Cencora (COR) 10-Q 6 Feb 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1140859
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$12,186,712,842
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		219,604,997
Trading Symbol	ABC

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,298,756	$1,808,513
Accounts receivable, less allowances for returns and doubtful accounts: $931,322 at December 31, 2014 and $998,383 at September 30, 2014	7,144,031	6,312,883
Merchandise inventories	10,628,342	8,593,852
Prepaid expenses and other	73,581	84,957
Total current assets	20,144,710	16,800,205
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	37,538	37,538
Buildings and improvements	382,789	359,037
Machinery, equipment and other	1,321,327	1,295,854
Total property and equipment	1,741,654	1,692,429
Less accumulated depreciation	-834,650	-792,847
Property and equipment, net	907,004	899,582
Goodwill and other intangible assets	3,501,051	3,481,744
Other assets	352,151	350,652
TOTAL ASSETS	24,904,916	21,532,183
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	19,031,658	15,592,834
Accrued expenses and other	673,510	561,863
Deferred income taxes	1,099,865	1,095,463
Total current liabilities	20,805,033	17,250,160
Long-term debt	1,995,885	1,995,632
Other liabilities	335,652	329,492
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized: 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 272,040,492 shares and 219,340,882 shares, at December 31, 2014, respectively, and 271,126,753 shares and 221,908,650 shares at September 30, 2014, respectively	2,720	2,711
Additional paid-in capital	3,102,312	2,749,185
Retained earnings	1,306,457	1,570,429
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-60,727	-52,046
Treasury stock, at cost: 52,699,610 shares at December 31, 2014 and 49,218,103 shares at September 30, 2014	-2,582,416	-2,313,380
Total stockholders' equity	1,768,346	1,956,899
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$24,904,916	$21,532,183

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Allowances for returns and doubtful accounts	$931,322	$998,383
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	272,040,492	271,126,753
Common stock, shares outstanding	219,340,882	221,908,650
Treasury stock, shares held	52,699,610	49,218,103

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Revenue	$33,588,602	$29,176,362
Cost of goods sold	32,836,303	28,488,137
Gross profit	752,299	688,225
Operating expenses:
Distribution, selling, and administrative	416,491	364,060
Depreciation	43,773	37,319
Amortization	5,524	6,631
Warrants	371,405	116,297
Employee severance, litigation and other	3,503	4,302
Operating (loss) income	-88,397	159,616
Other (loss) income	1,314	-597
Interest expense, net	17,342	18,832
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-107,053	141,381
Income taxes	92,894	92,450
(Loss) income from continuing operations	-199,947	48,931
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	-7,546
Net (loss) income	($199,947)	$41,385
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	($0.91)	$0.21
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.03)
Total	($0.91)	$0.18
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	($0.91)	$0.21
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.03)
Rounding	$0	($0.01)
Total	($0.91)	$0.17
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	219,456	230,277
Diluted	219,456	237,012
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock	$0.29	$0.24

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	($199,947)	$41,385
Other comprehensive loss:
Net change in foreign currency translation adjustments	-8,730	-5,442
Other	49	-151
Total other comprehensive loss	-8,681	-5,593
Total comprehensive (loss) income	($208,628)	$35,792

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income	($199,947)	$41,385
Loss from discontinued operations	0	7,546
(Loss) income from continuing operations	-199,947	48,931
Adjustments to reconcile (loss) income from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, including amounts charged to cost of goods sold	44,518	37,887
Amortization, including amounts charged to interest expense	6,652	7,823
(Benefit) provision for doubtful accounts	-1,379	1,688
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes	-18,058	2,396
Warrant expense	371,405	116,297
Share-based compensation	19,567	11,226
Other	-1,951	-2,675
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-766,718	-159,120
Merchandise inventories	-2,096,578	-1,626,618
Prepaid expenses and other assets	10,992	43,659
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and income taxes	3,529,971	523,117
Other liabilities	-1,510	-708
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - continuing operations	896,964	-996,097
Net cash used in operating activities - discontinued operations	0	-7,546
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES	896,964	-1,003,643
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	-52,557	-59,183
Cost of acquired companies, net of cash acquired	-24,604	-9,103
Other	5	83
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-77,156	-68,203
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and securitization credit facilities	0	522,500
Repayments under revolving and securitization credit facilities	0	-99,500
Purchases of common stock	-300,213	-19,652
Exercises of stock options, including excess tax benefits of $17,332 and $11,631 in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively	40,164	32,326
Cash dividends on common stock	-64,025	-54,367
Purchases of capped call options	0	-192,995
Debt issuance costs and other	-5,491	-7
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-329,565	188,305
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	490,243	-883,541
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,808,513	1,231,006
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$2,298,756	$347,465

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	$17,332	$11,631

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 December 31, 2014 and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended December 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, 2014.
	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.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605 – Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The standard's core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those reporting periods. Early adoption is not permitted under GAAP and either full or modified retrospective application is required. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting guidance.
	As of December 31, 2014, there were no other recently issued accounting standards that will have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations upon their adoption.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	Note 2. Income Taxes
	The Company files income tax returns in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions as well as various foreign jurisdictions. As of December 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 $53.0 million ($37.5 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 $8.2 million of interest and penalties, which the Company records in income tax expense. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, unrecognized tax benefits increased by $2.4 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 $6.6 million.
	In March 2013, the Company issued Warrants (as defined in Note 5) in connection with various agreements and arrangements with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (“WBA”), as successor in interest to 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 December 31, 2014 was $1,688.9 million. The excess of the fair value of the Warrants over the initial value is not tax deductible. As a result, in periods where the fair value of the Warrants exceeds the initial value, the Company's effective income tax rate will be higher than its normal historical rate.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Text Block]	Note 3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Following is a summary of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill, by reportable segment, for the three months ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
				Pharmaceutical Distribution			Other			Total
		Goodwill at September 30, 2014		$	2,400,926		$	547,576		$	2,948,502
		Goodwill recognized in connection with acquisition			12,812			-			12,812
		Foreign currency translation			-			-921			-921
		Goodwill at December 31, 2014		$	2,413,738		$	546,655		$	2,960,393
	Following is a summary of other intangible assets (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14									30-Sep-14
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Indefinite-lived
	intangibles - trade
	names	$	343,629		$	-		$	343,629		$	343,707	$	-	$	343,707
	Finite-lived
	intangibles:
	Customer
	relationships		275,026			-102,004			173,022			268,208		-98,412		169,796
	Other		77,103			-53,096			24,007			71,114		-51,375		19,739
	Total other intangible
	assets	$	695,758		$	-155,100		$	540,658		$	683,029	$	-149,787	$	533,242
	Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $5.5 million and $6.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets is estimated to be $24.0 million in fiscal 2015, $23.9 million in fiscal 2016, $20.0 million in fiscal 2017, $17.6 million in fiscal 2018, $17.0 million in fiscal 2019, and $100.0 million thereafter.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Debt [Text Block]	Note 4. Debt
	Debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
			December 31,		September 30,
			2014		2014
		Multi-currency revolving credit facility due 2019	$	-	$	-
		Receivables securitization facility due 2017		-		-
		Revolving credit note		-		-
		$600,000, 1.15% senior notes due 2017		599,496		599,379
		$400,000, 4.875% senior notes due 2019		398,204		398,122
		$500,000, 3.50% senior notes due 2021		499,515		499,497
		$500,000, 3.40% senior notes due 2024		498,670		498,634
		Total debt	$	1,995,885	$	1,995,632
	The Company has a $1.4 billion multi-currency senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in August 2019 (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 69 basis points to 110 basis points over LIBOR/EURIBOR/Bankers Acceptance Stamping Fee, as applicable (90 basis points over LIBOR/EURIBOR/Bankers Acceptance Stamping Fee at December 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 6 basis points to 15 basis points, annually, of the total commitment (10 basis points at December 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 December 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. There were no borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper program at December 31, 2014.
	The Company has a $950 million receivables securitization facility (“Receivables Securitization Facility”), which was scheduled to expire in June 2016. In December 2014, the Company entered into an amendment to the Receivables Securitization Facility to extend the maturity date to December 2017. 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. 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 December 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 $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	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share	Note 5. Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share
	In November 2014, the Company's board of directors increased the quarterly cash dividend by 23% from $0.235 per share to $0.29 per share.
	In August 2013, 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 three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased 1.7 million shares of its common stock for a total of $132.0 million under this program, which excluded $18.0 million of fiscal 2014 purchases that cash settled in October 2014. The Company had $443.3 million of availability remaining under this share repurchase program as of December 31, 2014.
	In March 2013, the Company and WBA entered into various agreements and arrangements pursuant to which WBA was 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 WBA, 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., also a wholly owned subsidiary of WBA, 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 December 31, 2014, the Warrants with an exercise price of $51.50 were valued at $37.69 per share and the Warrants with an exercise price of $52.50 were valued at $36.72 per share. In total, the Warrants were valued at $1,688.9 million as of December 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, 2014 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 shares of its common stock subject to the Warrants at specified prices at maturity, should the Warrants be exercised in 2016 and 2017 and were initially intended to cover approximately 60% of the shares subject to the Warrants at the time the Company entered into the transactions. If the Warrants are exercised, the Company will use a majority of the proceeds to repurchase its shares under the Capped Calls. The Capped Calls are subject to a “cap” price. 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. This hedge transaction was completed in January 2014, and included the purchase of Capped Calls on a total of 27.2 million shares of the Company's common stock for a total premium of $368.7 million.
	Based upon the Company's recent share price, the number of shares of common stock the Company expects to receive under the Capped Calls at maturity has been reduced. Therefore, the Company amended certain of the Capped Calls to increase their “cap” price to continue to address the potentially dilutive effect of the Warrants. The Company paid a premium of $100.0 million in January 2015 to increase the cap price on certain of the Capped Calls subject to the warrants that become exercisable in 2016. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $78.0 million recorded as a liability related to the total premium. 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.
	In May 2014, the Company's board of directors authorized a special program allowing the Company to purchase up to $650 million of its outstanding shares of common stock, subject to market conditions, as an opportunity to further mitigate the potentially dilutive effect of the Warrants and supplements the Company's previously executed warrant hedging strategy. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased 1.7 million shares of its common stock for a total of $132.1 million under this program, which excluded $18.0 million of fiscal 2014 purchases that cash settled in October 2014. The Company has $265.9 million of availability remaining under this special share repurchase program as of December 31, 2014.
	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
			December 31,
		(in thousands)	2014	2013
		Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	219,456	230,277
		Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted
		stock, and restricted stock units	-	5,106
		Dilutive effect of Warrants	-	1,629
		Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	219,456	237,012
	The potentially dilutive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and Warrants that were antidilutive for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 15.8 million and 1.2 million, respectively.

Legal_Matters_and_Contingencie

Legal Matters and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Abstract]
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]	Note 6. 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. 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. On August 30, 2013, ABDC received a second subpoena from the USAO and also a second subpoena from the DEA 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. On June 20, 2014, ABDC received a fourth subpoena requesting additional information related to the documents produced in response to the first and second subpoenas. On July 23, 2014, ABDC received a fifth subpoena requesting documents relating to specific customers and audits, among other information requests. The Company has responded to the subpoenas and is continuing to respond to subpoenas and requests for information. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
	In fiscal 2013 and in 2014, 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 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. The plaintiffs filed responses in opposition to the defendants' motion to dismiss on May 6, 2014, and the defendants filed reply briefs in support of their motions on May 23, 2014. The court held oral arguments on June 5, 2014. On December 12, 2014, the court denied defendants' motions to dismiss, but granted defendants' motion for a more definite statement. On January 13, 2015, West Virginia filed a second amended compliant under seal and an accompanying motion to modify the protective order so that the second amended complaint may be unsealed and served on all defendants. The second amended complaint has not currently been served on any of the defendants. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

Litigation_Settlements

Litigation Settlements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Litigation Settlements [Abstract]
Litigation Settlements [Text Block]	Note 7. 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. The Company recognized no gains during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and recognized gains of $21.0 million during the three months ended December 31, 2013 related 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	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Text Block]	Note 8. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The recorded amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 approximate fair value based upon the relatively short-term nature of these financial instruments. Within cash and cash equivalents, the Company had $450.0 million and $400.0 million of investments in money market accounts as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The fair values of the money market accounts were based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, otherwise known as Level 1 inputs. The recorded amount of long-term debt and the corresponding fair value as of December 31, 2014 were $1,995.9 million and $2,061.0 million, respectively. The recorded amount of long-term debt and the corresponding fair value as of September 30, 2014 were $1,995.6 million and $2,056.6 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	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Business Segment Information [Text Block]	Note 9. 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 months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
			Revenue
			Three months ended
			December 31,
			2014		2013
		Pharmaceutical Distribution	$	32,982,724	$	28,622,591
		Other		696,001		604,132
		Intersegment eliminations		-90,123		-50,361
		Revenue	$	33,588,602	$	29,176,362
	Intersegment eliminations primarily represent the elimination of certain ABCS sales to the Pharmaceutical Distribution reportable segment.
			Operating Income
			Three months ended
			December 31,
			2014		2013
		Pharmaceutical Distribution	$	390,401	$	286,782
		Other		45,166		35,950
		Total segment operating income	$	435,567	$	322,732
	The following table reconciles total segment operating income to (loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes (in thousands):
			(Loss) Income From Continuing
			Operations Before Income Taxes
			Three months ended
			December 31,
			2014		2013
		Total segment operating income	$	435,567	$	322,732
		Gains on antitrust litigation settlements		-		21,023
		LIFO expense		-144,024		-57,582
		Acquisition related intangibles
		amortization		-5,032		-5,958
		Warrant expense		-371,405		-116,297
		Employee severance, litigation and other		-3,503		-4,302
		Operating (loss) income		-88,397		159,616
		Other loss (income)		1,314		-597
		Interest expense, net		17,342		18,832
		(Loss) income from continuing
		operations before income taxes	$	-107,053	$	141,381
	Segment operating income is evaluated by the chief operating decision maker for the Company before gains on antitrust litigation settlements; LIFO expense; acquisition related intangibles amortization; Warrant expense; employee severance, litigation and other; other loss (income); and interest expense, net. All corporate office expenses are allocated to each operating segment.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 10. Subsequent Event
	In January 2015, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement (“Merger Agreement”) to acquire MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (“MWI”), a leading animal health distribution company in the United States.
	Under the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, on January 26, 2015, the Company commenced a cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of MWI at a price of $190.00 per share, representing a fully diluted equity value of approximately $2.5 billion. The Company expects to finance the transaction through a combination of cash and long-term debt. In January 2015, in advance of securing the long-term debt, we received a commitment for a $2.15 billion senior unsecured 364-day bridge term loan facility, which may be used to fund the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The tender offer is conditioned on MWI's stockholders tendering at least a majority of outstanding shares in the tender offer, clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close during the March quarter of 2015.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 December 31, 2014 and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended December 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, 2014.
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.
New Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Policy Text Block]	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605 – Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The standard's core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those reporting periods. Early adoption is not permitted under GAAP and either full or modified retrospective application is required. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting guidance.
	As of December 31, 2014, there were no other recently issued accounting standards that will have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations upon their adoption.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block]				Pharmaceutical Distribution			Other			Total
		Goodwill at September 30, 2014		$	2,400,926		$	547,576		$	2,948,502
		Goodwill recognized in connection with acquisition			12,812			-			12,812
		Foreign currency translation			-			-921			-921
		Goodwill at December 31, 2014		$	2,413,738		$	546,655		$	2,960,393
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets [Text Block]		31-Dec-14									30-Sep-14
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Indefinite-lived
	intangibles - trade
	names	$	343,629		$	-		$	343,629		$	343,707	$	-	$	343,707
	Finite-lived
	intangibles:
	Customer
	relationships		275,026			-102,004			173,022			268,208		-98,412		169,796
	Other		77,103			-53,096			24,007			71,114		-51,375		19,739
	Total other intangible
	assets	$	695,758		$	-155,100		$	540,658		$	683,029	$	-149,787	$	533,242

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments Text Block			December 31,		September 30,
			2014		2014
		Multi-currency revolving credit facility due 2019	$	-	$	-
		Receivables securitization facility due 2017		-		-
		Revolving credit note		-		-
		$600,000, 1.15% senior notes due 2017		599,496		599,379
		$400,000, 4.875% senior notes due 2019		398,204		398,122
		$500,000, 3.50% senior notes due 2021		499,515		499,497
		$500,000, 3.40% senior notes due 2024		498,670		498,634
		Total debt	$	1,995,885	$	1,995,632

Stockholders_Equity_and_Earnin1

Stockholders' Equity and Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]			Three months ended
			December 31,
		(in thousands)	2014	2013
		Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	219,456	230,277
		Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted
		stock, and restricted stock units	-	5,106
		Dilutive effect of Warrants	-	1,629
		Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	219,456	237,012

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]			Revenue
			Three months ended
			December 31,
			2014		2013
		Pharmaceutical Distribution	$	32,982,724	$	28,622,591
		Other		696,001		604,132
		Intersegment eliminations		-90,123		-50,361
		Revenue	$	33,588,602	$	29,176,362
Reconciliation of Operating Profit Loss from Segments to Consolidated Text Block			Operating Income
			Three months ended
			December 31,
			2014		2013
		Pharmaceutical Distribution	$	390,401	$	286,782
		Other		45,166		35,950
		Total segment operating income	$	435,567	$	322,732
Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated Text Block			(Loss) Income From Continuing
			Operations Before Income Taxes
			Three months ended
			December 31,
			2014		2013
		Total segment operating income	$	435,567	$	322,732
		Gains on antitrust litigation settlements		-		21,023
		LIFO expense		-144,024		-57,582
		Acquisition related intangibles
		amortization		-5,032		-5,958
		Warrant expense		-371,405		-116,297
		Employee severance, litigation and other		-3,503		-4,302
		Operating (loss) income		-88,397		159,616
		Other loss (income)		1,314		-597
		Interest expense, net		17,342		18,832
		(Loss) income from continuing
		operations before income taxes	$	-107,053	$	141,381

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 18, 2013
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$53
Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	37.5
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued	8.2
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Period Increase Decrease	2.4
Significant Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Amount Of Unrecorded Benefit	6.6
Full Value of Warrants	$1,688.90	$242.40

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill at September 30, 2014	$2,948,502,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	12,812,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-921,000
Goodwill at December 31, 2014	2,960,393,000
Indefinite-lived intangibles-trade names	343,629,000		343,707,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	155,100,000		149,787,000
Intangible Assets Gross Excluding Goodwill	695,758,000		683,029,000
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill	540,658,000		533,242,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	5,524,000	6,631,000
Future Amortization Expense Year One	24,000,000
Future Amortization Expense Year Two	23,900,000
Future Amortization Expense Year Three	20,000,000
Future Amortization Expense Year Four	17,600,000
Future Amortization Expense Year Five	17,000,000
Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five	100,000,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross	275,026,000		268,208,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	102,004,000		98,412,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net	173,022,000		169,796,000
Other Finite Lived Intangibles [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross	77,103,000		71,114,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	53,096,000		51,375,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net	24,007,000		19,739,000
Pharmaceutical Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill at September 30, 2014	2,400,926,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	12,812,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	0
Goodwill at December 31, 2014	2,413,738,000
All Other Segments [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill at September 30, 2014	547,576,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-921,000
Goodwill at December 31, 2014	$546,655,000

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long Term Debt	$1,995,885,000	$1,995,632,000
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	1,995,885,000	1,995,632,000
Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Dec-17
Short-term debt	0	0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	950,000,000
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
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 December 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility Unused Capacity Commitment Fee Percentage	0.40%
Ability to Increase Debt Commitment Under Accordion Feature in December and March Quarters	250,000,000
Receivables Securitization Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.75%
Multi Currency Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Aug-19
Short-term debt	0	0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,400,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	69 basis points to 110 basis points over LIBOR/EURIBOR/Bankers Acceptance Stamping Fee
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	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 December 31, 2014.
Interest Rate Option on Canadian Borrowings	the Canadian prime rate or the CDOR rate
Line of Credit Facility Commitment Fee Percentage	0.10%
Debt Instrument Facility Fee Rate Effective Percentage Rate Range Minimum	0.06%
Debt Instrument Facility Fee Rate Effective Percentage Rate Range Maximum	0.15%
Multi Currency Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR / EURIBOR / Bankers Acceptance Stamping Fee [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.90%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	0.69%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	1.10%
Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	600,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.15%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	15-May-17
Long Term Debt	599,496,000	599,379,000
Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.88%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	2019
Long Term Debt	398,204,000	398,122,000
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.50%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	2021
Long Term Debt	499,515,000	499,497,000
Revolving Credit Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt	0	0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	75,000,000
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	2019
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,400,000,000
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. There were no borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper program at December 31, 2014.
Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.40%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	15-May-24
Long Term Debt	$498,670,000	$498,634,000

Stockholders_Equity_and_Earnin2

Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		24 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Mar. 18, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-14
Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share [Abstract]
Dividend Increase Percentage		23.00%
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$0.29	$0.29	$0.24
Basic			219,456,000	230,277,000
Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements			0	5,106,000
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Call Options and Warrants			0	1,629,000
Diluted			219,456,000	237,012,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount			15,800,000	1,200,000
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Shares to Which Framework Agreement Allows Open Market Purchases						19,859,795
Percentage of Common Stock Purchases in Open Market Granted under Framework Agreement						0.07
Fair Value per Share of First Tranche of Warrants			$37.69
Fair Value per Share of Second Tranche of Warrants			$36.72
Full Value of Warrants			$1,688.90					$242.40
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Derivative, Cost of Hedge	100				368.7
Derivative, Cost of Hedge, Accrued Amount			78
Percentage of Warrant Dilution Intended to be Hedged with Contract			60.00%
Shares Covered Under Derviative Purchases					27,200,000
First Group of Tranches [Member]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate			$51.50
Second Group of Tranches [Member]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate			$52.50
Walgreens Warrant 1 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Date from which Warrants or Rights are Exercisable						1-Mar-16
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights						11,348,456
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights						$51.50
Walgreens Warrant 2 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Date from which Warrants or Rights are Exercisable						1-Mar-17
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights						11,348,456
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights						$52.50
Alliance Boots Warrant 1 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Date from which Warrants or Rights are Exercisable						1-Mar-16
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights						11,348,456
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights						$51.50
Alliance Boots Warrant 2 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Date from which Warrants or Rights are Exercisable						1-Mar-17
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights						11,348,456
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights						$52.50
August 2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount									750
Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method			132
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			1,700,000
Stock Repurchase Program Remaining Authorized Amount			443.3
Treasury Stock, Value Acquired, Cost Method Settlements							18
May 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount										650
Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method			132.1
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			1,700,000
Stock Repurchase Program Remaining Authorized Amount			265.9
Treasury Stock, Value Acquired, Cost Method Settlements							$18

Litigation_Settlements_Details

Litigation Settlements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Litigation Settlements [Abstract]
Gain Loss Related to Litigation Settlement	$0	$21,023

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Other Assets Fair Value Disclosure	$450,000,000	$400,000,000
Long Term Debt	1,995,885,000	1,995,632,000
Debt Instrument Fair Value	$2,061,000,000	$2,056,600,000

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$33,588,602	$29,176,362
Operating Income (Loss)	-88,397	159,616
Gain Loss Related to Litigation Settlement	0	21,023
Warrants	-371,405	-116,297
Employee severance, litigation and other	-3,503	-4,302
Other (loss) income	1,314	-597
Interest expense, net	17,342	18,832
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest	-107,053	141,381
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	435,567	322,732
Operating Segments [Member] | Pharmaceutical Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	32,982,724	28,622,591
Operating Income (Loss)	390,401	286,782
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	696,001	604,132
Operating Income (Loss)	45,166	35,950
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	-90,123	-50,361
Material Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gain Loss Related to Litigation Settlement	0	21,023
LIFO (expense) credit	-144,024	-57,582
Acquisition related intangibles amortization	-5,032	-5,958
Warrants	371,405	116,297
Employee severance, litigation and other	$3,503	$4,302

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Business Acquisition Share Price	$190
Payments to Acquire Business Gross	$2,500,000,000
Bridge Loan [Member]
Short Term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Debt, Terms	senior unsecured 364-day bridge term loan facility
Short-term debt	$2,150,000,000