Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information of Equity Method Investees (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 9,123	[1]	$ 8,571	[1]	$ 8,768	[1]
Noncurrent assets	22,320	[1]	19,758	[1]	21,525	[1]
Current liabilities	9,379	[1]	7,199	[1]	7,791	[1]
Noncurrent liabilities	10,618	[1]	11,751	[1]	11,285	[1]
Shareholders' equity	11,446	[1],[2]	9,379	[1],[2]	11,217	[1],[2]
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	9,654	[3]	8,859	[3]
Gross Profit	2,053	[3]	1,842	[3]
Net Income	357	[3]	348	[3]
Share of income from equity method investments	$ 152	[3]	$ 151	[3]

[1] Net assets in Alliance Boots at November 30, 2014 are translated at the August 31, 2014 spot rate of $1.66 to one British Pound Sterling, corresponding to the three-month lag. Net assets at August 31, 2014 and November 30, 2013 are translated at the spot rates of $1.68 and $1.55 to one British Pound Sterling, respectively.

[2] Shareholders' equity at November 30, 2014, August 31, 2014 and November 30, 2013, includes $283 million, $257 million and $378 million, respectively, related to noncontrolling interests.

[3] The Company utilizes a three-month lag in reporting its share of equity income in Alliance Boots. Earnings in Alliance Boots are translated at the average exchange rates of $1.68 and $1.53 to one British Pound Sterling for the quarters ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH operations are excluded from these results as the Company consolidates the joint venture.