Supplemental information - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2025	Nov. 30, 2024	May 31, 2024	May 31, 2025	May 31, 2024	Aug. 31, 2024	Aug. 31, 2023
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS calculations (in shares)	35,000		14,000	33,000	21,000
VillageMD Secured Loan | Line of Credit | Secured Debt
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Face amount							$ 2,250
VillageMD Secured Loan | Line of Credit | Accounts Receivable Facility
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Face amount							500
Pre-tax non-controlling interest benefit		$ 160
VillageMD Secured Loan | Line of Credit | Term Loan
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Face amount							$ 1,750
Related Party | Cencora
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 1,100			$ 1,100		$ 1,000
Trade Accounts Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 5,500			$ 5,500		$ 4,800