real property and tangible assets related to the company’s sorghum business, with a corresponding income tax provision of $47 million . The company also recorded $14 million of cost of goods sold expenses related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan, $246 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to environmental and litigation matters and a SEC settlement and $7 million of restructuring charges with a combined corresponding income tax benefit of $77 million . The company also recorded a net tax charge of $ 33 million for Argentine-related tax matters based on similar circumstances as noted above in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESE57

BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Oct. 01, 2008	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 25, 2017USD ($)	Nov. 02, 2015USD ($)
BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment		2
Earn-out period, length of time	10 years
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)		$ 50	$ (22)	$ (34)
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Precision Planting [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration					$ 200	$ 190
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Precision Planting [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets		156	172
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Precision Planting [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities		12	$ 12
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Silthiofam [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration		140
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)		85
Assets		2
Contingent On Silthiofam Re-Registration [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Silthiofam [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)		$ 55

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI58

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Advertising Expense	$ 68	$ 64	$ 74
Percentage Of LIFO Inventory	17.00%	11.00%

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI59

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Other Intangible Assets - Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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)	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	5 years
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)	19 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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation	$ 83	$ 78
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	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$ 11	$ 2	$ 8

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			36 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									$ 36	$ (297)	$ (393)
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									(25)	(67)	(100)
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									36	(297)	(393)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									11	(364)	(493)
Income Tax Provision
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									1	101	155
Net Income
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									12	(263)	(338)
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 46				$ 244				46	244	217	$ 46
Restructuring charges	6	$ 17	$ (23)	$ 36	(7)	$ (15)	$ (9)	$ (266)	11	(364)	(493)	(846)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									(21)	(66)	(100)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									33	(261)	(380)
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									12	(327)	(480)	(795)
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									(4)	(1)
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									3	(36)	(13)
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									(1)	(37)	(13)	(51)
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 44				$ 244				44	244	217	44
Restructuring charges									81	(189)	(217)	(325)
Employee Severance [Member] | Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									76	(179)	(204)	(307)
Employee Severance [Member] | Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									$ 5	$ (10)	$ (13)	$ (18)

RESTRUCTURING - Pretax restruct

RESTRUCTURING - Pretax restructuring charges related to 2015 restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									$ (36)	$ 297	$ 393
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ (6)	$ (17)	$ 23	$ (36)	$ 7	$ 15	$ 9	$ 266	(11)	364	493	$ 846
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									(81)	189	217	325
Facility Closing [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									24	28	0	52
Impairment in value of Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									32	43	81	156
Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									11	42	51	104
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									3	62	144	209
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									(12)	327	480	795
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									(76)	179	204	307
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									19	23	0	42
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Impairment in value of Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									31	41	81	153
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									11	42	51	104
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									3	42	144	189
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									1	37	13	51
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									(5)	10	13	18
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									5	5	0	10
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Impairment in value of Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									1	2	0	3
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									0	0	0	0
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									0	20	0	$ 20
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									25	67	100
Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Seeds And Genomics [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									21	66	$ 100
Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Agricultural Productivity [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									$ 4	$ 1

RESTRUCTURING - Restructuring C

RESTRUCTURING - Restructuring Charges by Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges									$ (36)	$ 297	$ 393
Restructuring Reserves Long Term	$ 9				$ 17				9	17		$ 9
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges	(6)	$ (17)	$ 23	$ (36)	7	$ 15	$ 9	$ 266	(11)	364	493	846
Asset impairments and write-offs									(46)	(147)	(276)
Restructuring Reserve	46				244				46	244	217	46
Cash payments									(141)	(192)
Foreign currency impact										2
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges									(81)	189	217	325
Asset impairments and write-offs									0	0	0
Restructuring Reserve	44				244				44	244	217	44
Cash payments									(119)	(164)
Foreign currency impact										2
Restructuring Reserves Long Term	8				17				8	17		8
Facility Closing [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges									24	28	0	52
Asset impairments and write-offs									0	0	0
Restructuring Reserve	2				0				2	0	0	2
Cash payments									(22)	(28)
Foreign currency impact										0
Restructuring Reserves Long Term	1								1			1
Impairment Of Asset [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges									46	147	276
Asset impairments and write-offs									(46)	(147)	(276)
Restructuring Reserve	$ 0				$ 0				0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Cash payments									$ 0	0
Foreign currency impact										$ 0

RESTRUCTURING - Narrative (Deta

RESTRUCTURING - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									$ (36)	$ 297	$ 393
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)	$ (6)	$ (17)	$ 23	$ (36)	$ 7	$ 15	$ 9	$ 266	(11)	364	493	$ 846
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									(81)	189	217	325
Facility Closing [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									24	28	0	52
Impairment Of Asset [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									46	147	276
Minimum [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	900								900			900
Minimum [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	325								325			325
Minimum [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	95								95			95
Minimum [Member] | Impairment Of Asset [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	480								480			480
Maximum [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	965								965			965
Maximum [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	350								350			350
Maximum [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	115								115			115
Maximum [Member] | Impairment Of Asset [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated restructuring charges	$ 500								500			$ 500
Changes In Estimates Related To Work Force Reductions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									$ (112)	$ (44)	$ 0

RECEIVABLES (Details)

RECEIVABLES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent		$ 398	$ 260
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		94	59	$ 72
Additions - Charged to Expense		100	82	44
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs		(30)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Reclassification To Long-Term		(67)
Other	[1]	(19)	(47)	(57)
Ending Balance		78	94	59
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Long Term [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		228	120	125
Incremental Provision		20	78	9
Recoveries		(38)	(2)	(3)
Write Offs		(2)	(4)	(28)
Reclassifications from allowance for current receivables		67
Other		2	36	17	[2]
Ending Balance		$ 277	$ 228	$ 120
[1]	Includes reclassifications to long-term, write-offs, recoveries and foreign currency translation adjustments.
[2]	(Dollars in millions) Balance Aug. 31, 2014$125Incremental provision9Recoveries(3)Write-Offs(28)Other(1) 17Balance Aug. 31, 2015$120Incremental provision78Recoveries(2)Write-Offs(4)Other(1) 36Balance Aug. 31, 2016$228Incremental provision20Recoveries(2)(38)Write-Offs(2)Reclassifications from allowance for current receivables67Foreign currency translation adjustments2Balance Aug. 31, 2017$277

RECEIVABLES (Trade Receivables

RECEIVABLES (Trade Receivables by Customer Concentration) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	$ 2,239	$ 2,020
Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	(78)	(94)	$ (59)	$ (72)
Trade Receivables, Net	2,161	1,926
Argentina [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	312	302
Asia-Pacific [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	130	113
Brazil [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	215	234
Canada [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	32	27
Europe-Africa [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	640	550
Mexico [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	121	147
UNITED STATES
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	731	574
Other Credit Derivatives [Member]
Accounts Receivable By Geographical Location [Line Items]
Gross Trade Receivables	$ 58	$ 73

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS (De

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS (Details) BRL in Millions, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017BRL	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
US agreement to sell trade receivables [Member]
Customer Financing Qualified Programs [Abstract]
Outstanding balance	[1]	$ 539		$ 511
Maximum future payout under recourse provisions	[1]	21		19
Customer Financing Programs, Receivables Sold [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Receivables Sold	[1]	637		511	$ 852
Additional Information [Abstract]
Maximum Amount Of Potential Sales Of Receivables		1,500
European agreements to sell accounts receivables [Member]
Customer Financing Qualified Programs [Abstract]
Outstanding balance	[2]	107		60
Maximum future payout under recourse provisions	[2]	27		35
Customer Financing Programs, Receivables Sold [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Receivables Sold	[2]	131		96	$ 165
Agreements with Lenders [Member]
Customer Financing Qualified Programs [Abstract]
Outstanding balance	[3]	92		73
Maximum future payout under recourse provisions	[3]	52		$ 57
Brazil Qspe [Member]
Additional Information [Abstract]
Maximum Amount Of Potential Sales Of Receivables		$ 111	BRL 350
[1]	Monsanto has agreements in the United States to sell trade receivables, both with and without recourse, up to a maximum outstanding balance of $1.5 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. 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 on the company’s historical collection experience 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, 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	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Jun. 15, 2016
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Sorghum Business [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
Cash payment received	$ 110
Gain resulting from joint venture	$ 157
Sorghum Business [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
Ownership percentage				40.00%
Sorghum Business [Member] | Remington Holding, LLC [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
Ownership percentage				60.00%
Senior Interest [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
VIE, ownership percentage		85.00%	89.00%
Monsanto Interest [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
VIE, ownership percentage		15.00%	11.00%
Minimum [Member] | Monsanto Interest [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
VIE, ownership percentage		11.10%
Herbicides [Member]
Revolving Financing Programs [Line Items]
Product Liability Contingency, Loss Exposure Not Accrued, Best Estimate		$ 29

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Eq

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Equity Method and Cost Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	$ 166	$ 152	$ 114
Cost Basis Investments	116	94
Total	$ 282	$ 246

INVENTORY (Details)

INVENTORY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Effect Of LIFO Inventory Liquidation On Income			$ 0
Components of Inventory (Details)
Finished Goods		$ 1,477	1,404
Goods In Process		1,446	1,489
Raw Materials and Supplies		561	498
Inventory at FIFO Cost		3,484	3,391
Excess of FIFO over LIFO Cost		(144)	(150)
Total		3,340	3,241
Inventory Obsolescence [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		468	434	$ 415
Additions — charged to expense		294	410	390
Deductions and other	[1]	(281)	(376)	(371)
Ending Balance		$ 481	$ 468	$ 434
[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			36 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									$ (36)	$ 297	$ 393
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)	$ (6)	$ (17)	$ 23	$ (36)	$ 7	$ 15	$ 9	$ 266	(11)	364	493	$ 846
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member] | Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									11	42	51	104
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									(12)	327	480	795
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member] | Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									$ 11	$ 42	$ 51	$ 104

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT73

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	$ 12,231				$ 11,116				$ 12,231	$ 11,116		$ 12,231
Less: Accumulated Depreciation	6,301				5,885				6,301	5,885		6,301
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	5,930				5,231				5,930	5,231		5,930
Gross assets acquired under capital leases	20				39				20	39		20
Restructuring charges (reversal)									(36)	297	$ 393
Land and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	677				645				677	645		677
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	2,358				2,225				2,358	2,225		2,358
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	6,210				5,871				6,210	5,871		6,210
Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	1,166				1,008				1,166	1,008		1,166
Construction In Progress And Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	1,820				1,367				1,820	1,367		1,820
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)	$ (6)	$ (17)	$ 23	$ (36)	$ 7	$ 15	$ 9	$ 266	(11)	364	493	846
Impairment in value of Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (reversal)									$ 32	$ 43	$ 81	$ 156

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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated Impairment	$ 2,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,020	$ 4,061
Reclass to assets held for sale		(41)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments	68	0
Ending Balance	4,088	4,020
Seeds And Genomics [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,967	4,004
Reclass to assets held for sale		(41)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments	72	4
Ending Balance	4,039	3,967
Agricultural Productivity [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	53	57
Reclass to assets held for sale		0
Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments	(4)	(4)
Ending Balance	$ 49	$ 53

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE75

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Information of other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	$ 2,850	$ 2,812
Accumulated Amortization	(1,918)	(1,779)
Net	932	1,033
Total Other Intangible Assets, Carrying Amount	2,942	2,904
Total Other Intangible Assets, net	1,024	1,125
Amortization Expense	144	116	$ 143
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
In Process Research & Development, Indefinite Lives	92	92
Acquired Germplasm [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	1,077	1,070
Accumulated Amortization	(814)	(778)
Net	263	292
Acquired Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	1,079	1,042
Accumulated Amortization	(671)	(593)
Net	408	449
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	335	334
Accumulated Amortization	(165)	(152)
Net	170	182
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	291	301
Accumulated Amortization	(228)	(223)
Net	63	78
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Carrying Amount	68	65
Accumulated Amortization	(40)	(33)
Net	$ 28	$ 32

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE76

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Schedule of estimated amortization expense (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 121
2,019	107
2,020	105
2,021	105
2,022	$ 101

INCOME TAXES (Components of inc

INCOME TAXES (Components of income from continuing operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 1,720	$ 1,457	$ 2,092
Outside United States	1,166	534	1,069
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$ 2,886	$ 1,991	$ 3,161

INCOME TAXES (Components of i78

INCOME TAXES (Components of income tax provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Current:
U.S. federal	$ 236	$ 393	$ 675
U.S. state	25	43	69
Outside United States	319	231	408
Total Current	580	667	1,152
Deferred:
U.S. federal	81	(109)	(91)
U.S. state	4	(7)	(2)
Outside United States	(39)	144	(195)
Total Deferred	46	28	(288)
Total	$ 626	$ 695	$ 864

INCOME TAXES (Income Tax Reconc

INCOME TAXES (Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
U.S. Federal Statutory Rate	$ 1,010	$ 697	$ 1,106
U.S. Domestic Manufacturing Deduction	(41)	(64)	(87)
U.S. R&D Tax Credit	(34)	(34)	(30)
U.S. State Income Taxes	27	28	39
Lower Taxes on Foreign Operations	(409)	(243)	(209)
Valuation Allowances	93	308	13
Adjustment for Unrecognized Tax Benefits	0	(6)	(4)
Other	(20)	9	36
Total	$ 626	$ 695	$ 864

INCOME TAXES (Components of def

INCOME TAXES (Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Net Operating Loss and Other Carryforwards	$ 608	$ 438
Employee Fringe Benefits	311	331
Royalties	220	189
Restructuring and Impairment Reserves	127	155
Inventories	93	91
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	85	77
Environmental and Litigation Reserves	82	70
Other	318	407
Valuation Allowance	(394)	(346)
Total Deferred Tax Assets	1,450	1,412
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	667	533
Intangibles	411	334
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities	1,078	867
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$ 372	$ 545

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detai

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 587	$ 696
Undistributed Foreign Earnings	4,200
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	120	123	$ 135
Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Favorably Impact Effective Tax Rate	100	90
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued	34	24
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties And Interest Expense	1	1	$ 6
Potential Decrease In Uncertain Tax Benefits	50
Argentina [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	328	281
US federal income tax [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 232	$ 97

INCOME TAXES (Reconciliation of

INCOME TAXES (Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 123	$ 135
Increases for prior year tax positions	35	17
Decreases for prior year tax positions	(33)	(11)
Increases for current year tax positions	9	8
Settlements	(2)	(1)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(11)	(23)
Foreign currency translation	(1)	(2)
Ending Balance	$ 120	$ 123

INCOME TAXES (Years subject to

INCOME TAXES (Years subject to examination) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
US federal income tax [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,014
US federal income tax [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,017
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	2,017
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	2,017
Brazil [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,007
Brazil [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Year under Examination	2,017

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEM

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Short-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	$ 806	$ 902
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Settlement Terms, Share Value, Amount, Current	0	113
Notes Payable to Banks	64	72
Commercial Paper	0	500
Total Short-Term Debt	$ 870	$ 1,587

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGE85

DEBT AND OTHER CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt (variable interest entities restricted)		$ 104,000,000	$ 0
Other (including Capital Leases)		23,000,000	36,000,000
Total Long-Term Debt		7,254,000,000	7,453,000,000
Senior Notes Due April Twenty Eighteen [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 0	299,000,000
Interest Rate		5.125%
Senior Notes Due November Twenty Eighteen [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 299,000,000	299,000,000
Interest Rate		1.85%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Nineteen [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 498,000,000	498,000,000
Interest Rate		2.125%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty One [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 497,000,000	496,000,000
Interest Rate		2.75%
Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 249,000,000	249,000,000
Interest Rate		2.20%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty Four [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 745,000,000	744,000,000
Interest Rate		3.375%
Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 292,000,000	289,000,000
Interest Rate		5.50%
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]	$ 297,000,000	297,000,000
Interest Rate		2.85%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Thirty Four [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 493,000,000	492,000,000
Interest Rate		4.20%
Senior Notes Due 2035 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 393,000,000	393,000,000
Interest Rate		5.50%
Senior Notes Due 2038 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 246,000,000	246,000,000
Interest Rate		5.875%
Senior Notes Due 2042 [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 248,000,000	247,000,000
Interest Rate		3.60%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Three [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 297,000,000	297,000,000
Interest Rate		4.65%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Four [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 983,000,000	982,000,000
Interest Rate		4.40%
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	361,000,000
Interest Rate		4.30%
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]	$ 494,000,000	493,000,000
Interest Rate		3.95%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Sixty Four [Member]
Short Term Debt [Abstract]
Discounted Amount	[1]	$ 735,000,000	$ 735,000,000
Interest Rate		4.70%
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 ($)		Aug. 31, 2017		Oct. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Shelf registration, maximum aggregate amount						$ 6,000,000,000
Short-term Debt, Fair Value		$ 877,000,000			$ 1,589,000,000
Weighted average interest rate		3.00%			2.00%
Long-term Debt, Fair Value		$ 7,603,000,000	[1]		$ 7,834,000,000
Commercial Paper		0			500,000,000
Senior Notes Due November Twenty Eighteen [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 299,000,000			299,000,000
Interest Rate		1.85%
Senior Notes Due April Twenty Twenty Five [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		2.85%
Senior Notes Due April Twenty Forty Five [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 500,000,000
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 494,000,000			493,000,000
Interest Rate		3.95%
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			361,000,000
Interest Rate		4.30%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Nineteen [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 498,000,000			498,000,000
Interest Rate		2.125%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty One [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 497,000,000			496,000,000
Interest Rate		2.75%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty Four [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 745,000,000			744,000,000
Interest Rate		3.375%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Thirty Four [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 493,000,000			492,000,000
Interest Rate		4.20%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Four [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 983,000,000			982,000,000
Interest Rate		4.40%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Sixty Four [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 735,000,000			735,000,000
Interest Rate		4.70%
Senior Notes Due Twenty Forty Three [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	[2]	$ 297,000,000			$ 297,000,000
Interest Rate		4.65%
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
Term Loan Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Schedule of Debt [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity				$ 1,000,000,000
Line of Credit, Current				$ 500,000,000
[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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Interest Cost Incurred	$ 496	$ 468	$ 460
Less: Capitalized on Construction	44	32	27
Interest Expense	$ 452	$ 436	$ 433

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value Hierarchy Levels) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017		Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 1,034		$ 1,081
Short-term investments	8		60
Equity securities	10		13
Foreign currency	10		10
Commodity contracts	10		18
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,072		1,182
Short-term debt instruments(1)	877		1,589
Long-term debt instruments(1)	7,603	[1]	7,834
Foreign currency	16		15
Commodity contracts	13		52
Interest rate contracts			41
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	8,509		9,531
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	1,034		1,081
Short-term investments	8		60
Equity securities	10		13
Foreign currency	0		0
Commodity contracts	3		9
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,055		1,163
Short-term debt instruments(1)	0		0
Long-term debt instruments(1)	0	[1]	0
Foreign currency	0		0
Commodity contracts	7		32
Interest rate contracts			0
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	7		32
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	10		10
Commodity contracts	7		9
Total Assets at Fair Value	17		19
Short-term debt instruments(1)	877		1,476
Long-term debt instruments(1)	7,499	[1]	7,834
Foreign currency	16		15
Commodity contracts	6		20
Interest rate contracts			41
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	8,398		9,386
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
Total Assets at Fair Value	0		0
Short-term debt instruments(1)	0		113
Long-term debt instruments(1)	104	[1]	0
Foreign currency	0		0
Commodity contracts	0		0
Interest rate contracts			0
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$ 104		$ 113
[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, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Aug. 31, 2017BRL / sharesshares	Aug. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares	Aug. 31, 2016BRL / sharesshares
Short-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 113
Reclassifications		(103)
Accretion expense		2
Payments		(7)
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments		(5)
Ending Balance	[1]	0
Mandatorily Redeemable Shares Outstanding | shares				350,000	350,000
Mandatorily Redeemable Shares, Par Value | (per share)				$ 309	BRL 1,000
Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	[1]	0
Reclassifications		93
Accretion expense		9
Payments		(5)
Ending Balance		$ 104
Mandatorily Redeemable Shares Outstanding | shares		315,000	315,000
Mandatorily Redeemable Shares, Par Value | (per share)		$ 318	BRL 1,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		$ 7
[1]	Includes 315,000 mandatorily redeemable shares outstanding with a par value of 1,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $318) as of Aug. 31, 2017.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrat

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details) number in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liability Non-Recurring Charge	0	0	0
Fair Value Transfers, Amount	0	0
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 5,930	$ 5,231
Other Intangible Assets, Net	1,024	1,125
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges		20
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges		20
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Intangible Assets, Net		1
Agricultural Productivity [Member] | Impairment Of Asset [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Intangible Assets, Net		20
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	19	41	$ 81
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | 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	6	16	49
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	13	25	32
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges		19	71
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges		19	71
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	13	26	50
Other Intangible Assets, Net		1	1
Seeds And Genomics [Member] | Impairment Of Asset [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 32	67	131
Other Intangible Assets, Net		$ 19	$ 71

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Narrative

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$ (26)
Loss on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring		$ 1	$ 2
Description of Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge	0	no	no
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	12 months
Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge	27 months
ISDA Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Net Liability Position Aggregate Fair Value	$ 19	$ 63
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Loss on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring	37
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Loss on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring	$ 1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Notional

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Notional Amounts of Derivative Instruments Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	$ 883	$ 1,022
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	2,343	1,435
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	453	388
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	2,133	1,096
Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	430	484
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	189	223
Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	0	150
Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Amount of Derivatives, [Abstract]
Total Derivatives	$ 21	$ 116

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Valu

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value of Derivatives Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017		Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Accounts Receivable		$ 0		$ 0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		20		28
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(8)		(39)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		12		(11)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		5		24
Derivative Asset		17		13
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		29		108
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(8)		(39)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		21		69
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		21		69
Miscellaneous receivables (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $5 and 2016: $0)		827		755
Other current assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $1 and 2016: $0)		260		227
Other Assets, Noncurrent		955		489
Miscellaneous short-term accruals (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $2 and 2016: $0)		740		1,004
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent		377		318
Gain (Loss) from Components Excluded from Assessment of Cash Flow Hedge Effectiveness, Net		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Description of Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge		0		no		no
Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		$ 18		$ 28
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(7)		(35)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		11		(7)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		5		20
Derivative Asset		16		13
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		7		35
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(7)		(35)
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		244		214
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		1		0
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		0		(4)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		1		(4)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0		4
Derivative Asset		1		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability				4
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset				(4)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral				0
Derivative Liability				0
Non-derivative Balances		954		489
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(1)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0
Derivative Asset		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		22		67
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(1)		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		21		67
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		21		67
Non-derivative Balances		(719)		(937)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability		1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability				2
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset				0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				2
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral				0
Derivative Liability				2
Non-derivative Balances				(316)
Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability				41
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset				0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				41
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral				0
Derivative Liability				41
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | 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] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		10	[1]	6
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		0	[1]	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		10	[1]	6
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0	[1]	0
Derivative Asset		10	[1]	6
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		14		8
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		14		8
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		14		8
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		2		7
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		2		7
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		2		7
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		2	[1]	9	[2]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(7)	[1]	(29)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		(5)	[1]	(20)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		5	[1]	20	[2]
Derivative Asset		0	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		7	[1]	29	[2]
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(7)	[1]	(29)	[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		6	[1]	9	[2]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		0	[1]	(6)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		6	[1]	3	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0	[1]	0	[2]
Derivative Asset		6	[1]	3	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	[2]			6
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	[2]			(6)
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		0	[2]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		0		(4)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		1		(4)	[2]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0		4	[2]
Derivative Asset		1		0	[2]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	[2]			4
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	[2]			(4)
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 Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(1)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value of Collateral		0
Derivative Asset		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		3		11
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(1)		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		2		11
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0		0
Derivative Liability		2		11
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability		1
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		3
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral		3
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral		0
Derivative Liability		$ 3
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability				2
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset				0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral				2
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral				0
Derivative Liability				$ 2
[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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring			$ 1	$ 2
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	[1]	$ 32	(68)	(100)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income		(32)	(123)	(130)
Gain (Loss) from Components Excluded from Assessment of Cash Flow Hedge Effectiveness, Net		0	0	0
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized		82	(178)	(42)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	[1]	32	(68)	(100)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	[2]	(45)	(92)	(54)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net		13	(31)	(76)
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		14	(36)	(73)
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		(1)	1	0
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		0	4	(3)
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	[3]	13	7	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]	4	3	26
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2]	7	21	9
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]	3	(17)	51
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2],[4]	7	8	31
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Other Expense [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	[1]	0	0	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2]	(37)	0	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]	3	(42)	(85)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2]	(15)	(15)	(13)
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]	22	(12)	(92)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2]	$ (20)	$ (113)	$ (81)
[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 fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015. No gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015.
[4]	Gain or loss on foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedges was offset by a foreign currency transaction loss of $82 million, a loss of $178 million and a gain of $42 million during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN95

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Net Loss to Be Amortized from AOCI	$ 43
Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,589	$ 2,506	$ 2,312
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	$ 35	$ 70	$ 70
Expected long-term return on assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
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	140	$ 121
Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional value	67	56
UNITED STATES | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,404	2,324	$ 2,142
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	20	50	$ 51
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 2,300	$ 2,400
Expected long-term return on assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis	$ 1,635	$ 1,601
Foreign Plan [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	185	182	$ 170
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	15	20	$ 19
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 204	$ 214
Expected long-term return on assets	5.32%	5.60%	6.20%
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis	$ 170	$ 167

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN96

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned during the Year	$ 73	$ 73	$ 76
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	87	100	95
Assumed Return on Plan Assets(1)	(179)	(159)	(159)
Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss	51	52	56
Restructuring Charges	2	2	2
Other Adjustments	1	2	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	$ 35	70	70
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
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned during the Year	$ 61	61	64
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	82	93	88
Assumed Return on Plan Assets(1)	(170)	(150)	(151)
Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss	47	46	50
Restructuring Charges	0	0	0
Other Adjustments	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	20	50	51
Foreign Plan [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned during the Year	12	12	12
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	5	7	7
Assumed Return on Plan Assets(1)	(9)	(9)	(8)
Amortization of Unrecognized Net Loss	4	6	6
Restructuring Charges	2	2	2
Other Adjustments	1	2	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	$ 15	$ 20	$ 19

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN97

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Changes Recognized in OCI Pension) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current Year Actuarial Gain	$ (71)
Recognition of Actuarial Loss(1)(2)	(53)
Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(124)
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current Year Actuarial Gain	(16)
Recognition of Actuarial Loss(1)(2)	(6)
Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	$ (22)
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	21 years
Foreign Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	5 years
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current Year Actuarial Gain	$ (55)
Recognition of Actuarial Loss(1)(2)	(47)
Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	$ (102)
UNITED STATES | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	9 years
UNITED STATES | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	16 years

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN98

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Assumptions Used to Determine Pension Costs) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate	1.93%	2.66%	3.01%
Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets	5.32%	5.60%	6.20%
Annual Rate of Salary Increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	3.60%	3.76%	3.92%
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate	3.43%	4.33%	4.04%
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%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PEN99

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Schedule of Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Change in Plan Assets:
Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Assets		$ 14	$ 13
Total [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		2,699	2,440
Service cost		73	73	$ 76
Interest cost		87	100	95
Plan participants’ contributions		2	2
Actuarial (gain)/loss		(33)	223
Benefits paid		160	150
Plan amendments		0	(6)
Settlements / curtailments		(21)	(12)
Special/Contractual Term Benefits		1	0
Currency impact		13	(1)
Other		0	30
Benefit Obligation at End of Period		2,661	2,699	2,440
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		2,506	2,312
Actual return on plan assets		214	261
Employer contributions	[1]	34	78
Plan participants’ contributions		2	2
Settlements		(16)	(8)
Benefits paid(1)	[1]	160	150
Currency impact		9	0
Other		0	11
Plan Assets at End of Period		2,589	2,506	2,312
Net Liability/(Asset) Recognized		72	194
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets		53	2,482
UNITED STATES | Total [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		2,427	2,190
Service cost		61	61	64
Interest cost		82	93	88
Plan participants’ contributions		0	0
Actuarial (gain)/loss		(21)	203
Benefits paid		148	137
Plan amendments		0	0
Settlements / curtailments		0	0
Special/Contractual Term Benefits		0	0
Currency impact		0	0
Other		0	17
Benefit Obligation at End of Period		2,401	2,427	2,190
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		2,324	2,142
Actual return on plan assets		205	253
Employer contributions	[1]	23	66
Plan participants’ contributions		0	0
Settlements		0	0
Benefits paid(1)	[1]	148	137
Currency impact		0	0
Other		0	0
Plan Assets at End of Period		2,404	2,324	2,142
Net Liability/(Asset) Recognized		(3)	103
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets		0	2,324
Foreign Plan [Member] | Total [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		272	250
Service cost		12	12	12
Interest cost		5	7	7
Plan participants’ contributions		2	2
Actuarial (gain)/loss		(12)	20
Benefits paid		12	13
Plan amendments		0	(6)
Settlements / curtailments		(21)	(12)
Special/Contractual Term Benefits		1	0
Currency impact		13	(1)
Other		0	13
Benefit Obligation at End of Period		260	272	250
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		182	170
Actual return on plan assets		9	8
Employer contributions	[1]	11	12
Plan participants’ contributions		2	2
Settlements		(16)	(8)
Benefits paid(1)	[1]	12	13
Currency impact		9	0
Other		0	11
Plan Assets at End of Period		185	182	$ 170
Net Liability/(Asset) Recognized		75	91
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets		$ 53	$ 158
[1]	Employer contributions and benefits paid include $14 million and $13 million paid from employer assets for unfunded plans in fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE100

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Assumptions Used to Determine Pension Benefit Obligation) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member]	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate	3.73%	3.43%
Rate of Compensation Increase	3.50%	4.00%
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate	2.56%	1.93%
Rate of Compensation Increase	3.77%	3.60%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE101

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - Total [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	$ 218	$ 2,676
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets	53	2,482
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	128	250
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets	53	158
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	90	2,426
Fair Value of Plan Assets with PBOs in Excess of Plan Assets	$ 0	$ 2,324

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE102

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - Total [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	$ 201	$ 226
ABO	179	199
Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets	37	46
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	90	96
ABO	86	91
Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	111	130
ABO	93	108
Fair Value of Plan Assets with ABOs in Excess of Plan Assets	$ 37	$ 46

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE103

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Net Amount Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Postretirement Liabilities	$ 313	$ 371
Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Assets	(101)	(8)
Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals	14	14
Postretirement Liabilities	159	188
Net (Asset)/Liability Recognized	72	194
UNITED STATES | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Assets	(93)	0
Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals	9	9
Postretirement Liabilities	81	94
Net (Asset)/Liability Recognized	(3)	103
Foreign Plan [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Assets	(8)	(8)
Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals	5	5
Postretirement Liabilities	78	94
Net (Asset)/Liability Recognized	$ 75	$ 91

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE104

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Pre-Tax Components Recognized in AOCI Pension) (Details) - Total [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Prior Service Credit	$ (5)	$ (6)
Net Loss	418	543
Total	413	537
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Prior Service Credit	0	0
Net Loss	380	482
Total	380	482
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Prior Service Credit	(5)	(6)
Net Loss	38	61
Total	$ 33	$ 55

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE105

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Pension Plan Asset Allocation United States) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - UNITED STATES		Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
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			48.70%	48.30%
Private Equity Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			4.50%	4.50%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			42.00%	42.40%
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			4.80%	4.80%
Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			20.00%	19.20%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	[1]	100.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Public Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	[1]	36.90%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	[1]	45.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	[1]	18.10%
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Public Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			44.00%
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			34.00%
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Public Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			54.00%
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			8.00%
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			48.00%
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			8.00%
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			3.00%
[1]	Monsanto’s plans outside the United States have a wide range of target allocations, and therefore the 2018 target allocations shown above reflect a weighted-average calculation of the target allocations of each of the plans.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE106

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Pension Plan Asset Allocation Foreign) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member]		Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			100.00%	100.00%
UNITED STATES | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			48.70%	48.30%
UNITED STATES | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			42.00%	42.40%
UNITED STATES | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			20.00%	19.20%
UNITED STATES | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	[1]	100.00%
UNITED STATES | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	[1]	36.90%
UNITED STATES | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	[1]	45.00%
UNITED STATES | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	[1]	18.10%
Foreign Plan [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			34.60%	30.90%
Foreign Plan [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets			45.40%	49.90%
[1]	Monsanto’s plans outside the United States have a wide range of target allocations, and therefore the 2018 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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment at fair value, after cash collateral offset		$ 17	$ 13
Future [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments		140	121
Common And Preferred Stock Sold Short Derivatives [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments		67	56
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		1,635	1,601
Cash Collateral Offset	[1]	64	57
Total Investments at Fair Value		2,585	2,484
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		606	563
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		735	765
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		230	216
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		75	72
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		38	28
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		37	44
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US government debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		281	296
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US government debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US government debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		281	296
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US government debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US state and municipal debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		17	19
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US state and municipal debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US state and municipal debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		17	19
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US state and municipal debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign government debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		11	9
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign government debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign government debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		11	9
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign government debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US corporate debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		391	386
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US corporate debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US corporate debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		391	386
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US corporate debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign corporate debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		61	65
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign corporate debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign corporate debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		61	65
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign corporate debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US Term Bank Loans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		1	1
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US Term Bank Loans [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US Term Bank Loans [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		1	1
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | US Term Bank Loans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		25	15
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		25	15
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic small capitalization [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic large capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		308	311
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		308	311
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Developed markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		193	167
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Developed markets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		191	167
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Developed markets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		2	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Developed markets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Emerging markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		42	40
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Emerging markets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		42	39
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Emerging markets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	1
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Preferred Stock: International: Emerging markets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		111	104
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Private Equity Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		111	104
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash Collateral Offset	[1]	66	60
Investment at fair value, after cash collateral offset		0	4
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment at fair value, before cash collateral offset		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment at fair value, before cash collateral offset		(66)	(56)
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Interest in Pooled Funds: Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment at fair value, before cash collateral offset		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Collective Investment Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments measured at net asset value		759	717
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Interest in Pooled Collerateral Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments measured at net asset value		191	166
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Future [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash Collateral Offset	[1]	(2)	(3)
Investment at fair value, after cash collateral offset		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Future [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment at fair value, before cash collateral offset		2	3
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Future [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment at fair value, before cash collateral offset		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Future [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment at fair value, before cash collateral offset		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		119	112
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		0	0
UNITED STATES | Pension Plan [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy		$ 119	$ 112
[1]	Futures derivative assets and common and preferred stock sold short have been offset by cash collateral held by the counter party.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE108

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSION (United States Pension Plan Asset Level 3 Rollforward) (Details) - UNITED STATES - Pension Plan [Member] - Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 216	$ 228
Purchases		33	37
Sales		(37)	(60)
Realized/unrealized gains		18	11
Ending Balance		230	216
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Still Held Included in Earnings	[1]	9	(29)
Private Equity Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		104	103
Purchases		20	21
Sales		(24)	(22)
Realized/unrealized gains		11	2
Ending Balance		111	104
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Still Held Included in Earnings	[1]	5	(7)
Partnership Interests [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		0	32
Purchases		0	0
Sales		0	(32)
Realized/unrealized gains		0	0
Ending Balance		0	0
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Still Held Included in Earnings	[1]	0	(32)
Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		112	93
Purchases		13	16
Sales		(13)	(6)
Realized/unrealized gains		7	9
Ending Balance		119	112
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Still Held Included in Earnings	[1]	$ 4	$ 10
[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, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2016.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE109

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Investments at Fair Value to Plan Assets Reconciliation) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets at the End of the Period	$ 2,589	$ 2,506	$ 2,312
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Investments at Fair Value	2,585	2,484
Liability to return collateral held under securities lending agreement	(191)
Non-interest bearing cash	5
Accrued income	8
Other (liabilities) and receivables	(3)
Plan Assets at the End of the Period	$ 2,404	$ 2,324	$ 2,142

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE110

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSIONS (Foreign Pension Plan Asset Fair Value) (Details) - Foreign Plan [Member] - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	$ 170	$ 167
Total Investments at Fair Value	185	182
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	54	46
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	83	79
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	33	42
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	4	1
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	4	1
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	0	0
Debt Securities - Foreign Government Debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	83	79
Debt Securities - Foreign Government Debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	0	0
Debt Securities - Foreign Government Debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	83	79
Debt Securities - Foreign Government Debt [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	0	0
Common and Preferred Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	50	45
Common and Preferred Stock [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	50	45
Common and Preferred Stock [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	0	0
Common and Preferred Stock [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	0	0
Insurance Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	33	42
Insurance Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	0	0
Insurance Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	0	0
Insurance Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	33	42
Collective Investment Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments measured at net asset value	$ 15	$ 15

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE111

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSION (Foreign Pension Plan Asset Level 3 Rollforward) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Settlements	$ 16	$ 8
Foreign Plan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Settlements	16	8
Foreign Plan [Member] | Insurance-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	42	31
Purchases	3	5
Settlements	(15)	6
Realized/unrealized gains	3	(12)
Ending Balance	$ 33	$ 42

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE112

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSION Summary of Unfunded Commitments and Redemption Features Measured Using NAV (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Partnership Interest [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption Notice Period (in days)		30 days
Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Redemption Notice Period (in days)	45 days	45 days
UNITED STATES
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	$ 1,635	$ 1,601
UNITED STATES | Collective Investment Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments measured at net asset value	759	717
UNITED STATES | Interest in Pooled Collerateral Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments measured at net asset value	191	166
UNITED STATES | Private Equity Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	111	104
Unfunded Commitments	35	53
UNITED STATES | Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy	119	112
Unfunded Commitments	$ 23	$ 34

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PE113

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PENSION (Expected Cash Flows Pension) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer Contributions 2018 (funded Plans)	$ 60
Benefits Paid Directly by Employer to Unfunded Plan	9
2,017	165
2,018	151
2,019	153
2,020	155
2,021	158
2023-2027	781
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer Contributions 2018 (funded Plans)	8
Benefits Paid Directly by Employer to Unfunded Plan	4
2,017	15
2,018	13
2,019	14
2,020	17
2,021	14
2023-2027	$ 82

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE114

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Net Periodic Cost Postretirement) (Details) - Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost for Benefits Earned During the Period	$ 8	$ 7	$ 7
Interest Cost on Benefit Obligation	6	6	6
Amortization of Prior Service Credit	0	0	(1)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss/(Gain)	5	(4)	(4)
Restructuring Charges	2	0	0
Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost (less than $1 million in 2014)	$ 21	$ 9	$ 8

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE115

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Changes Recognized in OCI Postretirement) (Details) - Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial Loss (Gain)	$ (15)	$ 27
Amortization of Actuarial (Loss)/Gain(1)	(7)	4
Total Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	$ (22)	$ 31
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)	7 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 (Narrative) (Details) - Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2023	Aug. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	7.50%	5.50%	6.00%
Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	4.50%	5.00%	5.00%
Amortization of net prior service credit	$ 5
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	4.50%			4.50%	7.00%
Postretirement Liabilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan	$ 20	$ 22
Other Liabilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan	$ 71	$ 65

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE117

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Assumptions Used to Determine Postretirement Costs) (Details) - Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate Postretirement	3.00%	3.85%	3.60%
Discount Rate Postemployment	1.75%	2.30%	2.40%
Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	7.50%	5.50%	6.00%
Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	4.50%	5.00%	5.00%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE118

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Benefit Obligations Postretirement) (Details) - Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$ 189	$ 176
Service cost	8	7	$ 7
Interest cost	6	6	6
Actuarial loss (gain)	(17)	27
Plan participants’ contributions	7	5
Benefits paid	(35)	(32)
Curtailment	2	0
Benefit Obligation at End of Period	$ 160	$ 189	$ 176

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE119

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Assumptions Used to Determine Postretirement Benefit Obligation) (Details) - Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member]		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount Rate Postretirement		3.25%	3.00%
Discount Rate Postemployment		2.15%	1.75%
Initial Trend Rate for Health Care Costs	[1]	7.00%	7.50%
Ultimate Trend Rate for Health Care Costs		4.50%	4.50%
[1]	As of Aug. 31, 2017, this rate is assumed to decrease to 4.5 percent for 2023 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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Postretirement Liabilities	$ 313	$ 371
Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Miscellaneous Short-Term Accruals	24	27
Postretirement Liabilities	136	162
Total Liability Recognized	$ 160	$ 189	$ 176

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE121

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Pre-Tax Components Recognized in AOCI Postretirement) (Details) - Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial (Gain)/Loss	$ (8)	$ 14
Total	$ (8)	$ 14

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HE122

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - HEALTH CARE AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Expected Cash Flows Postretirement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year		$ 14	$ 13
Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year		24
2,017	[1],[2]	24
2,018	[1],[2]	21
2,019	[1],[2]	19
2,020	[1],[2]	18
2,021	[1],[2]	16
2023-2027	[1],[2]	$ 62
[1]	(1) Expected benefit payments include benefits paid directly by employer for unfunded plans.
[2]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjU5MTI5MjJkY2U1NjRlYjU5ZDU2ZDRjOTc4OGEyZjg5fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246NEZCQzAxM0JBRDVBNjI2MDQ1QjBDMzc5NzA0MEQ2RjAM}

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS (Details

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Age of Employee to Participate	18 years
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	$ 58	$ 61	$ 59
Defined Contribution Plan, Non-elective contribution	$ 11	$ 8	$ 6
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) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 24, 2012	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Exercisable, Options		9,662,903
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		4 years
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price		$ 84.64
Exercisable intrinsic value		$ 307
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	33,600,000
Decrease in remaining shares available		2.7
Plan term		10 years
Nonqualified stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonqualified stock options vested or expected to vest		11,244,290
Weighted average contractual term		5 years
Weighted average exercise price		$ 86.37
Vested or expected to vest, intrinsic value		$ 347
Weighted average grant date fair value		$ 0	$ 20.64	$ 24.38
Exercises in period intrinsic value		$ 48	$ 66	$ 150
Pretax unrecognized compensation expense		$ 11
Weighted average remaining vesting period		11 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average contractual term		1 year 4 months
Weighted average grant date fair value		$ 101.81	$ 87.85	$ 108.42
Pretax unrecognized compensation expense		$ 105
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
Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized					8,600,000
Additional shares authorized	25,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant		16,200,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLA125

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Components of Stock Based Compensation) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	$ 0	$ 16,000,000	$ 44,000,000
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	15,000,000	14,000,000	8,000,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	85,000,000	70,000,000	80,000,000
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	25,000,000	28,000,000	31,000,000
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,000,000	(10,000,000)	0
Operating Expense [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	126,000,000	102,000,000	119,000,000
Continuing Operations [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(126,000,000)	(102,000,000)	(119,000,000)
Income Tax Benefit [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	48,000,000	38,000,000	38,000,000
Net Income (Loss) [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(78,000,000)	(64,000,000)	(81,000,000)
Basic Loss Per Share [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(0.18)	(0.14)	(0.17)
Diluted Loss Per Share [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(0.18)	(0.14)	(0.17)
Net Cash Required By Operating Activities [Member]
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	$ 0	$ 16,000,000	$ 44,000,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLA126

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Rollforward of Stock Options) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Options	12,889,454	12,486,754	13,437,635
Beginning Balance, Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 85.56	$ 80.88	$ 72.23
Options, Granted		2,264,950	1,730,040
Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted		$ 91.39	$ 112.94
Options, Exercised	(1,373,065)	(1,502,763)	(2,439,135)
Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$ 111.47	$ 97.51	$ 56.47
Options, Forfeited	(139,934)	(359,487)	(241,786)
Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$ 97.50	$ 92.65	$ 75.56
Ending Balance, Options	11,376,455	12,889,454	12,486,754
Ending Balance, Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 86.50	$ 85.56	$ 80.88

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLA127

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Restricted Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock Based compensation other than options [Roll Forward]
Nonvested as of	7,507
Granted	3,179
Vested	(5,135)
Forfeitures	0
Nonvested as of	5,551	7,507
Other Than Options Weighted Average Fair Value [Abstract]
Nonvested as of	$ 96.58
Granted	106.84
Vested	111.93
Forfeitures	0
Nonvested as of	$ 88.26	$ 96.58
Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable	$ 0
Additional Information [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value during fiscal year	$ 106.84	$ 91.29	$ 115.65
Total fair value of equity vested during fiscal year	$ 1	$ 1	$ 0
Weighted average contractual term	1 year 5 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stock Based compensation other than options [Roll Forward]
Nonvested as of	1,688,918
Granted	1,491,151
Vested	(590,336)
Forfeitures	(161,573)
Nonvested as of	2,428,160	1,688,918
Other Than Options Weighted Average Fair Value [Abstract]
Nonvested as of	$ 98.56
Granted	101.81
Vested	102.41
Forfeitures	99.95
Nonvested as of	$ 99.53	$ 98.56
Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures as applicable	$ 105
Additional Information [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value during fiscal year	$ 101.81	$ 87.85	$ 108.42
Total fair value of equity vested during fiscal year	$ 60	$ 66	$ 52
Weighted average contractual term	1 year 4 months

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLA128

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Assumptions Used to Value Stock Options) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected Dividend Yield	1.90%	1.70%
Expected Volatility Minimum	23.00%	20.00%
Expected Volatility Maximum	35.00%	35.00%
Weighted-Average Volatility	27.50%	25.90%
Risk Free Interest Rate Minimum	1.40%	1.56%
Risk Free Interest Rate Maximum	2.05%	2.11%
Weighted-Average Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.78%	1.99%
Expected Option Life (in years)	7 years	7 years

CAPITAL STOCK (Common Stock and

CAPITAL STOCK (Common Stock and Preferred Stock) (Details) - $ / shares	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
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	439,578,276	437,795,024

CAPITAL STOCK (Treasury Stock)

CAPITAL STOCK (Treasury Stock) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Oct. 13, 2015	Jul. 01, 2014	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Treasury Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Share purchases under plans			$ 0	$ 3,001	$ 835
Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Share purchases under plans	$ 3,000
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			32.2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENS131

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		$ (2,427)	$ (2,808)	$ (2,801)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		307	(92)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		74	85
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		381	(7)	(1,687)
Other comprehensive (income) loss, reclassification adjustment, available for sale securities, tax		(1)	(1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax		(24)	(44)	(23)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax		(22)	(18)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(2,059)	(2,292)	(2,327)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		233	35
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		0	0
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		233	35
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		3	2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		1	1	2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		(2)	(2)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		2	1
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		0	(1)
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		58	99
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(122)	(177)	(190)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		21	(42)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		34	55
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		55	13
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(247)	(340)	$ (286)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		55	(83)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		38	29
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		93	(54)
Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		60	47
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		37	31
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		3	2
Restructuring Charges [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		4	0
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		20	113
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		15	15
Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Other 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		37	0
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		(7)	(8)
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		(7)	(21)
Inventory [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	[1]	$ 19	$ 16
[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 $19 million and $16 million of net periodic benefit cost to inventory, of which approximately $19 million and $16 million was recognized in cost of goods sold during of the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2016, 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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares	438.8	442.7	476.9
Dilutive Potential Common Shares	5	4.4	4.5
Antidilutive Potential Common Shares	2	5.4	1.7

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFOR133

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest	$ 417	$ 387	$ 343
Taxes	$ 543	$ 841	$ 992

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFOR134

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Line Items]
Dividends payable	$ 237	$ 237	$ 254
Non cash capital expenditures	$ 290	$ 210	$ 225

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE135

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Contractual Obligations) (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	$ 20,117
2,018	3,710
2,019	1,794
2,020	1,038
2,021	1,292
2,022	922
2023 and beyond	11,268
Total Debt, including Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	8,124
2,018	870
2,019	802
2,020	108
2,021	501
2,022	253
2023 and beyond	5,590
Interest Payments Relating to Long-Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	6,027	[1]
2,018	312	[1]
2,019	289	[1]
2,020	268	[1]
2,021	267	[1]
2,022	253	[1]
2023 and beyond	4,638	[1]
Operating Lease Obligations [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	511
2,018	149
2,019	109
2,020	84
2,021	60
2,022	44
2023 and beyond	65
Uncompleted additions to property [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	775
2,018	771
2,019	4
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	0
2023 and beyond	0
Commitments to purchase inventories [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	3,668
2,018	1,365
2,019	484
2,020	472
2,021	383
2,022	294
2023 and beyond	670
Commitments to purchase breeding research [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	440
2,018	55
2,019	55
2,020	55
2,021	55
2,022	55
2023 and beyond	165
R and D alliances and joint venture obligations [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	145
2,018	45
2,019	34
2,020	30
2,021	19
2,022	16
2023 and beyond	1
Postretirement liabilities [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	105	[2]
2,018	105	[2]
2,019	0	[2]
2,020	0	[2]
2,021	0	[2]
2,022	0	[2]
2023 and beyond	0	[2]
Unrecognized tax benefits [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	93	[3]
2,018	0	[3]
2,019	0	[3]
2,020	0	[3]
2,021	0	[3]
2,022	0	[3]
2023 and beyond	0	[3]
Other liabilities [Member]
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Total	204
2,018	14
2,019	16
2,020	21
2,021	7
2,022	7
2023 and beyond	$ 139
[1]	For variable rate debt, interest is calculated using the applicable rates as of Aug. 31, 2017.
[2]	Includes the company’s planned pension and other postretirement benefit contributions for fiscal 2018. The actual amounts funded in fiscal 2018 may differ from the amounts listed above. Contributions in fiscal 2019 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 reserves for 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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent Expense	$ 262	$ 256	$ 273
Guarantees for indemnification liability	$ 1	$ 1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE137

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Environmental Liabilities Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Discount Rate Minimum	3.20%
Discount Rate Maximum	3.60%
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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregate Undiscounted Amount	$ 119
2,018	14
2,019	16
2,020	21
2,021	7
2,022	7
Undiscounted aggregate expected payments after 2022	139
Aggregate Amount to be Discounted as of Aug. 31, 2017	204
Discount, as of Aug. 31, 2017	(46)
Aggregate Discounted Amount Accrued as of Aug. 31, 2017	158
Total Environmental and Litigation Reserve as of Aug. 31, 2017	$ 277	$ 545	$ 356	$ 291

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE139

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Environmental and Litigation Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 545	$ 356	$ 291
Payments	(303)	(117)	(67)
Accretion	2	3	3
Adjustments to liabilities recognized	33	303	129
Ending Balance	$ 277	$ 545	$ 356

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIE140

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Litigation Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)personclaimplaintiff
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs | plaintiff				3,100
State Courts in St Louis, Missouri and Los Angeles, California [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member] | Personal Injury Lawsuits [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of claims | claim				30
Number of plaintiffs | person				750
State Courts in St Louis, Missouri and Los Angeles, California [Member] | Settled Litigation [Member] | Personal Injury Lawsuits [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Settlement amount			$ 280
State Courts in St Louis, Missouri and Los Angeles, California [Member] | Settled Litigation [Member] | Personal Injury Lawsuits [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Settlement accrual				$ 280
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	$ 25	$ 250

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, 2017USD ($)		May 31, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)		May 31, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)segment		Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment												2
Net Sales		$ 2,686		$ 4,230	$ 5,074	$ 2,650	$ 2,562		$ 4,189	$ 4,532	$ 2,219	$ 14,640	[1]	$ 13,502	[1]	$ 15,001	[1]
Gross Profit		1,340		$ 2,386	$ 2,952	$ 1,259	1,138		$ 2,380	$ 2,598	$ 901	7,937		7,017		8,182
EBIT	[2],[3]											3,263	[4]	2,408		3,500
Depreciation and Amortization Expense												748		727		716
Equity Affiliate Loss (Income)	[5]											17		12		13
Total Assets	[6]	21,333					19,736					21,333		19,736		21,920
Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases												1,240		923		967
Equity Method Investments		166					152					166		152		114
Income from operations of discontinued businesses												21		27		45
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests												13		(23)		11
Total Seeds and Genomics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	[1]											10,913		9,988		10,243
Gross Profit												7,045		6,074		6,277
EBIT												2,910	[2],[3]	2,292		2,206
Depreciation and Amortization Expense												585		593		586
Equity Affiliate Loss (Income)	[5]											18		13		13
Total Assets		16,768	[6]				15,772	[6]				16,768	[6]	15,772	[6]	17,330	[5]
Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases												757		727		762
Equity Method Investments		137					152					137		152		114
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests												19		30		32
Corn seed and traits [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												6,270	[1]	5,825		5,953
Gross Profit												3,975		3,450		3,557
Soybean seed and traits [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												2,662	[1]	2,162		2,276
Gross Profit												1,884		1,399		1,510
Cotton seed and traits [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												615	[1]	440		523
Gross Profit												457		282		408
Vegetable seeds [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												815	[1]	801		816
Gross Profit												435		401		372
All other crops seeds and traits [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												551	[1]	760		675
Gross Profit												294		542		430
Total Agricultural Productivity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	[1]											3,727		3,514		4,758
Gross Profit												892		943		1,905
EBIT												353	[2],[3]	116		1,294
Depreciation and Amortization Expense												163		134		130
Equity Affiliate Loss (Income)	[5]											(1)		(1)		0
Total Assets	[6]	4,565					3,964					4,565		3,964		4,590
Property, Plant and Equipment Purchases												483		196		205
Equity Method Investments		$ 29					$ 0					29		0		0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests												1		2		2
Agricultural productivity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales												3,727	[1]	3,514		4,758
Gross Profit												$ 892		$ 943		$ 1,905
[1]	Represents net sales from continuing operations
[2]	Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes income of $21 million, $27 million and $45 million from discontinued operations for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 GAAP. EBIT is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments.
[4]	Includes the income from operations of discontinued businesses and the income (loss) from operations of noncontrolling interests.
[5]	For the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Seeds and Genomics EBIT includes losses from operations of noncontrolling interest of $19 million, income from operations of noncontrolling interest of $30 million and losses from operations of noncontrolling interest of $32 million, respectively. For the twelve months ended Aug. 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes losses from operations of noncontrolling interest of $1 million, $2 million and $2 million, respectively.
[6]	Equity affiliate loss (income) is included in other (income) expense, net in the Statements of Consolidated Operations.

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, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
EBIT	[1],[2]									$ 3,263	[3]	$ 2,408	$ 3,500
Interest Expense — Net										376		362	328
Income Tax Provision	[4]									627		710	858
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company		$ 20	$ 843	$ 1,368	$ 29	$ (191)	$ 717	$ 1,063	$ (253)	$ 2,260		$ 1,336	$ 2,314
[1]	Agricultural Productivity EBIT includes income of $21 million, $27 million and $45 million from discontinued operations for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 GAAP. EBIT is an operating performance measure for the two reportable segments.
[3]	Includes the income from operations of discontinued businesses and the income (loss) from operations of noncontrolling interests.
[4]	Includes the income tax provision on discontinued operations and the income tax expense (benefit) of noncontrolling interest.

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, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017		Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	$ 2,686	$ 4,230	$ 5,074	$ 2,650	$ 2,562	$ 4,189	$ 4,532	$ 2,219	$ 14,640	[1]	$ 13,502	[1]	$ 15,001	[1]
Long-Lived Assets	12,118				10,966				12,118		10,966
UNITED STATES
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									8,235		8,008		8,612
Long-Lived Assets	8,547				7,779				8,547		7,779
Europe-Africa [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									1,841		1,536		1,834
Long-Lived Assets	1,591				1,321				1,591		1,321
BRAZIL
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									1,782		1,437		1,725
Long-Lived Assets	746				665				746		665
ARGENTINA
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									969		856		871
Long-Lived Assets	352				345				352		345
Asia-Pacific [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									552		483		686
Long-Lived Assets	258				277				258		277
CANADA
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									734		619		601
Long-Lived Assets	97				87				97		87
MEXICO
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									415		436		537
Long-Lived Assets	140				138				140		138
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									112		127		$ 135
Long-Lived Assets	$ 387				$ 354				$ 387		$ 354
[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						36 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017		Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2017
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	$ 2,686	$ 4,230	$ 5,074	$ 2,650	$ 2,562	$ 4,189	$ 4,532	$ 2,219	$ 14,640	[1]	$ 13,502	[1]	$ 15,001	[1]
Gross Profit	1,340	2,386	2,952	1,259	1,138	2,380	2,598	901	7,937		7,017		8,182
Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Monsanto Company	20	843	1,365	19	(193)	717	1,060	(265)	2,247		1,319		2,286
Income on discontinued operations	0	0	3	10	2	0	3	12	13		17		28
Net Income	25	847	1,366	35	(205)	715	1,060	(257)	2,273		1,313		2,325
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company	$ 20	$ 843	$ 1,368	$ 29	$ (191)	$ 717	$ 1,063	$ (253)	$ 2,260		$ 1,336		$ 2,314
Basic (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income (Loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 1.92	$ 3.11	$ 0.05	$ (0.44)	$ 1.64	$ 2.42	$ (0.58)	$ 5.12		$ 2.98		$ 4.79
Income (Loss) on discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0.01	0.02	0	0	0	0.02	0.03		0.04		0.06
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company (in dollars per share)	0.05	1.92	3.12	0.07	(0.44)	1.64	2.42	(0.56)	5.15		3.02		4.85
Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share Attributable to Monsanto Company:
Income (Loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.05	1.90	3.08	0.05	(0.44)	1.63	2.40	(0.58)	5.06		2.95		4.75
Income on discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0.01	0.02	0	0	0.01	0.02	0.03		0.04		0.06
Net Income Attributable to Monsanto Company (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 1.90	$ 3.09	$ 0.07	$ (0.44)	$ 1.63	$ 2.41	$ (0.56)	$ 5.09		$ 2.99		$ 4.81
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold									$ 6,703		$ 6,485		$ 6,819
Selling, general and administrative expenses									2,969		2,833		2,686
Pending Bayer transaction related costs									185		0		0
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)									50		(22)		(34)
Restructuring charges (reversal)									(36)		297		393
Income tax provision (benefit)									626		695		864
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized									82		(178)		(42)
ARGENTINA
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ 51	$ 9		$ 28	$ 33	$ 219
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Net Of Translation Gain	30	2		10
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized	21	11	$ 7	18
Intellectual Property [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Income tax provision (benefit)						74
Net Sales						210
Environmental and Litigation Settlements [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	22	(6)	9	8		16		$ 5
Environmental, Litigation, and SEC Settlements [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses					246		$ 3
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	4	14	6	1	14	1		52
Restructuring charges (reversal)	(6)	(17)	23	(36)	7	15	9	266	(11)		$ 364		$ 493		$ 846
Restructuring Plan 2015 [Member] | Environmental, Litigation, and SEC Settlements [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Income tax provision (benefit)	20	(7)	(28)	(42)	(77)	$ (13)	$ (4)	$ (110)
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Silthiofam [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)									$ 85
Income tax provision (benefit)			8
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax			83
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Sorghum Business [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Income tax provision (benefit)					47
Gain resulting from joint venture					$ 157
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Other Expense, Net [Member] | Corn seed and traits [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Gain resulting from joint venture	227
Bayer [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Pending Bayer transaction related costs	$ 32	$ 33	$ 27	130
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)				(37)
Bayer [Member] | Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs [Member]
Items Affecting Comparability [Line Items]
Pending Bayer transaction related costs				$ 93
[1]	Represents net sales from continuing operations

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock, Par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Transaction costs committed	$ 185	$ 0	$ 0