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Fair value portion of investments accounted under the equity method.

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Equity method investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions					3 Months Ended
	Dec. 15, 2022	Dec. 13, 2022	Nov. 10, 2022	Nov. 24, 2021	Nov. 30, 2022	Nov. 30, 2021	Jan. 05, 2023	Aug. 31, 2022
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain on sale of equity method investments					$ 969	$ 0
Equity earnings (loss)					$ 61	93
Shields Health Solutions Parent, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain on sale of equity method investments						402
VillageMD
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain on sale of equity method investments				$ 1,597		2,200
AmerisourceBergen
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage					19.60%			25.40%
Number of shares sold (in shares)			13.2
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments			$ 2,000
Outstanding shares owned (in shares)					39.6			52.9
Gain on sale of equity method investments			969
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification adjustments			$ (110)
Period of reporting lag					2 months
Equity earnings (loss)					$ 53	100
Equity investment, exceeded its proportionate share of net assets					2,900
AmerisourceBergen \| Subsequent Event
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage							16.70%
Number of shares sold (in shares)		6.0
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments		$ 984
Outstanding shares owned (in shares)							33.7
AmerisourceBergen \| Level 1
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Fair market value of equity investment					6,800			$ 7,700
Other Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity earnings (loss)					$ 7	$ (7)
Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals \| Subsequent Event
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments	$ 150