Income taxes - deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2023	Aug. 31, 2022
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and benefits	$ 98	$ 171
Insurance	131	108
Accrued rent & lease obligations	5,265	5,296
Legal liability	1,551	174
Allowance for doubtful accounts	23	53
Tax attributes	7,784	7,825
Stock compensation	74	56
Deferred income	8	120
Equity method investment	76	0
Other	143	56
Subtotal deferred tax assets	15,153	13,859
Less: valuation allowance	7,360	7,521
Total deferred tax assets, net	7,793	6,338
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated depreciation	254	634
Inventory	403	441
Intangible assets	1,024	1,134
Equity method investment	0	314
Lease right-of-use asset	4,690	4,763
Outside basis difference	1,045	52
Other	180	303
Total deferred tax liabilities	7,596	7,641
Net deferred tax assets	$ 197
Net deferred tax liabilities		$ (1,303)