Income taxes - deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2024	Aug. 31, 2023
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and benefits	$ 100	$ 98
Insurance	125	131
Accrued rent & lease obligations	4,969	5,265
Legal liability	1,477	1,551
Allowance for doubtful accounts	36	23
Tax attributes	7,894	7,784
Stock compensation	62	74
Derivatives	225	0
Deferred income	5	8
Equity method investment	29	76
Intangible assets	499	0
Post-retirement benefits	91	0
Other	86	143
Subtotal deferred tax assets	15,598	15,153
Less: valuation allowance	9,642	7,360
Total deferred tax assets, net	5,956	7,793
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated depreciation	341	254
Inventory	371	403
Intangible assets	1,008	1,024
Lease right-of-use asset	4,392	4,690
Outside basis difference	340	1,045
Post retirement benefit	196	0
Other	82	180
Total deferred tax liabilities	6,730	7,596
Net deferred tax assets		$ 197
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets	$ (774)