Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information of Equity Method Investees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Current assets	[1]	$ 4,985		$ 4,985		$ 9,074
Noncurrent assets	[1]	1,564		1,564		22,363
Current liabilities	[1]	3,944		3,944		9,372
Noncurrent liabilities	[1]	819		819		10,608
Shareholders' equity	[1],[2]	1,786		1,786		$ 11,457
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	[3]	2,884	$ 9,385	17,862	$ 28,485
Gross Profit	[3]	181	2,029	3,349	6,084
Net Income	[3]	28	320	771	1,091
Share of income from equity method investments	[3]	$ 7	$ 137	$ 330	$ 467

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

[2] Shareholders' equity at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 includes $163 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 three and nine month periods ended May 31, 2015 reflect incremental acquisition-related amortization expense of zero and $14 million ($11 million net of tax), respectively. Incremental acquisition-related amortization expense for the three and nine month periods ended May 31, 2014 were $11 million ($9 million net of tax) and $31 million ($25 million net of tax), respectively. Earnings in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective average exchange rates.