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  <element name="DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnRateOnPlanAssets" id="esrx_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnRateOnPlanAssets" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureAssetsHeldForSaleAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureAssetsHeldForSaleAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureChangesInBusinessAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureChangesInBusinessAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureChangesInBusinessComponentsOfPreliminaryPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureChangesInBusinessComponentsOfPreliminaryPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureChangesInBusinessEstimatedBadDebtRelatedToManufacturerAccountsReceivablesAndClientAccountsReceivablesAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureChangesInBusinessEstimatedBadDebtRelatedToManufacturerAccountsReceivablesAndClientAccountsReceivablesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureChangesInBusinessSummaryOfCombinedResultsOfOperationsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureChangesInBusinessSummaryOfCombinedResultsOfOperationsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureChangesInBusinessSummaryOfPurchasePriceAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureChangesInBusinessSummaryOfPurchasePriceAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDueUnderNoncancellableOperatingLeasesAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDueUnderNoncancellableOperatingLeasesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesSummaryOfFuturePurchaseCommitmentsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesSummaryOfFuturePurchaseCommitmentsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCommonStockAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureCommonStockAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATINGFINANCIALINFORMATIONCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATINGFINANCIALINFORMATIONCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfOperationsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfOperationsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsCarryingValuesAndFairValuesOfSeniorNotesAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsCarryingValuesAndFairValuesOfSeniorNotesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureFinancingAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureFinancingAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureFinancingSummaryOfCompanysDebtNetOfUnamortizedDiscountsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureFinancingSummaryOfCompanysDebtNetOfUnamortizedDiscountsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfChangeInNetCarryingValueOfGoodwillByBusinessSegmentAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfChangeInNetCarryingValueOfGoodwillByBusinessSegmentAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureIncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsRollForwardAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureIncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsRollForwardAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosurePensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosurePensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosurePensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsNetPensionAndPostretirementBenefitCostAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosurePensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsNetPensionAndPostretirementBenefitCostAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosurePROPERTYANDEQUIPMENTAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosurePROPERTYANDEQUIPMENTAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipmentAtCostAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipmentAtCostAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureRevisionOfCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureRevisionOfCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSegmentInformationAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureSegmentInformationAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSegmentInformationReportableSegmentsInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureSegmentInformationReportableSegmentsInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSegmentInformationSegmentsReportingInformationAssetsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureSegmentInformationSegmentsReportingInformationAssetsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansActivityRelatedToNonVestedOptionsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansActivityRelatedToNonVestedOptionsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureStockBasedCompensationPlansAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureStockBasedCompensationPlansAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansStatusOfRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceSharesAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansStatusOfRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceSharesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansStatusOfStockOptionsAndSSRsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansStatusOfStockOptionsAndSSRsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansSummarizedInformationRelatedToNonVestedRestrictedStockUnitsAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansSummarizedInformationRelatedToNonVestedRestrictedStockUnitsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsToValueOptionsAndSSRsGrantedAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureStockbasedCompensationPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsToValueOptionsAndSSRsGrantedAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DiscontinuedOperationsTable" id="esrx_DiscontinuedOperationsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationAssets" id="esrx_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationCashAndCashEquivalents" id="esrx_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationCashAndCashEquivalents" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill" id="esrx_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" id="esrx_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss" id="esrx_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationRestrictedCash" id="esrx_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationRestrictedCash" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DispositionOfAssetsLineItems" id="esrx_DispositionOfAssetsLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DocumentDocumentandEntityInformationAbstract" id="esrx_DocumentDocumentandEntityInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DrugProgramPolicyTextBlock" id="esrx_DrugProgramPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EarningsPerShareLineItems" id="esrx_EarningsPerShareLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EliminationMember" id="esrx_EliminationMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EliminationsMember" id="esrx_EliminationsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerThresholdLimit" id="esrx_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerThresholdLimit" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EquityEarningsOfSubsidiaries" id="esrx_EquityEarningsOfSubsidiaries" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries" id="esrx_EquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EuropaApotheekMember" id="esrx_EuropaApotheekMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ExpressScriptsIncMember" id="esrx_ExpressScriptsIncMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FairValueAdjustments" id="esrx_FairValueAdjustments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FebruaryTwoThousandAndTwelveSeniorNotesMember" id="esrx_FebruaryTwoThousandAndTwelveSeniorNotesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FebruaryTwoThousandTwelveSeniorNotesMember" id="esrx_FebruaryTwoThousandTwelveSeniorNotesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsCarriyingValueWriteOff" id="esrx_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsCarriyingValueWriteOff" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FivePointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwelveMember" id="esrx_FivePointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwelveMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FourPointOneTwoFivePercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndTwentyMember" id="esrx_FourPointOneTwoFivePercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndTwentyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FourPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyMember" id="esrx_FourPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FourPointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyOneMember" id="esrx_FourPointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyOneMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="GoodwillAcquiredValue" id="esrx_GoodwillAcquiredValue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnitGross" id="esrx_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnitGross" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="GuarantorsMember" id="esrx_GuarantorsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="HomeDeliveryAndSpecialtyRevenues" id="esrx_HomeDeliveryAndSpecialtyRevenues" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxBenefitAxis" id="esrx_IncomeTaxBenefitAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxBenefitDomain" id="esrx_IncomeTaxBenefitDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" id="esrx_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" id="esrx_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInClaimsAndRebatesPayable" id="esrx_IncreaseDecreaseInClaimsAndRebatesPayable" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredTaxAssets" id="esrx_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredTaxAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInNetIncomeDueToTransactionsExpensesAdjustment" id="esrx_IncreaseDecreaseInNetIncomeDueToTransactionsExpensesAdjustment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingExpensesDueToTransactionsExpensesAdjustment" id="esrx_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingExpensesDueToTransactionsExpensesAdjustment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInProvisionForTaxesDueToTransactionsExpensesAdjustment" id="esrx_IncreaseDecreaseInProvisionForTaxesDueToTransactionsExpensesAdjustment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseOfDeferredTaxLiabilities" id="esrx_IncreaseDecreaseOfDeferredTaxLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseInOperatingIncomeDueToCumulativeCatchUpAdjustments" id="esrx_IncreaseInOperatingIncomeDueToCumulativeCatchUpAdjustments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseInRevenueDueToImpactOfRetroactiveAdjustment" id="esrx_IncreaseInRevenueDueToImpactOfRetroactiveAdjustment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleAssetGrossCarryingAmount" id="esrx_IntangibleAssetGrossCarryingAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationNet" id="esrx_IntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleAssetsHeldForSaleImpairmentCharge" id="esrx_IntangibleAssetsHeldForSaleImpairmentCharge" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleAssetsHeldForSaleNet" id="esrx_IntangibleAssetsHeldForSaleNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Intercompany" id="esrx_Intercompany" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntercompanyLiabilities" id="esrx_IntercompanyLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InvestmentsInSubsidiaries" id="esrx_InvestmentsInSubsidiaries" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="JuneTwoThousandNineSeniorNotesMember" id="esrx_JuneTwoThousandNineSeniorNotesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LiabilityForUncertainTaxPositions" id="esrx_LiabilityForUncertainTaxPositions" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LibertyMember" id="esrx_LibertyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilityDuration" id="esrx_LineOfCreditFacilityDuration" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongTermIncentivePlanTwoThousandElevenMember" id="esrx_LongTermIncentivePlanTwoThousandElevenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ManufacturerAccountsReceivablesMember" id="esrx_ManufacturerAccountsReceivablesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MarchTwoThousandEightSeniorNotesMember" id="esrx_MarchTwoThousandEightSeniorNotesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MarchTwoZeroZeroEightSeniorNotesMember" id="esrx_MarchTwoZeroZeroEightSeniorNotesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MarginOverAdjustedBaseRateOptions" id="esrx_MarginOverAdjustedBaseRateOptions" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MarginOverLibor" id="esrx_MarginOverLibor" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MaximumMultiplierUsedToCalculateValueOfPerformanceShares" id="esrx_MaximumMultiplierUsedToCalculateValueOfPerformanceShares" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MayTwoThousandElevenSeniorNotesMember" id="esrx_MayTwoThousandElevenSeniorNotesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MedcoHealthSolutionsIncMember" id="esrx_MedcoHealthSolutionsIncMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MedcoMember" id="esrx_MedcoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MiscellaneousIntangibleAssetsMember" id="esrx_MiscellaneousIntangibleAssetsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MiscellaneousMember" id="esrx_MiscellaneousMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingInvestingAndFinancingActivities" id="esrx_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingInvestingAndFinancingActivities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NetTransactionsWithParent" id="esrx_NetTransactionsWithParent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NetworkRevenues" id="esrx_NetworkRevenues" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NonGuarantorsMember" id="esrx_NonGuarantorsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NonrecurringChargeOnReversalOfDeferredTaxAsset" id="esrx_NonrecurringChargeOnReversalOfDeferredTaxAsset" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NonrecurringProFormaAdjustment" id="esrx_NonrecurringProFormaAdjustment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NonVestedOptionsMember" id="esrx_NonVestedOptionsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NovemberTwoThousandElevenSeniorNotesMember" id="esrx_NovemberTwoThousandElevenSeniorNotesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLeasesRemainingTermMaximum" id="esrx_OperatingLeasesRemainingTermMaximum" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLeasesRemainingTermMinimum" id="esrx_OperatingLeasesRemainingTermMinimum" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLeasesRenewalTermMaximum" id="esrx_OperatingLeasesRenewalTermMaximum" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLeasesRenewalTermMinimum" id="esrx_OperatingLeasesRenewalTermMinimum" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherSegmentsMember" id="esrx_OtherSegmentsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherShortTermBorrowingMember" id="esrx_OtherShortTermBorrowingMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OwnershipInDomesticSubsidiaries" id="esrx_OwnershipInDomesticSubsidiaries" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PbmMember" id="esrx_PbmMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfReinsuranceSubsidy" id="esrx_PercentageOfReinsuranceSubsidy" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PerformanceSharesGrantedToCertainOfficersExceedingCertainPerformanceMeasures" id="esrx_PerformanceSharesGrantedToCertainOfficersExceedingCertainPerformanceMeasures" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PrincipalRedemptionCostsAndInterest" id="esrx_PrincipalRedemptionCostsAndInterest" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ProceedsFromAccountsReceivableFinancingFacility" id="esrx_ProceedsFromAccountsReceivableFinancingFacility" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ProceedsFromSaleOfBusiness" id="esrx_ProceedsFromSaleOfBusiness" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" id="esrx_RedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmountForPresentValueOption" id="esrx_RedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmountForPresentValueOption" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RenewalPeriodForAccountsReceivableFinancingFacility" id="esrx_RenewalPeriodForAccountsReceivableFinancingFacility" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockAndPerformanceSharesMember" id="esrx_RestrictedStockAndPerformanceSharesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockConsiderationMember" id="esrx_RestrictedStockConsiderationMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RetailPharmacyCoPaymentsIncludedInNetworkRevenues" id="esrx_RetailPharmacyCoPaymentsIncludedInNetworkRevenues" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RetroactiveTransactionExpensesOnConsummationOfMerger" id="esrx_RetroactiveTransactionExpensesOnConsummationOfMerger" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RevolvingCreditFacilityDueTwoThousandSixteenMember" id="esrx_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueTwoThousandSixteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RsuAndPerformanceSharesMember" id="esrx_RsuAndPerformanceSharesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfBusinessCombinationAcquiredReceivablesTableTextBlock" id="esrx_ScheduleOfBusinessCombinationAcquiredReceivablesTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareTable" id="esrx_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingAssetsTableTextBlock" id="esrx_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingAssetsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeniorNotesDueYearElevenMember" id="esrx_SeniorNotesDueYearElevenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeniorNotesDueYearFourMember" id="esrx_SeniorNotesDueYearFourMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeniorNotesDueYearNineMember" id="esrx_SeniorNotesDueYearNineMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeniorNotesDueYearSixMember" id="esrx_SeniorNotesDueYearSixMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeniorNotesDueYearTenMember" id="esrx_SeniorNotesDueYearTenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeniorUnsecuredRevolvingCreditAgreementMember" id="esrx_SeniorUnsecuredRevolvingCreditAgreementMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeniorUnsecuredTermLoanMember" id="esrx_SeniorUnsecuredTermLoanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeptemberTwoThousandTenSeniorNotesMember" id="esrx_SeptemberTwoThousandTenSeniorNotesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SettlementOfAccruedInterestReceivables" id="esrx_SettlementOfAccruedInterestReceivables" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SevenPointOneTwoFivePercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndEighteenMember" id="esrx_SevenPointOneTwoFivePercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndEighteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SevenPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandEighteenMember" id="esrx_SevenPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandEighteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SevenPointTwoFivePercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndNineteenMember" id="esrx_SevenPointTwoFivePercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndNineteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SevenPointTwoFiveZeroPercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndThirteenMember" id="esrx_SevenPointTwoFiveZeroPercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndThirteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SevenPointTwoFiveZeroPercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandNineteenMember" id="esrx_SevenPointTwoFiveZeroPercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandNineteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOther" id="esrx_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOther" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisableInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="esrx_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisableInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndDeferredInPeriod" id="esrx_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndDeferredInPeriod" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="esrx_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumContractualTerm" id="esrx_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumContractualTerm" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValues" id="esrx_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValues" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareRepurchaseProgramsAxis" id="esrx_ShareRepurchaseProgramsAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/>
  <element name="ShareRepurchaseProgramsDomain" id="esrx_ShareRepurchaseProgramsDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SixPointOneTwoFivePercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndThirteenMember" id="esrx_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndThirteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFortyOneMember" id="esrx_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFortyOneMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandThirteenMember" id="esrx_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandThirteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SixPointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFourteenMember" id="esrx_SixPointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFourteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SsrsAndStockOptionsMember" id="esrx_SsrsAndStockOptionsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StockCompensationPlansTaxBenefit" id="esrx_StockCompensationPlansTaxBenefit" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StockIncentivePlanTwoThousandTwoMember" id="esrx_StockIncentivePlanTwoThousandTwoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIncludesEsppShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockForfeituresAndStockRedeemedForTaxes" id="esrx_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIncludesEsppShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockForfeituresAndStockRedeemedForTaxes" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIncludesEsppShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockForfeituresAndStockRedeemedForTaxes" id="esrx_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIncludesEsppShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockForfeituresAndStockRedeemedForTaxes" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StockOptionsAndSsrMember" id="esrx_StockOptionsAndSsrMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StockOptionsConsiderationMember" id="esrx_StockOptionsConsiderationMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SubsidiaryCompanyMember" id="esrx_SubsidiaryCompanyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" id="esrx_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" id="esrx_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="TaxBenefitRelatedToStockBasedCompensationExpense" id="esrx_TaxBenefitRelatedToStockBasedCompensationExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TermFacilityDueInTwoThousandSixteenNonCurrentMember" id="esrx_TermFacilityDueInTwoThousandSixteenNonCurrentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TermLoanFacilityDueTwoThousandSixteenMember" id="esrx_TermLoanFacilityDueTwoThousandSixteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ThreePointFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandSixteenMember" id="esrx_ThreePointFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandSixteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ThreePointNinePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" id="esrx_ThreePointNinePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ThreePointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandSixteenMember" id="esrx_ThreePointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandSixteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TransactionExpenseAdjustmentMember" id="esrx_TransactionExpenseAdjustmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwoPointOnePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFifteenMember" id="esrx_TwoPointOnePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFifteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwoPointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFifteenMember" id="esrx_TwoPointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFifteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwoPointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFourteenMember" id="esrx_TwoPointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFourteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwoPointSevenFiveZeroPercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndFifteenMember" id="esrx_TwoPointSevenFiveZeroPercentageSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandAndFifteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwoPointSixFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandSeventeenMember" id="esrx_TwoPointSixFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandSeventeenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitIncomeTaxAccruedPenaltiesAndInterestExpense" id="esrx_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitIncomeTaxAccruedPenaltiesAndInterestExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
</schema>
