Cencora (COR) 10-Q 7 May 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001140859	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$10,325,295,935
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	225,839,910	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$696,730	$1,231,006
Accounts receivable, less allowances for returns and doubtful accounts: $387,250 at March 31, 2014 and $358,161 at September 30, 2013	6,506,412	6,051,920
Merchandise inventories	8,493,269	6,981,494
Prepaid expenses and other	63,616	129,231
Total current assets	15,760,027	14,393,651
Property and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Land	37,538	37,538
Buildings and improvements	343,707	324,150
Machinery, equipment and other	1,208,114	1,109,731
Total property and equipment	1,589,359	1,471,419
Less accumulated depreciation	-738,512	-667,858
Property and equipment, net	850,847	803,561
Goodwill and other intangible assets	3,495,145	3,499,713
Other assets	255,228	221,713
TOTAL ASSETS	20,361,247	18,918,638
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	14,909,626	13,335,792
Accrued expenses and other	587,185	532,564
Deferred income taxes	1,003,120	1,002,279
Total current liabilities	16,499,931	14,870,635
Long-term debt	1,396,948	1,396,606
Other liabilities	318,853	331,652
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized: 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 269,472,871 shares and 227,519,892 shares, at March 31, 2014, respectively, and 267,789,992 shares and 229,994,216 shares at September 30, 2013, respectively	2,695	2,678
Additional paid-in capital	2,359,193	2,360,992
Retained earnings	1,621,479	1,508,414
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-44,514	-35,483
Treasury stock, at cost: 41,952,979 shares at March 31, 2014 and 37,795,776 shares at September 30, 2013	-1,793,338	-1,516,856
Total stockholders' equity	2,145,515	2,319,745
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$20,361,247	$18,918,638

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Allowances for returns and doubtful accounts	$387,250	$358,161
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	269,472,871	267,789,992
Common stock, shares outstanding	227,519,892	229,994,216
Treasury stock, shares held	41,952,979	37,795,776

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$28,455,903	$20,523,668	$57,632,265	$41,583,479
Cost of goods sold	27,726,310	19,806,679	56,214,447	40,205,662
Gross profit	729,593	716,989	1,417,818	1,377,817
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Distribution, selling, and administrative	376,341	323,536	740,401	644,236
Depreciation	37,968	33,069	75,287	64,943
Amortization	6,526	6,799	13,157	13,609
Warrants	5,663	3,761	121,960	3,761
Employee severance, litigation and other	1,967	-299	6,269	1,705
Operating income	301,128	350,123	460,744	649,563
Other (income) loss	-3,783	749	-4,380	726
Interest expense, net	19,474	18,510	38,306	37,035
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	285,437	330,864	426,818	611,802
Income taxes	105,360	126,721	197,810	233,038
Income from continuing operations	180,077	204,143	229,008	378,764
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	-158,509	-7,546	-164,519
Net income	$180,077	$45,634	$221,462	$214,245
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.78	$0.89	$1	$1.64
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.69)	($0.03)	($0.71)
Rounding	$0	$0	($0.01)	$0
Total	$0.78	$0.20	$0.96	$0.93
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.76	$0.87	$0.97	$1.61
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.68)	($0.03)	($0.70)
Total	$0.76	$0.19	$0.94	$0.91
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	229,409	230,422	229,852	231,409
Diluted	236,268	234,587	236,650	235,307
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock	$0.24	$0.21	$0.47	$0.42

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$180,077	$45,634	$221,462	$214,245
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'	'
Net change in foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,173	-20,869	-8,615	-23,641
Other	-265	27	-416	54
Total other comprehensive loss	-3,438	-20,842	-9,031	-23,587
Total comprehensive income	$176,639	$24,792	$212,431	$190,658

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net income	$221,462	$214,245
Loss from discontinued operations	7,546	164,519
Income from continuing operations	229,008	378,764
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, including amounts charged to cost of goods sold	76,395	67,750
Amortization, including amounts charged to interest expense	15,556	15,897
Provision for doubtful accounts	13,095	4,383
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes	-11,143	36,263
Warrants	121,960	3,761
Share-based compensation	22,018	18,504
Other	-6,309	-5,157
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-495,495	-417,646
Merchandise inventories	-1,486,055	-174,507
Prepaid expenses and other assets	27,083	988
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and income taxes	1,612,833	766,508
Other liabilities	1,253	2,716
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	120,199	698,224
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	-7,546	45,431
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	112,653	743,655
INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Capital expenditures	-125,392	-88,377
Cost of acquired companies, net of cash acquired	-9,103	0
Other	6,360	81
Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	-128,135	-88,296
Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	0	-9,643
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-128,135	-97,939
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Borrowings under revolving and securitization credit facilities	16,133,500	2,325,000
Repayments under revolving and securitization credit facilities	-16,133,500	-2,325,000
Purchases of common stock	-251,961	-284,691
Exercises of stock options, including excess tax benefits of $22,670 and $15,941 in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively	59,675	65,850
Cash dividends on common stock	-108,397	-98,203
Purchases of capped call options	-211,397	0
Debt issuance costs and other	-6,714	-6,086
Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations	-518,794	-323,130
Net cash used in financing activities - discontinued operations	0	-41,897
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-518,794	-365,027
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-534,276	280,689
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,231,006	1,066,608
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$696,730	$1,347,297

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	$22,670	$15,941

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying financial statements present the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of AmerisourceBergen Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of the dates and for the periods indicated. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals, except as otherwise disclosed herein) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2014 and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 have been included. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, but which are not required for interim reporting purposes, have been omitted. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from these estimated amounts.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts in order to conform to the current year presentation.
	As of March 31, 2014, there were no recently issued accounting standards that will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations upon their adoption.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations [Text Block]	'
	Note 2. Discontinued Operations
	In May 2013, the Company completed the divestiture of its packaging and clinical trials services business, AndersonBrecon (“AB”), and AmerisourceBergen Canada Corporation (“ABCC”). The Company has classified AB and ABCC's operating results, net of tax, as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Prior to being classified within discontinued operations, AB was included in Other and ABCC was included in Pharmaceutical Distribution for segment reporting. AB and ABCC's revenue and loss before income taxes were as follows:
			Three months ended March 31,					Six months ended March 31,
		(in thousands)		2014		2013	2014		2013
		Revenue	$	-	$	441,277	$	-	$	915,508
		Loss before income taxes	$	-	$	-154,561	$	-7,546	$	-156,613
	The loss before income taxes in the six months ended March 31, 2014 includes the impact of a final purchase price working capital adjustment related to the divestiture of ABCC. The loss before income taxes in the three and six months ended March 31, 2013 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $26.9 million and an estimated $134.8 million loss on the sale of ABCC.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes [Text Block]	'
	Note 3. Income Taxes
	The Company files income tax returns in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions as well as various foreign jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, defined as the aggregate tax effect of differences between tax return positions and the benefits recognized in the Company's financial statements, of $58.7 million ($41.5 million, net of federal benefit). If recognized, these tax benefits would reduce income tax expense and the effective tax rate. Included in this amount is $9.4 million of interest and penalties, which the Company records in income tax expense. During the six months ended March 31, 2014, unrecognized tax benefits increased by $3.3 million. During the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that state tax audit resolutions and the expiration of statutes of limitations could result in a reduction of unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $10.5 million.
	In March 2013, the Company issued Warrants (as defined in Note 6) in connection with various agreements and arrangements with Walgreen Co. (“Walgreens”) and Alliance Boots GmbH (“Alliance Boots”). As of the date of issuance, the Warrants were valued at $242.4 million, which approximates the amount that will be deductible for income tax purposes. The fair value of the Warrants as of March 31, 2014 was $700.0 million. The excess of the fair value as of March 31, 2014 over the initial value of $242.4 million is not tax deductible. As a result, the Company's effective income tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 2014, which includes the impact of the Warrants, is higher than its historical rate.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Text Block]	'
	Note 4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Following is a summary of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill, by reportable segment, for the six months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
				Pharmaceutical Distribution			Other			Total
		Goodwill at September 30, 2013		$	2,400,926		$	544,044		$	2,944,970
		Goodwill recognized in connection with acquisition			-			5,689			5,689
		Foreign currency translation			-			-1,403			-1,403
		Goodwill at March 31, 2014		$	2,400,926		$	548,330		$	2,949,256
	Following is a summary of other intangible assets (in thousands):
		31-Mar-14									30-Sep-13
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Indefinite-lived
	intangibles - trade
	names	$	343,735		$	-		$	343,735		$	343,892	$	-	$	343,892
	Finite-lived
	intangibles:
	Customer
	relationships		268,465			-89,724			178,741			265,810		-80,767		185,043
	Other		70,829			-47,416			23,413			69,350		-43,542		25,808
	Total other intangible
	assets	$	683,029		$	-137,140		$	545,889		$	679,052	$	-124,309	$	554,743
	Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $13.2 million and $13.6 million in the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets is estimated to be $25.9 million in fiscal 2014, $22.4 million in fiscal 2015, $21.6 million in fiscal 2016, $17.8 million in fiscal 2017, $15.5 million in fiscal 2018, and $112.1 million thereafter.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt [Text Block]	'
	Note 5. Debt
	Debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
			March 31,		September 30,
			2014		2013
		Multi-currency revolving credit facility due 2018	$	-	$	-
		Receivables securitization facility due 2016		-		-
		Revolving credit note		-		-
		$500,000, 5 7/8% senior notes due 2015		499,526		499,377
		$400,000, 4 7/8% senior notes due 2019		397,960		397,803
		$500,000, 3 1/2% senior notes due 2021		499,462		499,426
		Total debt	$	1,396,948	$	1,396,606
	The Company has a $1.4 billion multi-currency senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to expire in July 2018 (the “Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility”), with a syndicate of lenders. Interest on borrowings under the Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility accrues at specified rates based on the Company's debt rating and ranges from 68 basis points to 130 basis points over LIBOR / EURIBOR / Bankers Acceptance Stamping Fee, as applicable (90 basis points over LIBOR / EURIBOR / Bankers Acceptance Stamping Fee at March 31, 2014). Additionally, interest on borrowings denominated in Canadian dollars may accrue at the greater of the Canadian prime rate or the CDOR rate. The Company pays facility fees to maintain the availability under the Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility at specified rates based on its debt rating, ranging from 7 basis points to 20 basis points, annually, of the total commitment (10 basis points at March 31, 2014). The Company may choose to repay or reduce its commitments under the Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility at any time. The Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility contains covenants, including compliance with a financial leverage ratio test, as well as others that impose limitations on, among other things, indebtedness of excluded subsidiaries and asset sales, with which the Company was compliant as of March 31, 2014.
	The Company has a commercial paper program whereby it may from time to time issue short-term promissory notes in an aggregate amount of up to $1.4 billion at any one time. Amounts available under the program may be borrowed, repaid, and re-borrowed from time to time. The maturities on the notes will vary, but may not exceed 365 days from the date of issuance. The notes will bear interest rates, if interest bearing, or will be sold at a discount from their face amounts. The commercial paper program does not increase the Company's borrowing capacity as it is fully backed by the Company's Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility.
	The Company has a $950 million receivables securitization facility (“Receivables Securitization Facility”), which is scheduled to expire in June 2016. The Company has available to it an accordion feature whereby the commitment on the Receivables Securitization Facility may be increased by up to $250 million, subject to lender approval, for seasonal needs during the December and March quarters. During December 2013, the Company increased the availability of the Receivables Securitization Facility by $250 million under the accordion feature. During March 2014, the Company elected to decrease the availability of the Receivables Securitization Facility back to $950 million. Interest rates are based on prevailing market rates for short-term commercial paper or LIBOR plus a program fee of 75 basis points. The Company pays an unused fee of 40 basis points, annually, to maintain the availability under the Receivables Securitization Facility. The Receivables Securitization Facility contains similar covenants to the Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility, with which the Company was compliant as of March 31, 2014.
	The Company has an uncommitted, unsecured line of credit available to it pursuant to a revolving credit note (“Revolving Credit Note”). The Revolving Credit Note provides the Company with the ability to request short-term unsecured revolving credit loans from time to time in a principal amount not to exceed $45 million. In April 2014, the Company entered into an amendment to the Revolving Credit Note to increase its maximum capacity to $75 million. The Revolving Credit Note may be decreased or terminated by the bank or the Company at any time without prior notice.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Earnin

Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share	'
	Note 6. Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share
	In November 2013, the Company's board of directors increased the quarterly cash dividend by 12% from $0.21 per share to $0.235 per share.
	In November 2012, the Company's board of directors authorized a program allowing the Company to purchase up to $750 million of its outstanding shares of common stock, subject to market conditions. During the six months ended March 31, 2014, the Company purchased 4.1 million shares of its common stock for a total of $269.8 million. The Company had $93.2 million of availability remaining under this share repurchase program as of March 31, 2014. In August 2013, the Company's board of directors authorized a new program allowing the Company to purchase up to an additional $750 million of its outstanding shares of common stock, subject to market conditions.
	In March 2013, the Company, Walgreens, and Alliance Boots entered into various agreements and arrangements pursuant to which Walgreens and Alliance Boots together were granted the right to purchase a minority equity position in the Company, beginning with the right, but not the obligation, to purchase up to 19,859,795 shares of the Company's common stock (approximately 7% of the Company's common stock, on a fully diluted basis as of the date of issuance, assuming the exercise in full of the Warrants, as defined below) in open market transactions. In connection with these arrangements, Walgreens Pharmacy Strategies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Walgreens, was issued (a) a warrant to purchase up to 11,348,456 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $51.50 per share exercisable during a six month period beginning in March 2016, and (b) a warrant to purchase up to 11,348,456 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $52.50 per share exercisable during a six-month period beginning in March 2017 and Alliance Boots Luxembourg S.à.r.l., a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance Boots, was issued (a) a warrant to purchase up to 11,348,456 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $51.50 per share exercisable during a six-month period beginning in March 2016 and (b) a warrant to purchase up to 11,348,456 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $52.50 per share exercisable during a six-month period beginning in March 2017 (collectively, the “Warrants”).
	The Company valued these Warrants as of March 18, 2013 (date of issuance) and revised the valuation each subsequent quarter. As of March 31, 2014, the Warrants with an exercise price of $51.50 were valued at $15.09 per share and the Warrants with an exercise price of $52.50 were valued at $15.75 per share. In total, the Warrants were valued at $700.0 million as of March 31, 2014. Refer to “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Warrants” in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 for a more detailed description of the accounting for the Warrants.
	The Company has taken steps to mitigate the potentially dilutive effect that the exercise of the Warrants could have by hedging a portion of its future obligation to deliver common stock with a financial institution and repurchasing additional shares of its common stock for the Company's own account over time. In June 2013, the Company commenced its hedging strategy by entering into a contract with a financial institution pursuant to which it has executed a series of issuer capped call option transactions (“Capped Calls”). The Capped Calls give the Company the right to buy 60% of the shares of its common stock subject to the Warrants at specified prices at maturity, should the Warrants be exercised in 2016 and 2017 and assuming the Company's future share price does not exceed the “cap” price in the Capped Calls. If the Company's share price exceeds the “cap” price in the Capped Calls at the time the Warrants are exercised, the number of shares that will be delivered to the Company under the Capped Calls will be reduced, and accordingly, will cover less than 60% of the shares of common stock subject to the Warrants.
	Through September 30, 2013, the Company purchased Capped Calls on 15.3 million shares of its common stock for a total premium of $163.4 million. During the six months ended March 31, 2014, the Company completed this hedge transaction by purchasing Capped Calls on an additional 11.9 million shares of its common stock for a total premium of $205.3 million. The Capped Calls permit the Company to acquire shares of its common stock at strike prices of $51.50 and $52.50 and have expiration dates ranging from February 2016 through October 2017. The Capped Calls permit net share settlement, which is limited by caps on the market price of the Company's common stock. The Company has accounted for the Capped Calls as equity contracts and therefore, the above premiums were recorded as a reduction to paid-in capital.
	Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods presented plus the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and the Warrants.
			Three months ended		Six months ended
			March 31,		March 31,
		(in thousands)	2014	2013	2014	2013
		Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	229,409	230,422	229,852	231,409
		Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted
		stock, and restricted stock units	4,863	4,165	4,985	3,898
		Dilutive effect of Warrants	1,996	-	1,813	-
		Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	236,268	234,587	236,650	235,307
	The potentially dilutive stock options that were antidilutive for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 were 2.3 million and 1.8 million, respectively. There were no potentially dilutive stock options that were antidilutive for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013.

Legal_Matters_and_Contingencie

Legal Matters and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]	'
	Note 7. Legal Matters and Contingencies
	In the ordinary course of its business, the Company becomes involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings, government subpoenas, and government investigations, including antitrust, commercial, environmental, product liability, intellectual property, regulatory, employment discrimination, and other matters. Significant damages or penalties may be sought from the Company in some matters, and some matters may require years for the Company to resolve. The Company establishes reserves based on its periodic assessment of estimates of probable losses. There can be no assurance that an adverse resolution of one or more matters during any subsequent reporting period will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations for that period or on the Company's financial condition.
	Qui Tam
	The qui tam provisions of the federal civil False Claims Act and various state and local civil False Claims Acts permit a private person, known as a "relator" or whistleblower, to file civil actions under these statutes on behalf of the federal, state and local governments. Such cases may involve allegations around the marketing, sale and/or purchase of pharmaceutical products. Qui tam complaints are initially filed by the relator under seal (or on a confidential basis) and the filing of the complaint imposes obligations on government authorities to investigate the allegations in the complaint and to determine whether or not to intervene in the action. Qui tam complaints remain sealed until the court in which the case was filed orders otherwise.
	The Company has learned that there are filings in one or more federal district courts, including a qui tam complaint filed by one of its former employees, that are under seal and may involve allegations against the Company (and/or subsidiaries or businesses of the Company, including its group purchasing organization for oncologists and its oncology distribution business) relating to its distribution of certain pharmaceutical products to providers. The Company and AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group (“ABSG”) have also received subpoenas from the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York ("USAO") requesting production of documents and information relating to ABSG's oncology distribution center and former pharmacy in Dothan, Alabama, its group purchasing organization for oncologists, and intercompany transfers of certain oncology products, which the Company believes could be related to one or more of the qui tam actions that remain under seal. The Company is in the process of responding to the subpoenas and is cooperating fully with the USAO. The Company cannot predict the outcome of any pending action in which any AmerisourceBergen entity is or may become a defendant.
	Subpoenas from United States Attorney's Offices
	In fiscal 2012, the Company's subsidiary, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation (“ABDC”), received a subpoena from the United States Attorney's Office in New Jersey (the "USAO") in connection with a grand jury proceeding requesting documents concerning ABDC's program for controlling and monitoring diversion of controlled substances into channels other than for legitimate medical, scientific, and industrial purposes. ABDC also received a subpoena from the Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA") in connection with the matter. In addition to requesting information on ABDC's diversion control program generally, the subpoenas also request documents concerning specific customers' purchases of controlled substances. ABDC has responded to the subpoenas and is cooperating fully with the USAO and the DEA. On August 30, 2013, ABDC received a second subpoena from the USAO requesting additional information related to the documents produced in response to the first subpoena, as well as information regarding additional specific customers' purchases of controlled substances. On December 31, 2013, ABDC received a third subpoena from the USAO requesting additional information related to electronically stored information. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
	In fiscal 2013, the Company or ABDC has also received similar subpoenas from the United States Attorney's Office in the District of Kansas and the United States Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Ohio in connection with grand jury proceedings requesting documents in concerning ABDC's program for controlling and monitoring diversion of controlled substances into channels other than for legitimate medical, scientific and industrial purposes. As in the New Jersey matter described above, in addition to requesting information on ABDC's diversion control program generally, the subpoenas also request documents concerning specific customers' purchases of controlled substances. The Company is in the process of responding to the subpoenas and cannot predict the outcome of these matters.
	West Virginia Complaint
	On June 26, 2012, the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia ("West Virginia") filed a complaint (the "Complaint") in the Circuit Court of Boone County, West Virginia, against a number of pharmaceutical wholesale distributors, including the Company's subsidiary, ABDC, alleging, among other things, that the distributors failed to provide effective controls and procedures to guard against diversion of controlled substances for illegitimate purposes in West Virginia. The Complaint also alleges that the distributors acted negligently by distributing controlled substances to pharmacies that serve individuals who abuse prescription pain medication and were unjustly enriched by such conduct, violated consumer credit and protection laws, created a public nuisance, and violated state antitrust laws in connection with the distribution of controlled substances. West Virginia is seeking injunctive relief to enjoin alleged violations of state regulations requiring suspicious order monitoring and reporting and to require defendants to fund a medical monitoring treatment program. The Complaint also seeks a jury trial to determine any losses and damages sustained by West Virginia as a result of the defendants' alleged conduct. On July 26, 2012, one of the defendants, J.M. Smith Corporation d/b/a Smith Drug Company, filed a Notice of Removal from the Circuit Court of Boone County, West Virginia to the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, and ABDC and all other defendants filed Consents to Removal. On August 27, 2012, West Virginia filed a Motion to Remand, to which J.M. Smith Corporate d/b/a Smith Drug Company, joined by all other defendants, filed a reply. On March 27, 2013, the Court granted West Virginia's Motion to Remand and West Virginia notified the parties that they intended to file an amended complaint. In advance of filing an amended complaint, West Virginia served discovery requests and subsequently filed a motion to compel. After responding to West Virginia's motion to compel and oral argument, defendants were ordered to provide limited responses. On January 2, 2014, West Virginia filed an amended complaint, which removed the claims for unjust enrichment, medical monitoring and antitrust violations. On February 14, 2014, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint. Those motions are currently pending before the court. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

Litigation_Settlements

Litigation Settlements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Litigation Settlements [Abstract]	'
Litigation Settlements [Text Block]	'
	Note 8. Litigation Settlements
	Antitrust Settlements
	Numerous class action lawsuits have been filed against certain brand pharmaceutical manufacturers alleging that the manufacturer, by itself or in concert with others, took improper actions to delay or prevent generic drugs from entering the market. The Company has not been named a plaintiff in any of these class actions, but has been a member of the direct purchasers' class (i.e., those purchasers who purchase directly from these pharmaceutical manufacturers). None of the class actions have gone to trial, but some have settled in the past with the Company receiving proceeds from the settlement funds. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recognized gains of $0.8 million and $21.9 million, respectively, relating to the above-mentioned class action lawsuits. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recognized gains of $3.5 million and $15.8 million, respectively, relating to the above-mentioned class action lawsuits. These gains, which are net of attorney fees and estimated payments due to other parties, were recorded as reductions to cost of goods sold in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Text Block]	'
	Note 9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The recorded amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 approximate fair value based upon the relatively short-term nature of these financial instruments. The recorded amount of long-term debt and the corresponding fair value as of March 31, 2014 were $1,396.9 million and $1,496.0 million, respectively. The recorded amount of long-term debt and the corresponding fair value as of September 30, 2013 were $1,396.6 million and $1,502.0 million, respectively. The fair values of debt were determined based on quoted market prices, otherwise known as Level 2 inputs.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Information [Text Block]	'
	Note 10. Business Segment Information
	The Company is organized based upon the products and services it provides to its customers. The Company's operations are comprised of the Pharmaceutical Distribution reportable segment and Other. The Pharmaceutical Distribution reportable segment consists of the AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation (“ABDC”) and AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group (“ABSG”) operating segments. Other consists of the AmerisourceBergen Consulting Services (“ABCS”) and World Courier Group, Inc. (“World Courier”) operating segments.
	The following tables illustrate reportable segment information for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
			Revenue
			Three months ended				Six months ended
			March 31,				March 31,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
		Pharmaceutical Distribution	$	27,932,495	$	20,054,159	$	56,555,086	$	40,653,207
		Other		572,503		514,942		1,176,635		1,019,992
		Intersegment eliminations		-49,095		-45,433		-99,456		-89,720
		Revenue	$	28,455,903	$	20,523,668	$	57,632,265	$	41,583,479
	Intersegment eliminations primarily represent the elimination of certain ABCS sales to the Pharmaceutical Distribution reportable segment.
			Operating Income
			Three months ended				Six months ended
			March 31,				March 31,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
		Pharmaceutical Distribution	$	372,929	$	321,077	$	659,711	$	587,754
		Other		43,633		34,935		79,583		64,660
		Total segment operating income		416,562		356,012		739,294		652,414
		Gains on antitrust litigation settlements		849		3,456		21,872		15,764
		LIFO (expense) credit		-102,828		215		-160,410		-952
		Acquisition related intangibles
		amortization		-5,825		-6,098		-11,783		-12,197
		Warrants		-5,663		-3,761		-121,960		-3,761
		Employee severance, litigation and other		-1,967		299		-6,269		-1,705
		Operating income		301,128		350,123		460,744		649,563
		Other (income) loss		-3,783		749		-4,380		726
		Interest expense, net		19,474		18,510		38,306		37,035
		Income from continuing operations
		before income taxes	$	285,437	$	330,864	$	426,818	$	611,802
	Segment operating income is evaluated by the chief operating decision maker for the Company before gains on antitrust litigation settlements; LIFO (expense) credit; acquisition related intangibles amortization; Warrants; employee severance, litigation and other; other (income) loss; and interest expense, net. All corporate office expenses are allocated to ABDC and ABSG within the Pharmaceutical Distribution reportable segment and to ABCS and World Courier within Other. Management believes that evaluating segment performance excluding the above items is meaningful because it provides insight with respect to operating results of the Company.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The accompanying financial statements present the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of AmerisourceBergen Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of the dates and for the periods indicated. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Accounting [Policy Text Block]	'
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals, except as otherwise disclosed herein) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2014 and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 have been included. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, but which are not required for interim reporting purposes, have been omitted. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from these estimated amounts.
Reclassifications [Policy Text Block]	'
	Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts in order to conform to the current year presentation.
New Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	As of March 31, 2014, there were no recently issued accounting standards that will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations upon their adoption.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups Inlcuding Discontinued Operations Income Statement Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Text Block]	'
			Three months ended March 31,					Six months ended March 31,
		(in thousands)		2014		2013	2014		2013
		Revenue	$	-	$	441,277	$	-	$	915,508
		Loss before income taxes	$	-	$	-154,561	$	-7,546	$	-156,613

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block]	'
				Pharmaceutical Distribution			Other			Total
		Goodwill at September 30, 2013		$	2,400,926		$	544,044		$	2,944,970
		Goodwill recognized in connection with acquisition			-			5,689			5,689
		Foreign currency translation			-			-1,403			-1,403
		Goodwill at March 31, 2014		$	2,400,926		$	548,330		$	2,949,256
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets [Text Block]	'
		31-Mar-14									30-Sep-13
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Indefinite-lived
	intangibles - trade
	names	$	343,735		$	-		$	343,735		$	343,892	$	-	$	343,892
	Finite-lived
	intangibles:
	Customer
	relationships		268,465			-89,724			178,741			265,810		-80,767		185,043
	Other		70,829			-47,416			23,413			69,350		-43,542		25,808
	Total other intangible
	assets	$	683,029		$	-137,140		$	545,889		$	679,052	$	-124,309	$	554,743

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Debt Instruments Text Block	'
			March 31,		September 30,
			2014		2013
		Multi-currency revolving credit facility due 2018	$	-	$	-
		Receivables securitization facility due 2016		-		-
		Revolving credit note		-		-
		$500,000, 5 7/8% senior notes due 2015		499,526		499,377
		$400,000, 4 7/8% senior notes due 2019		397,960		397,803
		$500,000, 3 1/2% senior notes due 2021		499,462		499,426
		Total debt	$	1,396,948	$	1,396,606

Stockholders_Equity_and_Earnin1

Stockholders' Equity and Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	'
			Three months ended		Six months ended
			March 31,		March 31,
		(in thousands)	2014	2013	2014	2013
		Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	229,409	230,422	229,852	231,409
		Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted
		stock, and restricted stock units	4,863	4,165	4,985	3,898
		Dilutive effect of Warrants	1,996	-	1,813	-
		Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	236,268	234,587	236,650	235,307

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
			Revenue
			Three months ended				Six months ended
			March 31,				March 31,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
		Pharmaceutical Distribution	$	27,932,495	$	20,054,159	$	56,555,086	$	40,653,207
		Other		572,503		514,942		1,176,635		1,019,992
		Intersegment eliminations		-49,095		-45,433		-99,456		-89,720
		Revenue	$	28,455,903	$	20,523,668	$	57,632,265	$	41,583,479
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
			Operating Income
			Three months ended				Six months ended
			March 31,				March 31,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
		Pharmaceutical Distribution	$	372,929	$	321,077	$	659,711	$	587,754
		Other		43,633		34,935		79,583		64,660
		Total segment operating income		416,562		356,012		739,294		652,414
		Gains on antitrust litigation settlements		849		3,456		21,872		15,764
		LIFO (expense) credit		-102,828		215		-160,410		-952
		Acquisition related intangibles
		amortization		-5,825		-6,098		-11,783		-12,197
		Warrants		-5,663		-3,761		-121,960		-3,761
		Employee severance, litigation and other		-1,967		299		-6,269		-1,705
		Operating income		301,128		350,123		460,744		649,563
		Other (income) loss		-3,783		749		-4,380		726
		Interest expense, net		19,474		18,510		38,306		37,035
		Income from continuing operations
		before income taxes	$	285,437	$	330,864	$	426,818	$	611,802

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Anderson Brecon and AmerisourceBergen Canada Corporation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
disposal group including discontinued operation revenue	$0	$441,277,000	$0	$915,508,000
disposal group including discontinued operation operating income	0	-154,561,000	-7,546,000	-156,613,000
AmerisourceBergen Canada Corporation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation Provision for Loss Gain on Disposal Net of Tax	'	134,800,000	'	134,800,000
Goodwill Impairment Loss	'	$26,900,000	'	$26,900,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 18, 2013
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$58.70	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	41.5	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued	9.4	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Period Increase Decrease	3.3	'
Significant Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Amount Of Unrecorded Benefit	10.5	'
Full Value of Warrants	$700	$242.40

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill at September 30, 2013	'	'	$2,944,970,000	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	'	'	5,689,000	'	'
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	'	'	-1,403,000	'	'
Goodwill at March 31, 2014	2,949,256,000	'	2,949,256,000	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangibles-trade names	343,735,000	'	343,735,000	'	343,892,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	137,140,000	'	137,140,000	'	124,309,000
Intangible Assets Gross Excluding Goodwill	683,029,000	'	683,029,000	'	679,052,000
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill	545,889,000	'	545,889,000	'	554,743,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	6,526,000	6,799,000	13,157,000	13,609,000	'
Future Amortization Expense Year One	25,900,000	'	25,900,000	'	'
Future Amortization Expense Year Two	22,400,000	'	22,400,000	'	'
Future Amortization Expense Year Three	21,600,000	'	21,600,000	'	'
Future Amortization Expense Year Four	17,800,000	'	17,800,000	'	'
Future Amortization Expense Year Five	15,500,000	'	15,500,000	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five	112,100,000	'	112,100,000	'	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross	268,465,000	'	268,465,000	'	265,810,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	89,724,000	'	89,724,000	'	80,767,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net	178,741,000	'	178,741,000	'	185,043,000
Other Finite Lived Intangibles [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross	70,829,000	'	70,829,000	'	69,350,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	47,416,000	'	47,416,000	'	43,542,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net	23,413,000	'	23,413,000	'	25,808,000
Pharmaceutical Distribution [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill at September 30, 2013	'	'	2,400,926,000	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	'	'	0	'	'
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	'	'	0	'	'
Goodwill at March 31, 2014	2,400,926,000	'	2,400,926,000	'	'
All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill at September 30, 2013	'	'	544,044,000	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	'	'	5,689,000	'	'
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	'	'	-1,403,000	'	'
Goodwill at March 31, 2014	$548,330,000	'	$548,330,000	'	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Multi Currency Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Multi Currency Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Multi Currency Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]

Revolving Credit Note [Member]

Revolving Credit Note [Member]

Revolving Credit Note [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate LIBOR [Member]

LIBOR / EURIBOR / Bankers Acceptance Stamping Fee [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000,000

'

$400,000,000

'

$500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.90%

5.88%

'

4.88%

'

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

'

'

'

'

'June 2016

'

'

'July 2018

'

'

'2015

'

'2019

'

'2021

'

'

'

'

'2018

Short-term debt

'

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

Long Term Debt

1,396,948,000

1,396,606,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

499,526,000

499,377,000

397,960,000

397,803,000

499,462,000

499,426,000

'

'

'

'

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

1,396,948,000

1,396,606,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

950,000,000

'

950,000,000

'

'

1,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

45,000,000

'

1,400,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description

'

'

'

'

'prevailing market rates for short-term commercial paper or LIBOR plus a program fee of 75 basis points

'

'

'68 basis points to 130 basis points over LIBOR / EURIBOR / Bankers Acceptance Stamping Fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Fee Rate Effective Percentage Rate Range

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 basis points to 20 basis points, annually, of the total commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms

'

'

'

'

'The Receivables Securitization Facility contains similar covenants to the Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility, with which the Company was compliant as of March 31, 2014

'

'

'The Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility contains covenants, including compliance with a financial leverage ratio test, as well as others that impose limitations on, among other things, indebtedness of excluded subsidiaries and asset sales, with which the Company was compliant as of March 31, 2014.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Ability to Increase Commitment Subject to Lender Approval

'

'

'

'

'the commitment on the Receivables Securitization Facility may be increased by up to $250 million, subject to lender approval, for seasonal needs during the December and March quarters

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate Option on Canadian Borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'the Canadian prime rate or the CDOR rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term Debt, Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The Company has a commercial paper program whereby it may from time to time issue short-term promissory notes in an aggregate amount of up to $1.4 billion at any one time. Amounts available under the program may be borrowed, repaid, and re-borrowed from time to time. The maturities on the notes will vary, but may not exceed 365 days from the date of issuance. The notes will bear interest rates, if interest bearing, or will be sold at a discount from their face amounts. The commercial paper program does not increase the Company's borrowing capacity as it is fully backed by the Company's Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility.

Debt Instrument Capacity Increase Due to Execution of Accordion Feature

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility Unused Capacity Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

'

'

0.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

0.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.68%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Facility Fee Rate Effective Percentage Rate Range Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.07%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Facility Fee Rate Effective Percentage Rate Range Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in Debt Commitment During Period under Accordion Feature

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in Debt Commitment During Period under Accordion Feature

'

'

$250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_and_Earnin2

Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 18, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

First Group of Tranches [Member]

Second Group of Tranches [Member]

Walgreens Warrant 1 [Member]

Walgreens Warrant 2 [Member]

Alliance Boots Warrant 1 [Member]

Alliance Boots Warrant 2 [Member]

November 2012 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

November 2012 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

August 2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend Increase Percentage

12.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared

'

$0.24

$0.24

$0.21

$0.47

$0.42

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic

'

'

229,409,000

230,422,000

229,852,000

231,409,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements

'

'

4,863,000

4,165,000

4,985,000

3,898,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Call Options and Warrants

'

'

1,996,000

0

1,813,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Diluted

'

'

236,268,000

234,587,000

236,650,000

235,307,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount

'

'

2,300,000

0

1,800,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$750

'

$750

Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

269.8

'

Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,100,000

'

Stock Repurchase Program Remaining Authorized Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93.2

'

Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Date from which Warrants or Rights are Exercisable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Mar-16

1-Mar-17

1-Mar-16

1-Mar-17

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,348,456

11,348,456

11,348,456

11,348,456

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$51.50

$52.50

$51.50

$52.50

'

'

'

Shares to Which Framework Agreement Allows Open Market Purchases

'

'

'

19,859,795

'

19,859,795

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of Common Stock Purchases in Open Market Granted under Framework Agreement

'

'

'

0.07

'

0.07

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value per Share of First Tranche of Warrants

'

'

$15.09

'

$15.09

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value per Share of Second Tranche of Warrants

'

'

$15.75

'

$15.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Full Value of Warrants

'

'

700

'

700

'

'

242.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$51.50

$52.50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Cost of Hedge

'

'

$205.30

'

'

'

$163.40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of Warrant Dilution Intended to be Hedged with Contract

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares Covered Under Derviative Purchases

'

'

11,900,000

'

11,900,000

'

15,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Litigation_Settlements_Details

Litigation Settlements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Litigation Settlements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gain Loss Related to Litigation Settlement	$849	$3,456	$21,872	$15,764

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'	'
Long Term Debt	$1,396,948,000	$1,396,606,000
Debt Instrument Fair Value	$1,496,000,000	$1,502,000,000

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$28,455,903	$20,523,668	$57,632,265	$41,583,479
Operating Income (Loss)	301,128	350,123	460,744	649,563
Gain Loss Related to Litigation Settlement	849	3,456	21,872	15,764
Warrants	-5,663	-3,761	-121,960	-3,761
Employee severance, litigation and other	-1,967	299	-6,269	-1,705
Other (income) loss	-3,783	749	-4,380	726
Interest expense, net	19,474	18,510	38,306	37,035
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest	285,437	330,864	426,818	611,802
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	416,562	356,012	739,294	652,414
Operating Segments [Member] | Pharmaceutical Distribution [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	27,932,495	20,054,159	56,555,086	40,653,207
Operating Income (Loss)	372,929	321,077	659,711	587,754
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	572,503	514,942	1,176,635	1,019,992
Operating Income (Loss)	43,633	34,935	79,583	64,660
Intersegment Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	-49,095	-45,433	-99,456	-89,720
Material Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Loss Related to Litigation Settlement	849	3,456	21,872	15,764
LIFO (expense) credit	-102,828	215	-160,410	-952
Acquisition related intangibles amortization	-5,825	-6,098	-11,783	-12,197
Warrants	-5,663	-3,761	-121,960	-3,761
Employee severance, litigation and other	($1,967)	$299	($6,269)	($1,705)