Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation: The condensed consolidated financial statements of McKesson Corporation (“McKesson,” the “Company,” or “we” and other similar pronouns) include the financial statements of all wholly-owned subsidiaries and majority-owned or controlled companies. We also evaluate our ownership, contractual and other interests in entities to determine if they are variable interest entities (“VIEs”), if we have a variable interest in those entities and the nature and extent of those interests. These evaluations are highly complex and involve judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions based on available historical information and management’s judgment, among other factors. Based on our evaluations, if we determine we are the primary beneficiary of such VIEs, we consolidate such entities into our financial statements. The consolidated VIEs are not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements.

Use Of Estimates

To prepare the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of these financial statements and income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts may differ from these estimated amounts. In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts, which primarily relate to discontinued operations, have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Refer to Financial Note 7, “Discontinued Operations,” for more information.

Fiscal Period

The Company’s fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. Unless otherwise noted, all references to a particular year shall mean the Company’s fiscal year.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Balance Sheet Offsetting: In the first quarter of 2014, we adopted disclosure guidance on a retrospective basis related to the offsetting of assets and liabilities. The guidance requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting assets and liabilities for derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific GAAP criteria or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Comprehensive Income: In the first quarter of 2014, we adopted disclosure guidance on a prospective basis related to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI”). The guidance requires disclosure of amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts not reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Cumulative Translation Adjustments: In March 2013, amended guidance was issued for a parent’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or group of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity.  The amended guidance requires the release of any cumulative translation adjustment into net income only upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of a controlling interest in a subsidiary or a group of assets within a foreign entity. Also, it requires the release of all or a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment to net income in case of sale of an equity method investment that is a foreign entity.  The amended guidance is applicable to us effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Early adoption is permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact of this amended guidance on our condensed consolidated financial statements.