Acquisitions, The Preliminary Identified Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill			$ 15,966
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 6,080	$ 4,551	16,142	$ 13,499
Fair value of the assets acquired			3,700
Estimated manufacturing profit in acquired finished goods inventory capitalized	106		106
Expense related to fair value adjustment	0		106
Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill			3,918
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill			8,588
Goodwill arising from synergies			4,900
Goodwill based on a with and without analysis			3,700
Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill			3,460
Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount			2,480
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount			8,178
Goodwill			15,966
Selling, general and administrative expenses	4		87
Estimated manufacturing profit in acquired finished goods inventory capitalized	$ 106		106
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount			5,608
Pharmacy Licenses [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount			$ 2,570
Customer Relationships [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years)			12 years
Amount			$ 1,329
Loyalty Card Holders [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years)			12 years
Amount			$ 756
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years)			10 years
Amount			$ 303
Favorable Lease Interests [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years)			3 years
Amount			$ 92