Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information of Equity Method Investees (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Aug. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 4,674	[1]			$ 4,674	[1]			$ 9,074	[1]
Noncurrent assets	625	[1]			625	[1]			22,363	[1]
Current liabilities	4,067	[1]			4,067	[1]			9,372	[1]
Noncurrent liabilities	253	[1]			253	[1]			10,608	[1]
Shareholders' equity	979	[1],[2]			979	[1],[2]			11,457	[1],[2]
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	5,317	[3]	9,688	[3]	14,978	[3]	19,100	[3]
Gross Profit	979	[3]	2,083	[3]	3,168	[3]	4,055	[3]
Net Income	246	[3]	324	[3]	743	[3]	771	[3]
Share of income from equity method investments	$ 109	[3]	$ 136	[3]	$ 323	[3]	$ 330	[3]

[1] Net assets in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 spot rates.

[2] Shareholders' equity at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 includes $151 million and $283 million respectively, related to noncontrolling interests.

[3] Alliance Boots became a consolidated subsidiary and ceased being accounted for under the equity method upon completion of the Second Step Transaction on December 31, 2014. Earnings for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2015 reflect incremental acquisition-related amortization expense of $4 million ($3 million net of tax) and $14 million ($8 million net of tax), respectively. Incremental acquisition-related amortization for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2014 were $10 million ($8 million net of tax) and $20 million ($16 million net of tax), respectively. Earnings in foreign equity method investments and joint ventures are translated at the average exchange rates of $1.56 and $1.58 to one British Pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2015, respectively. Prior year's earnings in foreign equity method investments and joint ventures were translated at the average exchange rate of $1.64 and $1.62 to one British Pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014, respectively.