Walgreen (WAG) 10-Q 27 Mar 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WALGREEN CO
Entity Central Index Key	'0000104207
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	954,331,100
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-14

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,777	$2,106	$2,431
Accounts receivable, net	2,774	2,632	2,481
Inventories	7,213	6,852	7,253
Other current assets	272	284	267
Total Current Assets	12,036	11,874	12,432
Non-Current Assets	'	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	12,136	12,138	12,048
Equity investment in Alliance Boots	6,804	6,261	6,181
Alliance Boots call option	904	839	884
Goodwill	2,455	2,410	2,387
Other non-current assets	2,746	1,959	1,632
Total Non-Current Assets	25,045	23,607	23,132
Total Assets	37,081	35,481	35,564
Current Liabilities	'	'	'
Short-term borrowings	577	570	1,299
Trade accounts payable	4,488	4,635	4,388
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	3,280	3,577	3,229
Income taxes	154	101	109
Total Current Liabilities	8,499	8,883	9,025
Non-Current Liabilities	'	'	'
Long-term debt	4,489	4,477	5,058
Deferred income taxes	878	600	517
Other non-current liabilities	2,382	2,067	1,991
Total Non-Current Liabilities	7,749	7,144	7,566
Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 11)	'	'	'
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'
Preferred stock $.0625 par value; authorized 32 million shares, none issued	0	0	0
Common stock $.078125 par value; authorized 3.2 billion shares; issued 1,028,180,150 at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013	80	80	80
Paid-in capital	1,086	1,074	979
Employee stock loan receivable	-9	-11	-13
Retained earnings	22,370	21,523	20,804
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	126	-98	35
Treasury stock, at cost; 73,849,050 shares at February 28, 2014, 81,584,572 at August 31, 2013 and 80,694,853 at February 28, 2013	-2,869	-3,114	-2,912
Total Walgreen Co. Shareholders' Equity	20,784	19,454	18,973
Noncontrolling interests	49	0	0
Total Equity	20,833	19,454	18,973
Total Liabilities and Equity	$37,081	$35,481	$35,564

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	32,000,000	32,000,000	32,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	3,200,000,000	3,200,000,000	3,200,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	1,028,180,150	1,028,180,150	1,028,180,150
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	73,849,050	81,584,572	80,694,853

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock Amount [Member]	Pain-In Capital [Member]	Employee Stock Loan Receivable [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
In Millions, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	$80	($3,114)	$1,074	($11)	($98)	$21,523	$0	$19,454
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2013	946,595,578	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	0	0	0	0	0	1,449	23	1,472
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax	0	0	0	0	224	0	0	224
Dividends declared ($.63 per share)	0	0	0	0	0	-602	0	-602
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)	-3,703,800	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	0	-205	0	0	0	0	0	-205
Employee stock purchase and option plans (in shares)	11,439,322	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase and option plans	0	450	-40	0	0	0	0	410
Stock-based compensation	0	0	52	0	0	0	0	52
Employee stock loan receivable	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2
Other	0	0	0	0	0	0	26	26
Ending Balance at Feb. 28, 2014	$80	($2,869)	$1,086	($9)	$126	$22,370	$49	$20,833
Ending Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2014	954,331,100	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$0.32	$0.28	$0.63	$0.55

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$19,605	$18,647	$37,934	$35,963
Cost of sales	13,955	13,040	27,132	25,257
Gross Profit	5,650	5,607	10,802	10,706
Selling, general and administrative expenses	4,569	4,497	8,948	8,895
Gain on sale of business	0	20	0	20
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots	194	85	345	89
Operating Income	1,275	1,215	2,199	1,920
Interest expense, net	37	23	78	60
Other income/(expense)	-59	0	166	0
Earnings Before Income Tax Provision	1,179	1,192	2,287	1,860
Income tax provision	411	436	815	691
Net Earnings	768	756	1,472	1,169
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	14	0	23	0
Net Earnings Attributable to Walgreen Co.	$754	$756	$1,449	$1,169
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreen Co. - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.79	$0.80	$1.52	$1.24
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreen Co. - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.78	$0.79	$1.51	$1.23
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$0.32	$0.28	$0.63	$0.55
Average shares outstanding	951.9	945.4	950.6	945.4
Dilutive effect of stock options	11.8	8	12	6.9
Average diluted shares	963.7	953.4	962.6	952.3

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Earnings	$768	$756	$1,472	$1,169
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Postretirement liability	-2	-1	6	-3
Changes in unrecognized gain on available-for-sale investments	-49	0	35	0
Share of other comprehensive income of Alliance Boots	-36	-49	-70	-121
Cumulative translation adjustments	191	41	253	91
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	104	-9	224	-33
Total Comprehensive Income	872	747	1,696	1,136
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	14	0	23	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Walgreen Co.	$858	$747	$1,673	$1,136

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME4

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'		'
Net earnings	$1,472		$1,169
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities -	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	663		640
Change in fair value of warrants and related amortization	-166		0
Deferred income taxes	34		-9
Stock compensation expense	52		45
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots	-345	[1]	-89	[1]
Other	48		44
Changes in operating assets and liabilities -	'		'
Accounts receivable, net	-117		-292
Inventories	-288		-93
Other current assets	13		43
Trade accounts payable	-171		-63
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-25		228
Income taxes	47		138
Other non-current assets and liabilities	20		38
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,237		1,799
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'		'
Additions to property and equipment	-591		-581
Proceeds from sale of assets	209		18
Proceeds related to sale of business	0		20
Business and intangible asset acquisitions, net of cash received	-297		-552
Purchases of short-term investments - held to maturity	-34		-49
Proceeds from short-term investments - held to maturity	34		0
Investment in AmerisourceBergen	-430		0
Other	-59		-28
Net cash used for investing activities	-1,168		-1,172
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'		'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0		4,000
Payments of long-term debt	0		-3,000
Stock purchases	-205		-116
Proceeds related to employee stock plans	416		170
Cash dividends paid	-597		-520
Other	-12		-27
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	-398		507
Changes in Cash and Cash Equivalents	'		'
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-329		1,134
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,106		1,297
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$1,777		$2,431
[1]	The Company utilizes a three-month lag in reporting its share of equity income in Alliance Boots. Earnings for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014 reflect incremental acquisition-related amortization expense of $10 million ($8 million net of tax) and $20 million ($16 million net of tax), respectively. Incremental acquisition-related amortization for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2013 were $28 million ($23 million net of tax) and $40 million ($33 million net of tax), respectively. Earnings in Alliance Boots are translated at the average exchange rates of $1.61 and $1.57 to one British pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014, respectively. Prior yearbs earnings in Alliance Boots were translated at the average exchange rates of $1.60 and $1.60 to one British pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2013, respectively. The prior yearbs six month period ended February 28, 2013 included only four monthbs results for Alliance Boots because of the three-month lag and the timing of the investment on August 2, 2012. Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH operations are excluded from these results as the Company consolidates the joint venture.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1.  Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated condensed financial statements of Walgreen Co. and subsidiaries (the Company) included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding interim financial reporting.  The Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity for the six month period ended February 28, 2014, the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings and Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, and the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, have been prepared without audit.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  These unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	In the opinion of the Company, the consolidated condensed financial statements for the unaudited interim periods presented include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the results for such interim periods.  Because of the influence of certain holidays, seasonality, changes in vendor, payer and customer relationships and terms and other factors on the Company's operations, net earnings for any interim period may not be comparable to the same interim period in previous years or indicative of net earnings for the full fiscal year. In addition, the positive impact on gross profit margins and gross profit dollars typically have been significant in the first several months after a generic version of a drug is first allowed to compete with the branded version, which is generally referred to as a "generic conversion."  In any given year, the number of major brand name drugs that undergo a conversion from branded to generic status can increase or decrease, which can have a significant impact on the Company's sales, gross profit margins and gross profit dollars.
	The Company's 45% proportionate share of earnings in the Alliance Boots GmbH (Alliance Boots) equity method investment is included in consolidated net earnings and reported on a three-month lag. The Company reports its share of equity earnings in Alliance Boots within the operating section in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings because operations of Alliance Boots are integral to Walgreens.  The companies share common board of director members, recognize purchasing synergies through Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH, a 50/50 joint venture, as well as engage in intercompany sales transactions on select front-end merchandise.  Because of the three-month lag and the timing of the closing of this investment, only the four months of August through November's results of operations are reflected in the equity earnings in Alliance Boots included in the Company's reported net earnings for the six month period ended February 28, 2013 compared to six months of operating results in the current fiscal year.
	The Company directly owns a 50% interest in Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH and indirectly owns an additional ownership interest through its 45% ownership in Alliance Boots, representing a direct and indirect economic interest of 72.5%.  The financial results of the Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH joint venture are fully consolidated into the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements and reported without a lag.  As the joint venture is consolidated within the Company's operating results, Alliance Boots proportionate share of Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH earnings is removed from equity earnings and presented as a component of noncontrolling interests.
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions.  The Company bases its estimates on the information available at the time, its experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Adjustments may be made in subsequent periods to reflect more current estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain.  Actual results may differ.  For a discussion of the Company's significant accounting policies, please see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 2.  Inventories
	Inventories are valued on a lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market basis.  At February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, inventories would have been greater by $2.2 billion, $2.1 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, if they had been valued on a lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market basis.  LIFO inventory costs can only be determined annually when inflation rates and inventory levels are finalized; therefore, LIFO inventory costs for interim financial statements are estimated. Inventory includes product costs, inbound freight, warehousing costs and vendor allowances not classified as a reduction of advertising expense.

Liability_for_Closed_Locations

Liability for Closed Locations	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Liability for Closed Locations [Abstract]	'
Liability for Closed Locations	'
	Note 3.  Liability for Closed Locations
	The Company provides for future costs related to closed locations.  The liability is based on the present value of future rent obligations and other related costs (net of estimated sublease rent) to the first lease option date.  During the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2014, the Company recorded charges of $6 million and $33 million, respectively, for facilities that were closed or relocated under long-term leases.  This compares to $9 million and $35 million for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2013, respectively.  These charges are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.
	The changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges include the following (In millions):
		February 28,			August 31,			February 28,
		2014			2013			2013
	Balance – beginning of period	$	123		$	117		$	117
	Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease		30			34			23
	payments on closed facilities
	Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates		(2	)		(6	)		2
	Interest accretion		5			15			10
	Cash payments, net of sublease income		(18	)		(37	)		(22	)
	Balance – end of period	$	138		$	123		$	130

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Note 4.  Acquisitions
	The aggregate purchase price of all business and intangible asset acquisitions was $297 million for the six months ended February 28, 2014.  In November 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of certain assets of Kerr Drug and its affiliates for $173 million, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.  This acquisition included 76 retail locations as well as a specialty pharmacy business and a distribution center.  The preliminary purchase accounting for the Kerr Drug acquisition added $45 million to goodwill and $54 million to intangible assets, primarily prescription files and payer contracts, with $74 million allocated to net tangible assets.  This allocation is subject to change as the Company finalizes purchase accounting.
	All other acquisitions added $17 million to goodwill and $81 million to intangible assets, primarily prescription files.  The remaining $26 million in fair values of business acquisitions in the period relate to immaterial amounts of tangible assets, less liabilities assumed.  Operating results of the businesses acquired have been included in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings from their respective acquisition dates forward.  Pro forma results of the Company, assuming all of the acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would not be materially different from the results reported.

Equity_Method_Investments

Equity Method Investments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments	'
	Note 5.  Equity Method Investments
	Equity method investments as of February 28, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (In millions, except percentages):
		28-Feb-14				31-Aug-13				28-Feb-13
		Carrying		Ownership		Carrying		Ownership		Carrying		Ownership
		Value		Percentage		Value		Percentage		Value		Percentage
	Alliance Boots	$	6,804		45%	$	6,261		45%	$	6,181		45%
	Other		7		30% - 50%		7		30% - 50%		7		30% - 50%
	Total	$	6,811			$	6,268			$	6,188
	Alliance Boots
	On August 2, 2012, pursuant to a Purchase and Option Agreement dated June 18, 2012, by and among the Company, Alliance Boots GmbH and AB Acquisitions Holdings Limited (the Purchase and Option Agreement), the Company acquired 45% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Alliance Boots in exchange for $4.025 billion in cash and approximately 83.4 million shares of Company common stock.  The Purchase and Option Agreement also provides, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions, a call option that gives the Company the right, but not the obligation, to acquire the remaining 55% of Alliance Boots (second step transaction) in exchange for an additional £3.1 billion in cash (approximately $5.2 billion using February 28, 2014 exchange rates) as well as an additional 144.3 million shares of Company common stock, subject to certain adjustments.  If the Company exercises the call option, in certain limited circumstances, the Company may be required to make the entire second step transaction payment in cash.  The call option can be exercised by the Company during the six-month period beginning February 2, 2015.  In addition, in certain circumstances, if the Company does not exercise the call option, or the Company has exercised the call option but the second step transaction does not close, the Company's ownership of Alliance Boots will reduce from 45% to 42% in exchange for nominal consideration.
	The call option was valued using a Monte Carlo simulation using assumptions surrounding Walgreens equity value as well as the potential impacts of certain provisions of the Purchase and Option Agreement that are described in the Form 8-K filed by the Company on June 19, 2012.  The call option is accounted for at cost and subsequently adjusted for foreign currency translation gains or losses.  The final purchase price allocation resulted in $6.1 billion of the total consideration being allocated to the investment and $866 million being allocated to the call option based on their relative fair values.
	The Company accounts for its 45% investment in Alliance Boots using the equity method of accounting.   Investments accounted for under the equity method are recorded initially at cost and subsequently adjusted for the Company's share of the net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions to or from these entities.  Because the underlying net assets in Alliance Boots are denominated in a foreign currency, translation gains or losses impact the recorded value of the Company's investment.  The Company utilizes a three-month lag in reporting equity income in Alliance Boots, reported as equity earnings in Alliance Boots in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.  The Company's investment is recorded as equity investment in Alliance Boots in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.
	In July 2013, the United Kingdom (UK) Government enacted a law to reduce the UK corporate tax rate applicable from April 2014.  The $71 million impact of this change, from remeasuring deferred taxes, was recorded in the first fiscal quarter due to the three-month lag.
	Other Equity Method Investments
	Other equity method investments relate to joint ventures associated with the Company's infusion and respiratory businesses.  These investments are primarily included within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.  The Company's share of equity income is reported within selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.
	Summarized U.S. GAAP Financial Information
	Summarized financial information for the Company's equity method investees is as follows:
	Balance Sheet (In millions)
		February 28,		August 31,		February 28, 2013(1)
		2014(1)		2013(1)
	Current assets	$	9,073	$	8,906	$	9,485
	Noncurrent assets		20,903		19,484		20,274
	Current liabilities		7,825		7,204		7,896
	Noncurrent liabilities		12,082		12,228		12,930
	Shareholders' equity (2)		10,069		8,958		8,933
	Income Statement (In millions)
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,
		2014(3)		2013(3)		2014(3)		2013(3)
	Net sales	$	9,413	$	9,183	$	18,231	$	11,957
	Gross Profit		1,973		1,946		3,815		2,548
	Net Income		451		312		799		350
	Share of income from equity method investments(3)		194		85		345		89
	(1) Net assets in Alliance Boots at February 28, 2014, are translated at the November 30, 2013 spot rate of $1.64 to one British pound Sterling, corresponding to the three-month lag.  Net assets at August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013 are translated at the spot rates of $1.52 and $1.60 to one British pound Sterling, respectively.
	(2) Shareholders' equity at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, includes $238 million, $374 million and $392 million respectively, related to noncontrolling interests.
	(3) The Company utilizes a three-month lag in reporting its share of equity income in Alliance Boots.  Earnings for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014 reflect incremental acquisition-related amortization expense of $10 million ($8 million net of tax) and $20 million ($16 million net of tax), respectively.  Incremental acquisition-related amortization for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2013 were $28 million ($23 million net of tax) and $40 million ($33 million net of tax), respectively.  Earnings in Alliance Boots are translated at the average exchange rates of $1.61 and $1.57 to one British pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014, respectively.  Prior year's earnings in Alliance Boots were translated at the average exchange rates of $1.60 and $1.60 to one British pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2013, respectively.  The prior year's six month period ended February 28, 2013 included only four month's results for Alliance Boots because of the three-month lag and the timing of the investment on August 2, 2012.  Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH operations are excluded from these results as the Company consolidates the joint venture.

AvailableforSale_Investments

Available-for-Sale Investments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Available-for-Sale Investments [Abstract]	'
Available-for-Sale Investments	'
	Note 6.  Available-for-Sale Investments
	In conjunction with its long-term relationship with AmerisourceBergen Corporation (AmerisourceBergen), the Company acquired shares of AmerisourceBergen through open market transactions totaling $430 million for the six months ended February 28, 2014.  No AmerisourceBergen shares were purchased in the six month period ended February 28, 2013.  The Company's cumulative cost basis of common shares acquired was $654 million at February 28, 2014. The investment in AmerisourceBergen is classified as a long-term available-for-sale investment and reported at fair value within other non-current assets in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.
	The Company also holds other short-term investments with maturities greater than 90 days that are reported at fair value within other current assets in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.
	Fair value adjustments are based on quoted stock prices with the unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income.  Unrealized holding gains at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, were $58 million and $1 million, respectively.  See Note 10 for additional fair value disclosures. Available-for-sale investments reported at fair value at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, were $712 million and $225 million, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Note 7.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill consist of the following activity (In millions):
	Net book value – March 1, 2013		$	2,387
	Acquisitions			23
	Net book value – August 31, 2013			2,410
	Acquisitions			62
	Other			(17	)
	Net book value – February 28, 2014		$	2,455
	In November 2013, the Company purchased certain assets of Kerr Drug and its affiliates for $173 million, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.  The Company recorded $45 million of goodwill and $54 million of intangible assets in conjunction with the preliminary purchase accounting for this acquisition.
	The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets, excluding intangibles related to Alliance Boots that are recorded within the equity method investment, consist of the following (In millions):
			February 28,				31-Aug-13			February 28,
			2014							2013
	Gross Intangible Assets
	Purchased prescription files		$	1,119			$	1,099		$	1,091
	Favorable lease interests			389				381			383
	Purchasing and payer contracts			348				347			344
	Non-compete agreements			156				153			147
	Trade names			199				199			189
	Other amortizable intangible assets			4				4			4
	Total gross intangible assets			2,215				2,183			2,158
	Accumulated amortization
	Purchased prescription files			(464	)			(467	)		(432	)
	Favorable lease interests			(159	)			(143	)		(126	)
	Purchasing and payer contracts			(161	)			(147	)		(133	)
	Non-compete agreements			(69	)			(67	)		(60	)
	Trade names			(59	)			(49	)		(45	)
	Other amortizable intangible assets			(3	)			(3	)		(3	)
	Total accumulated amortization			(915	)			(876	)		(799	)
	Total intangible assets, net		$	1,300			$	1,307		$	1,359
	Amortization expense for intangible assets was $143 million and $149 million for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets, not including amounts related to Alliance Boots that will be amortized through equity method income, is as follows (In millions):
		2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
	Estimated annual amortization expense:	$279	$  251	$  211	$  168	$  128

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt	'
	Note 8.  Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
	Short-term borrowings and long-term debt consist of the following at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013 (In millions):
			February 28,				31-Aug-13			February 28,
			2014							2013
	Short-Term Borrowings -
	Commercial paper		$	-			$	-		$	-
	Current maturities of loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings; various interest rates from 5.000% to 8.750%; various maturities from 2015 to 2035			8				2			2
	4.875% unsecured notes due 2013, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap fair market value adjustment (see Note 9)			-				-			1,291
	Unsecured variable rate notes due 2014, net of unamortized discount			550				550			-
	Other			19				18			6
	Total short-term borrowings		$	577			$	570		$	1,299
	Long-Term Debt -
	1.000% unsecured notes due 2015, net of unamortized discount		$	749			$	749		$	749
	1.800% unsecured notes due 2017, net of unamortized discount			998				998			998
	5.250% unsecured notes due 2019 net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap fair market value adjustment (see Note 9)			1,013				994			1,024
	3.100% unsecured notes due 2022, net of unamortized discount			1,199				1,199			1,199
	4.400% unsecured notes due 2042, net of unamortized discount			496				496			496
	Unsecured variable rate notes due 2014, net of unamortized discount			-				-			550
	Loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings; various interest rates from 5.000% to 8.750%; various maturities from 2015 to 2035			42				43			44
				4,497				4,479			5,060
	Less current maturities			(8	)			(2	)		(2	)
	Total long-term debt		$	4,489			$	4,477		$	5,058
	The Company issued commercial paper in the current fiscal year to support its working capital needs.  The short-term borrowings under the commercial paper program were as follows (In millions, except percentages):
			February 28,				August 31,			February 28,
			2014				2013			2013
	Balance outstanding at quarter end		$	-			$	-		$	-
	Maximum outstanding at any month-end			-				-			-
	Average daily short-term borrowings			14				-			-
	Weighted-average interest rate			0.23	%			-			-
	In connection with the commercial paper program, the Company maintains two unsecured backup syndicated lines of credit that total $1.35 billion.  The first $500 million facility expires on July 20, 2015, and allows for the issuance of up to $250 million in letters of credit.  The second $850 million facility expires on July 23, 2017, and allows for the issuance of up to $200 million in letters of credit.  The issuance of letters of credit under either of these facilities reduces available borrowings.  The Company's ability to access these facilities is subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the credit facilities, including financial covenants.  The covenants require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios related to the proportion of consolidated debt to total capitalization and priority debt, along with limitations on the sale of assets and purchases of investments.   At February 28, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.  The Company pays a facility fee to the financing banks to keep these lines of credit active.  At February 28, 2014, there were no letters of credit issued against these credit facilities.
	On September 13, 2012, the Company obtained net proceeds from a public offering of $4.0 billion of notes with varying maturities and interest rates, the majority of which are fixed rate.  The following table details each tranche of notes issued:
	Notes Issued			Maturity Date	Interest Rate	Interest Payment Dates
	(In millions)
	$	550		13-Mar-14	Variable; three-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus 50 basis points	March 13, June 13, September 13 and December 13; commencing on December 13, 2012
		750		13-Mar-15	Fixed 1.000%	March 13 and September 13; commencing on March 13, 2013
		1,000		15-Sep-17	Fixed 1.800%	March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013
		1,200		15-Sep-22	Fixed 3.100%	March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013
		500		15-Sep-42	Fixed 4.400%	March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013
	$	4,000
	The Company may redeem the fixed rate notes at its option, at any time in whole, or from time to time in part, at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed; and (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the date of redemption), discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined), plus 12 basis points for the notes due 2015, 20 basis points for the notes due 2017, 22 basis points for the notes due 2022 and 25 basis points for the notes due 2042.  If a change of control triggering event occurs, the Company will be required, unless it has exercised its right to redeem the notes, to offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes repurchased to the date of repurchase.  The notes are unsecured senior debt obligations and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.  Total issuance costs relating to the notes, including underwriting discounts and fees, were $26 million.  The fair value of the notes as of February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, was $4.0 billion, $3.9 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively.  Fair value for these notes was determined based upon quoted market prices.
	On January 13, 2009, the Company issued notes totaling $1.0 billion bearing an interest rate of 5.250% paid semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2009. The notes will mature on January 15, 2019. The Company may redeem the notes, at any time in whole or from time to time in part, at its option at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed; or (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest, discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis at the Treasury Rate, plus 45 basis points, plus accrued interest on the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, the date of redemption.  If a change of control triggering event occurs, unless the Company has exercised its option to redeem the notes, it will be required to offer to repurchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.  The notes are unsecured senior debt obligations and rank equally with all other unsecured senior indebtedness of the Company. The notes are not convertible or exchangeable.  Total issuance costs relating to this offering were $8 million, which included $7 million in underwriting fees.  The fair value of the notes as of February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013 was $1.1 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.  Fair value for these notes was determined based upon quoted market prices.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	Note 9.  Financial Instruments
	The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its interest rate exposure associated with some of its fixed-rate borrowings.  The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  All derivative instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets at fair value.  The Company designates interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate borrowings.  For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the change in the fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged item are recognized in earnings in the current period.  At the inception of a hedge transaction, the Company formally documents the hedge relationship and the risk management objective for undertaking the hedge.  In addition, it assesses both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis whether the derivative in the hedging transaction has been highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged item and whether the derivative is expected to continue to be highly effective.  The impact of any ineffectiveness is recognized currently in earnings.
	Counterparties to derivative financial instruments expose the Company to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance, but the Company regularly monitors the creditworthiness of each counterparty.
	Fair Value Hedges
	For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in interest expense on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.
	In prior fiscal years, the Company entered into a series of interest rate swaps converting $750 million of its 5.250% fixed rate notes to a floating interest rate based on the six-month LIBOR in arrears plus a constant spread.  The Company also entered into an interest rate swap converting $250 million of its 5.250% fixed rate notes to a floating interest rate based on the one-month LIBOR in arrears plus a constant spread.  All swap termination dates coincide with the notes maturity date, January 15, 2019.
	The notional amounts of derivative instruments outstanding as of February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013 were as follows (In millions):
			February 28,			August 31,			February 28,
			2014			2013			2013
	Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps		$	1,000		$	1,000		$	1,800
	The changes in fair value of the notes attributable to the hedged risk are included in short-term and long-term debt on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (see Note 8).  At February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, the Company had fair value changes of $16 million, $3 million and $19 million, respectively.  The fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, were as follows (In millions):
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets			February 28,			August 31,			February 28,
				2014			2013			2013
	Asset derivatives designated as  fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps	Other current assets		$	-		$	-		$	13
	Interest rate swaps	Other non-current assets			18			1			34
	Gains and losses relating to the ineffectiveness of the Company's derivative instruments are recorded in interest expense on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.  For all periods presented, any gain or loss related to ineffectiveness was immaterial.
	Warrants
	The Company, Alliance Boots and AmerisourceBergen entered into a Framework Agreement dated as of March 18, 2013, pursuant to which (1) Walgreens and Alliance Boots together were granted the right to purchase a minority equity position in AmerisourceBergen, beginning with the right, but not the obligation, to purchase up to 19,859,795 shares of AmerisourceBergen common stock (approximately 7 percent of the then fully diluted equity of AmerisourceBergen, assuming the exercise in full of the warrants described below) in open market transactions; (2) the Company and Alliance Boots were each  issued (a) a warrant to purchase up to 11,348,456  shares of AmerisourceBergen 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 AmerisourceBergen common stock at an exercise price of $52.50 per share exercisable during a six-month period beginning in March 2017.  The parties and affiliated entities also entered into certain related agreements governing relations between and among the parties thereto, including the Shareholders Agreement, the Transaction Rights Agreement and the Limited Liability Company Agreement of WAB Holdings LLC, a limited liability company jointly-owned by the Company and Alliance Boots for the purpose of acquiring and holding AmerisourceBergen common stock, described in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2013.
	The Company reports its warrants at fair value.  See Note 10 for additional fair value measurement disclosures.  The fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments not designated as hedges at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, were as follows (In millions):
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets			February 28,			August 31,			February 28,
				2014			2013			2013
	Asset derivatives not designated as hedges:
	Warrants	Other non-current assets		$	344		$	188		$	-

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 10.  Fair Value Measurements
	The Company measures its assets and liabilities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.  ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  In addition, it establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels:
	Level 1 -	Quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
	Level 2 -	Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets.
	Level 3 -	Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (In millions):
		28-Feb-14		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	1,246	$	1,246	$	-	$	-
	Interest rate swaps(1)		18		-		18		-
	Investment in AmerisourceBergen (2)		712		712		-		-
	Warrants (3)		344		-		344		-
		31-Aug-13		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	1,636	$	1,636	$	-	$	-
	Interest rate swaps		1		-		1		-
	Investment in AmerisourceBergen (2)		225		225		-		-
	Warrants (3)		188		-		188		-
		28-Feb-13		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	2,100	$	2,100	$	-	$	-
	Interest rate swaps		47		-		47		-
	(1)Interest rate swaps are valued using six-month and one-month LIBOR in arrears rates.  See Note 9 for additional disclosure regarding financial instruments.
	(2)The investment in AmerisourceBergen is valued using the closing stock price of AmerisourceBergen as of the balance sheet dates.  See Note 6 for additional disclosures on available-for-sale investments.
	(3)Warrants were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation.  Key assumptions used in the valuation include risk-free interest rates using constant maturity treasury rates; the dividend yield for AmerisourceBergen's common stock; AmerisourceBergen's common stock price at the valuation date; AmerisourceBergen's equity volatility; the number of shares of AmerisourceBergen's common stock outstanding; the number of AmerisourceBergen employee stock options and the exercise price; and the details specific to the warrants.
	The Company reports its debt instruments under the guidance of ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which requires disclosure of the fair value of the Company's debt in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements.  See Note 8 for further details.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 11.  Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is involved in legal proceedings and is subject to investigations, inspections, audits, inquiries and similar actions by governmental authorities, arising in the normal course of the Company's business, including the matters described below.  Litigation, in general, and securities and class action litigation, in particular, can be expensive and disruptive.  Some of these suits may purport or may be determined to be class actions and/or involve parties seeking large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive or exemplary damages, and may remain unresolved for several years. From time to time, the Company is also involved in legal proceedings as a plaintiff involving antitrust, tax, contract, intellectual property and other matters.  Gain contingencies are recognized when they are realized. The results of legal proceedings are often uncertain and difficult to predict, and the costs incurred in litigation can be substantial, regardless of the outcome. The Company believes that its defenses and assertions in pending legal proceedings have merit, and does not believe that any of these pending matters, after consideration of applicable reserves and rights to indemnification, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position.  However, substantial unanticipated verdicts, fines and rulings do sometimes occur.  As a result, the Company could from time to time incur judgments, enter into settlements or revise our expectations regarding the outcome of certain matters, and such developments could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations in the period in which the amounts are accrued and/or its cash flows in the period in which the amounts are paid.
	On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses its liabilities and contingencies for outstanding legal proceedings and reserves are established on a case-by-case basis for those legal claims for which management concludes that it is probable that a loss will be incurred and that the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. Substantially all of these contingencies are subject to significant uncertainties and, therefore, determining the likelihood of a loss and/or the measurement of any loss can be complex.  With respect to litigation and other legal proceedings where the Company has determined that a loss is reasonably possible, the Company is unable to estimate the amount or range of reasonably possible loss in excess of amounts reserved due to the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of and uncertainties regarding such litigation and legal proceedings.  The Company's assessments are based on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management, but that may prove to be incomplete or inaccurate, and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that might cause the Company to change those estimates and assumptions.  Therefore, it is possible that an unfavorable resolution of one or more pending litigation or other contingencies could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements in a future fiscal period.  Management's assessment of current litigation and other legal proceedings, including the corresponding accruals, could change because of the discovery of facts with respect to legal actions or other proceedings pending against the Company which are not presently known.  Adverse rulings or determinations by judges, juries, governmental authorities or other parties could also result in changes to management's assessment of current liabilities and contingencies. Accordingly, the ultimate costs of resolving these claims may be substantially higher or lower than the amounts reserved.
	On June 11, 2013, the Company entered into a Settlement and Memorandum of Agreement (the Agreement) with the United States Department of Justice and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that settled and resolved all administrative and civil matters arising out of DEA's previously-disclosed concerns relating to the Company's distribution and dispensing of controlled substances.  Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company paid an $80 million settlement amount, surrendered its DEA registrations for six pharmacies in Florida until May 26, 2014, and for its Jupiter, Florida distribution center until Sept. 13, 2014, and agreed to implement certain remedial actions.  In addition, the Company dismissed with prejudice its petition with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that challenged certain enforcement authority of the DEA.  On July 31, 2013 and August 13, 2013, putative shareholders filed derivative actions in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois against the Walgreens Board of Directors and Walgreen Co. as a nominal defendant (collectively, the defendants), arising out of the Company's June 2013 settlement with the DEA described above.  The actions assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty on the grounds that the directors allegedly should have prevented the events that led to the settlement.  The plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint on October 4, 2013, pursuant to which they seek damages and other relief on behalf of the Company.  The defendants filed their motion to dismiss on December 3, 2013.  Subsequent thereto, the plaintiffs filed an opposition brief on February 7, 2014 and the defendants filed their reply brief on March 10, 2014.

Stock_Compensation_Plans

Stock Compensation Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]	'
Stock Compensation Plans	'
	Note 12.  Stock Compensation Plans
	The Walgreen Co. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the Omnibus Plan), which became effective in fiscal 2013, provides for incentive compensation to Walgreens non-employee directors, officers and employees, and consolidates into a single plan several previously existing equity compensation plans: the Executive Stock Option Plan, the Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan, the Broad Based Employee Stock Option Plan, and the Nonemployee Director Stock Plan (collectively, the Former Plans). As of the effective date of the Omnibus Plan, no further grants may be made under the Former Plans and shares that were previously available for issuance under the Former Plans and not subject to outstanding awards became available for issuance (in addition to newly authorized shares) under the Omnibus Plan.  A total of 60.4 million shares became available for delivery under the Omnibus Plan.
	The Company granted 149,684 and 6,534,762 stock options under the Omnibus Plan for the quarter and six month period ended February 28, 2014, respectively.  This compares to 209,610 and 8,205,664 stock options granted in the quarter and six month periods ended under the Omnibus and Former Plans last year.  Stock options granted in the current fiscal year had a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $12.74 using weighted average volatility, dividend yield and expected option life assumptions of 26.21%. 2.48% and 6.87 years, respectively, using the Black Scholes option pricing model.  Total stock-based compensation expense was $31 million for the quarter and $52 million for the six month period ended February 28, 2014, compared to $25 million and $45 million for the same periods last year.  In accordance with ASC Topic 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the employee's vesting period or to the employee's retirement eligible date, if earlier.  The recognized retiree eligible expense recorded in the quarter and six month period ended February 28, 2014, was $5 million and $8 million respectively, compared to $2 million and $3 million for the same periods in the prior year.  Compensation expense for any individual quarter may not be representative of compensation expense for the entire fiscal year.
	The Company granted 30,122 and 641,009 restricted stock units under the Omnibus Plan for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014, compared to 134,885 and 917,322 restricted stock units granted under the Omnibus Plan and former Walgreen Co. Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan in the same periods last year.  Restricted stock units granted in the first quarter had a grant date stock price of $60.52.  Dividends issued under the program, paid in the form of additional restricted stock units, totaled 19,159 units for the quarter ended and 40,457 for the six months ended February 28, 2014 versus 18,457 units and 39,465 units in the same periods last year.  The Company also granted 5,807 and 702,939 performance shares under the Omnibus Plan for the quarter and six months ended February 28, 2014 versus 10,798 and 894,046 shares in the same periods last year.    Performance shares granted in the first quarter had a grant date stock price of $60.52.  In accordance with ASC Topic 718, compensation expense is recognized on a straight line basis based on a three year cliff vesting schedule for restricted stock unit awards and straight line over a three year performance period, based on performance targets, for performance share awards.   For the quarter and six months period ended February 28, 2014, the Company recognized $16 million and $26 million, of expense related to these plans, respectively.  In the same periods last year, the Company recognized $11 million and $19 million of expense.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 13.  Earnings Per Share
	The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options on earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method.  Stock options are anti-dilutive and excluded from the earnings per share calculation if the exercise price exceeds the average market price of the common shares.  Outstanding options to purchase common shares that were anti-dilutive and excluded from the second quarter earnings per share calculation totaled 6,347,469 and 16,469,909 at February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the year to date earnings per share calculation were 4,343,079 and 22,088,145 in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Retirement_Benefits

Retirement Benefits	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Retirement Benefits	'
	Note 14.  Retirement Benefits
	The principal retirement plan for employees is the Walgreen Profit-Sharing Retirement Trust to which both the Company and participating employees contribute.  The Company's contribution, which has historically related to FIFO earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and a portion of which is in the form of a guaranteed match, is determined annually at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  The profit-sharing provision was $85 million for the quarter and $165 million for the six month period of fiscal 2014 compared to $89 million and $171 million in the same periods last year.
	The Company provides certain health insurance benefits for retired employees who meet eligibility requirements, including age and years of service.  The costs of these benefits are accrued over the service life of the employee. The Company's postretirement health benefit plan is not funded.
	Components of net periodic benefit costs (In millions):
		Three Months Ended February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	2		$	3		$	4		$	5
	Interest cost		4			4			8			7
	Amortization of actuarial loss		3			3			6			6
	Amortization of prior service cost		(6	)		(6	)		(11	)		(11	)
	Total postretirement benefit cost	$	3		$	4		$	7		$	7

Depreciation_and_Amortization

Depreciation and Amortization	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]	'
Depreciation and Amortization	'
	Note 15.  Depreciation and Amortization
	The Company has recorded the following depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings (In millions):
		Three Months Ended February 28,				Six Months Ended February 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Depreciation expense	$	229	$	231	$	464	$	450
	Intangible asset amortization		73		75		143		149
	System development costs amortization		29		21		56		41
	Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	331	$	327	$	663	$	640
	Amortization expense for the three month and six month periods ended February 28, 2014 of $19 million, net of tax ($8 million from the step up of certain Alliance Boots assets and $11 million representing the Company's share of amortization within Alliance Boots operations) and $40 million, net of tax ($16 million from the step up of certain Alliance Boots assets and $24 million representing the Company's share of amortization within Alliance Boots operations), respectively is included in equity earnings in Alliance Boots on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Net Earnings.  This compares to amortization expense of $35 million, net of tax ($23 million from the step up of certain Alliance Boots assets and $12 million representing the Company's share of amortization within Alliance Boots operations) and $49 million, net of tax ($33 million from the step up of certain Alliance Boots assets and $16 million representing the Company's share of amortization within Alliance Boots operations), respectively, for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2013.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow

Supplemental Cash Flow	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow	'
	Note 16.  Supplemental Cash Flow
	Significant non-cash transactions in the six month period ended February 28, 2014, included $282 million for additional capital lease obligations. Cash interest paid for the six month period ended was $67 million compared to $51 million in the prior year's six month period.  Cash paid for income taxes was $674 million and $543 million in the six months ended February 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Note 17.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) reissued an exposure draft on lease accounting that would require entities to recognize assets and liabilities arising from lease contracts on the balance sheet.  The proposed exposure draft states that lessees and lessors should apply a "right-of-use model" in accounting for all leases.  Under the proposed model, lessees would recognize an asset for the right to use the leased asset, and a liability for the obligation to make rental payments over the lease term.  When measuring the asset and liability, variable lease payments are excluded, whereas renewal options that provide a significant economic incentive upon renewal would be included.  The accounting by a lessor would reflect its retained exposure to the risks or benefits of the underlying leased asset.  A lessor would recognize an asset representing its right to receive lease payments based on the expected term of the lease.  The lease expense from real estate based leases would continue to be recorded under a straight-line approach, but other leases not related to real estate would be expensed using an effective interest method that would accelerate lease expense.  A final standard is currently expected to be issued in 2014 and would be effective no earlier than annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2017 (fiscal 2018 for the Company).  The proposed standard, as currently drafted, would have a material impact on the Company's financial position and the impact on the Company's reported results of operations is being evaluated.  The impact of this exposure draft is non-cash in nature and would not affect the Company's cash position.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 18.  Subsequent Events
	The Company paid in full its $550 million unsecured variable rate notes that matured on March 13, 2014.
	On March 24, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to close 76 underperforming stores in order to optimize and focus resources in a manner intended to increase shareholder value. The Company estimates that total pre-tax charges associated with the plan will be between $240 and $280 million, largely attributable to lease termination costs. The Company expects that substantially all of the charges will be recognized during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014.

Liability_for_Closed_Locations1

Liability for Closed Locations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Liability for Closed Locations [Abstract]	'
Changes in Reserve for Facility Closings and Related Lease Termination Charges	'
	The changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges include the following (In millions):
		February 28,			August 31,			February 28,
		2014			2013			2013
	Balance – beginning of period	$	123		$	117		$	117
	Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease		30			34			23
	payments on closed facilities
	Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates		(2	)		(6	)		2
	Interest accretion		5			15			10
	Cash payments, net of sublease income		(18	)		(37	)		(22	)
	Balance – end of period	$	138		$	123		$	130

Equity_Method_Investments_Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'
Equity method investments	'
	Equity method investments as of February 28, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (In millions, except percentages):
		28-Feb-14				31-Aug-13				28-Feb-13
		Carrying		Ownership		Carrying		Ownership		Carrying		Ownership
		Value		Percentage		Value		Percentage		Value		Percentage
	Alliance Boots	$	6,804		45%	$	6,261		45%	$	6,181		45%
	Other		7		30% - 50%		7		30% - 50%		7		30% - 50%
	Total	$	6,811			$	6,268			$	6,188
Summarized financial information of equity method investees	'
	Summarized financial information for the Company's equity method investees is as follows:
	Balance Sheet (In millions)
		February 28,		August 31,		February 28, 2013(1)
		2014(1)		2013(1)
	Current assets	$	9,073	$	8,906	$	9,485
	Noncurrent assets		20,903		19,484		20,274
	Current liabilities		7,825		7,204		7,896
	Noncurrent liabilities		12,082		12,228		12,930
	Shareholders' equity (2)		10,069		8,958		8,933
	Income Statement (In millions)
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,
		2014(3)		2013(3)		2014(3)		2013(3)
	Net sales	$	9,413	$	9,183	$	18,231	$	11,957
	Gross Profit		1,973		1,946		3,815		2,548
	Net Income		451		312		799		350
	Share of income from equity method investments(3)		194		85		345		89
	(1) Net assets in Alliance Boots at February 28, 2014, are translated at the November 30, 2013 spot rate of $1.64 to one British pound Sterling, corresponding to the three-month lag.  Net assets at August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013 are translated at the spot rates of $1.52 and $1.60 to one British pound Sterling, respectively.
	(2) Shareholders' equity at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, includes $238 million, $374 million and $392 million respectively, related to noncontrolling interests.
	(3) The Company utilizes a three-month lag in reporting its share of equity income in Alliance Boots.  Earnings for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014 reflect incremental acquisition-related amortization expense of $10 million ($8 million net of tax) and $20 million ($16 million net of tax), respectively.  Incremental acquisition-related amortization for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2013 were $28 million ($23 million net of tax) and $40 million ($33 million net of tax), respectively.  Earnings in Alliance Boots are translated at the average exchange rates of $1.61 and $1.57 to one British pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014, respectively.  Prior year's earnings in Alliance Boots were translated at the average exchange rates of $1.60 and $1.60 to one British pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2013, respectively.  The prior year's six month period ended February 28, 2013 included only four month's results for Alliance Boots because of the three-month lag and the timing of the investment on August 2, 2012.  Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH operations are excluded from these results as the Company consolidates the joint venture.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill consist of the following activity (In millions):
	Net book value – March 1, 2013		$	2,387
	Acquisitions			23
	Net book value – August 31, 2013			2,410
	Acquisitions			62
	Other			(17	)
	Net book value – February 28, 2014		$	2,455
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	'
	The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets, excluding intangibles related to Alliance Boots that are recorded within the equity method investment, consist of the following (In millions):
			February 28,				31-Aug-13			February 28,
			2014							2013
	Gross Intangible Assets
	Purchased prescription files		$	1,119			$	1,099		$	1,091
	Favorable lease interests			389				381			383
	Purchasing and payer contracts			348				347			344
	Non-compete agreements			156				153			147
	Trade names			199				199			189
	Other amortizable intangible assets			4				4			4
	Total gross intangible assets			2,215				2,183			2,158
	Accumulated amortization
	Purchased prescription files			(464	)			(467	)		(432	)
	Favorable lease interests			(159	)			(143	)		(126	)
	Purchasing and payer contracts			(161	)			(147	)		(133	)
	Non-compete agreements			(69	)			(67	)		(60	)
	Trade names			(59	)			(49	)		(45	)
	Other amortizable intangible assets			(3	)			(3	)		(3	)
	Total accumulated amortization			(915	)			(876	)		(799	)
	Total intangible assets, net		$	1,300			$	1,307		$	1,359
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	'
	The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets, not including amounts related to Alliance Boots that will be amortized through equity method income, is as follows (In millions):
		2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
	Estimated annual amortization expense:	$279	$  251	$  211	$  168	$  128

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT1

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt	'
	Short-term borrowings and long-term debt consist of the following at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013 (In millions):
			February 28,				31-Aug-13			February 28,
			2014							2013
	Short-Term Borrowings -
	Commercial paper		$	-			$	-		$	-
	Current maturities of loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings; various interest rates from 5.000% to 8.750%; various maturities from 2015 to 2035			8				2			2
	4.875% unsecured notes due 2013, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap fair market value adjustment (see Note 9)			-				-			1,291
	Unsecured variable rate notes due 2014, net of unamortized discount			550				550			-
	Other			19				18			6
	Total short-term borrowings		$	577			$	570		$	1,299
	Long-Term Debt -
	1.000% unsecured notes due 2015, net of unamortized discount		$	749			$	749		$	749
	1.800% unsecured notes due 2017, net of unamortized discount			998				998			998
	5.250% unsecured notes due 2019 net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap fair market value adjustment (see Note 9)			1,013				994			1,024
	3.100% unsecured notes due 2022, net of unamortized discount			1,199				1,199			1,199
	4.400% unsecured notes due 2042, net of unamortized discount			496				496			496
	Unsecured variable rate notes due 2014, net of unamortized discount			-				-			550
	Loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings; various interest rates from 5.000% to 8.750%; various maturities from 2015 to 2035			42				43			44
				4,497				4,479			5,060
	Less current maturities			(8	)			(2	)		(2	)
	Total long-term debt		$	4,489			$	4,477		$	5,058
Commercial Paper Program	'
	The short-term borrowings under the commercial paper program were as follows (In millions, except percentages):
			February 28,				August 31,			February 28,
			2014				2013			2013
	Balance outstanding at quarter end		$	-			$	-		$	-
	Maximum outstanding at any month-end			-				-			-
	Average daily short-term borrowings			14				-			-
	Weighted-average interest rate			0.23	%			-			-
September 2012 Debt Issuance	'
	On September 13, 2012, the Company obtained net proceeds from a public offering of $4.0 billion of notes with varying maturities and interest rates, the majority of which are fixed rate.  The following table details each tranche of notes issued:
	Notes Issued			Maturity Date	Interest Rate	Interest Payment Dates
	(In millions)
	$	550		13-Mar-14	Variable; three-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus 50 basis points	March 13, June 13, September 13 and December 13; commencing on December 13, 2012
		750		13-Mar-15	Fixed 1.000%	March 13 and September 13; commencing on March 13, 2013
		1,000		15-Sep-17	Fixed 1.800%	March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013
		1,200		15-Sep-22	Fixed 3.100%	March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013
		500		15-Sep-42	Fixed 4.400%	March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013
	$	4,000

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Notional Amounts Of Derivative Instruments Outstanding	'
	The notional amounts of derivative instruments outstanding as of February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013 were as follows (In millions):
			February 28,			August 31,			February 28,
			2014			2013			2013
	Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps		$	1,000		$	1,000		$	1,800
Fair Value and Balance Sheet Presentation of Derivative Instruments	'
	The fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, were as follows (In millions):
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets			February 28,			August 31,			February 28,
				2014			2013			2013
	Asset derivatives designated as  fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps	Other current assets		$	-		$	-		$	13
	Interest rate swaps	Other non-current assets			18			1			34
Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value	'
	The Company reports its warrants at fair value.  See Note 10 for additional fair value measurement disclosures.  The fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments not designated as hedges at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, were as follows (In millions):
	Location in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets			February 28,			August 31,			February 28,
				2014			2013			2013
	Asset derivatives not designated as hedges:
	Warrants	Other non-current assets		$	344		$	188		$	-

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (In millions):
		28-Feb-14		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	1,246	$	1,246	$	-	$	-
	Interest rate swaps(1)		18		-		18		-
	Investment in AmerisourceBergen (2)		712		712		-		-
	Warrants (3)		344		-		344		-
		31-Aug-13		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	1,636	$	1,636	$	-	$	-
	Interest rate swaps		1		-		1		-
	Investment in AmerisourceBergen (2)		225		225		-		-
	Warrants (3)		188		-		188		-
		28-Feb-13		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	2,100	$	2,100	$	-	$	-
	Interest rate swaps		47		-		47		-
	(1)Interest rate swaps are valued using six-month and one-month LIBOR in arrears rates.  See Note 9 for additional disclosure regarding financial instruments.
	(2)The investment in AmerisourceBergen is valued using the closing stock price of AmerisourceBergen as of the balance sheet dates.  See Note 6 for additional disclosures on available-for-sale investments.
	(3)Warrants were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation.  Key assumptions used in the valuation include risk-free interest rates using constant maturity treasury rates; the dividend yield for AmerisourceBergen's common stock; AmerisourceBergen's common stock price at the valuation date; AmerisourceBergen's equity volatility; the number of shares of AmerisourceBergen's common stock outstanding; the number of AmerisourceBergen employee stock options and the exercise price; and the details specific to the warrants.

Retirement_Benefits_Tables

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Postemployment Components Net Periodic Benefit Cost Disclosure	'
	Components of net periodic benefit costs (In millions):
		Three Months Ended February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	2		$	3		$	4		$	5
	Interest cost		4			4			8			7
	Amortization of actuarial loss		3			3			6			6
	Amortization of prior service cost		(6	)		(6	)		(11	)		(11	)
	Total postretirement benefit cost	$	3		$	4		$	7		$	7

Depreciation_and_Amortization_

Depreciation and Amortization (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]	'
Depreciation And Amortization By Major Category	'
	The Company has recorded the following depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings (In millions):
		Three Months Ended February 28,				Six Months Ended February 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Depreciation expense	$	229	$	231	$	464	$	450
	Intangible asset amortization		73		75		143		149
	System development costs amortization		29		21		56		41
	Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	331	$	327	$	663	$	640

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Additional ownership interest, indirect (in hundredths)	72.50%	'	'
Alliance Boots [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	45.00%	45.00%	45.00%
Additional ownership interest, direct (in hundredths)	45.00%	'	'
Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'	'
LIFO reserve	$2.20	$2.10	$2

Liability_for_Closed_Locations2

Liability for Closed Locations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Liability for Closed Locations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Charges recorded during the period for facilities that were closed or relocated under long-term leases	$6	$9	$33	$35	'
Changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Facility closings and related lease termination charges balance - beginning of period	'	'	123	117	117
Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments of closed facilities	'	'	30	23	34
Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations, and changes in interest rates	'	'	-2	2	-6
Interest accretion	'	'	5	10	15
Cash payments, net of sublease income	'	'	-18	-22	-37
Facility closings and related lease termination charges balance - end of period	$138	$130	$138	$130	$123

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Stores
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total purchase price (including the assumption of debt)	$297	'
Kerr Drug [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total purchase price (including the assumption of debt)	173	173
Number of stores acquired (in stores)	76	'
Goodwill	45	45
Intangible assets	54	54
Net tangible assets	74	'
All Other Acquisitions, Excluding Kerr Drug [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	17	'
Intangible assets	81	'
Fair market value of business acquisitions	$26	'

Equity_Method_Investments_Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Alliance Boots [Member]

Alliance Boots [Member]

Alliance Boots [Member]

Alliance Boots [Member]

Other equity method investments [Member]

Other equity method investments [Member]

Other equity method investments [Member]

Other equity method investments [Member]

Other equity method investments [Member]

Other equity method investments [Member]

Other equity method investments [Member]

Other equity method investments [Member]

Other equity method investments [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value

$6,804,000,000

$6,181,000,000

$6,804,000,000

$6,181,000,000

$6,261,000,000

$6,804,000,000

'

$6,261,000,000

$6,181,000,000

$7,000,000

$7,000,000

$7,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,811,000,000

$6,268,000,000

$6,188,000,000

Ownership percentage (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

45.00%

'

45.00%

45.00%

'

'

'

30.00%

30.00%

30.00%

50.00%

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

Cash paid to acquire investment

'

'

'

'

'

4,025,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued for Investment in Alliance Boots (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

83.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining ownership subject to call option (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

55.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash price to exercise call option

'

'

'

'

'

5,200,000,000

3,100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares to be issued upon exercise of call option (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

144.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduced ownership percentage if call option is not exercised (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

42.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Final purchase price allocation, excluding call option

'

'

'

'

'

6,100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Call option, final value

866,000,000

'

866,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impact of change in tax law

71,000,000

'

71,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-controlling interests

238,000,000

392,000,000

238,000,000

392,000,000

374,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Translation rate (1 GBP to USD)

1.64

1.6

1.64

1.6

1.52

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental acquisition related amortization

10,000,000

28,000,000

20,000,000

40,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental acquisition related amortization, net of tax

8,000,000

23,000,000

16,000,000

33,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Translation rate for reporting period (1 GBP to USD)

1.61

1.6

1.57

1.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance Sheet [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current assets

9,073,000,000

[1]

9,485,000,000

[1]

9,073,000,000

[1]

9,485,000,000

[1]

8,906,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncurrent assets

20,903,000,000

[1]

20,274,000,000

[1]

20,903,000,000

[1]

20,274,000,000

[1]

19,484,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current liabilities

7,825,000,000

[1]

7,896,000,000

[1]

7,825,000,000

[1]

7,896,000,000

[1]

7,204,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncurrent liabilities

12,082,000,000

[1]

12,930,000,000

[1]

12,082,000,000

[1]

12,930,000,000

[1]

12,228,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shareholders' Equity

10,069,000,000

[1],[2]

8,933,000,000

[1],[2]

10,069,000,000

[1],[2]

8,933,000,000

[1],[2]

8,958,000,000

[1],[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Statement [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

9,413,000,000

[3]

9,183,000,000

[3]

18,231,000,000

[3]

11,957,000,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Profit

1,973,000,000

[3]

1,946,000,000

[3]

3,815,000,000

[3]

2,548,000,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Income

451,000,000

[3]

312,000,000

[3]

799,000,000

[3]

350,000,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share of income from equity method investments

$194,000,000

[3]

$85,000,000

[3]

$345,000,000

[3]

$89,000,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Net assets in Alliance Boots at February 28, 2014, are translated at the November 30, 2013 spot rate of $1.64 to one British pound Sterling, corresponding to the three-month lag. Net assets at August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013 are translated at the spot rates of $1.52 and $1.60 to one British pound Sterling, respectively.

[2]

Shareholdersb equity at February 28, 2014, August 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013, includes $238 million, $374 million and $392 million respectively, related to noncontrolling interests.

[3]

The Company utilizes a three-month lag in reporting its share of equity income in Alliance Boots. Earnings for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014 reflect incremental acquisition-related amortization expense of $10 million ($8 million net of tax) and $20 million ($16 million net of tax), respectively. Incremental acquisition-related amortization for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2013 were $28 million ($23 million net of tax) and $40 million ($33 million net of tax), respectively. Earnings in Alliance Boots are translated at the average exchange rates of $1.61 and $1.57 to one British pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2014, respectively. Prior yearbs earnings in Alliance Boots were translated at the average exchange rates of $1.60 and $1.60 to one British pound Sterling for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2013, respectively. The prior yearbs six month period ended February 28, 2013 included only four monthbs results for Alliance Boots because of the three-month lag and the timing of the investment on August 2, 2012. Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH operations are excluded from these results as the Company consolidates the joint venture.

AvailableforSale_Investments_D

Available-for-Sale Investments (Details) (AmerisourceBergen Common Stock [Member], USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
AmerisourceBergen Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Purchase price of shares	$430	'	$0
Cumulative purchase of shares	654	'	'
Unrealized holding gains on Available-for-sale investment	58	1	'
Available-for-sale investments at fair value	$712	$225	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Purchased Prescription File [Member]

Purchased Prescription File [Member]

Purchased Prescription File [Member]

Lease Agreements [Member]

Lease Agreements [Member]

Lease Agreements [Member]

Purchasing and Payer Contract [Member]

Purchasing and Payer Contract [Member]

Purchasing and Payer Contract [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member]

Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member]

Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member]

Kerr Drug [Member]

Kerr Drug [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price, net of assumed cash

$297

'

$297

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$173

$173

Goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45

45

Intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

54

54

Goodwill [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net book value - Beginning Period

'

'

2,410

2,387

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions

'

'

62

23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other

'

'

-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net book value - Ending Period

2,455

2,387

2,455

2,410

2,387

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross intangible assets

2,215

2,158

2,215

2,183

2,158

1,119

1,099

1,091

389

381

383

348

347

344

156

153

147

199

199

189

4

4

4

'

'

Accumulated amortization

-915

-799

-915

-876

-799

-464

-467

-432

-159

-143

-126

-161

-147

-133

-69

-67

-60

-59

-49

-45

-3

-3

-3

'

'

Intangible assets, Net

1,300

1,359

1,300

1,307

1,359

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense for intangible assets

73

75

143

'

149

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

279

'

279

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

251

'

251

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

211

'

211

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

168

'

168

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

$128

'

$128

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShortTerm_Borrowings_and_LongT2

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Jan. 13, 2009

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Unsecuredbackup

Syndicated Line of Credit Expiring 2015 [Member]

Syndicated Line of Credit Expiring 2017 [Member]

Assumed Loans [Member]

Assumed Loans [Member]

Assumed Loans [Member]

Notes Due 2013 [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Other Short-Term Debt [Member]

Other Short-Term Debt [Member]

Other Short-Term Debt [Member]

Notes Payable Due 2014 [Member]

Notes Payable Due 2014 [Member]

Notes Payable Due 2014 [Member]

Notes Due 2013 [Member]

Notes Due 2013 [Member]

Notes Due 2013 [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Assumed Loans [Member]

Assumed Loans [Member]

Notes Due 2013 [Member]

Notes Due 2014 [Member]

Notes Due 2014 [Member]

Notes Due 2014 [Member]

Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Notes Due 2022 [Member]

Notes Due 2022 [Member]

Notes Due 2022 [Member]

Notes Due 2042 [Member]

Notes Due 2042 [Member]

Notes Due 2042 [Member]

Total $4.0 billion debt issuance [Member]

Total $4.0 billion debt issuance [Member]

Total $4.0 billion debt issuance [Member]

Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commercial paper

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$0

Current maturities of loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings

8,000,000

2,000,000

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.875% unsecured notes due 2013, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap fair market value adjustment (see Note 9)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

1,291,000,000

'

'

'

Unsecured Variable Rate Notes Due 2014 Net Of Unamortized Discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

550,000,000

550,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other

577,000,000

1,299,000,000

570,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,000,000

18,000,000

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total short-term borrowings

577,000,000

1,299,000,000

570,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance outstanding at fiscal year-end

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Maximum outstanding at any month-end

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Average daily short-term borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000,000

0

0

Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.23%

0.00%

0.00%

Number of unsecured backup syndicated lines of credit

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-Term Debt [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,013,000,000

994,000,000

1,024,000,000

'

0

0

550,000,000

749,000,000

749,000,000

749,000,000

998,000,000

998,000,000

998,000,000

1,199,000,000

1,199,000,000

1,199,000,000

496,000,000

496,000,000

496,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,000,000

43,000,000

44,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt including current maturities

4,497,000,000

5,060,000,000

4,479,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Less current maturities

-8,000,000

-2,000,000

-2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long term debt

4,489,000,000

5,058,000,000

4,477,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable Interest rates (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.75%

8.75%

5.00%

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.88%

'

'

'

'

5.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

1.80%

'

'

3.10%

'

'

4.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity year start

'2015

'

'

'

'

'

'2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity year end

'2035

'

'

'

'

'

'2035

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2019

'

'

'2013

'2014

'

'

'2015

'

'

'2017

'

'

'2022

'

'

'2042

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

0

4,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount of notes issued

'

'

'

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000,000

'

'

'

550,000,000

'

'

750,000,000

'

'

1,000,000,000

'

'

1,200,000,000

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date of note

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13-Mar-14

'

'

13-Mar-15

'

'

15-Sep-17

'

'

15-Sep-22

'

'

15-Sep-42

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Variable; three-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus 50 basis points

'

'

'Fixed 1.000%

'

'

'Fixed 1.800%

'

'

'Fixed 3.100%

'

'

'Fixed 4.400%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

1.80%

'

'

3.10%

'

'

4.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest payment frequency

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'March 13, June 13, September 13 and December 13; commencing on December 13, 2012

'

'

'March 13 and September 13; commencing on March 13, 2013

'

'

'March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013

'

'

'March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013

'

'

'March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Call feature

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The Company may redeem the notes, at any time in whole or from time to time in part, at its option at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed; or (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest, discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis at the Treasury Rate, plus 45 basis points, plus accrued interest on the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The Company may redeem the fixed rate notes at its option, at any time in whole, or from time to time in part, at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed; and (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the date of redemption), discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined), plus 12 basis points for the notes due 2015, 20 basis points for the notes due 2017, 22 basis points for the notes due 2022 and 25 basis points for the notes due 2042.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of principal amount of notes to be redeemed (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis points added to treasury rate to calculate redemption rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.45%

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

0.12%

'

'

0.20%

'

'

0.22%

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of principal amount required on triggering event to repurchase notes (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Underwriting fees included in total issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of the notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000,000

1,100,000,000

1,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000,000

3,900,000,000

4,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis for fair value measurement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Fair value for these notes was determined based upon quoted market prices.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Fair value for these notes was determined based upon quoted market prices.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

1,350,000,000

'

'

'

500,000,000

850,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration date

'

'

'

'

20-Jul-15

23-Jul-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum letter of credit amount allowed for issuance to reduce the amount available for borrowing

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant terms

'The covenants require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios related to the proportion of consolidated debt to total capitalization and priority debt, along with limitations on the sale of assets and purchases of investments.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant compliance

'At February 28, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility fee description

'The Company pays a facility fee to the financing banks to keep these lines of credit active.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit issued

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net unamortized fair value changes in long-term debt	$16	$3	$19
First option exercise date	31-Mar-16	'	'
Second option exercise date	31-Mar-17	'	'
First warrant to purchase shares (shares)	11,348,456	'	'
First warrant to purchase shares (dollars per share)	$51.50	'	'
Second warrant to purchase shares (shares)	11,348,456	'	'
Second warrant to purchase shares (dollars per share)	$52.50	'	'
Date of AmerisourceBergen Corporation deal	18-Mar-13	'	'
Number of shares eligible for purchase (in shares)	19,859,795	'	'
Percentage of fully diluted equity eligible for purchase (in hundredths)	7.00%	'	'
one-month LIBOR [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps designated as hedges	250	'	'
Fixed interest rate percentage (in hundredths)	5.25%	'	'
six-month LIBOR [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps designated as hedges	750	'	'
Fixed interest rate percentage (in hundredths)	5.25%	'	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of hedged debt	1,000	1,000	1,800
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Other current assets [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	0	0	13
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Other non-currents assets [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	18	1	34
Warrants [Member] | Other non-currents assets [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of derivative asset not designated as hedging instrument	$344	$188	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Feb. 28, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Money market funds	$1,246		$1,636		$2,100
Interest rate swaps	18	[1]	1		47
Investment in AmerisourceBergen	712	[2]	225	[2]	'
Warrants	344	[3]	188	[3]	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Money market funds	1,246		1,636		2,100
Interest rate swaps	0	[1]	0		0
Investment in AmerisourceBergen	712	[2]	225	[2]	'
Warrants	0	[3]	0	[3]	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Money market funds	0		0		0
Interest rate swaps	18	[1]	1		47
Investment in AmerisourceBergen	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Warrants	344	[3]	188	[3]	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Money market funds	0		0		0
Interest rate swaps	0	[1]	0		0
Investment in AmerisourceBergen	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Warrants	$0	[3]	$0	[3]	'
[1]	Interest rate swaps are valued using six-month and one-month LIBOR in arrears rates. See Note 9 for additional disclosure regarding financial instruments.
[2]	The investment in AmerisourceBergen is valued using the closing stock price of AmerisourceBergen as of the balance sheet dates. See Note 6 for additional disclosures on available-for-sale investments.
[3]	Warrants were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation. Key assumptions used in the valuation include risk-free interest rates using constant maturity treasury rates; the dividend yield for AmerisourceBergenbs common stock; AmerisourceBergenbs common stock price at the valuation date; AmerisourceBergenbs equity volatility; the number of shares of AmerisourceBergenbs common stock outstanding; the number of AmerisourceBergen employee stock options and the exercise price; and the details specific to the warrants.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Settlement of sanctions	$80

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Detai

Stock Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total shares authorized under Omnibus Plan (in shares)	'	'	60,400,000	'
Total stock based compensation expense for the period	$31	$25	$52	$45
Cliff vesting schedule	'	'	'3 years	'
Performance period	'	'	'3 years	'
Walgreen Co. Omnibus and former Executive Stock Option Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of options granted in period (in shares)	'	209,610	'	8,205,664
Fully recognized retiree eligible expense	5	2	8	3
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	'	'	$12.74	'
Volatility rate (in hundredths)	'	'	26.21%	'
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	'	'	2.48%	'
Expected term	'	'	'6 years 10 months 13 days	'
Walgreen Co. Omnibus and former Restricted Stock Unit Award Program [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of options granted in period (in shares)	'	134,885	'	917,322
Number of other than options granted during the period (in shares)	19,159	18,457	40,457	39,465
Grant date fair value restricted and performance shares (in dollars per share)	'	'	$60.52	'
Walgreen Co. Omnibus and former Performance Share Program [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of options granted in period (in shares)	5,807	10,798	702,939	894,046
Grant date fair value restricted and performance shares (in dollars per share)	'	'	$60.52	'
Total Omnibus plan and former Restricted Stock Unit Award Program and Walgreen Co. Performance Share Program [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total stock based compensation expense for the period	$16	$11	$26	$19
Omnibus Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of options granted in period (in shares)	149,684	'	6,534,762	'
Omnibus Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of options granted in period (in shares)	30,122	'	641,009	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS calculations (in shares)	6,347,469	16,469,909	4,343,079	22,088,145

Retirement_Benefits_Details

Retirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Walgreen Profit-Sharing Retirement Trust [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Profit sharing provision	$85	$89	$165	$171
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	2	3	4	5
Interest cost	4	4	8	7
Amortization of actuarial loss	3	3	6	6
Amortization of prior service cost	-6	-6	-11	-11
Total postretirement benefit cost	$3	$4	$7	$7

Depreciation_and_Amortization_1

Depreciation and Amortization (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$229	$231	$464	$450
Intangible asset amortization	73	75	143	149
System development costs amortization	29	21	56	41
Total depreciation and amortization expense	331	327	663	640
Amortization expense attributable to Alliance Boots	19	35	40	49
Amortization attributable to assets of equity method investment	8	23	16	33
Amortization expense attributable to Alliance Boots, operations	$11	$12	$24	$16

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Details

Supplemental Cash Flow (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow [Abstract]	'	'
Capital lease obligation additions	$282	'
Cash paid for interest	67	51
Cash paid for income taxes	$674	$543

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Mar. 24, 2014	Mar. 24, 2014	Mar. 24, 2014
		Store	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Payment towards unsecured variable rate notes	$550	'	'	'
Maturity date of note	13-Mar-14	'	'	'
Number of underperforming stores to be closed	'	76	'	'
Estimated pre tax charges	'	'	$240	$280