Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) 10-K 28 Oct 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,618,921
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 71.6
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,088,793,571
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2015

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 3,000	$ 2,646
Accounts receivable, net		6,849	3,218
Inventories		8,678	6,076
Other current assets		1,130	302
Total Current Assets		19,657	12,242
Non-Current Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization		15,068	12,257
Equity investment in Alliance Boots		0	7,336
Goodwill		16,372	2,359
Intangible assets		12,351	1,180
Other non-current assets		5,334	1,876
Total Non-Current Assets		49,125	25,008
Total Assets		68,782	37,250
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings		1,068	774
Trade accounts payable		10,088	4,315
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		5,225	3,701
Income taxes		176	105
Total Current Liabilities		16,557	8,895
Non-Current Liabilities:
Long-term debt	[1]	13,315	3,716
Deferred income taxes		3,538	1,080
Other non-current liabilities		4,072	2,942
Total Non-Current Liabilities		$ 20,925	$ 7,738
Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 13)
Equity:
Preferred stock $.01 par value ($.0625 at August 31, 2014); authorized 32 million shares, none issued		$ 0	$ 0
Common stock $.01 par value ($.078125 at August 31, 2014); authorized 3.2 billion shares; issued 1,172,513,618 at August 31, 2015 and 1,028,180,150 at August 31, 2014		12	80
Paid-in capital		9,953	1,172
Employee stock loan receivable		(2)	(5)
Retained earnings		25,089	22,327
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(214)
Treasury stock, at cost; 82,603,274 shares at August 31, 2015 and 77,793,261 at August 31, 2014		(3,977)	(3,197)
Total Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Shareholders' Equity		30,861	20,513
Noncontrolling interests		439	104
Total Equity		31,300	20,617
Total Liabilities and Equity		$ 68,782	$ 37,250
[1]	All notes are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.0625
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	32,000,000	32,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.078125
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	3,200,000,000	3,200,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	1,172,513,618	1,028,180,150
Treasury stock, issued (in shares)	82,603,274	77,793,261

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	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
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2012	$ 80	$ (2,985)	$ 936	$ (19)	$ 68	$ 20,156	$ 0	$ 18,236
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2012	944,055,334
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 0	0	0	0	0	2,548	0	2,548
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	0	0	(160)	0	0	(160)
Dividends declared	0	0	0	0	0	(1,083)	0	(1,083)
Treasury stock purchases	0	$ (615)	0	0	0	0	0	(615)
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)		(13,797,490)
Employee stock purchase and option plans	$ 0	$ 486	34	0	0	0	0	520
Employee stock purchase and option plans (in shares)	16,337,734
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	0	104	0	0	0	0	104
Employee stock loan receivable	0	0	0	8	0	0	0	8
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	$ 80	(3,114)	1,074	(11)	(92)	21,621	0	19,558
Ending Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2013	946,595,578
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 0	0	0	0	0	1,932	99	2,031
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	0	0	228	0	0	228
Dividends declared	0	0	0	0	0	(1,226)	0	(1,226)
Treasury stock purchases	0	$ (705)	0	0	0	0	0	(705)
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)		(11,810,351)
Employee stock purchase and option plans	$ 0	$ 622	(16)	0	0	0	0	606
Employee stock purchase and option plans (in shares)	15,601,662
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	0	114	0	0	0	0	114
Employee stock loan receivable	0	0	0	6	0	0	0	6
Other	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	5
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	$ 80	(3,197)	1,172	(5)	136	22,327	104	20,617
Ending Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2014	950,386,889
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 0	0	0	0	0	4,220	59	4,279
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	0	0	(350)	0	(6)	(356)
Dividends declared	0	0	0	0	0	(1,458)	0	(1,458)
Exchange of Walgreen Co. shares for Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. shares	(69)	0	69	0	0	0	0	0
Issuance of shares for Alliance Boots acquisition	$ 1	0	10,976	0	0	0	0	10,977
Issuance of shares for Alliance Boots acquisition (in shares)	144,333,468
Treasury stock purchases	$ 0	$ (1,226)	0	0	0	0	0	(1,226)
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)		(16,250,190)
Employee stock purchase and option plans	$ 0	$ 446	56	0	0	0	0	502
Employee stock purchase and option plans (in shares)	11,440,177
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	0	109	0	0	0	0	109
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	0	0	(2,429)	0	0	0	(130)	(2,559)
Employee stock loan receivable	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	3
Noncontrolling interests in businesses acquired	0	0	0	0	0	0	412	412
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2015	$ 12	$ (3,977)	$ 9,953	$ (2)	$ (214)	$ 25,089	$ 439	$ 31,300
Ending Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2015	1,089,910,344

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQU5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.3600	$ 0.3375	$ 0.3375	$ 0.3375	$ 0.3375	$ 0.3150	$ 0.3150	$ 0.3150	$ 1.3725	$ 1.2825	$ 1.14

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 103,444	$ 76,392	$ 72,217
Cost of sales	76,520	54,823	51,098
Gross Profit	26,924	21,569	21,119
Selling, general and administrative expense	22,571	17,992	17,543
Gain on sale of business	0	0	20
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots	315	617	496
Operating Income	4,668	4,194	4,092
Gain on previously held equity interest	563	0	0
Other income (expense)	685	(481)	120
Earnings Before Interest and Income Tax Provision	5,916	3,713	4,212
Interest expense, net	605	156	165
Earnings Before Income Tax Provision	5,311	3,557	4,047
Income tax provision	1,056	1,526	1,499
Post tax earnings from equity method investments	24	0	0
Net Earnings	4,279	2,031	2,548
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	59	99	0
Net Earnings Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.	$ 4,220	$ 1,932	$ 2,548
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 4.05	$ 2.03	$ 2.69
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 4	$ 2	$ 2.67
Average shares outstanding (in shares)	1,043.2	953.1	946
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	10.7	12.1	9.2
Average diluted shares (in shares)	1,053.9	965.2	955.2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net Earnings	$ 4,279	$ 2,031	$ 2,548
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension/postretirement obligations	14	(48)	(5)
Unrealized (loss) on cash flow hedges	(13)	(27)	0
Unrecognized gain on available-for-sale investments	152	106	1
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of Alliance Boots	113	(18)	(95)
Currency translation adjustments	(622)	215	(61)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(356)	228	(160)
Total Comprehensive Income	3,923	2,259	2,388
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	53	99	0
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.	$ 3,870	$ 2,160	$ 2,388

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Earnings	$ 4,279	$ 2,031	$ 2,548
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities -
Depreciation and amortization	1,742	1,316	1,283
Change in fair value of warrants and related amortization	(779)	(385)	(120)
Loss on exercise of call option	0	866	0
Gain on previously held equity interest	(563)	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(32)	177	202
Stock compensation expense	109	114	104
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots	(315)	(617)	(496)
Other	728	181	113
Changes in operating assets and liabilities -
Accounts receivable, net	(338)	(616)	(449)
Inventories	719	860	321
Other current assets	22	(10)	18
Trade accounts payable	268	(339)	182
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	170	195	424
Income taxes	(335)	17	103
Other non-current assets and liabilities	(11)	103	68
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,664	3,893	4,301
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(1,251)	(1,106)	(1,212)
Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions	867	67	115
Proceeds related to the sale of business	814	93	20
Proceeds from sale of other assets	184	139	30
Alliance Boots acquisition, net of cash received	(4,461)	0	0
Other business and intangible asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(371)	(344)	(630)
Purchases of short term investments held to maturity	(49)	(59)	(66)
Proceeds from short term investments held to maturity	50	58	16
Investment in AmerisourceBergen	0	(493)	(224)
Other	(59)	(86)	(45)
Net cash used for investing activities	(4,276)	(1,731)	(1,996)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Payments of short-term borrowings, net	(226)	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	12,285	0	4,000
Payments of long-term debt	(10,472)	(550)	(4,300)
Proceeds from financing leases	0	268	0
Stock purchases	(1,226)	(705)	(615)
Proceeds related to employee stock plans	503	612	486
Cash dividends paid	(1,384)	(1,199)	(1,040)
Other	(395)	(48)	(27)
Net cash used for financing activities	(915)	(1,622)	(1,496)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(119)	0	0
Changes in Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	354	540	809
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,646	2,106	1,297
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 3,000	$ 2,646	$ 2,106

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Organization [Abstract]
Organization	Note 1. Organization Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (“Walgreens Boots Alliance”) and subsidiaries are a global pharmacy-led wellbeing enterprise. Its operations are conducted through three reportable segments (Retail Pharmacy USA, Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale). See Note 19, Segment Reporting for additional discussion. On December 31, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance became the successor of Walgreen Co. (“Walgreens”) pursuant to a merger designed to effect a reorganization of Walgreens into a holding company structure (the “Reorganization”). Pursuant to the Reorganization, Walgreens became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance, a newly-formed Delaware corporation, and each issued and outstanding share of Walgreens common stock, par value $0.078125, converted on a one-to-one basis into Walgreens Boots Alliance common stock, par value $0.01. On December 31, 2014, following the completion of the Reorganization, Walgreens Boots Alliance completed the acquisition of the remaining 55% of Alliance Boots GmbH (“Alliance Boots”) that Walgreens did not previously own (the “Second Step Transaction”) in exchange for £3.133 billion in cash and approximately 144.3 million shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance common stock pursuant to the Purchase and Option Agreement dated June 18, 2012, as amended (the “Purchase and Option Agreement”). Alliance Boots became a consolidated subsidiary and ceased being accounted for under the equity method immediately upon completion of the Second Step Transaction. For financial reporting and accounting purposes, Walgreens Boots Alliance was the acquirer of Alliance Boots. The consolidated financial statements (and other data) reflect the results of operations and financial position of Walgreens and its subsidiaries for periods prior to December 31, 2014 and of Walgreens Boots Alliance and its subsidiaries for periods from and after the effective time of the Reorganization on December 31, 2014. References to the “Company” refer to Walgreens Boots Alliance and its subsidiaries from and after the effective time of the Reorganization on December 31, 2014 and, prior to that time, to the predecessor registrant Walgreens and its subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

Summary of Major Accounting Pol

Summary of Major Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Summary of Major Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Major Accounting Policies	Note 2. Summary of Major Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company holds a controlling interest. Investments in less than majority-owned companies in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, but does have significant influence are accounted for as equity method investments. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Because of the acquisition of Alliance Boots, influence of certain holidays, seasonality, foreign currency rates, changes in vendor, payer and customer relationships and terms and other factors on the Company’s operations, net earnings for any period may not be comparable to the same period in previous years. In addition, the positive impact on gross profit margins and gross profit dollars typically has 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 Retail Pharmacy USA segment’s sales, gross profit margins and gross profit dollars. As part of the Second Step Transaction, the Company acquired the remaining 27.5% noncontrolling interest in Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH (“WBAD”), a 50/50 global sourcing enterprise established by the Company and Alliance Boots. The Company already owned a 50% direct ownership in WBAD and indirectly owned an additional ownership interest through its previous 45% investment in Alliance Boots, representing a direct and indirect economic interest of 72.5%. The Company’s acquisition of the remaining 27.5% effective ownership in WBAD as part of the Second Step Transaction was accounted for as an equity transaction as it has historically been consolidated by the Company. On January 1, 2015, WBAD Holdings Limited sold 320 common shares of WBAD, representing approximately 5% of the equity interests in WBAD, to Alliance Healthcare Italia Distribuzione S.p.A. (“AHID”), which is not a member of the Company’s consolidated group. Under certain circumstances, AHID has the right to put, and WBAD Holdings Limited has the right to call, the 320 common shares of WBAD currently owned by AHID for a purchase price of $100,000. Immediately prior to the completion of the Second Step Transaction, the Company held a 45% equity interest in Alliance Boots and recorded its proportionate share of equity income in Alliance Boots in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a three-month reporting lag. Following the Second Step Transaction, the Company eliminated the three-month reporting lag and applied this change retrospectively as a change in accounting principle in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. See Note 3, Change in Accounting Policy for further information. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Credit and debit card receivables from banks, which generally settle within two to seven business days, of $165 million and $229 million were included in cash and cash equivalents at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s cash management policy provides for controlled disbursement. As a result, the Company had outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit at certain banks. These amounts, which were $448 million at August 31, 2015, and $267 million at August 31, 2014, are included in trade accounts payable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, the Company’s cash management policy provides for a bank overdraft facility for certain disbursement accounts. This overdraft facility represents uncleared and cleared checks in excess of cash balances in the related bank accounts. These amounts, which were $45 million at August 31, 2015, and zero at August 31, 2014, are included in short-term borrowings in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted Cash The Company is required to maintain cash deposits with certain banks which consist of deposits restricted under contractual agency agreements and cash restricted by law and other obligations. As of August 31, 2015, the amount of such restricted cash was $184 million. There was no restricted cash as of August 31, 2014. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances primarily include amounts due from third party providers (e.g., pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies and governmental agencies), clients and members, as well as vendors and manufacturers. Charges to bad debt are based on estimates of recoverability using both historical write-offs and specifically identified receivables. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 173 $ 154 $ 99 Bad debt provision 90 86 124 Write-offs (53 ) (67 ) (69 ) Divestitures (37 ) - - Currency translation (1 ) - - Balance at end of year $ 172 $ 173 $ 154 Inventory The Company values inventories on a lower of cost or market basis. Inventory includes product costs, inbound freight, direct labor, warehousing costs, overhead costs relating to the manufacture and distribution of products and vendor allowances not classified as a reduction of advertising expense. The Company’s Retail Pharmacy USA segment inventory is accounted for using the last-in-first-out (“LIFO”) method. At August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, Retail Pharmacy USA segment inventories would have been greater by $2.5 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, if they had been valued on a lower of first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) cost or market basis. The Company’s Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale segments’ inventory is accounted for using the FIFO method, except for retail inventory in the Retail Pharmacy International segment, which is primarily determined using the retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method, cost is determined by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio across groupings of similar items. The cost-to-retail ratio is applied to ending inventory at its current owned retail valuation to determine the cost of ending inventory across groupings of similar items. Current owned retail valuation represents the retail price for which merchandise is offered for sale on a regular basis. Inherent in the retail method calculation are certain management judgments and estimates which can impact the owned retail valuation and, therefore, the ending inventory valuation at cost. Equity Method Investments The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in companies if the investment provides the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies of the investee. The Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies is included in consolidated net earnings. Judgment regarding the level of influence over each equity method investment includes considering key factors such as the Company’s ownership interest, representation on the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions and material intercompany transactions. Immediately prior to the completion of the Second Step Transaction, the Company held a 45% equity interest in Alliance Boots and recorded its proportionate share of equity income in Alliance Boots within the operating section in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings on a three-month lag. As a result of the Second Step Transaction, the Company eliminated the three-month lag and applied this change retrospectively as a change in accounting policy. See Note 3, Change in Accounting Policy for additional discussion. The Second Step Transaction resulted in the Company acquiring various equity method investments held by Alliance Boots. These newly acquired investments are included together with the previous equity investments of the Company within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 6, Equity Method Investments for further information relating to the Company’s equity method investments. Investments The Company’s investments consist principally of corporate debt, other debt securities, and equity securities of publicly-traded companies. The Company classifies its investments in securities at the time of purchase as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale, and re-evaluates such classifications on a quarterly basis. Held-to-maturity investments consist of debt securities that the Company has the intent and ability to retain until maturity. These securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and discounts, which approximates fair value. Available-for-sale debt and equity securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale investments are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses of available-for-sale investments are included in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The Company evaluates investments held for other-than-temporary impairment. Such evaluation involves a variety of considerations, including assessments of the risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions and distinct conditions affecting specific issuers. Factors considered by the Company include (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below cost; (ii) the financial condition, credit worthiness, and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) the length of time to maturity; (iv) future economic conditions and market forecasts; (v) the Company’s intent and ability to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of market value; and (vi) an assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell its investment before recovery of market value. Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of owned assets. Estimated useful lives range from 20 years for land improvements, 13 to 50 for buildings and building improvements and 3 to 20 for fixtures, plant and equipment. Leasehold improvements, equipment under capital lease and capital lease properties are amortized over their respective estimate of useful life or over the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Major repairs, which extend the useful life of an asset, are capitalized; routine maintenance and repairs are charged against earnings. The majority of the Company’s fixtures and equipment uses the composite method of depreciation. Therefore, gains and losses on retirement or other disposition of such assets are included in earnings only when an operating location is closed, completely remodeled or impaired. Property, plant and equipment consists of (in millions): 2015 2014 Land and land improvements $ 3,687 $ 3,418 Buildings and building improvements 7,705 6,901 Fixtures, plant and equipment 8,904 7,559 Capitalized system development costs and software 1,491 688 Capital lease properties 821 530 22,608 19,096 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 7,540 6,839 Balance at end of year $ 15,068 $ 12,257 Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $1.3 billion in fiscal 2015, $923 million in fiscal 2014 and $894 million in fiscal 2013. The Company capitalizes application stage development costs for significant internally developed software projects, such as upgrades to the store point-of-sale system. These costs are amortized over a three to eight year period. Amortization expense for capitalized system development costs and software was $178 million in fiscal 2015, $127 million in fiscal 2014 and $105 million in fiscal 2013. Unamortized costs at August 31, 2015 and 2014 were $1.0 billion and $ 676 Business Combinations Business combinations are accounted for under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of an acquired company is assigned to the tangible and intangible assets purchased and the liabilities assumed on the basis of their fair values at the date of acquisition. The determination of fair values of assets and liabilities acquired requires estimates and the use of valuation techniques when a market value is not readily available. Any excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. The final determination of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities is completed within the one year measurement period as allowed under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as they are incurred. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company accounts for goodwill and intangibles under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, which does not permit amortization, but requires the Company to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. See Note 9, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional disclosure regarding the Company’s intangible assets. Warrants Walgreens, Alliance Boots and AmerisourceBergen Corporation (“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) Walgreens and Alliance Boots collectively were issued (a) warrants to purchase up to 22,696,912 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) warrants to purchase up to 22,696,912 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 and the Transaction Rights Agreement. Pursuant to the Reorganization and Second Step Transaction discussed in Note 1, Organization, and Note 2, Summary of Major Accounting Policies, Walgreens and Alliance Boots became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Walgreens Boots Alliance effective December 31, 2014. The Company holds all AmerisourceBergen warrants issued to Walgreens and Alliance Boots in its consolidated subsidiaries. The warrants are valued at the date of issuance and the end of the period 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; AmerisourceBergen’s equity volatility; the number of shares of AmerisourceBergen’s common stock outstanding; the number of AmerisourceBergen’s employee stock options and the exercise price; and the details specific to the warrants. The Company reports its warrants at fair value within other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A deferred credit from the day-one valuation attributable to the warrants granted to Walgreens is being amortized over the life of the warrants. Gains and losses due to changes in the fair value on warrants are recognized in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. See Note 11, Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge its exposure to interest rate and currency risks arising from operating and financing activities. In accordance with its risk management policies, the Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. When the Company becomes a party to a derivative instrument and intends to apply hedge accounting, it formally documents the hedge relationship and the risk management objective for undertaking the hedge which includes designating the instrument for financial reporting purposes as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a net investment hedge. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the Company had designated it in a qualifying hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. The Company applies the following accounting policies: · Changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. · The effective portion of changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged item affects earnings. · The effective portion of changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation is recorded in cumulative translation adjustments within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Recognition in earnings of amounts previously recorded in cumulative translation adjustments is limited to circumstances such as complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the hedged investments in foreign operations. · Changes in the fair value of a derivative not designated in a hedging relationship are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings along with the ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated in hedging relationships. Cash receipts or payments on a settlement of a derivative contract are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consistent with the nature of the underlying hedged item. For derivative instruments designated as hedges, the Company assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. Highly effective means that cumulative changes in the fair value of the derivative are between 80% and 125% of the cumulative changes in the fair value of the hedged item. In addition, when the Company determines that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued. When it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting for the affected portion of the forecasted transaction, and reclassifies any gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. When a derivative in a hedge relationship is terminated or the hedged item is sold, extinguished or terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. Impaired Assets and Liabilities for Store Closings The Company tests long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that a certain asset may be impaired. Once identified, the amount of the impairment is computed by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the fair value, which is based on the discounted estimated future cash flows. Impairment charges included in selling, general and administrative expenses were $386 million in fiscal 2015, primarily related to the Company’s Cost Transformation Program (as defined below). Impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2014 and 2013 were $167 million and $30 million, respectively. The Company also 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. The reserve for store closings, including $219 million from locations closed under the Company’s restructuring actions, was $446 million as of August 31, 2015 and $257 million as of August 31, 2014. See Note 5, Leases for additional disclosure regarding the Company’s reserve for future costs related to closed locations. Pension and Postretirement Benefits The Company has various defined benefit pension plans that cover some of its foreign employees. The Company also has postretirement healthcare plans that cover qualifying domestic employees. Eligibility and the level of benefits for these plans vary depending participants' status, date of hire and or length of service. Pension and postretirement expenses and valuations are dependent on assumptions used by third party actuaries in calculating those amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, healthcare cost trends, long-term return on plan assets, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. See Note 16, Retirement Benefits, for additional disclosure regarding the Company's pension and postretirement benefits. The Company funds its pension plans in accordance with applicable regulations. Noncontrolling Interests The Company accounts for its less than 100% interest in consolidated subsidiaries in accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, and accordingly, the Company presents noncontrolling interests as a component of equity on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and reports the noncontrolling interest net earnings or loss as Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Currency Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. dollar functional currency operations are translated into U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates while revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at average monthly exchange rates over the period. Equity is translated at historical exchange rates and the resulting cumulative translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For U.S. dollar functional currency operations, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates, except for nonmonetary balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured from historical exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are recorded at average monthly exchange rates over the period, except for those expenses related to nonmonetary balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured from historical exchange rates. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement and transactions are included in selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. For all periods presented, there were no material operational gains or losses from foreign currency transactions. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (b) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (c) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (d) collectability is reasonably assured. The following revenue recognition policies have been established for the Company’s reportable segments. Retail Pharmacy USA and Retail Pharmacy International The Company recognizes revenue at the time the customer takes possession of the merchandise, after making appropriate adjustments for estimated returns. Revenue does not include sales related taxes. In certain international locations, the Company initially estimates revenue based on expected reimbursements from governmental agencies for dispensing prescription drugs and providing optical services. The estimates are based on historical experience and are updated to actual reimbursement amounts. Pharmaceutical Wholesale Wholesale revenue is recognized upon shipment of goods, which is generally also the day of delivery. When the Company acts in the capacity of an agent or a logistics service provider, revenue is the fee received for the service and is recognized when the services have been performed. The Company has determined it is the agent when providing logistics services, which is based on its assessment of the following criteria: (a) whether it is the primary obligor in the arrangement, (b) whether it has latitude in establishing the price, changing the product or performing part of the service, (c) whether it has discretion in supplier selection, (d) whether it is involved in the determination of service specifications, and (e) whether it is exposed to credit risk. Cost of Sales Retail Pharmacy USA cost of sales is derived based upon point-of-sale scanning information with an estimate for shrinkage and is adjusted based on periodic inventories. All other segment cost of sales includes the purchase price of goods and services sold, store and warehouse inventory loss, inventory obsolescence, manufacturing costs, certain direct product design and development costs and supplier rebates. In addition to product costs, cost of sales includes manufacturing costs, warehousing, costs, purchasing costs, freight costs, cash discounts and vendor allowances. Vendor Allowances and Supplier Rebates Vendor allowances are principally received as a result of purchases, sales or promotion of vendors’ products. Allowances are generally recorded as a reduction of inventory and are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales when the related merchandise is sold. Those allowances received for promoting vendors’ products are offset against advertising expense and result in a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses to the extent of advertising costs incurred, with the excess treated as a reduction of inventory costs. Rebates or refunds received by the Company from its suppliers, mostly in cash, are considered as an adjustment of the prices of the supplier’s products purchased by the Company. Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses mainly consist of salaries and employee costs, occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization, credit and debit card fees and expenses directly related to stores. In addition, other costs included are headquarters’ expenses, advertising costs (net of vendor advertising allowances) and insurance. Advertising Costs Advertising costs, which are reduced by the portion funded by vendors, are expensed as incurred or when services have been received. Net advertising expenses, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, were $491 million in fiscal 2015, $265 million in fiscal 2014 and $286 million in fiscal 2013. Gift Cards The Company sells gift cards to retail store customers and through its websites. The Company does not charge administrative fees on unused gift cards. Gift cards sold in the U.S. do not have an expiration date while most gift cards sold internationally have an expiration date. Income from gift cards sold in the U.S. is recognized when (1) the gift card is redeemed by the customer; or (2) the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote (gift card breakage) and there is no legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions. The Company’s gift card breakage rate is determined based upon historical redemption patterns. Income from gift cards sold internationally is recognized when (1) the gift cards are redeemed by the customer; or (2) the gift cards expire. Gift card breakage income, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses, was not significant in fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013. Points Earned Through Loyalty Programs The Company’s primary rewards programs, Balance® Rewards and Boots Advantage Card, are accrued as a charge to cost of sales at the time a point is earned. Points are funded internally and through vendor participation, and are credited to cost of sales at the time a vendor-sponsored point is earned. Breakage is recorded as points expire as a result of a member’s inactivity or if the points remain unredeemed after three years. Breakage income, which is reported in cost of sales, was not significant in fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013. Insurance The Company obtains insurance coverage for catastrophic exposures as well as those risks required by law to be insured. In general, the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries retain a significant portion of losses related to workers’ compensation, property, comprehensive general, pharmacist and vehicle liability, while non-U.S. subsidiaries manage their exposures through insurance coverage with third-party carriers. Management regularly reviews the probable outcome of claims and proceedings, the expenses expected to be incurred, the availability and limits of the insurance coverage, and the established accruals for liabilities. Liabilities for losses are recorded based upon the Company’s estimates for both claims incurred and claims incurred but not reported and are not discounted. The provisions are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions. Stock Compensation Plans In accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, the Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the employee’s vesting period or to the employee’s retirement eligible date, if earlier. Total stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $109 million, $114 million and $104 million, respectively. The recognized tax benefit was $7 million, $31 million and $30 million for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards at August 31, 2015, was $137 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of three years. See Note 15, Stock Compensation Plans for more information on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans. Interest Interest paid, which is net of capitalized interest, was $472 million in fiscal 2015, $161 million in fiscal 2014 and $158 million in fiscal 2013. Interest capitalized as a part of significant construction projects during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was immaterial. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes according to the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured pursuant to tax laws using rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized. In determining the provision for income taxes, the Company uses income, permanent differences between book and tax income, the relative proportion of foreign and domestic income, enacted statutory income tax rates, projections of income subject to Subpart F rules and unrecognized tax benefits related to current year results. Discrete events such as the assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits, audit settlements, recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits due to lapsing of the applicable statute of limitations, recognizing or de-recognizing benefits of deferred tax assets due to future year financial statement projections and changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. The Company is subject to routine income tax audits that occur periodically in the normal course of business. U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities raise questions regarding the Company’s tax filin

Change in Accounting Policy

Change in Accounting Policy	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Change in Accounting Policy [Abstract]
Change in Accounting Policy	3. Change in Accounting Policy Walgreens historically accounted for its investment and proportionate share of earnings in Alliance Boots utilizing a three-month reporting lag. In accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, a change to eliminate a previously existing reporting lag is considered a change in accounting principle in accordance with ASC Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. Changes in accounting principles are to be reported through retrospective application of the new principle to all prior financial statement periods presented. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements have been recast to reflect the period specific effects of eliminating the three-month reporting lag. The acquisition of the initial 45% interest was reflected in the Company’s August 31, 2012 balance sheet. The Company’s equity earnings and income statement for the year ended August 31, 2012 were not recasted as the impact was not material. The elimination of the three-month reporting lag for the equity investment in Alliance Boots resulted in the adjustments as of and for the periods indicated below (in millions, except per share amounts). The impact of the change in accounting policy on the fiscal 2015 financial statements is not material. Year Ended August 31, 2014 Year Ended August 31, 2013 As Reported Adjustments After Change in Accounting Principle As Reported Adjustments After Change in Accounting Principle Consolidated Statements of Earnings Equity earnings in Alliance Boots $ 617 $ - $ 617 $ 344 $ 152 $ 496 Operating Income 4,194 - 4,194 3,940 152 4,092 Earnings Before Income Tax Provision 3,557 - 3,557 3,895 152 4,047 Income tax provision 1,526 - 1,526 1,445 54 1,499 Net Earnings 2,031 - 2,031 2,450 98 2,548 Net Earnings Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 1,932 - 1,932 2,450 98 2,548 Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. – basic 2.03 - 2.03 2.59 0.10 2.69 Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. – diluted 2.00 - 2.00 2.56 0.11 2.67 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Net Earnings $ 2,031 $ - $ 2,031 $ 2,450 $ 98 $ 2,548 Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of Alliance Boots (41 ) 23 (18 ) (59 ) (36 ) (95 ) Cumulative translation adjustments 286 (71 ) 215 (103 ) 42 (61 ) Total Other Comprehensive Income 276 (48 ) 228 (166 ) 6 (160 ) Total Comprehensive Income 2,307 (48 ) 2,259 2,284 104 2,388 Comprehensive Income Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. $ 2,208 $ (48 ) $ 2,160 $ 2,284 $ 104 $ 2,388 As of August 31, 2014 As Reported (1) Adjustments After Change in Accounting Principle Consolidated Balance Sheet Non-Current Assets: Equity investment in Alliance Boots $ 7,248 $ 88 $ 7,336 Total Non-Current Assets 24,920 88 25,008 Total Assets 37,162 88 37,250 Non-Current Liabilities: Deferred income taxes 1,048 32 1,080 Total Non-Current Liabilities 7,706 32 7,738 Equity: Retained earnings 22,229 98 22,327 Accumulated other comprehensive income 178 (42 ) 136 Total Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity 20,457 56 20,513 Total Equity 20,561 56 20,617 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 37,162 $ 88 $ 37,250 Year Ended August 31, 2013 As Reported Adjustments After Change in Accounting Principle Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net earnings $ 2,450 $ 98 $ 2,548 Deferred income taxes 148 54 202 Equity earnings in Alliance Boots (344 ) (152 ) (496 ) (1) Due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest, all reported periods include debt issuance costs as a contra-liability. This impacted the August 31, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet by reducing non-current assets and non-current liabilities by $20 million. The cumulative effect of eliminating the three-month reporting lag was recorded as an after-tax increase to retained earnings of $98 million as of September 1, 2013, the first day of the Company’s 2014 fiscal year.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Restructuring [Abstract]
Restructuring	4. Restructuring On April 8, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to implement a new restructuring program (the “Cost Transformation Program”) as part of an initiative to reduce costs and increase operating efficiencies. The Cost Transformation Program included plans to close approximately 200 stores across the U.S.; reorganize corporate and field operations; drive operating efficiencies; and streamline information technology and other functions. The actions under the Cost Transformation Program focus primarily on the Retail Pharmacy USA division, but includes activities from all segments and are expected to be substantially complete by the end of fiscal 2017. The Company estimates that it will recognize cumulative pre-tax charges to its GAAP financial results of between $1.6 billion and $1.8 billion, including costs associated with lease obligations and other real estate payments, asset impairments and employee termination and other business transition and exit costs. The Company expects to incur pre-tax charges of between $525 million and $600 million for real estate costs, including lease obligations (net of estimated sublease income), between $650 million and $725 million for asset impairment charges relating primarily to asset write-offs from store closures, information technology, inventory and other non-operational real estate asset write-offs, and between $425 million and $475 million for employee severance and other business transition and exit costs. The Company incurred pre-tax charges of $542 million ($223 million related to asset impairment charges, $202 million in real estate costs and $117 million in severance and other business transition and exit costs) related to the Cost Transformation Program in fiscal 2015. The majority of the charges incurred in fiscal 2015 related to activities within the Retail Pharmacy USA division, but also included activities within Retail Pharmacy International. All charges related to the Cost Transformation Program have been recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. As the program is implemented, the restructuring charges will be recognized as the costs are incurred over time in accordance with GAAP. In March 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to close underperforming stores in efforts to optimize and focus resources within the Retail Pharmacy USA operations in a manner intended to increase shareholder value. In fiscal 2015, the Company incurred total pre-tax charges related to this plan of $17 million, primarily related to lease termination costs. In fiscal 2014, the Company incurred pre-tax charges of $209 million ($137 million from lease termination costs, $71 million from asset impairments and $1 million of other charges). All charges related to this plan have been recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company expects to incur no additional costs related to this plan. Restructuring costs by segment are as follows (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Consolidated Fiscal 2015 Asset impairments $ 216 $ 7 $ - $ 223 Real estate costs 219 - - 219 Severance and other business transition and exit costs 105 12 - 117 Total restructuring costs 540 $ 19 $ - $ 559 Fiscal 2014 Real estate costs $ 137 $ - $ - $ 137 Asset impairments 71 - - 71 Severance and other business transition and exit costs 1 - - 1 Total restructuring costs $ 209 $ - $ - $ 209

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	5. Leases Initial terms for leased premises in the U.S. are typically 15 to 25 years, followed by additional terms containing renewal options at five-year intervals, and may include rent escalation clauses. Non-U.S. leases are typically for shorter terms and may include cancellation clauses or renewal options. The commencement date of all lease terms is the earlier of the date the Company becomes legally obligated to make rent payments or the date the Company has the right to control the property. The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. In addition to minimum fixed rentals, some leases provide for contingent rentals based upon a portion of sales. The Company continuously evaluates its real estate portfolio in conjunction with its capital needs. The Company has entered into several sale-leaseback transactions. In fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions of $867 million, $67 million and $115 million, respectively. In other transactions, the Company negotiated fixed rate renewal options which constitute a form of continuing involvement, resulting in the assets remaining on the balance sheet and a corresponding finance lease obligation. Annual minimum rental commitments under all leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable term of more than one year are shown below (in millions): Financing Obligation Capital Lease Operating Lease 2016 $ 18 $ 69 $ 3,141 2017 18 65 3,008 2018 18 62 2,944 2019 18 60 2,734 2020 18 61 2,518 Later 1,234 881 23,625 Total Minimum Lease Payments $ 1,324 $ 1,198 $ 37,970 The capital and finance lease amounts include $1.6 billion of imputed interest and executory costs. Total minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of approximately $214 million on leases due in the future under non-cancelable subleases. 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. In fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded charges of $252 million, $177 million and $43 million, respectively, for facilities that were closed or relocated under long-term leases, including stores closed through the Company’s store optimization plan and Cost Transformation Program. These charges are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges include the following (in millions): Year Ended August 31, 2015 2014 Balance – beginning of period $ 257 $ 123 Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities 231 171 Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates (6 ) (8 ) Interest accretion 27 14 Liability assumed through acquisition of Alliance Boots 13 - Cash payments, net of sublease income (76 ) (43 ) Balance – end of period $ 446 $ 257 The Company remains secondarily liable on 71 leases. The maximum potential undiscounted future payments are $351 million at August 31, 2015. Lease option dates vary, with some extending to 2039. Rental expense, which includes common area maintenance, insurance and taxes, where appropriate, was as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Minimum rentals $ 3,176 $ 2,687 $ 2,644 Contingent rentals 38 5 6 Less: Sublease rental income (46 ) (22 ) (22 ) $ 3,168 $ 2,670 $ 2,628

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	6. Equity Method Investments Alliance Boots became a consolidated subsidiary and ceased being accounted for under the equity method upon completion of the Second Step Transaction on December 31, 2014. Equity method investments as of August 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in millions, except percentages): 2015 2014 Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Alliance Boots $ NA 100% $ 7,336 45% Other 1,242 12% - 50% 74 30% - 50% Total $ 1,242 $ 7,410 NA Not applicable Alliance Boots On August 2, 2012, pursuant to 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 Walgreens common stock. The Purchase and Option Agreement provided, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions, a call option that gave the Company the right, but not the obligation, to acquire the remaining 55% of Alliance Boots in exchange for an additional £3.1 billion in cash as well as an additional 144.3 million Company shares, subject to certain adjustments (the “call option”). On August 5, 2014, the Purchase and Option Agreement was amended to permit the exercise of the call option beginning on that date, and the Company, through an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary to which the Company previously assigned its right to the call option, exercised the call option on August 5, 2014. The Company’s equity earnings, initial investment and the call option excluded the Alliance Boots minority interest in Galenica Ltd. (“Galenica”). The Alliance Boots investment in Galenica was distributed to the Alliance Boots shareholders other than Walgreens in May 2013, which had no impact on the Company’s financial results. Prior to the closing of the Second Step Transaction on December 31, 2014, the Company accounted for its 45% investment in Alliance Boots using the equity method of accounting. Because the underlying net assets in Alliance Boots were denominated in a foreign currency, translation gains or losses had an impact on the recorded value of the Company’s investment. The Company utilized a three-month reporting lag in recording equity income in Alliance Boots, which was eliminated on December 31, 2014 (See Note 3, Change in Accounting Policy) . The Company’s share of Alliance Boots earnings was recorded as Equity earnings in Alliance Boots . The Company’s initial investment in Alliance Boots exceeded its proportionate share of the net assets of Alliance Boots by $2.4 billion. This premium of $2.4 billion was recognized as part of the carrying value in the Company’s equity investment in Alliance Boots. The difference was primarily related to the fair value of Alliance Boots indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. The Company’s equity method income from the investment in Alliance Boots was adjusted to reflect the amortization of fair value adjustments in certain definite lived assets of Alliance Boots. The Company’s incremental amortization expense associated with the Alliance Boots investment was $14 million, $41 million and $68 million for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The incremental amortization expense was recorded as a reduction in equity earnings from Alliance Boots for all periods prior to closing of the Second Step Transaction on December 31, 2014. The Second Step Transaction closed on December 31, 2014. (See Note 1, Organization, and Note 2, Summary of Major Accounting Policies). In connection with this transaction as required by ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, the Company recorded a non-cash gain of $563 million resulting from the remeasurement of the previously held equity interest in Alliance Boots at its acquisition date fair value. The non-cash gain includes $310 million of other comprehensive losses and foreign currency translation losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income. This gain is preliminary and may be subject to change as the Company finalizes purchase accounting. Other Equity Method Investments Other equity method investments primarily relate to equity method investments in Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Nanjing Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited, the Company’s pharmaceutical wholesale investments in China and the equity method investment in Option Care Inc. retained through the sale of Walgreens Infusion Services in April 2015. Also included are additional investments in pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution, retail pharmacy and the Company’s hearing care operator and the equity method investment retained through the sale of Take Care Employer in fiscal 2014. Equity investments of the Company are recorded within other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company Summarized Financial Information Summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investees is as follows: Balance Sheets (in millions) At August 31, 2015 (1) 2014 (1) Current assets $ 5,015 $ 9,074 Non-current assets 1,548 22,363 Current liabilities 3,936 9,372 Non-current liabilities 837 10,608 Shareholders’ equity (2) 1,790 11,457 Statements of Earnings (in millions) Year Ended August 31, 2015 (3) 2014 (3) 2013 (3) Net sales $ 20,905 $ 37,624 $ 36,482 Gross Profit 3,794 8,109 7,632 Net Earnings 791 1,446 1,363 Share of earnings from equity method investments (3) 339 618 496 (1) (2) (3)

Available-for-Sale Investments

Available-for-Sale Investments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Available-for-Sale Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Investments	7. Available-for-Sale Investments Walgreens, Alliance Boots and AmerisourceBergen entered into a Framework Agreement dated as of March 18, 2013, pursuant to which 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 within Note 11, Financial Instruments) in open market transactions. In conjunction with its long-term relationship with AmerisourceBergen, Walgreens acquired shares of AmerisourceBergen through open market transactions totaling $493 million in fiscal 2014. No AmerisourceBergen shares were purchased in fiscal 2015. As of August 31, 2015, the Company held 11.5 million shares, approximately 5.2% of AmerisourceBergen’s outstanding common stock at a total fair value of $1.1 billion. The Company’s cumulative cost basis of common shares acquired was $717 million at August 31, 2015. Pursuant to ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities, the Company accounts for the investment in AmerisourceBergen shares as an available-for-sale investment reported at fair value within other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As an available-for-sale investment, changes in the fair value are recorded through other comprehensive income. The value of the investment is recorded at the closing price of AmerisourceBergen common stock as of the balance sheet date. A summary of the cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities, with gross unrealized gains and losses, is as follows (in millions): August 31, 2015 Amortized cost basis Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value AmerisourceBergen common stock $ 717 $ 430 $ - $ 1,147 Other investments 37 - (1 ) 36 Total available-for-sale investments $ 754 $ 430 $ (1 ) $ 1,183 August 31, 2014 Amortized cost basis Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value AmerisourceBergen common stock $ 717 $ 170 $ - $ 887 Total available-for-sale investments $ 717 $ 170 $ - $ 887 In fiscal 2015, as a result of the Second Step Transaction, the Company acquired available-for-sale securities. In fiscal 2015, subsequent to the Second Step Transaction, $52 million of acquired available-for-sale securities were sold. In 2014 and 2013, there were no sales of available-for-sale investments. The Company has $36 million of other available-for-sale investments classified within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 31, 2015. There were no available-for-sale investments classified within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 31, 2014.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	8. Acquisitions Alliance Boots The Second Step Transaction closed on December 31, 2014, resulting in the acquisition by the Company of 55% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Alliance Boots, increasing its interest to 100%. (See Note 1, Organization, and Note 2, Summary of Major Accounting Policies). The Company previously accounted for its 45% interest in Alliance Boots as an equity method investment. As a result of the Second Step Transaction, the Company significantly expanded its operations to include pharmacy-led health and beauty retailing and pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution businesses in major international markets. As a result of the closing of the Second Step Transaction, the Company increased its interest in WBAD, a 50/50 global sourcing enterprise between Walgreens and Alliance Boots, to 100%. Because Walgreens held, prior to the Second Step Transaction, a 50% direct interest and an additional indirect interest in WBAD through its 45% ownership of Alliance Boots, the financial results of WBAD were fully consolidated into the Walgreens financial statements with the remaining 27.5% effective interest being recorded as a noncontrolling interest. The acquisition of the 27.5% noncontrolling interest was accounted for as an equity transaction with no gain or loss recorded in the statement of earnings under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. On January 1, 2015, WBAD Holdings Limited sold 320 common shares of WBAD, representing approximately 5% of the equity interests in WBAD, to Alliance Healthcare Italia Distribuzione S.p.A. (“AHID”), which is not a member of the Company’s consolidated group. Under certain circumstances, AHID has the right to put, and WBAD Holdings Limited has the right to call, the 320 common shares of WBAD currently owned by AHID for a purchase price of $100,000. The total purchase price of the Second Step Transaction of $15.9 billion included £3.133 billion in cash (approximately $4.9 billion at the December 31, 2014 spot rate of $1.56 to £1.00) and 144.3 million of the Company’s common shares at a fair value of $11.0 billion (based on the December 30, 2014 closing market price of $76.05). Of the total purchase price, $13.3 billion was preliminarily allocated to acquire the 55% ownership interest in Alliance Boots and $2.6 billion was preliminarily allocated to acquire the noncontrolling interest in WBAD. The purchase price attributed to the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in WBAD was determined based on the relative fair value of Alliance Boots and WBAD, respectively. The preliminary impact of the equity transaction is as follows (in millions): Amount Consideration attributed to WBAD $ 2,559 Less: Carrying value of the Company’s pre-existing noncontrolling interest 130 Impact to additional paid in capital $ 2,429 As of August 31, 2015, the Company had not completed the analysis to assign fair values to all tangible and intangible assets acquired and therefore the purchase price allocation for Alliance Boots and WBAD has not been completed. The preliminary purchase price allocation will be subject to further refinement and may result in material changes. These changes will primarily relate to the allocation of consideration and the fair value assigned to all tangible and intangible assets acquired and identified. The following table summarizes the consideration paid to acquire the remaining 55% interest in Alliance Boots and the preliminary amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Second Step Transaction (in millions). Consideration paid Cash $ 4,874 Common stock 10,977 Total consideration transferred 15,851 Less: consideration attributed to WBAD (2,559 ) 13,292 Fair value of the investment in Alliance Boots held before the Second Step Transaction 8,149 Total consideration $ 21,441 Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed including noncontrolling interests Cash and cash equivalents $ 413 Accounts receivable 3,799 Inventories 3,713 Other current assets 894 Property, plant and equipment 3,847 Intangible assets 11,691 Other non-current assets 2,218 Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities (7,711 ) Borrowings (9,010 ) Deferred income taxes (2,461 ) Other non-current liabilities (389 ) Noncontrolling interests (412 ) Total identifiable net assets and noncontrolling interests 6,592 Goodwill $ 14,849 Significant changes from the preliminary purchase price valuation at February 28, 2015 include an increase in identified intangible assets based on updated financial information, higher deferred income taxes as a result of the increase in identified intangible assets and increases in equity investments and noncontrolling interests based on updated financial information. The preliminary purchase price allocation will be subject to further refinement and may result in material changes. As a result of the Company acquiring the remaining 55% interest in Alliance Boots, the Company’s previously held 45% interest was remeasured to fair value, resulting in a gain of $563 million. This gain has been recognized as Gain on previously held equity interest in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. This gain is preliminary and may be subject to change as the Company finalizes purchase accounting. The fair value of the previously held equity interest of $8.1 billion in Alliance Boots was determined using the i a The fair value for trade names and trademarks was determined using the relief from royalty method of the income approach; pharmacy licenses and customer relationships were determined using the excess earnings method of the income approach; and loyalty card holders were determined using the incremental cash flow method which is a form of the income approach. Personal property fair values were determined primarily using the indirect cost approach, while real property fair values were determined using the income, market and/or cost approach. and intangible assets are and intangible assets and (d) attrition rates s The preliminary identified definite and indefinite lived intangible assets were as follows: Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years) Amount (in millions) Customer relationships 12 $ 1,311 Loyalty card holders 12 742 Trade names and trademarks 7 399 Favorable lease interests 8 93 Total $ 2,545 Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Amount (in millions) Trade names and trademarks $ 6,657 Pharmacy licenses 2,489 Total $ 9,146 The preliminary goodwill of $14.8 billion arising from the Second Step Transaction primarily reflects the expected purchasing synergies, operating efficiencies by benchmarking performance and applying best practices across the combined company, consolidation of operations, reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses and combining workforces. Following the completion of the Second Step Transaction, The preliminary goodwill allocated to the Retail Pharmacy USA segment of $7.3 billion comprises $3.5 billion of synergy benefits allocable to the segment on a source of procurement benefit basis and $3.8 billion determined on a “with-and-without” basis. The source of procurement benefit basis allocates the synergy benefits to the segment whose purchase gave rise to the benefit. The “with-and-without” basis computes the difference between the fair value of the pre-existing business before the combination and its fair value after the combination, and since the pre-existing Walgreens business is now within the Retail Pharmacy USA segment, all of this difference is allocated to this segment. The “with-and-without” computation recognized that if the Second Step Transaction did not happen, then this was likely to negatively impact the existing Walgreens business, which already had a 45% interest in Alliance Boots, as the expected purchasing synergies and other benefits resulting from a full combination would not be fully realized. Of the remaining preliminary goodwill, $3.9 billion was allocated to the Retail Pharmacy International segment and $3.6 billion was allocated to the Pharmaceutical Wholesale segment. The allocation of the goodwill to the individual reporting units within the respective segments has not been completed. Substantially all of the goodwill recognized is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The Company incurred legal and other professional services costs related to the Second Step Transaction, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses, of $87 million in fiscal 2015. The preliminary fair value of the assets acquired includes inventory having an estimated fair value of $3.7 billion. This fair value includes a $107 million fair value adjustment to capitalize the estimated profit in acquired finished goods inventory as of the date of the Second Step Transaction, which was expensed to cost of sales over the first inventory turn. The following table presents supplemental unaudited condensed pro forma consolidated information for 2015 and 2014 as if the Second Step Transaction had occurred on September 1, 2013, the first day of the Company’s fiscal 2014. As described in Note 3, Change in Accounting Policy, the information has been presented without a lag. The unaudited condensed pro forma information reflect certain adjustments related to past operating performance and acquisition accounting adjustments, such as increased amortization expense based on the fair valuation of assets acquired, the impact of acquisition financing, transaction costs and the related income tax effects. The unaudited condensed pro forma information does not include any anticipated synergies which may be achievable subsequent to the date of the Second Step Transaction. The unaudited condensed pro forma information also excludes certain non-recurring items such as the gain on Walgreens previously held 45% investment in Alliance Boots and other transaction related costs. Accordingly, the unaudited condensed pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of what the Company’s results would have been had the Second Step Transaction occurred at the beginning of the periods presented or the results which may occur in the future. Year Ended August 31, 2015 2014 (in millions, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 116,491 $ 113,896 Net earnings 4,278 3,884 Net earnings per common share: Basic $ 4.10 $ 3.54 Diluted 4.06 3.50 Actual results from Alliance Boots operations included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings since December 31, 2014, the date of the Second Step Transaction, are as follows (in millions, except per share amounts): Year Ended (in millions, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 22,470 Net earnings 853 Net earnings per common share: Basic $ 0.82 Diluted 0.81 Other Acquisitions and Divestitures The aggregate purchase price of all businesses acquired in fiscal 2015, excluding Alliance Boots, net of cash received was $371 million for fiscal 2015. In fiscal 2015, the Company acquired Liz Earle Beauty Co. Ltd, owner of the Liz Earle skincare brand in addition to other asset acquisitions, primarily pharmacy prescription files. These acquisitions added $ 126 Additionally, in fiscal 2015 the Company completed the sale of a majority interest in its subsidiary, Walgreens Infusion Services to Madison Dearborn Partners (“MDP”). Walgreens Infusion Services became a new independent, privately-held company named Option Care Inc. MDP owns a majority interest in the new company. owns a significant minority interest and has representatives on the company’s board of directors. In fiscal 2014, the Company acquired certain assets of Kerr Drug and its affiliates for $170 million. This acquisition included 76 retail locations as well as a specialty pharmacy business and a distribution center. The Kerr Drug acquisition added $42 million to goodwill and $54 million to intangible assets, primarily prescription files and payer contracts, with $74 million allocated to net tangible assets. Additionally, the Company completed the sale of a majority interest in its subsidiary, Take Care Employer Solutions, LLC (“Take Care Employer”) to Water Street Healthcare Partners (“Water Street”). At the same time, Water Street made an investment in CHS Health Services (“CHS”), an unrelated entity and merged CHS with Take Care Employer to create a leading worksite health company dedicated to improving the cost and quality of employee health care. Water Street owns a majority interest in the new company while the Company owns a significant minority interest and has representatives on the new company’s board of directors.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. As part of the Company’s impairment analysis for each reporting unit, the Company engaged a third party appraisal firm to assist in the determination of estimated fair value for each unit. This determination included estimating the fair value using both the income and market approaches. The income approach requires management to estimate a number of factors for each reporting unit, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and discount rates. The market approach estimates fair value using comparable marketplace fair value data from within a comparable industry grouping. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units and the allocation of that value to individual assets and liabilities within those reporting units requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which the Company competes; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures. The allocation requires several analyses to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities including, among other things, trade names and trademarks, pharmacy licenses, customer relationships and purchased prescription files. Although the Company believes its estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting units, the amount of the goodwill impairment charge, or both. The Company also compared the sum of the estimated fair values of its reporting units to the Company’s total value as implied by the market value of its equity and debt securities. This comparison indicated that, in total, its assumptions and estimates were reasonable. However, future declines in the overall market value of the Company’s equity and debt securities may indicate that the fair value of one or more reporting units has declined below its carrying value. Goodwill added as a result of the Second Step Transaction has been preliminarily allocated to the Retail Pharmacy USA, Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale reportable segments. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment consist of the following activity (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Total August 31, 2013 $ 2,410 $ - $ - $ 2,410 Acquisitions 58 - - 58 Sale of business (1) (92 ) - - (92 ) Other (3) (17 ) - - (17 ) August 31, 2014 2,359 - - 2,359 Acquisitions 7,290 4,036 3,646 14,972 Sale of business (2) (706 ) - - (706 ) Other (3) (3 ) - - (3 ) Currency translation adjustments - (138 ) (112 ) (250 ) August 31, 2015 $ 8,940 $ 3,898 $ 3,534 $ 16,372 (1) Represents goodwill associated with Walgreens Take Care Employer business which was sold in June 2014. (2) Represents goodwill associated with Walgreens Infusion Services business which was sold in April 2015. (3) Other primarily represents immaterial purchase accounting adjustments for prior year Company acquisitions. In fiscal 2015, as a result of the Second Step Transaction, t he Company recorded $14.8 billion of goodwill and $11.7 billion of intangible assets in conjunction with the preliminary purchase accounting. See Note 8, Acquisitions for additional information regarding the transaction. Additionally, in fiscal 2015 the Company completed the sale of a majority interest in its subsidiary, Walgreens Infusion Services. As a result, $706 million of goodwill allocated to this business was removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In fiscal 2014, the Company The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets consist of the following (in millions): August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets Purchased prescription files $ 885 $ 1,079 Favorable lease interests 440 382 Purchasing and payer contracts 94 301 Non-compete agreements 154 151 Trade names and trademarks 675 191 Customer relationships 1,409 - Loyalty card holders 730 - Other amortizable intangible assets - 4 Total gross amortizable intangible assets 4,387 2,108 Accumulated amortization Purchased prescription files 470 474 Favorable lease interests 207 174 Purchasing and payer contracts 65 145 Non-compete agreements 92 70 Trade names and trademarks 83 69 Customer relationships 132 - Loyalty card holders 41 - Other amortizable intangible assets - 4 Total accumulated amortization 1,090 936 Total amortizable intangible assets, net $ 3,297 $ 1,172 Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Trade names and trademarks $ 6,590 $ 8 Pharmacy licenses 2,464 - Total indefinite lived intangible assets $ 9,054 $ 8 Total intangible assets, net $ 12,351 $ 1,180 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $480 million, $282 million and $289 million in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The weighted-average amortization period by intangible asset category is as follows (in years): Intangible asset class 2015 2014 Purchased prescription files 6 6 Favorable lease interests 13 11 Purchasing and payer contracts 10 13 Non-compete agreements 5 5 Trade names and trademarks 9 12 Customer relationships 12 - Loyalty card holders 12 - Other amortizable intangible assets - 8 Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets recorded at August 31, 2015 is as follows (in millions): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Estimated annual amortization expense $ 442 $ 398 $ 352 $ 323 $ 267

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt	10. Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt Short-term borrowings and long-term debt consist of the following (all amounts are presented in millions of U.S. dollars. Debt issuances are denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted): August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Short-Term Borrowings (1) Current portion 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 $ 2 $ 8 Unsecured variable rate notes due 2016 747 - 1.000% unsecured notes due 2015 - 750 Other (2) 319 16 Total short-term borrowings $ 1,068 $ 774 Long-Term Debt (1) Unsecured Pound Sterling variable rate term loan due 2019 (4) $ 2,229 $ - 1.800% unsecured notes due 2017 - 994 1.750% unsecured notes due 2017 746 - 5.250% unsecured notes due 2019 (3) 250 1,007 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 1,243 - 2.875% unsecured Pound Sterling notes due 2020 (4) 612 - 3.300% unsecured notes due 2021 1,241 - 3.100% unsecured notes due 2022 1,193 1,192 3.800% unsecured notes due 2024 1,985 - 3.600% unsecured Pound Sterling notes due 2025 (4) 459 - 2.125% unsecured Euro notes due 2026 (5) 836 - 4.500% unsecured notes due 2034 494 - 4.400% unsecured notes due 2042 492 491 4.800% unsecured notes due 2044 1,491 - Loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings; various interest rates from 5.000% to 8.750%; various maturities from 2015 to 2035 20 32 Other (6) 24 - Total long-term debt $ 13,315 $ 3,716 (1) All notes are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable. (2) Other short-term borrowings represent a mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings with various maturities and working capital facilities denominated in various foreign currencies including $45 million of U.S. dollar equivalent bank overdrafts. (3) Also includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments, see Note 12, Fair Value Measurements for additional fair value disclosures. (4) Pound Sterling denominated notes are translated at the August 31, 2015 spot rate of $1.54 to one British Pound Sterling. (5) Euro denominated notes are translated at the August 31, 2015 spot rate of $1.12 to one Euro. (6) Other long-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings in various foreign currencies with various maturities. Extinguishment of Debt Assumed in Second Step Transaction As a result of the Second Step Transaction (see Note 8, Acquisitions), the Company assumed $9.0 billion of Alliance Boots existing debt. In January 2015, the Company repaid substantially all of the assumed debt with proceeds from the November 2014 debt issuances described below. $8.0 Billion Note Issuance On November 18, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance received net proceeds (after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses) of $7.9 billion from a public offering of notes with varying maturities and interest rates, the majority of which are fixed rate. The notes are unsecured, unsubordinated debt obligations of and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance from time to time outstanding. The notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis by Walgreens until August 10, 2015, when such guarantees were unconditionally released and discharged (as described below). Total issuance costs relating to the notes, including underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses, were $44 million. The fair value of the notes as of August 31, 2015 was $7.8 billion. Fair value for these notes was determined based upon quoted market prices. The following table summarizes each tranche of notes issued: Notes Issued (in millions) Maturity Date Interest Rate Interest Payment Dates $ 750 May 18, 2016 Variable; three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus 45 basis points February 18, May 18, August 18, and November 18; commencing on February 18, 2015 750 November 17, 2017 Fixed 1.750% May 17 and November 17; commencing on May 17, 2015 1,250 November 18, 2019 Fixed 2.700% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 1,250 November 18, 2021 Fixed 3.300% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 2,000 November 18, 2024 Fixed 3.800% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 500 November 18, 2034 Fixed 4.500% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 1,500 November 18, 2044 Fixed 4.800% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 $ 8,000 Former Walgreens Guarantee Upon issuance, the notes were guaranteed on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis by Walgreens pursuant to a guarantee agreement dated as of November 18, 2014. Pursuant to the terms of the Guarantee Agreement, such Guarantee Agreement would automatically terminate, and Walgreens’ obligations thereunder would be unconditionally released and discharged, if and when (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Capital Markets Indebtedness, including the Existing Notes, and Commercial Bank Indebtedness (as each such capitalized term is defined in the Guarantee Agreement), in each case, of Walgreens is less than $2.0 billion and (ii) Walgreens does not guarantee any Capital Markets Indebtedness (other than the notes or the Euro/Sterling notes issued on November 20, 2014 described below) or Commercial Bank Indebtedness, in each case, of the Walgreens Boots Alliance. Once released in accordance with its terms, the guarantees will not subsequently be required to be reinstated. On August 10, 2015, as a result of the redemption of certain notes of Walgreens described below, the Guarantee Agreement was automatically terminated in accordance with its terms, without penalty to Walgreens or Walgreens Boots Alliance, and the obligations of Walgreens thereunder were unconditionally released and discharged. Redemption Option Walgreens Boots Alliance may redeem (a) the notes due 2017, at any time in whole or from time to time in part, (b) the notes due 2019, at any time prior to October 18, 2019 in whole or from time to time prior to October 18, 2019 in part, (c) the notes due 2021, at any time prior to September 18, 2021 in whole or from time to time prior to September 18, 2021 in part, (d) the notes due 2024, at any time prior to August 18, 2024 in whole or from time to time prior to August 18, 2024 in part, (e) the notes due 2034, at any time prior to May 18, 2034 in whole or from time to time prior to May 18, 2034 in part, and (f) the notes due 2044, at any time prior to May 18, 2044 in whole or from time to time prior to May 18, 2044 in part, in each case, at ’s option for the sum of accrued and unpaid interest plus a redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the principal amount of the fixed rate 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 redemption date), discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the applicable series of notes), plus 15 basis points for the notes due 2017, 15 basis points for the notes due 2019, 20 basis points for the notes due 2021, 20 basis points for the notes due 2024, 20 basis points for the notes due 2034 and 25 basis points for the notes due 2044. In addition, at any time on or after October 18, 2019 with respect to the notes due 2019, September 18, 2021 with respect to the notes due 2021, August 18, 2024 with respect to the notes due 2024, May 18, 2034 with respect to the notes due 2034, or May 18, 2044 with respect to the notes due 2044, may redeem some or all of the applicable series of fixed rate notes at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the applicable fixed rate notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the fixed rate notes being redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date. Change in Control If experiences a change of control triggering event, unless has exercised its option to redeem the £700 Million and €750 Million Notes Issuance On November 20, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance issued three series of debt securities denominated in Euros and Pound Sterling in a public offering, each with varying maturities and interest rates. Interest on all notes is payable annually on November 20, commencing on November 20, 2015. The notes are unsecured, unsubordinated debt obligations of Walgreens Boots Alliance and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance from time to time outstanding. The notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis by Walgreens until August 10, 2015, when such guarantees were unconditionally released and discharged (as described below). Total issuance costs relating to the notes, including underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses, were $11 million. The fair value of the notes as of August 31, 2015 was $1.9 billion. Fair value for these notes was determined based upon quoted market prices. The following table details each tranche of Euro and Pound Sterling notes issued: Notes Issued (in millions) Maturity Date Interest Rate Euro Notes: € 750 November 20, 2026 Fixed 2.125% Pound Sterling Notes: £ 400 November 20, 2020 Fixed 2.875% 300 November 20, 2025 Fixed 3.600% £ 700 Former Walgreens Guarantee Upon issuance, the notes were guaranteed on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis by Walgreens pursuant to a guarantee agreement dated as of November 20, 2014. Pursuant to the terms of the Guarantee Agreement, such Guarantee Agreement would automatically terminate, and Walgreens’ obligations thereunder would be unconditionally released and discharged, if and when (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Capital Markets Indebtedness, including the Existing Notes, and Commercial Bank Indebtedness (as each such capitalized term is defined in the Guarantee Agreement), in each case, of Walgreens is less than $2.0 billion and (ii) Walgreens does not guarantee any Capital Markets Indebtedness (other than the notes or the U.S. Dollar notes issued on November 18, 2014 described above) or Commercial Bank Indebtedness, in each case, of Walgreens Boots Alliance. Once released in accordance with its terms, the guarantees will not Redemption Option Walgreens Boots Alliance may redeem (a) the Euro notes, at any time prior to August 20, 2026 in whole or from time to time prior to August 20, 2026 in part, (b) the Pound Sterling notes due 2020, at any time prior to October 20, 2020 in whole or from time to time prior to October 20, 2020 in part, and (c) the Pound Sterling notes due 2025, at any time prior to August 20, 2025 in whole or from time to time prior to August 20, 2025 in part, in each case, at Walgreens Boots Alliance’s option for the sum of accrued and unpaid interest plus at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be 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 redemption date), discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate, (as defined in the applicable series of notes), plus 20 basis points for the Euro notes, 20 basis points for the Pound Sterling notes due 2020 and 20 basis points for Pound Sterling the notes due 2025. In addition, at any time on or after August 20, 2026 with respect to the Euro notes, October 20, 2020 with respect to the Pound Sterling notes due 2020, or August 20, 2025 with respect to the Pound Sterling notes due 2025, Walgreens Boots Alliance may redeem some or all of the applicable series of notes at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the applicable notes to be redeemed, plus, in every case, accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date. Change in Control If Walgreens Boots Alliance experiences a change of control triggering event, unless Walgreens Boots Alliance has exercised its option to redeem the fixed rate notes or has defeased the notes as described in the indenture, Walgreens Boots Alliance will be required to offer payment of cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. $4.0 Billion Note Issuance On September 13, 2012, Walgreens obtained net proceeds from a public offering of $4.0 billion of notes with varying maturities and interest rates, the majority of which, at issuance, were fixed rate. The notes are unsecured senior debt obligations and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens. On December 31, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance fully and unconditionally guaranteed the outstanding notes on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis. The guarantee, for so long as it is in place, is an unsecured, unsubordinated debt obligation of Walgreens Boots Alliance and will rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance. Total issuance costs relating to the notes, including underwriting discounts and fees, were $26 million. On August 10, 2015, the 1.8000% fixed rate notes due September 15, 2017 in the aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion were redeemed in full. The redemption price was equal to 101.677% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date, and included a $17 million make whole premium, which was recorded as interest expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Additionally, the Company repaid the $750 million 1.000% fixed rate notes on their March 13, 2015 maturity date and the $550 million variable rate notes on their March 13, 2014 maturity date. The following table details each tranche of outstanding notes as of August 31, 2015: Notes Issued (in millions) Maturity Date Interest Rate Interest Payment Dates $ 1,200 September 15, 2022 Fixed 3.100% March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013 500 September 15, 2042 Fixed 4.400% March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013 $ 1,700 The fair value of the notes outstanding as of August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 was $1.6 billion and $3.4 billion (at August 31, 2014 there was $3.5 billion of issued notes outstanding), respectively. Fair value for these notes was determined based upon quoted market prices. Redemption Option and Change in Control Walgreens 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: (a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed; and (b) 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 in the applicable series of notes), plus 12 basis points for the notes due 2015, 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, Walgreens 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. $1.0 Billion Note Issuance On January 13, 2009, Walgreens 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 notes are unsecured senior debt obligations and rank equally with all other unsecured senior indebtedness of Walgreens. On December 31, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance fully and unconditionally guaranteed the outstanding notes on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis. The guarantee, for so long as it is in place, is an unsecured, unsubordinated debt obligation of Walgreens Boots Alliance and will rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Walgreens Boots Alliance. The notes are not convertible or exchangeable. Total issuance costs relating to this offering including underwriting discounts and fees, were $8 million. On August 10, 2015, $750 million aggregate principal amount of the notes were redeemed. The redemption price was equal to 111.734% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date, and included a $88 million make whole premium, which was recorded as interest expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The partial redemption of the notes resulted in $250 million aggregate principal amount of the notes remaining outstanding. The fair value of the notes as of August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 was $0.3 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. Fair value for these notes was determined based upon quoted market prices. Redemption Option and Change in Control Walgreens 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: (a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed; or (b) 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 (as defined in the applicable series of notes), 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 Walgreens 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. Other Borrowings The Company periodically borrows under its commercial paper program and may continue to borrow under it in future periods. There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding at August 31, 2015 or 2014. The Company had average daily short-term borrowings of $82 million of commercial paper outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 0.52% in fiscal 2015. In fiscal 2014, the Company had average daily short-term borrowings of $4 million of commercial paper outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 0.23%. On November 10, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Walgreens entered into a term loan credit agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”) which provides the ability to borrow up to £1.45 billion on an unsecured basis. As of August 31, 2015, Walgreens Boots Alliance has borrowed £1.45 billion ($2.2 billion at the August 31, 2015 spot rate of $1.54 to £1) under the Term Loan Agreement. Borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the reserve adjusted LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on the Company’s credit ratings. The fair value of the Term Loan Agreement as of August 31, 2015 was $2.2 billion. Fair value of the Term Loan Agreement was determined based upon quoted market prices. On November 10, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Walgreens entered into a five-year unsecured, multicurrency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), replacing prior Walgreens agreements dated July 20, 2011 and July 23, 2012. The new unsecured revolving credit agreement initially totaled $2.25 billion, of which $375 million was available for the issuance of letters of credit. On December 29, 2014, upon the affirmative vote of the majority of common shares of Walgreens represented and entitled to vote at the Walgreens special meeting of shareholders to approve the issuance of the shares necessary to complete the Second Step Transaction, the available credit increased to $3.0 billion, of which $500 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit. The issuance of letters of credit reduces the aggregate amount otherwise available under the Revolving Credit Agreement for the making of revolving loans. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement will bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to, at Walgreens Boots Alliance’s option, the alternate base rate or the reserve adjusted LIBOR, in each case, plus an applicable margin calculated based on the Company’s credit ratings. Total upfront fees related to the Term Loan Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement were $14 million. The Company pays a facility fee to the financing banks to keep these lines of credit active. At August 31, 2015, there were no borrowings or letters of credit issued against the revolving credit facility. In accordance with the terms of each of the Term Loan Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement, Walgreens guaranteed the punctual payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all of Walgreens Boots Alliance’s obligations under the Term Loan Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement, as applicable. Pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement, as applicable, each such guarantee would automatically terminate, and Walgreens’ obligations thereunder would be unconditionally released and discharged, if (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Capital Markets Indebtedness, including the Existing Notes, and Commercial Bank Indebtedness (as each such capitalized term is defined in the Term Loan Agreement or Revolving Credit Agreement, as applicable), in each case, of Walgreens is less than $2.0 billion and (ii) Walgreens does not guarantee any Capital Markets Indebtedness or Commercial Bank Indebtedness, in each case, of Walgreens Boots Alliance. On August 10, 2015, as a result of completing the redemption of certain of the Walgreens notes described above and the release of the guarantees of the Walgreens Boots Alliance notes described above, such guarantees of the Term Loan Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement automatically terminated, without penalty to Walgreens or Walgreens Boots Alliance and the obligations of Walgreens thereunder were unconditionally released and discharged. On December 19, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Walgreens entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement (the “364-Day Credit Agreement”) with the lenders party thereto. The 364-Day Credit Agreement is a 364-day unsecured, multicurrency revolving facility. The aggregate commitment of all lenders under the 364-Day Credit Agreement is $750 million. The Company pays a facility fee to the financing banks to keep this line of credit active. On July 9, 2015, Walgreens Boots Alliance amended the 364-Day Credit Agreement to remove Walgreens as a borrower thereunder, eliminate Walgreens’ guarantee of all obligations of Walgreens Boots Alliance thereunder The Term Loan Agreement, Revolving Credit Agreement and the 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement each contain a covenant to maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization not to exceed 0.60 to 1.00, as well as other customary restrictive covenants. At August 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	11. Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate and foreign currency exchange risks. As a result of the Second Step Transaction, the Company acquired all the derivative instruments held by Alliance Boots at their acquisition date fair values. The notional amounts, fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments outstanding as of August 31, 2015, excluding warrants which are presented separately in this footnote, were as follows (in millions): Notional (1) Fair Value Location in Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Interest rate swaps $ 250 $ 2 Other non-current assets Derivatives not designated as hedges Foreign currency forwards 1,205 34 Other current assets Foreign currency forwards 495 9 Other current liabilities Basis swap 1 - Other current assets (1) Amounts are presented in U.S. dollar equivalents. The notional amounts, fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments outstanding as of August 31, 2014, excluding warrants which are presented separately in this footnote, are as follows (in millions): Notional Fair Value Location in Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Interest rate swaps $ 1,000 $ 16 Other non-current assets Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Forward interest rate swaps 1,500 44 Other non-current liabilities The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate exposure associated with some of its fixed-rate borrowings and designates them as fair value hedges. The Company uses forward starting interest rate swaps to hedge its interest rate exposure of some of its anticipated debt issuances and designates them as cash flow hedges. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward contracts and other foreign currency derivatives to hedge significant committed and highly probable future transactions and cash flows denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company has significant non-US dollar denominated net investments and uses foreign currency denominated financial instruments, specifically foreign currency derivatives and foreign currency denominated debt, to hedge its foreign currency risk. Fair Value Hedges 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 and 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. These swaps were designated as fair value hedges. On August 10, 2015, the Company terminated $500 million of the six-month LIBOR in arrears swaps and all of the one-month LIBOR in arrears swaps in connection with the repayment of the associated debt as described in Note 10, Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt. The gains and losses due to changes in fair value on the swaps and on the hedged notes attributable to interest rate risk were recognized as follows (in millions): Location in Consolidated Statements of Earnings 2015 2014 2013 Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net $ (4 ) $ (15 ) $ 63 Notes Interest expense, net 6 15 (43 ) The changes in fair value of the Company’s debt that was swapped from fixed to variable rate and designated as fair value hedges are included in short-term and long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 10, Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt). At August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the cumulative fair value adjustments resulted in an increase in long-term debt of $1 million and $12 million, respectively. No material gains or losses were recorded from ineffectiveness during fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013. Cash Flow Hedges In fiscal 2014, the Company entered into a series of forward starting interest rate swap transactions locking in the then current three-month LIBOR interest rate on $1.5 billion of the then anticipated issuance of debt, with expected maturity tenures of 10 and 30 years. The swap transactions were designated as cash flow hedges of the variability in the expected cash outflows of interest payments on the then forecasted debt due to changes in the benchmark interest rates. In November 2014, in conjunction with the issuance of the $2.0 billion notes maturing in fiscal 2024 and the $1.5 billion notes maturing in fiscal 2044, the Company terminated these forward starting interest rate swaps, locking in the effective yields on the related debt. A cash payment of $45 million was made to settle the 10-year swap and a cash payment of $18 million was made to settle the 30-year swap in November 2014. The changes in fair value of the swaps until their termination were included in other comprehensive income, and any ineffectiveness was recorded directly to interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The cumulative changes included in other comprehensive income will be amortized into earnings in the same periods during which interest expense on the identified debt is recognized. As a result of the Second Step Transaction, the Company assumed $9.0 billion of Alliance Boots existing debt, a portion of which was hedged using interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. In January 2015, the Company repaid substantially all of the assumed debt and simultaneously terminated swaps converting £1.0 billion of outstanding debt from floating to fixed rates with no material gain or loss recognized. In July 2015, £1.0 billion of floating to fixed rate swaps which were not designated as hedging instruments matured. Interest rate caps with notional principal amounts of £1.5 billion and €2.0 billion to protect the Company from rising interest rates on the corresponding amounts of assumed Alliance Boots existing debt were in place on completion of the Second Step Transaction. In January 2015, interest rate caps with an aggregate notional principal of €600 million were terminated with no material gain or loss recognized. The remaining caps matured in July 2015. There were no material gains and losses due to the change in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income in fiscal 2014 or 2013. No portion of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges was excluded from hedge assessment. No material gains or losses were recorded in earnings from ineffectiveness in fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013. Derivatives not Designated as Hedges The Company enters into derivative transactions that are not designated as accounting hedges. These derivative instruments are economic hedges of interest rate and foreign currency risks. Income or expense due to changes in fair value of these derivative instruments were recognized in earnings as follows (in millions): Location in Consolidated Statements of Earnings 2015 2014 2013 Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net $ 1 $ - $ - Foreign currency forwards Selling, general and administrative expense 78 - - Second Step Transaction foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) (166 ) - - Foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) 72 - - Warrants As discussed in Note 2, Summary of Major Accounting Policies, the Company holds (a) a warrant to purchase up to 22,696,912 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 22,696,912 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 warrants issued to Alliance Boots were acquired by the Company as part of the Second Step Transaction. The Company reports its warrants at fair value. The fair value and balance sheet presentation of warrants was as follows (in millions): Location in Consolidated Balance Sheets August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Asset derivatives not designated as hedges: Warrants Other non-current assets $ 2,140 $ 553 The gains and losses due to changes in fair value of the warrants recognized in earnings were as follows (in millions): Location in Consolidated Statements of Earnings 2015 2014 2013 Warrants Other income (expense) $ 759 $ 366 $ 111 Derivatives Credit Risk Counterparties to derivative financial instruments expose the Company to credit-related losses in the event of counterparty nonperformance, and the Company regularly monitors the credit worthiness of each counterparty. Derivatives Offsetting The Company does not offset the fair value amounts of derivative instruments subject to master netting agreements in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	12. Fair Value Measurements The Company measures certain assets and liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which 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 and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (in millions): August 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Restricted cash (1) $ 184 $ 184 $ - $ - Money market funds (2) 2,043 2,043 - - Available-for-sale investments (3) 1,183 1,183 - - Interest rate swaps (4) 2 - 2 - Foreign currency forwards (5) 34 - 34 - Warrants (6) 2,140 - 2,140 - Liabilities Foreign currency forwards (5) 9 - 9 - August 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Money market funds (2) $ 1,879 $ 1,879 $ - $ - Available-for-sale investments (3) 887 887 - - Interest rate swaps (4) 16 - 16 - Warrants (6) 553 - 553 - Liabilities Forward interest rate swaps (7) 44 - 44 - (1) Restricted cash consists of deposits restricted under agency agreements and cash restricted by law and other obligations. (2) Money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor. (3) Fair values of quoted investments are based on current bid prices as of the balance sheet dates. See Note 7, Available-for-Sale Investments for additional disclosures. (4) The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated by discounting the estimated cash flows received and paid based on the applicable observable yield curves. See Note 11, Financial Instruments for additional disclosures. (5) The fair value of forward currency contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current available forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using observable market rates. (6) 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 expected 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. (7) Forward interest rate swaps were valued using three-month LIBOR rates. See Note 11, Financial Instruments for additional disclosures. There were no transfers between levels in fiscal 2015 or 2014. 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. Unless otherwise noted, the fair value for all notes was determined based upon quoted market prices and therefore categorized as Level 1. See Note 10, Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt for further details. The carrying values of accounts receivable and trade accounts payable approximated their respective fair values due to their short-term nature.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	13. 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. Legal proceedings, 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, if any, 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 its 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 December 5 and 12, 2014, putative shareholders filed class actions in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois against the Walgreens Board of Directors, Walgreen Co., and Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. arising out of the Company’s definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC in connection with the special meeting of Walgreens shareholders on December 29, 2014. The actions assert claims that the definitive proxy statement/prospectus was false or misleading in various respects. On December 23, 2014, solely to avoid the costs, risks and uncertainties inherent in litigation, and without admitting any liability or wrongdoing, Walgreens entered into a memorandum of understanding with the plaintiffs in both actions, pursuant to which Walgreens made certain supplemental disclosures. The proposed settlement is subject to, among other things, court approval. On July 8, 2015, the Court preliminarily approved the settlement and set the final approval hearing for November 6, 2015. On September 22, 2015, the Court adjourned the final approval hearing set for November 6, 2015, and reset the final approval hearing to November 20, 2015. On December 29, 2014, a putative shareholder filed a derivative action in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois against certain current and former directors and officers of Walgreen Co., and Walgreen Co. as a nominal defendant, arising out of certain public statements the Company made regarding its former fiscal 2016 goals. The action asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, waste and unjust enrichment. On April 10, 2015, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss. On May 18, 2015, the case was stayed in light of the securities class action that was filed on April 10, 2015, which is described below. On April 10, 2015, a putative shareholder filed a securities class action in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois against Walgreen Co. and certain former officers of Walgreen Co. The action asserts claims for violation of the federal securities laws arising out of certain public statements the Company made regarding its former fiscal 2016 goals. On June 16, 2015, the Court entered an order appointing a lead plaintiff. Pursuant to the Court’s order, lead plaintiff filed an amended complaint on August 17, 2015, and defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint on October 16, 2015.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	14. Income Taxes The components of Earnings Before Income Tax Provision were (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 2,725 $ 3,386 $ 3,469 Non – U.S. 2,586 171 578 Total $ 5,311 $ 3,557 $ 4,047 The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Current provision Federal $ 846 $ 1,207 $ 1,122 State 121 109 134 Non – U.S. 128 35 15 1,095 1,351 1,271 Deferred provision Federal (23 ) 183 228 State (16 ) (3 ) (2 ) Non – U.S. - (5 ) 2 (39 ) 175 228 Income tax provision $ 1,056 $ 1,526 $ 1,499 The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1.3 1.9 2.2 Loss on Alliance Boots call option (1) - 8.5 - Deferred tax asset recognition (1) (4.1 ) - - Gain on previously held equity interest (5.8 ) - - Foreign income taxed at non-U.S. rates (6.2 ) (3.1 ) (0.3 ) Non-taxable income (2.6 ) - - Non-deductible expenses 2.3 0.3 1.0 Other - 0.3 (0.9 ) Effective income tax rate 19.9 % 42.9 % 37.0 % (1) Upon the amendment and immediate exercise of the call option to acquire the remaining 55% ownership of Alliance Boots, the Company was required to compare the fair value of the amended option with the book value of the original option with a gain or loss recognized for the difference. The fair value of the amended option resulted in a financial statement loss of $866 million. The loss on the Alliance Boots call option was, in part, a capital loss and available to be carried forward and offset future capital gains through fiscal 2020. The loss was also the primary contributor to the 2014 valuation allowance amount reported in the deferred income tax table below. In 2015, the deferred tax asset related to the loss was recognized, resulting in the 4.1% effective tax rate benefit reported in the table above as well as a reduction to the valuation allowance amount reported in the deferred income tax table below. The deferred tax assets and liabilities included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following (in millions): 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets Postretirement benefits $ 130 $ 247 Compensation and benefits 224 166 Insurance 68 98 Accrued rent 167 166 Outside basis difference 73 - Bad debts 67 65 Tax attributes 341 430 Stock compensation 119 131 Other 93 75 1,282 1,378 Less: Valuation allowance 125 223 Total deferred tax assets 1,157 1,155 Deferred tax liabilities Accelerated depreciation 1,234 1,244 Inventory 420 407 Intangible assets 1,822 64 Equity method investment 333 387 Deferred income 889 208 4,698 2,310 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 3,541 $ 1,155 At August 31, 2015, the Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $341 million, primarily reflecting the benefit of $399 million in U.S. federal, $478 million in state and $476 million in non-U.S. ordinary and capital losses. Of these deferred tax assets, $218 million will expire at various dates from 2016 through 2034. The residual deferred tax assets of $123 million have no expiry date. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain deferred tax assets will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $125 million against those deferred tax assets as of August 31, 2015. Income taxes paid were $1.3 billion, $1.2 billion and $1.2 billion for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, provides guidance regarding the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure in the financial statements of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, including the decision whether to file in a particular jurisdiction. As of August 31, 2015, unrecognized tax benefits of $224 million were reported as long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets while $73 million were reported as current tax liabilities. Both of these amounts include interest and penalties, when applicable. The following table provides a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 193 $ 208 $ 197 Gross increases related to business combination 84 - - Gross increases related to tax positions in a prior period 45 55 18 Gross decreases related to tax positions in a prior period (75 ) (82 ) (32 ) Gross increases related to tax positions in the current period 63 46 30 Settlements with taxing authorities (45 ) (22 ) (2 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (4 ) (12 ) (3 ) Balance at end of year $ 261 $ 193 $ 208 At August 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, $227 million, $105 million and $116 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized. During the next twelve months, based on current knowledge, it is reasonably possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by up to $73 million due to anticipated tax audit settlements and the expirations of statutes of limitations associated with tax positions related to multiple tax jurisdictions. The Company recognizes interest and penalties in the income tax provision in its Consolidated Statements of Earnings. At August 31, 2015, and August 31, 2014, the Company had accrued interest and penalties of $36 million and $21 million, respectively. For the year ended August 31, 2015, the amount reported in income tax expense related to interest and penalties was $3 million. The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return as well as income tax returns in various states and multiple foreign jurisdictions. It is generally no longer under audit examination for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any years prior to fiscal 2014. With few exceptions, it is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before fiscal 2007. In foreign tax jurisdictions, the Company is generally no longer subject to examination by the tax authorities in Luxembourg prior to 2010, in Germany prior to 2011, in France prior to 2009, and in Turkey prior to 2010. With respect to the United Kingdom, a number of specific issues remain open to examination by the tax authorities back to 2000. The Company has received tax holidays from Swiss cantonal income taxes relative to certain of its Swiss operations. The income tax holidays are expected to extend through September 2022. The holidays had a beneficial impact of approximately $89 million during 2015. This benefit is primarily included as part of the foreign income taxed at non-U.S. rates line in the effective tax rate reconciliation table above. At August 31, 2015, it is not practicable for the Company to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability it has with respect to temporary differences related to investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign corporate joint ventures that are essentially permanent in duration.

Stock Compensation Plans

Stock Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock Compensation Plans	15. Stock Compensation Plans The Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) which became effective in fiscal 2013, provides for incentive compensation to the Company’s non-employee directors, officers and employees, and consolidates into a single plan several previously existing equity compensation plans. A total of 60.4 million shares became available for delivery under the Omnibus Plan. In connection with the Reorganization, the Omnibus Plan was assumed by the Company and each Walgreens stock option, restricted stock unit award, performance share award, deferred stock unit award, and share of common stock converted automatically into an award with respect to the number of shares of common stock of the Company on a one-for-one basis. The Company’s awards continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as those that were applicable to such award immediately prior to their conversion. The Company did not record any incremental compensation expense related to the conversion. A summary of the equity awards authorized and available for future grants under the Omnibus Plan follows: Available for future grants at August 31, 2014 48,352,242 Newly authorized options - Granted (8,649,296 ) Cancellation and forfeitures 5,059,061 Plan termination 1,409,063 Available for future grants at August 31, 2015 46,171,070 A summary of the Company’s stock options outstanding under the Omnibus Plan follows: Options Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Outstanding at August 31, 2014 31,916,824 $ 39.28 6.40 $ 674 Granted 4,119,972 64.19 Exercised (10,007,975 ) 35.22 Expired/Forfeited (3,754,248 ) 53.72 Outstanding at August 31, 2015 22,274,573 43.52 6.29 959 Vested or expected to vest at August 31, 2015 21,879,917 43.20 6.25 948 Exercisable at August 31, 2015 8,825,638 32.42 4.03 478 The fair value of each option grant was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate (1) 1.97 % 1.98 % 1.15 % Average life of option (years) (2) 6.6 6.9 7.0 Volatility (3) 25.58 % 26.27 % 24.94 % Dividend yield (4) 1.79 % 2.48 % 2.44 % Weighted-average grant-date fair value $ 14.62 $ 12.88 $ 6.75 (1) Represents the U.S. Treasury security rates for the expected term of the option. (2) Represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company analyzed separate groups of employees with similar exercise behavior to determine the expected term. (3) Volatility was based on historical and implied volatility of the Company’s common stock. (4) Represents the Company’s forecasted cash dividend for the expected term. The intrinsic value for options exercised in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $423 million, $346 million and $159 million, respectively. The total fair value of options vested in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $54 million, $58 million and $51 million, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of options in fiscal 2015 was $352 million compared to $490 million in the prior year. The related tax benefit realized was $159 million in fiscal 2015 compared to $130 million in the prior year. The Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Employees Stock Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase common stock at 90% of the fair market value at the date of purchase. Employees may make purchases by cash or payroll deductions up to certain limits. The aggregate number of shares that may be purchased under this plan is 94 million. At August 31, 2015, 14 million shares were available for future purchase. Restricted performance shares issued under the Omnibus Plan offer performance-based incentive awards and equity-based awards to key employees. Restricted stock units are also equity-based awards with performance requirements that are granted to key employees. The restricted performance shares and restricted stock unit awards are both subject to restrictions as to continuous employment except in the case of death, normal retirement or total and permanent disability. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, compensation expense is recognized based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the employee’s vesting period or to the employee’s retirement eligible date, if earlier. A summary of information relative to the Company’s restricted stock units follows: Outstanding Shares Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Outstanding at August 31, 2014 3,280,067 $ 45.40 Granted 1,157,312 66.26 Dividends 64,796 - Forfeited (636,244 ) 52.68 Vested (531,479 ) 52.29 Outstanding at August 31, 2015 3,334,452 $ 50.85 Unless otherwise noted, the fair value of each performance share granted assumes that performance goals will be achieved at 100 percent. If such goals are not met, no compensation expense is recognized and any recognized compensation expense is reversed. A summary of information relative to the Company's performance shares follows: Outstanding Shares Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Outstanding at August 31, 2014 2,063,132 $ 44.85 Granted 483,174 65.31 Performance adjustment (1) (615,445 ) 35.30 Forfeited (444,961 ) 55.00 Vested (40,120 ) 44.00 Outstanding at August 31, 2015 1,445,780 $ 50.78 (1) Represents the adjustment to previously granted shares based on performance criteria. The Company also issues shares to nonemployee directors. Each director receives an equity grant of shares every year on November 1. In fiscal 2013, the number of shares granted to each director was determined by dividing $ 170 ,000 by the price of a share of common stock on November 1, 2012. In fiscal 2014 and 2015, the number of shares granted to each director was determined by dividing $175,000 by the price of a share of common stock on November 1, 2013 and November 1, 2014, respectively. Each nonemployee director may elect to receive this annual share grant in the form of shares or deferred stock units. In fiscal 2015, there were 2,725 shares granted to nonemployee directors compared to 2,892 shares and 4,789 shares in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. New directors in any fiscal year earned a prorated amount. Payment of the annual retainer is paid in the form of cash, which may be deferred. A summary of total stock-based compensation expense follows (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Stock options $ 24 $ 52 $ 51 Restricted stock units 68 48 33 Performance shares 11 8 15 Other 6 6 5 $ 109 $ 114 $ 104

Retirement Benefits

Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Benefits	16. Retirement Benefits The Company sponsors several retirement plans, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans and a postretirement health plan. Pursuant to the Second Step Transaction, the Company assumed a number of retirement benefit plans in the United Kingdom and other countries. Defined Benefit Pension Plans (non-U.S. plans) The principal defined benefit pension plan is the Boots Pension Plan covering certain employees in the United Kingdom (the “Boots Plan”). The Boots Plan is a funded final salary defined benefit plan providing pensions and death benefits to members. The Boots Plan was closed to future accrual effective July 1, 2010 with pensions calculated based on salaries up until that date. The Boots Plan is governed by a trustee board, which is independent of the Company. The plan is subject to a full funding actuarial valuation on a triennial basis. The Company also has two smaller defined benefit plans in the United Kingdom, both of which were closed to future accruals effective July 1, 2010. Other defined benefit pension plans include smaller plans in Germany and France . The obligation related to the Company’s pension plans was acquired as a result of the Second Step Transaction . Defined benefit pension plan assets were invested in the following classes of securities as of August 31, 2015: Percentage of Fair Market Value Equity securities 9.5 % Debt securities 81.5 % Real estate 5.6 % Other 3.4 % The investment strategy of the principal defined benefit pension plan is to hold approximately 85% of its assets in a diverse portfolio of high quality bonds with the remainder invested in equity and real estate assets backing longer term liabilities. Interest rate and inflation rate swaps are also employed to complement the role of fixed and index-linked bond holdings in liability risk management. The following table presents defined benefit pension plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of August 31, 2015 (in millions). August 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities: Equity securities (1) $ 852 $ - $ 852 $ - Debt securities: Fixed interest government bonds (2) 267 - 267 - Index linked government bonds (2) 1,006 - 1,006 - Corporate bonds (3) 5,535 - 5,535 - Other bonds (4) 472 - 472 - Real estate: Real estate (5) 502 - - 502 Other: Other investments (6) 302 25 275 2 Total $ 8,936 $ 25 $ 8,407 $ 504 (1) Equity securities, which mainly comprise investments in comingled funds, are valued based on quoted prices and are primarily exchange-traded. Securities for which official close or last trade pricing on an active exchange is available are classified as Level 1 investments. If closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the last quoted bid price and typically are categorized as Level 2 investments. (2) Debt securities: government bonds comprise fixed interest and index linked bonds issued by central governments, and are valued based on quotes received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Pricing services utilize pricing which considers readily available inputs such as the yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as dealer-supplied prices. Debt securities: government bonds are categorized as Level 2 investments. (3) Debt securities: corporate bonds comprise bonds issued by corporations and are valued using recently executed transactions, or quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active. If there have been no market transactions in a particular fixed income security, its fair value is calculated by pricing models that benchmark the security against other securities with actual market prices. Debt securities: corporate bonds are categorized as Level 2 investments. (4) Debt securities: other bonds comprise agency and mortgage-backed securities. These are valued using recently executed transactions and quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active. If there have been no market transactions in a particular fixed income security, its fair value is calculated by pricing models that benchmark the security against other securities with actual market prices. Debt securities: other bonds are categorized as Level 2 investments. (5) Real estate comprises investments in certain property funds which themselves are valued based on the value of the underlying properties. These properties are valued using a number of standard industry techniques such as cost, discounted cash flows, independent appraisals and market based comparable data. Real estate investments are categorized as Level 3 investments. (6) Other investments mainly comprise cash and cash equivalents and derivatives. Cash is categorized as a Level 1 investment. Cash equivalents are valued using observable yield curves, discounting and interest rates and are categorized as Level 2 investments. Derivatives which are exchange-traded and for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by an independent pricing service on the primary market, or exchange on which they are traded, and are categorized as Level 1 investments. Over-the-counter derivatives typically are valued by independent pricing services and are categorized as Level 2 investments. Components of net periodic pension costs for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions): Boots and Other Pension Plans 2015 Service costs $ 3 Interest costs 214 Expected returns on plan assets (173 ) Settlements (2 ) Total net periodic pension costs $ 42 Change in benefit obligations for the defined benefit pension plans from the date of the Second Step Transaction (in millions): 2015 Benefit obligation at December 31 $ 8,827 Service costs 3 Interest costs 214 Amendments (2 ) Net a (103 ) Benefits paid (186 ) Currency translation adjustments (118 ) Benefit obligation at August 31 $ 8,635 Change in plan assets for the defined benefit pension plans from the date of the Second Step Transaction (in millions): 2015 Plan assets at fair value at December 31 $ 8,987 Employer contributions 152 Benefits paid (186 ) Return on assets 91 Currency translation adjustments (108 ) Plan assets at fair value at August 31 $ 8,936 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): 2015 Non-current assets $ 468 Current liabilities 1 Non-current liabilities 166 Net asset recognized at August 31 $ 301 Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (in millions): 2015 Prior service credit $ - Net actuarial gain 21 The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for all pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at August 31, 2015 were as follows (in millions): 2015 Projected benefit obligation $ 8,635 Accumulated benefit obligation 8,624 Fair value of plan assets 8,936 Estimated future benefit payments from defined benefit pension plans to participants are as follows (in millions): Estimated Future Benefit Payments 2016 $ 288 2017 284 2018 293 2019 303 2020 311 2021-2025 1,707 The assumptions used in accounting for the defined benefit pension plans were as follows: 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 3.87 % Rate of compensation increase 2.55 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 3.77 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 2.99 % Rate of compensation increase 2.66 % The Company made cash contributions to its defined benefit pension plans of $148 million from the date of the Second Step Transaction to August 31, 2015 which primarily related to committed deficit funding payments triggered by the Second Step Transaction. Based on current actuarial estimates, the Company plans to make contributions of $75 million to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2016 and expects to make contributions beyond 2016, which will vary based upon many factors, including the performance of the Company’s pension investments. Defined Contribution Plans The principal retirement plan for U.S. 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 adjusted FIFO earnings before interest and taxes 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 an expense of $158 million, $355 and $342 million in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s contributions were $249 million, $328 million and $262 million in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Following the Second Step Transaction , related to these arrangements Postretirement Healthcare Plan The Company provides certain health insurance benefits to retired U.S. employees who meet eligibility requirements, including age, years of service and date of hire. 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): 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 11 $ 8 $ 9 Interest cost 17 17 14 Amortization of actuarial loss 19 11 12 Amortization of prior service cost (24 ) (23 ) (22 ) Total postretirement benefit cost $ 23 $ 13 $ 13 Change in benefit obligation (in millions): 2015 2014 Benefit obligation at September 1 $ 427 $ 350 Service cost 11 8 Interest cost 17 17 Amendments (27 ) (23 ) Actuarial loss (gain) 17 88 Benefits paid (21 ) (19 ) Participants’ contributions 7 6 Benefit obligation at August 31 $ 431 $ 427 Change in plan assets (in millions): 2015 2014 Plan assets at fair value at September 1 $ - $ - Participants’ contributions 7 6 Employer contributions 14 13 Benefits paid (21 ) (19 ) Plan assets at fair value at August 31 $ - $ - Funded status (in millions): 2015 2014 Funded status at August 31 $ (431 ) $ (427 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): 2015 2014 Current liabilities (present value of expected net benefit payments) $ (12 ) $ (11 ) Non-current liabilities (419 ) (416 ) Net liability recognized at August 31 $ (431 ) $ (427 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (in millions): 2015 2014 Prior service credit $ (231 ) $ (228 ) Net actuarial loss 223 225 Amounts expected to be recognized as components of net periodic costs for fiscal year 2016 (in millions): 2016 Prior service credit $ (27 ) Net actuarial loss 19 The discount rate assumption used to compute the postretirement benefit obligation at year-end was 4.78% for 2015, and 4.40% for 2014. The discount rate assumption used to determine net periodic benefit cost was 4.40%, 5.05% and 4.15% for fiscal years ending 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The consumer price index assumption used to compute the postretirement benefit obligation was 2.00% for 2015 and 2014. Future benefit costs were estimated assuming medical costs would increase at a 7.15% annual rate, gradually decreasing to 5.25% over the next nine years and then remaining at a 5.25% annual growth rate thereafter. A one percentage point change in the assumed medical cost trend rate would have the following effects (in millions): 1% Increase 1% Decrease Effect on service and interest cost $ (1 ) $ 1 Effect on postretirement obligation 17 (13 ) Estimated future federal subsidies are immaterial for all periods presented. Future benefit payments are as follows (in millions): Estimated Future Benefit Payments 2016 $ 10 2017 11 2018 12 2019 13 2020 14 2021-2025 98 The expected benefit to be paid net of the estimated federal subsidy during fiscal year 2016 is $10 million.

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Capital Stock	17. Capital Stock In connection with the Company’s capital policy, the Board of Directors has authorized share repurchase programs. In August 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the 2014 stock repurchase program which authorizes the repurchase of up to $3.0 billion of the Company’s common stock prior to its expiration on August 31, 2016. The Company purchased 8.2 million shares under the 2014 stock repurchase program in fiscal 2015 at a cost of $726 million. The Company determines the timing and amount of repurchases based on its assessment of various factors including prevailing market conditions, alternate uses of capital, liquidity, the economic environment and other factors. The timing and amount of these purchases may change at any time and from time to time. The Company has repurchased, and may from time to time in the future repurchase, shares on the open market through Rule 10b5-1 plans, which enable a company to repurchase shares at times when it otherwise might be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. In addition, the Company continued to repurchase shares to support the needs of the employee stock plans. Shares totaling $500 million were purchased to support the needs of the employee stock plans during fiscal 2015 as compared to $705 million in fiscal 2014. At August 31, 2015, 46.2 million shares of common stock were reserved for future issuances under the Company’s various employee benefit plans.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	18. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following is a summary of net changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and net of tax for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in millions): Post- retirement Liability Unrecognized Gains on Available-for- Sale Investments Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges Share of Alliance Boots OCI Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance at August 31, 2012 $ 68 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 68 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments (9 ) 1 - (146 ) (93 ) (247 ) Tax benefit (provision) 4 - - 51 32 87 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (5 ) 1 (95 ) (61 ) (160 ) Balance at August 31, 2013 63 1 - (95 ) (61 ) (92 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments (77 ) 170 (43 ) (27 ) 330 353 Tax benefit (provision) 29 (64 ) 16 9 (115 ) (125 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (48 ) 106 (27 ) (18 ) 215 228 Balance at August 31, 2014 15 107 (27 ) (113 ) 154 136 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments 23 247 (14 ) (57 ) (779 ) (580 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - - (5 ) 230 80 305 Tax benefit (provision) (9 ) (95 ) 6 (60 ) 83 (75 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 14 152 (13 ) 113 (616 ) (350 ) Balance at August 31, 2015 $ 29 $ 259 $ (40 ) $ - $ (462 ) $ (214 )

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	19. Segment Reporting Prior to December 31, 2014, the Company’s operations were within one reportable segment. As a result of the closing of the Second Step Transaction on December 31, 2014, (see Note 1, Organization, and Note 2, Summary of Major Accounting Policies), the Company has realigned its operations into three reportable segments: Retail Pharmacy USA, Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale. The operating operating , which have been aggregated as described below · The Retail Pharmacy USA segment consists of the legacy Walgreens business, which includes the operation of retail drugstores and convenient care clinics, in addition to providing specialty pharmacy services. Revenues for the segment are principally derived from the sale of prescription drugs and a wide assortment of general merchandise, including non-prescription drugs, beauty products, photo finishing, seasonal merchandise, greeting cards and convenience foods. · The Retail Pharmacy International segment consists primarily of the legacy Alliance Boots pharmacy-led health and beauty stores, optical practices, and related contract manufacturing operations. Stores are located in the United Kingdom, Mexico, Chile, Thailand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands and Lithuania. Revenues for the segment are principally derived from the sale of prescription drugs and retail health, beauty, toiletries and other consumer products. · The Pharmaceutical Wholesale segment consists of the legacy Alliance Boots pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution businesses. Wholesale operations are located in France, United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Russia, The Netherlands, Egypt, Norway, Romania, Czech Republic and Lithuania. Revenues for the segment are principally derived from wholesaling and distribution of a comprehensive offering of brand-name pharmaceuticals (including specialty pharmaceutical products) and generic pharmaceuticals, health and beauty products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to pharmacies and other healthcare providers. The accounting policies of the segments are in accordance with Note 2, Summary of Major Accounting Policies. The results of operations for each reportable segment include synergy benefits, including WBAD operations and an allocation of corporate-related overhead costs. The “Eliminations and Unallocated Items” column contains items not allocable to the reportable segments, as the information is not utilized by the chief operating decision maker to assess segment performance and allocate resources. The segment information for fiscal 2015 reflects the operating results of the Company’s new business segments. The Company began recording revenue and expense transactions using the new segments effective January 1, 2015. Beginning January 1, 2015, synergy benefits including WBAD operations have been allocated to the Retail Pharmacy USA, Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale segments on a source of procurement benefit basis. Under this method, the synergy benefits are allocated to the segment whose purchase gave rise to the benefit. A synergy arising on the purchase of an item for use in the Retail Pharmacy USA segment is recognized in the Retail Pharmacy USA segment and similarly for the Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale segments. Procurement service income related to third parties is recognized in the Pharmaceutical Wholesale segment. Corporate costs have been allocated to segments based on their respective gross profit. The Company has determined that it is impracticable to restate segment information for fiscal 2014 and 2013, as well as to provide disclosures under both the old basis and new basis of reporting for certain items. Specifically, WBAD operations historically have been recorded in the Retail Pharmacy USA segment and not restated as it is impracticable to separate the information to the individual reportable segments. Equity earnings from Alliance Boots prior to the completion of the Second Step Transaction have been recorded within the Retail Pharmacy USA segment. The equity earnings of the 45% interest in Alliance Boots have not been separated into the Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale segments for the prior periods as it is impracticable. Additionally, comparative information has not been restated to reflect the 45% equity interest in Alliance Boots. The following table reflects results of operations of the Company’s reportable segments (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations and Unallocated Items Consolidated For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Sales to external customers $ 80,974 $ 8,657 $ 13,813 $ - $ 103,444 Intersegment sales - 124 1,514 (1,638 ) - Total Sales $ 80,974 $ 8,781 $ 15,327 $ (1,638 ) $ 103,444 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,098 $ 616 $ 450 $ (7 ) $ 6,157 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,217 $ 393 $ 120 $ 12 $ 1,742 Additions to property, plant and equipment 951 249 51 - 1,251 For the Year Ended August 31, 2014 Sales to external customers $ 76,392 $ - $ - $ - $ 76,392 Intersegment sales - - - - - Total Sales 76,392 - - - 76,392 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,866 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,866 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,316 $ - $ - $ - $ 1,316 Additions to property, plant and equipment 1,106 - - - 1,106 For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 Sales to external customers $ 72,217 $ - $ - $ - $ 72,217 Intersegment sales - - - - - Total Sales 72,217 - - - 72,217 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,828 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,828 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,283 $ - $ - $ - $ 1,283 Additions to property, plant and equipment 1,212 - - - 1,212 The following table reconciles adjusted operating income to operating income (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations and Unallocated Items Consolidated For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,098 $ 616 $ 450 $ (7 ) $ 6,157 Cost transformation (542 ) Acquisition-related amortization (515 ) LIFO provision (285 ) Asset impairment (110 ) Acquisition-related costs (87 ) Store closures and other optimization costs (56 ) Loss on sale of business (17 ) Increase in fair market value of warrants 123 Operating Income $ 4,668 For the Year Ended August 31, 2014 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,866 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,866 Acquisition-related amortization (364 ) LIFO provision (132 ) Store closure and other optimization costs (271 ) Acquisition-related costs (82 ) Increase in fair market value of warrants 168 Gain on sale of business 9 Operating Income $ 4,194 For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,828 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,828 Acquisition-related amortization (394 ) LIFO provision (239 ) Acquisition-related costs (96 ) Hurricane Sandy costs (39 ) DEA settlement costs (28 ) Distributor transition costs (13 ) Gain on sale of business 20 Increase in fair market value of warrants 53 Operating Income $ 4,092 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales for any of the periods presented. One payer, OptumRx, accounted for approximately 12.3% of the Retail Pharmacy USA division’s sales in fiscal 2015. One customer in the Retail Pharmacy International division, NHS England, accounted for approximately 20.0% of the division’s sales in fiscal 2015. Geographic data for net sales is as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 80,974 $ 76,392 $ 72,217 United Kingdom 9,235 - - Europe (excluding the United Kingdom) 11,402 - - Other 1,833 - - Net sales $ 103,444 $ 76,392 $ 72,217 Geographic data for long-lived assets, defined as property, plant and equipment is as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 United States $ 11,327 $ 12,257 United Kingdom 2,835 - Europe (excluding the United Kingdom) 725 - Other 181 - Total long-lived assets $ 15,068 $ 12,257

Supplementary Financial Informa

Supplementary Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Supplementary Financial Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Financial Information	20. Supplementary Financial Information As a result of the Second Step Transaction, the Company had the following non-cash transactions in fiscal 2015: $9.0 billion for debt assumed; $11.0 billion for the Company’s common stock issued; $2.6 billion of consideration attributable to WBAD; $8.1 billion related to the fair value of the Company’s 45% investment in Alliance Boots; $26.6 billion in fair value of assets acquired; and $20.0 billion in fair value of liabilities and non-controlling interests assumed. Significant non-cash transactions in fiscal 2014 include $322 million for additional capital lease obligations. Significant non-cash transactions in fiscal 2013 include $77 million related to the initial valuation of the AmerisourceBergen warrants. Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets captions are the following assets and liabilities (in millions): 2015 2014 Accounts receivable Accounts receivable $ 7,021 $ 3,391 Allowance for doubtful accounts (172 ) (173 ) $ 6,849 $ 3,218 Other non-current assets Warrants $ 2,140 $ 553 Other equity method investments 1,242 74 Investment in AmerisourceBergen 1,147 887 Other 805 362 $ 5,334 $ 1,876 Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued salaries and wages $ 1,357 $ 1,123 Other 3,868 2,578 $ 5,225 $ 3,701 Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts) Quarter Ended November February May August Fiscal Year Fiscal 2015 Net Sales $ 19,554 $ 26,573 $ 28,795 $ 28,522 $ 103,444 Gross Profit 5,296 6,882 7,481 7,265 26,924 Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 850 2,042 1,302 26 4,220 Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - Basic $ 0.90 $ 1.96 $ 1.19 $ 0.02 $ 4.05 Diluted 0.89 1.93 1.18 0.02 4.00 Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.3375 $ 0.3375 $ 0.3375 $ 0.3600 $ 1.3725 Fiscal 2014 Net Sales $ 18,329 $ 19,605 $ 19,401 $ 19,057 $ 76,392 Gross Profit 5,152 5,650 5,440 5,327 21,569 Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 723 716 714 (221 ) 1,932 Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - Basic $ 0.76 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ (0.23 ) $ 2.03 Diluted 0.75 0.74 0.74 (0.23 ) 2.00 Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.3150 $ 0.3150 $ 0.3150 $ 0.3375 $ 1.2825 Common Stock Prices (Unaudited) The following table sets forth the sales price ranges of the Company’s common stock by quarter during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 as reported by the Consolidated Transaction Reporting System. Quarter Ended November February May August Fiscal Year Fiscal 2015 High $ 69.37 $ 83.77 $ 93.42 $ 97.30 $ 97.30 Low 58.39 66.46 81.01 76.01 58.39 Fiscal 2014 High $ 60.93 $ 69.84 $ 71.97 $ 76.39 $ 76.39 Low 48.18 54.86 62.80 57.75 48.18

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	21. Subsequent Event On October 27, 2015, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Rite Aid Corporation (“Rite Aid”) and Victoria Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, to acquire Rite Aid, a drugstore chain in the United States with 4,561 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia as of August 29, 2015. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Rite Aid will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and Rite Aid stockholders will be entitled to receive $9.00 in cash for each outstanding share of Rite Aid common stock, for a total enterprise value of approximately $17.2 billion, including acquired net debt. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar 2016, subject to Rite Aid stockholder approval, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. We intend to finance the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and debt financing. Concurrently with the signing of the Merger Agreement, the Company entered into a bridge facility commitment letter (the “Commitment Letter”), dated October 27, 2015, with UBS Securities LLC and UBS AG, Stamford Branch for a $12.8 billion senior unsecured bridge facility (the “Facility”). The Facility, if funded, will mature 364 days after the initial borrowings; provided that the Company can extend up to $3.0 billion of the Facility for an additional 90 day period if desired. The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the Facility will be LIBOR or the applicable base rate plus a margin. The financing commitments of the lenders are subject to certain customary conditions set forth in the Commitment Letter. We expect to obtain permanent financing for the transaction prior to the closing date, which would replace the Facility.

Summary of Major Accounting P30

Summary of Major Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Summary of Major Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company holds a controlling interest. Investments in less than majority-owned companies in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, but does have significant influence are accounted for as equity method investments. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Because of the acquisition of Alliance Boots, influence of certain holidays, seasonality, foreign currency rates, changes in vendor, payer and customer relationships and terms and other factors on the Company’s operations, net earnings for any period may not be comparable to the same period in previous years. In addition, the positive impact on gross profit margins and gross profit dollars typically has 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 Retail Pharmacy USA segment’s sales, gross profit margins and gross profit dollars. As part of the Second Step Transaction, the Company acquired the remaining 27.5% noncontrolling interest in Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH (“WBAD”), a 50/50 global sourcing enterprise established by the Company and Alliance Boots. The Company already owned a 50% direct ownership in WBAD and indirectly owned an additional ownership interest through its previous 45% investment in Alliance Boots, representing a direct and indirect economic interest of 72.5%. The Company’s acquisition of the remaining 27.5% effective ownership in WBAD as part of the Second Step Transaction was accounted for as an equity transaction as it has historically been consolidated by the Company. On January 1, 2015, WBAD Holdings Limited sold 320 common shares of WBAD, representing approximately 5% of the equity interests in WBAD, to Alliance Healthcare Italia Distribuzione S.p.A. (“AHID”), which is not a member of the Company’s consolidated group. Under certain circumstances, AHID has the right to put, and WBAD Holdings Limited has the right to call, the 320 common shares of WBAD currently owned by AHID for a purchase price of $100,000. Immediately prior to the completion of the Second Step Transaction, the Company held a 45% equity interest in Alliance Boots and recorded its proportionate share of equity income in Alliance Boots in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a three-month reporting lag. Following the Second Step Transaction, the Company eliminated the three-month reporting lag and applied this change retrospectively as a change in accounting principle in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. See Note 3, Change in Accounting Policy for further information.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Credit and debit card receivables from banks, which generally settle within two to seven business days, of $165 million and $229 million were included in cash and cash equivalents at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s cash management policy provides for controlled disbursement. As a result, the Company had outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit at certain banks. These amounts, which were $448 million at August 31, 2015, and $267 million at August 31, 2014, are included in trade accounts payable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, the Company’s cash management policy provides for a bank overdraft facility for certain disbursement accounts. This overdraft facility represents uncleared and cleared checks in excess of cash balances in the related bank accounts. These amounts, which were $45 million at August 31, 2015, and zero at August 31, 2014, are included in short-term borrowings in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash The Company is required to maintain cash deposits with certain banks which consist of deposits restricted under contractual agency agreements and cash restricted by law and other obligations. As of August 31, 2015, the amount of such restricted cash was $184 million. There was no restricted cash as of August 31, 2014.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances primarily include amounts due from third party providers (e.g., pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies and governmental agencies), clients and members, as well as vendors and manufacturers. Charges to bad debt are based on estimates of recoverability using both historical write-offs and specifically identified receivables. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 173 $ 154 $ 99 Bad debt provision 90 86 124 Write-offs (53 ) (67 ) (69 ) Divestitures (37 ) - - Currency translation (1 ) - - Balance at end of year $ 172 $ 173 $ 154
Inventory	Inventory The Company values inventories on a lower of cost or market basis. Inventory includes product costs, inbound freight, direct labor, warehousing costs, overhead costs relating to the manufacture and distribution of products and vendor allowances not classified as a reduction of advertising expense. The Company’s Retail Pharmacy USA segment inventory is accounted for using the last-in-first-out (“LIFO”) method. At August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, Retail Pharmacy USA segment inventories would have been greater by $2.5 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, if they had been valued on a lower of first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) cost or market basis. The Company’s Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale segments’ inventory is accounted for using the FIFO method, except for retail inventory in the Retail Pharmacy International segment, which is primarily determined using the retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method, cost is determined by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio across groupings of similar items. The cost-to-retail ratio is applied to ending inventory at its current owned retail valuation to determine the cost of ending inventory across groupings of similar items. Current owned retail valuation represents the retail price for which merchandise is offered for sale on a regular basis. Inherent in the retail method calculation are certain management judgments and estimates which can impact the owned retail valuation and, therefore, the ending inventory valuation at cost.
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in companies if the investment provides the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies of the investee. The Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies is included in consolidated net earnings. Judgment regarding the level of influence over each equity method investment includes considering key factors such as the Company’s ownership interest, representation on the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions and material intercompany transactions. Immediately prior to the completion of the Second Step Transaction, the Company held a 45% equity interest in Alliance Boots and recorded its proportionate share of equity income in Alliance Boots within the operating section in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings on a three-month lag. As a result of the Second Step Transaction, the Company eliminated the three-month lag and applied this change retrospectively as a change in accounting policy. See Note 3, Change in Accounting Policy for additional discussion. The Second Step Transaction resulted in the Company acquiring various equity method investments held by Alliance Boots. These newly acquired investments are included together with the previous equity investments of the Company within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 6, Equity Method Investments for further information relating to the Company’s equity method investments.
Investments	Investments The Company’s investments consist principally of corporate debt, other debt securities, and equity securities of publicly-traded companies. The Company classifies its investments in securities at the time of purchase as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale, and re-evaluates such classifications on a quarterly basis. Held-to-maturity investments consist of debt securities that the Company has the intent and ability to retain until maturity. These securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and discounts, which approximates fair value. Available-for-sale debt and equity securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale investments are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses of available-for-sale investments are included in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The Company evaluates investments held for other-than-temporary impairment. Such evaluation involves a variety of considerations, including assessments of the risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions and distinct conditions affecting specific issuers. Factors considered by the Company include (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below cost; (ii) the financial condition, credit worthiness, and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) the length of time to maturity; (iv) future economic conditions and market forecasts; (v) the Company’s intent and ability to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of market value; and (vi) an assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell its investment before recovery of market value.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of owned assets. Estimated useful lives range from 20 years for land improvements, 13 to 50 for buildings and building improvements and 3 to 20 for fixtures, plant and equipment. Leasehold improvements, equipment under capital lease and capital lease properties are amortized over their respective estimate of useful life or over the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Major repairs, which extend the useful life of an asset, are capitalized; routine maintenance and repairs are charged against earnings. The majority of the Company’s fixtures and equipment uses the composite method of depreciation. Therefore, gains and losses on retirement or other disposition of such assets are included in earnings only when an operating location is closed, completely remodeled or impaired. Property, plant and equipment consists of (in millions): 2015 2014 Land and land improvements $ 3,687 $ 3,418 Buildings and building improvements 7,705 6,901 Fixtures, plant and equipment 8,904 7,559 Capitalized system development costs and software 1,491 688 Capital lease properties 821 530 22,608 19,096 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 7,540 6,839 Balance at end of year $ 15,068 $ 12,257 Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $1.3 billion in fiscal 2015, $923 million in fiscal 2014 and $894 million in fiscal 2013. The Company capitalizes application stage development costs for significant internally developed software projects, such as upgrades to the store point-of-sale system. These costs are amortized over a three to eight year period. Amortization expense for capitalized system development costs and software was $178 million in fiscal 2015, $127 million in fiscal 2014 and $105 million in fiscal 2013. Unamortized costs at August 31, 2015 and 2014 were $1.0 billion and $ 676
Business Combinations	Business Combinations Business combinations are accounted for under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of an acquired company is assigned to the tangible and intangible assets purchased and the liabilities assumed on the basis of their fair values at the date of acquisition. The determination of fair values of assets and liabilities acquired requires estimates and the use of valuation techniques when a market value is not readily available. Any excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. The final determination of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities is completed within the one year measurement period as allowed under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as they are incurred.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company accounts for goodwill and intangibles under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, which does not permit amortization, but requires the Company to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. See Note 9, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional disclosure regarding the Company’s intangible assets.
Warrants	Warrants Walgreens, Alliance Boots and AmerisourceBergen Corporation (“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) Walgreens and Alliance Boots collectively were issued (a) warrants to purchase up to 22,696,912 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) warrants to purchase up to 22,696,912 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 and the Transaction Rights Agreement. Pursuant to the Reorganization and Second Step Transaction discussed in Note 1, Organization, and Note 2, Summary of Major Accounting Policies, Walgreens and Alliance Boots became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Walgreens Boots Alliance effective December 31, 2014. The Company holds all AmerisourceBergen warrants issued to Walgreens and Alliance Boots in its consolidated subsidiaries. The warrants are valued at the date of issuance and the end of the period 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; AmerisourceBergen’s equity volatility; the number of shares of AmerisourceBergen’s common stock outstanding; the number of AmerisourceBergen’s employee stock options and the exercise price; and the details specific to the warrants. The Company reports its warrants at fair value within other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A deferred credit from the day-one valuation attributable to the warrants granted to Walgreens is being amortized over the life of the warrants. Gains and losses due to changes in the fair value on warrants are recognized in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. See Note 11,
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge its exposure to interest rate and currency risks arising from operating and financing activities. In accordance with its risk management policies, the Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. When the Company becomes a party to a derivative instrument and intends to apply hedge accounting, it formally documents the hedge relationship and the risk management objective for undertaking the hedge which includes designating the instrument for financial reporting purposes as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a net investment hedge. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the Company had designated it in a qualifying hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. The Company applies the following accounting policies: · Changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. · The effective portion of changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged item affects earnings. · The effective portion of changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation is recorded in cumulative translation adjustments within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Recognition in earnings of amounts previously recorded in cumulative translation adjustments is limited to circumstances such as complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the hedged investments in foreign operations. · Changes in the fair value of a derivative not designated in a hedging relationship are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings along with the ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated in hedging relationships. Cash receipts or payments on a settlement of a derivative contract are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consistent with the nature of the underlying hedged item. For derivative instruments designated as hedges, the Company assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. Highly effective means that cumulative changes in the fair value of the derivative are between 80% and 125% of the cumulative changes in the fair value of the hedged item. In addition, when the Company determines that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued. When it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting for the affected portion of the forecasted transaction, and reclassifies any gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. When a derivative in a hedge relationship is terminated or the hedged item is sold, extinguished or terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively.
Impaired Assets and Liabilities for Store Closings	Impaired Assets and Liabilities for Store Closings The Company tests long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that a certain asset may be impaired. Once identified, the amount of the impairment is computed by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the fair value, which is based on the discounted estimated future cash flows. Impairment charges included in selling, general and administrative expenses were $386 million in fiscal 2015, primarily related to the Company’s Cost Transformation Program (as defined below). Impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2014 and 2013 were $167 million and $30 million, respectively. The Company also 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. The reserve for store closings, including $219 million from locations closed under the Company’s restructuring actions, was $446 million as of August 31, 2015 and $257 million as of August 31, 2014. See Note 5, Leases for additional disclosure regarding the Company’s reserve for future costs related to closed locations.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Postretirement Benefits The Company has various defined benefit pension plans that cover some of its foreign employees. The Company also has postretirement healthcare plans that cover qualifying domestic employees. Eligibility and the level of benefits for these plans vary depending participants' status, date of hire and or length of service. Pension and postretirement expenses and valuations are dependent on assumptions used by third party actuaries in calculating those amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, healthcare cost trends, long-term return on plan assets, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. See Note 16, Retirement Benefits, for additional disclosure regarding the Company's pension and postretirement benefits. The Company funds its pension plans in accordance with applicable regulations.
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests The Company accounts for its less than 100% interest in consolidated subsidiaries in accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, and accordingly, the Company presents noncontrolling interests as a component of equity on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and reports the noncontrolling interest net earnings or loss as Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Currency	Currency Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. dollar functional currency operations are translated into U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates while revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at average monthly exchange rates over the period. Equity is translated at historical exchange rates and the resulting cumulative translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For U.S. dollar functional currency operations, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates, except for nonmonetary balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured from historical exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are recorded at average monthly exchange rates over the period, except for those expenses related to nonmonetary balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured from historical exchange rates. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement and transactions are included in selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. For all periods presented, there were no material operational gains or losses from foreign currency transactions.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (b) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (c) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (d) collectability is reasonably assured. The following revenue recognition policies have been established for the Company’s reportable segments. Retail Pharmacy USA and Retail Pharmacy International The Company recognizes revenue at the time the customer takes possession of the merchandise, after making appropriate adjustments for estimated returns. Revenue does not include sales related taxes. In certain international locations, the Company initially estimates revenue based on expected reimbursements from governmental agencies for dispensing prescription drugs and providing optical services. The estimates are based on historical experience and are updated to actual reimbursement amounts. Pharmaceutical Wholesale Wholesale revenue is recognized upon shipment of goods, which is generally also the day of delivery. When the Company acts in the capacity of an agent or a logistics service provider, revenue is the fee received for the service and is recognized when the services have been performed. The Company has determined it is the agent when providing logistics services, which is based on its assessment of the following criteria: (a) whether it is the primary obligor in the arrangement, (b) whether it has latitude in establishing the price, changing the product or performing part of the service, (c) whether it has discretion in supplier selection, (d) whether it is involved in the determination of service specifications, and (e) whether it is exposed to credit risk.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Retail Pharmacy USA cost of sales is derived based upon point-of-sale scanning information with an estimate for shrinkage and is adjusted based on periodic inventories. All other segment cost of sales includes the purchase price of goods and services sold, store and warehouse inventory loss, inventory obsolescence, manufacturing costs, certain direct product design and development costs and supplier rebates. In addition to product costs, cost of sales includes manufacturing costs, warehousing, costs, purchasing costs, freight costs, cash discounts and vendor allowances.
Vendor Allowances and Supplier Rebates	Vendor Allowances and Supplier Rebates Vendor allowances are principally received as a result of purchases, sales or promotion of vendors’ products. Allowances are generally recorded as a reduction of inventory and are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales when the related merchandise is sold. Those allowances received for promoting vendors’ products are offset against advertising expense and result in a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses to the extent of advertising costs incurred, with the excess treated as a reduction of inventory costs. Rebates or refunds received by the Company from its suppliers, mostly in cash, are considered as an adjustment of the prices of the supplier’s products purchased by the Company.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses mainly consist of salaries and employee costs, occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization, credit and debit card fees and expenses directly related to stores. In addition, other costs included are headquarters’ expenses, advertising costs (net of vendor advertising allowances) and insurance.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs, which are reduced by the portion funded by vendors, are expensed as incurred or when services have been received. Net advertising expenses, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, were $491 million in fiscal 2015, $265 million in fiscal 2014 and $286 million in fiscal 2013.
Gift Cards	Gift Cards The Company sells gift cards to retail store customers and through its websites. The Company does not charge administrative fees on unused gift cards. Gift cards sold in the U.S. do not have an expiration date while most gift cards sold internationally have an expiration date. Income from gift cards sold in the U.S. is recognized when (1) the gift card is redeemed by the customer; or (2) the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote (gift card breakage) and there is no legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions. The Company’s gift card breakage rate is determined based upon historical redemption patterns. Income from gift cards sold internationally is recognized when (1) the gift cards are redeemed by the customer; or (2) the gift cards expire. Gift card breakage income, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses, was not significant in fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013.
Points Earned Through Loyalty Programs	Points Earned Through Loyalty Programs The Company’s primary rewards programs, Balance® Rewards and Boots Advantage Card, are accrued as a charge to cost of sales at the time a point is earned. Points are funded internally and through vendor participation, and are credited to cost of sales at the time a vendor-sponsored point is earned. Breakage is recorded as points expire as a result of a member’s inactivity or if the points remain unredeemed after three years. Breakage income, which is reported in cost of sales, was not significant in fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013.
Insurance	Insurance The Company obtains insurance coverage for catastrophic exposures as well as those risks required by law to be insured. In general, the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries retain a significant portion of losses related to workers’ compensation, property, comprehensive general, pharmacist and vehicle liability, while non-U.S. subsidiaries manage their exposures through insurance coverage with third-party carriers. Management regularly reviews the probable outcome of claims and proceedings, the expenses expected to be incurred, the availability and limits of the insurance coverage, and the established accruals for liabilities. Liabilities for losses are recorded based upon the Company’s estimates for both claims incurred and claims incurred but not reported and are not discounted. The provisions are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions.
Stock Compensation Plans	Stock Compensation Plans In accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, the Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the employee’s vesting period or to the employee’s retirement eligible date, if earlier. Total stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $109 million, $114 million and $104 million, respectively. The recognized tax benefit was $7 million, $31 million and $30 million for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards at August 31, 2015, was $137 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of three years. See Note 15, Stock Compensation Plans for more information on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.
Interest	Interest Interest paid, which is net of capitalized interest, was $472 million in fiscal 2015, $161 million in fiscal 2014 and $158 million in fiscal 2013. Interest capitalized as a part of significant construction projects during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was immaterial.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes according to the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured pursuant to tax laws using rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized. In determining the provision for income taxes, the Company uses income, permanent differences between book and tax income, the relative proportion of foreign and domestic income, enacted statutory income tax rates, projections of income subject to Subpart F rules and unrecognized tax benefits related to current year results. Discrete events such as the assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits, audit settlements, recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits due to lapsing of the applicable statute of limitations, recognizing or de-recognizing benefits of deferred tax assets due to future year financial statement projections and changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. The Company is subject to routine income tax audits that occur periodically in the normal course of business. U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities raise questions regarding the Company’s tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with the various tax filing positions, the Company records a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions using the highest cumulative tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. Adjustments are made to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which the Company determines the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the return containing the tax position or when more information becomes available.
Earnings Per Share	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 earnings per share totaled 2.5 million, 3.5 million and 12.3 million in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In August 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-15, Interest – Imputation of Interest (subtopic 835-30). This ASU provides additional guidance on ASU 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest. These ASUs require debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums and further specify debt issuance costs as part of line-of-credit arrangements should be treated in the manner described above. Recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. These ASUs are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (fiscal 2017). As permitted, the Company early adopted ASU 2015-03 beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The impact of this ASU reduced non-current assets and long-term debt by $20 million at August 31, 2014, respectively. This ASU has no impact on the statement of earnings or statement of cash flows. The additional guidance provided in ASU 2015-15 had no material financial statement impact. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), an update to ASU 2014-09. This ASU amends ASU 2014-09 to defer the effective date by one year for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019). Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (fiscal 2018). ASU 2014-09 provides a new revenue recognition standard with a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330). This ASU simplifies current accounting treatments by requiring entities to measure most inventories at “the lower of cost and net realizable value” rather than using lower of cost or market. This guidance does not apply to inventories measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) method or the retail inventory method (RIM). This ASU is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter (fiscal 2018) with early adoption permitted. Upon transition, entities must disclose the accounting change. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-17, Pushdown Accounting. This ASU provides companies with the option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The election to apply pushdown accounting can be made either in the period in which the change of control occurred, or in a subsequent period. This ASU is effective as of November 18, 2014. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This ASU raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as discontinued operations and requires new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. Under the new standard, companies report discontinued operations when they have a disposal that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on operations or financial results. This update will be applied prospectively and is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014 (fiscal 2016). Early adoption is permitted provided the disposal was not previously disclosed. This update will not have a material impact on the Company’s reported results of operations and financial position. The impact is non-cash in nature and will not affect the Company’s cash position.

Summary of Major Accounting P31

Summary of Major Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Summary of Major Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 173 $ 154 $ 99 Bad debt provision 90 86 124 Write-offs (53 ) (67 ) (69 ) Divestitures (37 ) - - Currency translation (1 ) - - Balance at end of year $ 172 $ 173 $ 154
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment consists of (in millions): 2015 2014 Land and land improvements $ 3,687 $ 3,418 Buildings and building improvements 7,705 6,901 Fixtures, plant and equipment 8,904 7,559 Capitalized system development costs and software 1,491 688 Capital lease properties 821 530 22,608 19,096 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 7,540 6,839 Balance at end of year $ 15,068 $ 12,257

Change in Accounting Policy (Ta

Change in Accounting Policy (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Change in Accounting Policy [Abstract]
Schedule of Adjustments in Three-Month Reporting Lag for the Equity Investment	The elimination of the three-month reporting lag for the equity investment in Alliance Boots resulted in the adjustments as of and for the periods indicated below (in millions, except per share amounts). The impact of the change in accounting policy on the fiscal 2015 financial statements is not material. Year Ended August 31, 2014 Year Ended August 31, 2013 As Reported Adjustments After Change in Accounting Principle As Reported Adjustments After Change in Accounting Principle Consolidated Statements of Earnings Equity earnings in Alliance Boots $ 617 $ - $ 617 $ 344 $ 152 $ 496 Operating Income 4,194 - 4,194 3,940 152 4,092 Earnings Before Income Tax Provision 3,557 - 3,557 3,895 152 4,047 Income tax provision 1,526 - 1,526 1,445 54 1,499 Net Earnings 2,031 - 2,031 2,450 98 2,548 Net Earnings Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 1,932 - 1,932 2,450 98 2,548 Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. – basic 2.03 - 2.03 2.59 0.10 2.69 Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. – diluted 2.00 - 2.00 2.56 0.11 2.67 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Net Earnings $ 2,031 $ - $ 2,031 $ 2,450 $ 98 $ 2,548 Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of Alliance Boots (41 ) 23 (18 ) (59 ) (36 ) (95 ) Cumulative translation adjustments 286 (71 ) 215 (103 ) 42 (61 ) Total Other Comprehensive Income 276 (48 ) 228 (166 ) 6 (160 ) Total Comprehensive Income 2,307 (48 ) 2,259 2,284 104 2,388 Comprehensive Income Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. $ 2,208 $ (48 ) $ 2,160 $ 2,284 $ 104 $ 2,388 As of August 31, 2014 As Reported (1) Adjustments After Change in Accounting Principle Consolidated Balance Sheet Non-Current Assets: Equity investment in Alliance Boots $ 7,248 $ 88 $ 7,336 Total Non-Current Assets 24,920 88 25,008 Total Assets 37,162 88 37,250 Non-Current Liabilities: Deferred income taxes 1,048 32 1,080 Total Non-Current Liabilities 7,706 32 7,738 Equity: Retained earnings 22,229 98 22,327 Accumulated other comprehensive income 178 (42 ) 136 Total Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity 20,457 56 20,513 Total Equity 20,561 56 20,617 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 37,162 $ 88 $ 37,250 Year Ended August 31, 2013 As Reported Adjustments After Change in Accounting Principle Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net earnings $ 2,450 $ 98 $ 2,548 Deferred income taxes 148 54 202 Equity earnings in Alliance Boots (344 ) (152 ) (496 ) (1) Due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest, all reported periods include debt issuance costs as a contra-liability. This impacted the August 31, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet by reducing non-current assets and non-current liabilities by $20 million.

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Restructuring [Abstract]
Restructuring Costs by Segment	Restructuring costs by segment are as follows (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Consolidated Fiscal 2015 Asset impairments $ 216 $ 7 $ - $ 223 Real estate costs 219 - - 219 Severance and other business transition and exit costs 105 12 - 117 Total restructuring costs 540 $ 19 $ - $ 559 Fiscal 2014 Real estate costs $ 137 $ - $ - $ 137 Asset impairments 71 - - 71 Severance and other business transition and exit costs 1 - - 1 Total restructuring costs $ 209 $ - $ - $ 209

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Lease and Operating Lease	Annual minimum rental commitments under all leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable term of more than one year are shown below (in millions): Financing Obligation Capital Lease Operating Lease 2016 $ 18 $ 69 $ 3,141 2017 18 65 3,008 2018 18 62 2,944 2019 18 60 2,734 2020 18 61 2,518 Later 1,234 881 23,625 Total Minimum Lease Payments $ 1,324 $ 1,198 $ 37,970
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): Year Ended August 31, 2015 2014 Balance – beginning of period $ 257 $ 123 Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities 231 171 Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates (6 ) (8 ) Interest accretion 27 14 Liability assumed through acquisition of Alliance Boots 13 - Cash payments, net of sublease income (76 ) (43 ) Balance – end of period $ 446 $ 257
Schedule of Rental Expense	Rental expense, which includes common area maintenance, insurance and taxes, where appropriate, was as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Minimum rentals $ 3,176 $ 2,687 $ 2,644 Contingent rentals 38 5 6 Less: Sublease rental income (46 ) (22 ) (22 ) $ 3,168 $ 2,670 $ 2,628

Equity Method Investments (Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment	Equity method investments as of August 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in millions, except percentages): 2015 2014 Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Alliance Boots $ NA 100% $ 7,336 45% Other 1,242 12% - 50% 74 30% - 50% Total $ 1,242 $ 7,410 NA Not applicable
Summarized Financial Information of Equity Method Investees	Summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investees is as follows: Balance Sheets (in millions) At August 31, 2015 (1) 2014 (1) Current assets $ 5,015 $ 9,074 Non-current assets 1,548 22,363 Current liabilities 3,936 9,372 Non-current liabilities 837 10,608 Shareholders’ equity (2) 1,790 11,457 Statements of Earnings (in millions) Year Ended August 31, 2015 (3) 2014 (3) 2013 (3) Net sales $ 20,905 $ 37,624 $ 36,482 Gross Profit 3,794 8,109 7,632 Net Earnings 791 1,446 1,363 Share of earnings from equity method investments (3) 339 618 496 (1) (2) (3)

Available-for-Sale Investments

Available-for-Sale Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Available-for-Sale Investments [Abstract]
Summary of Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities	A summary of the cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities, with gross unrealized gains and losses, is as follows (in millions): August 31, 2015 Amortized cost basis Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value AmerisourceBergen common stock $ 717 $ 430 $ - $ 1,147 Other investments 37 - (1 ) 36 Total available-for-sale investments $ 754 $ 430 $ (1 ) $ 1,183 August 31, 2014 Amortized cost basis Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value AmerisourceBergen common stock $ 717 $ 170 $ - $ 887 Total available-for-sale investments $ 717 $ 170 $ - $ 887

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule of Impact of Equity Transaction	The preliminary impact of the equity transaction is as follows (in millions): Amount Consideration attributed to WBAD $ 2,559 Less: Carrying value of the Company’s pre-existing noncontrolling interest 130 Impact to additional paid in capital $ 2,429
Schedule of Business Acquisition Total Consideration Paid	The following table summarizes the consideration paid to acquire the remaining 55% interest in Alliance Boots and the preliminary amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Second Step Transaction (in millions). Consideration paid Cash $ 4,874 Common stock 10,977 Total consideration transferred 15,851 Less: consideration attributed to WBAD (2,559 ) 13,292 Fair value of the investment in Alliance Boots held before the Second Step Transaction 8,149 Total consideration $ 21,441
Schedule of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Including Noncontrolling Interests	Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed including noncontrolling interests Cash and cash equivalents $ 413 Accounts receivable 3,799 Inventories 3,713 Other current assets 894 Property, plant and equipment 3,847 Intangible assets 11,691 Other non-current assets 2,218 Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities (7,711 ) Borrowings (9,010 ) Deferred income taxes (2,461 ) Other non-current liabilities (389 ) Noncontrolling interests (412 ) Total identifiable net assets and noncontrolling interests 6,592 Goodwill $ 14,849
Schedule of Preliminary Identified Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	The preliminary identified definite and indefinite lived intangible assets were as follows: Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Weighted-Average Useful Life (in years) Amount (in millions) Customer relationships 12 $ 1,311 Loyalty card holders 12 742 Trade names and trademarks 7 399 Favorable lease interests 8 93 Total $ 2,545 Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Amount (in millions) Trade names and trademarks $ 6,657 Pharmacy licenses 2,489 Total $ 9,146
Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Results Prepared for Comparative Purposes	Accordingly, the unaudited condensed pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of what the Company’s results would have been had the Second Step Transaction occurred at the beginning of the periods presented or the results which may occur in the future. Year Ended August 31, 2015 2014 (in millions, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 116,491 $ 113,896 Net earnings 4,278 3,884 Net earnings per common share: Basic $ 4.10 $ 3.54 Diluted 4.06 3.50
Schedule of Actual Results from Business Operation	Actual results from Alliance Boots operations included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings since December 31, 2014, the date of the Second Step Transaction, are as follows (in millions, except per share amounts): Year Ended (in millions, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 22,470 Net earnings 853 Net earnings per common share: Basic $ 0.82 Diluted 0.81

Goodwill and Other Intangible38

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment consist of the following activity (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA Retail Pharmacy International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Total August 31, 2013 $ 2,410 $ - $ - $ 2,410 Acquisitions 58 - - 58 Sale of business (1) (92 ) - - (92 ) Other (3) (17 ) - - (17 ) August 31, 2014 2,359 - - 2,359 Acquisitions 7,290 4,036 3,646 14,972 Sale of business (2) (706 ) - - (706 ) Other (3) (3 ) - - (3 ) Currency translation adjustments - (138 ) (112 ) (250 ) August 31, 2015 $ 8,940 $ 3,898 $ 3,534 $ 16,372 (1) Represents goodwill associated with Walgreens Take Care Employer business which was sold in June 2014. (2) Represents goodwill associated with Walgreens Infusion Services business which was sold in April 2015. (3) Other primarily represents immaterial purchase accounting adjustments for prior year Company acquisitions.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets consist of the following (in millions): August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets Purchased prescription files $ 885 $ 1,079 Favorable lease interests 440 382 Purchasing and payer contracts 94 301 Non-compete agreements 154 151 Trade names and trademarks 675 191 Customer relationships 1,409 - Loyalty card holders 730 - Other amortizable intangible assets - 4 Total gross amortizable intangible assets 4,387 2,108 Accumulated amortization Purchased prescription files 470 474 Favorable lease interests 207 174 Purchasing and payer contracts 65 145 Non-compete agreements 92 70 Trade names and trademarks 83 69 Customer relationships 132 - Loyalty card holders 41 - Other amortizable intangible assets - 4 Total accumulated amortization 1,090 936 Total amortizable intangible assets, net $ 3,297 $ 1,172 Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Trade names and trademarks $ 6,590 $ 8 Pharmacy licenses 2,464 - Total indefinite lived intangible assets $ 9,054 $ 8 Total intangible assets, net $ 12,351 $ 1,180
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Period	The weighted-average amortization period by intangible asset category is as follows (in years): Intangible asset class 2015 2014 Purchased prescription files 6 6 Favorable lease interests 13 11 Purchasing and payer contracts 10 13 Non-compete agreements 5 5 Trade names and trademarks 9 12 Customer relationships 12 - Loyalty card holders 12 - Other amortizable intangible assets - 8
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets recorded at August 31, 2015 is as follows (in millions): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Estimated annual amortization expense $ 442 $ 398 $ 352 $ 323 $ 267

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon39

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Short-Term Borrowings	Short-term borrowings and long-term debt consist of the following (all amounts are presented in millions of U.S. dollars. Debt issuances are denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted): August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Short-Term Borrowings (1) Current portion 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 $ 2 $ 8 Unsecured variable rate notes due 2016 747 - 1.000% unsecured notes due 2015 - 750 Other (2) 319 16 Total short-term borrowings $ 1,068 $ 774
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt (1) Unsecured Pound Sterling variable rate term loan due 2019 (4) $ 2,229 $ - 1.800% unsecured notes due 2017 - 994 1.750% unsecured notes due 2017 746 - 5.250% unsecured notes due 2019 (3) 250 1,007 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 1,243 - 2.875% unsecured Pound Sterling notes due 2020 (4) 612 - 3.300% unsecured notes due 2021 1,241 - 3.100% unsecured notes due 2022 1,193 1,192 3.800% unsecured notes due 2024 1,985 - 3.600% unsecured Pound Sterling notes due 2025 (4) 459 - 2.125% unsecured Euro notes due 2026 (5) 836 - 4.500% unsecured notes due 2034 494 - 4.400% unsecured notes due 2042 492 491 4.800% unsecured notes due 2044 1,491 - Loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings; various interest rates from 5.000% to 8.750%; various maturities from 2015 to 2035 20 32 Other (6) 24 - Total long-term debt $ 13,315 $ 3,716 (1) All notes are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable. (2) Other short-term borrowings represent a mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings with various maturities and working capital facilities denominated in various foreign currencies including $45 million of U.S. dollar equivalent bank overdrafts. (3) Also includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments, see Note 12, Fair Value Measurements for additional fair value disclosures. (4) Pound Sterling denominated notes are translated at the August 31, 2015 spot rate of $1.54 to one British Pound Sterling. (5) Euro denominated notes are translated at the August 31, 2015 spot rate of $1.12 to one Euro. (6) Other long-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings in various foreign currencies with various maturities.
Total $8.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Details of Each Tranche of Notes Issued	The following table summarizes each tranche of notes issued: Notes Issued (in millions) Maturity Date Interest Rate Interest Payment Dates $ 750 May 18, 2016 Variable; three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus 45 basis points February 18, May 18, August 18, and November 18; commencing on February 18, 2015 750 November 17, 2017 Fixed 1.750% May 17 and November 17; commencing on May 17, 2015 1,250 November 18, 2019 Fixed 2.700% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 1,250 November 18, 2021 Fixed 3.300% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 2,000 November 18, 2024 Fixed 3.800% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 500 November 18, 2034 Fixed 4.500% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 1,500 November 18, 2044 Fixed 4.800% May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015 $ 8,000
Euro and Pound Sterling Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Details of Each Tranche of Notes Issued	The following table details each tranche of Euro and Pound Sterling notes issued: Notes Issued (in millions) Maturity Date Interest Rate Euro Notes: € 750 November 20, 2026 Fixed 2.125% Pound Sterling Notes: £ 400 November 20, 2020 Fixed 2.875% 300 November 20, 2025 Fixed 3.600% £ 700
Total $4.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Details of Each Tranche of Notes Issued	The following table details each tranche of outstanding notes as of August 31, 2015: Notes Issued (in millions) Maturity Date Interest Rate Interest Payment Dates $ 1,200 September 15, 2022 Fixed 3.100% March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013 500 September 15, 2042 Fixed 4.400% March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013 $ 1,700

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Notional Amounts of Derivative Instruments Outstanding	The notional amounts, fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments outstanding as of August 31, 2015, excluding warrants which are presented separately in this footnote, were as follows (in millions): Notional (1) Fair Value Location in Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Interest rate swaps $ 250 $ 2 Other non-current assets Derivatives not designated as hedges Foreign currency forwards 1,205 34 Other current assets Foreign currency forwards 495 9 Other current liabilities Basis swap 1 - Other current assets (1) Amounts are presented in U.S. dollar equivalents. The notional amounts, fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments outstanding as of August 31, 2014, excluding warrants which are presented separately in this footnote, are as follows (in millions): Notional Fair Value Location in Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Interest rate swaps $ 1,000 $ 16 Other non-current assets Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Forward interest rate swaps 1,500 44 Other non-current liabilities
Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value	The Company reports its warrants at fair value. The fair value and balance sheet presentation of warrants was as follows (in millions): Location in Consolidated Balance Sheets August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Asset derivatives not designated as hedges: Warrants Other non-current assets $ 2,140 $ 553
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains and Losses due to Changes in Fair Value Recognized in Earnings	The gains and losses due to changes in fair value on the swaps and on the hedged notes attributable to interest rate risk were recognized as follows (in millions): Location in Consolidated Statements of Earnings 2015 2014 2013 Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net $ (4 ) $ (15 ) $ 63 Notes Interest expense, net 6 15 (43 )
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains and Losses due to Changes in Fair Value Recognized in Earnings	These derivative instruments are economic hedges of interest rate and foreign currency risks. Income or expense due to changes in fair value of these derivative instruments were recognized in earnings as follows (in millions): Location in Consolidated Statements of Earnings 2015 2014 2013 Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net $ 1 $ - $ - Foreign currency forwards Selling, general and administrative expense 78 - - Second Step Transaction foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) (166 ) - - Foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) 72 - -
Warrant [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains and Losses due to Changes in Fair Value Recognized in Earnings	The gains and losses due to changes in fair value of the warrants recognized in earnings were as follows (in millions): Location in Consolidated Statements of Earnings 2015 2014 2013 Warrants Other income (expense) $ 759 $ 366 $ 111

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (in millions): August 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Restricted cash (1) $ 184 $ 184 $ - $ - Money market funds (2) 2,043 2,043 - - Available-for-sale investments (3) 1,183 1,183 - - Interest rate swaps (4) 2 - 2 - Foreign currency forwards (5) 34 - 34 - Warrants (6) 2,140 - 2,140 - Liabilities Foreign currency forwards (5) 9 - 9 - August 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Money market funds (2) $ 1,879 $ 1,879 $ - $ - Available-for-sale investments (3) 887 887 - - Interest rate swaps (4) 16 - 16 - Warrants (6) 553 - 553 - Liabilities Forward interest rate swaps (7) 44 - 44 - (1) Restricted cash consists of deposits restricted under agency agreements and cash restricted by law and other obligations. (2) Money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor. (3) Fair values of quoted investments are based on current bid prices as of the balance sheet dates. See Note 7, Available-for-Sale Investments for additional disclosures. (4) The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated by discounting the estimated cash flows received and paid based on the applicable observable yield curves. See Note 11, Financial Instruments for additional disclosures. (5) The fair value of forward currency contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current available forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using observable market rates. (6) 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 expected 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. (7) Forward interest rate swaps were valued using three-month LIBOR rates. See Note 11, Financial Instruments for additional disclosures.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	The components of Earnings Before Income Tax Provision were (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 2,725 $ 3,386 $ 3,469 Non – U.S. 2,586 171 578 Total $ 5,311 $ 3,557 $ 4,047
Provisions for Income Taxes and the Difference Between the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Current provision Federal $ 846 $ 1,207 $ 1,122 State 121 109 134 Non – U.S. 128 35 15 1,095 1,351 1,271 Deferred provision Federal (23 ) 183 228 State (16 ) (3 ) (2 ) Non – U.S. - (5 ) 2 (39 ) 175 228 Income tax provision $ 1,056 $ 1,526 $ 1,499
Difference Between the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and the Effective Tax Rate	The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1.3 1.9 2.2 Loss on Alliance Boots call option (1) - 8.5 - Deferred tax asset recognition (1) (4.1 ) - - Gain on previously held equity interest (5.8 ) - - Foreign income taxed at non-U.S. rates (6.2 ) (3.1 ) (0.3 ) Non-taxable income (2.6 ) - - Non-deductible expenses 2.3 0.3 1.0 Other - 0.3 (0.9 ) Effective income tax rate 19.9 % 42.9 % 37.0 % (1) Upon the amendment and immediate exercise of the call option to acquire the remaining 55% ownership of Alliance Boots, the Company was required to compare the fair value of the amended option with the book value of the original option with a gain or loss recognized for the difference. The fair value of the amended option resulted in a financial statement loss of $866 million. The loss on the Alliance Boots call option was, in part, a capital loss and available to be carried forward and offset future capital gains through fiscal 2020. The loss was also the primary contributor to the 2014 valuation allowance amount reported in the deferred income tax table below. In 2015, the deferred tax asset related to the loss was recognized, resulting in the 4.1% effective tax rate benefit reported in the table above as well as a reduction to the valuation allowance amount reported in the deferred income tax table below.
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	The deferred tax assets and liabilities included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following (in millions): 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets Postretirement benefits $ 130 $ 247 Compensation and benefits 224 166 Insurance 68 98 Accrued rent 167 166 Outside basis difference 73 - Bad debts 67 65 Tax attributes 341 430 Stock compensation 119 131 Other 93 75 1,282 1,378 Less: Valuation allowance 125 223 Total deferred tax assets 1,157 1,155 Deferred tax liabilities Accelerated depreciation 1,234 1,244 Inventory 420 407 Intangible assets 1,822 64 Equity method investment 333 387 Deferred income 889 208 4,698 2,310 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 3,541 $ 1,155
Reconciliation of the Total Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table provides a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 193 $ 208 $ 197 Gross increases related to business combination 84 - - Gross increases related to tax positions in a prior period 45 55 18 Gross decreases related to tax positions in a prior period (75 ) (82 ) (32 ) Gross increases related to tax positions in the current period 63 46 30 Settlements with taxing authorities (45 ) (22 ) (2 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (4 ) (12 ) (3 ) Balance at end of year $ 261 $ 193 $ 208

Stock Compensation Plans (Table

Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock Option Plans	A summary of the equity awards authorized and available for future grants under the Omnibus Plan follows: Available for future grants at August 31, 2014 48,352,242 Newly authorized options - Granted (8,649,296 ) Cancellation and forfeitures 5,059,061 Plan termination 1,409,063 Available for future grants at August 31, 2015 46,171,070 A summary of the Company’s stock options outstanding under the Omnibus Plan follows: Options Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Outstanding at August 31, 2014 31,916,824 $ 39.28 6.40 $ 674 Granted 4,119,972 64.19 Exercised (10,007,975 ) 35.22 Expired/Forfeited (3,754,248 ) 53.72 Outstanding at August 31, 2015 22,274,573 43.52 6.29 959 Vested or expected to vest at August 31, 2015 21,879,917 43.20 6.25 948 Exercisable at August 31, 2015 8,825,638 32.42 4.03 478
Assumptions Used to Determined Fair Value of Each Option Grant Using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	The fair value of each option grant was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate (1) 1.97 % 1.98 % 1.15 % Average life of option (years) (2) 6.6 6.9 7.0 Volatility (3) 25.58 % 26.27 % 24.94 % Dividend yield (4) 1.79 % 2.48 % 2.44 % Weighted-average grant-date fair value $ 14.62 $ 12.88 $ 6.75 (1) Represents the U.S. Treasury security rates for the expected term of the option. (2) Represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company analyzed separate groups of employees with similar exercise behavior to determine the expected term. (3) Volatility was based on historical and implied volatility of the Company’s common stock. (4) Represents the Company’s forecasted cash dividend for the expected term.
Summary of Information Relative to the Restricted Stock	A summary of information relative to the Company’s restricted stock units follows: Outstanding Shares Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Outstanding at August 31, 2014 3,280,067 $ 45.40 Granted 1,157,312 66.26 Dividends 64,796 - Forfeited (636,244 ) 52.68 Vested (531,479 ) 52.29 Outstanding at August 31, 2015 3,334,452 $ 50.85
Summary of Information Relative to the Performance Shares	A summary of information relative to the Company's performance shares follows: Outstanding Shares Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Outstanding at August 31, 2014 2,063,132 $ 44.85 Granted 483,174 65.31 Performance adjustment (1) (615,445 ) 35.30 Forfeited (444,961 ) 55.00 Vested (40,120 ) 44.00 Outstanding at August 31, 2015 1,445,780 $ 50.78 (1) Represents the adjustment to previously granted shares based on performance criteria.
Stock-based Compensation Expense	A summary of total stock-based compensation expense follows (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Stock options $ 24 $ 52 $ 51 Restricted stock units 68 48 33 Performance shares 11 8 15 Other 6 6 5 $ 109 $ 114 $ 104

Retirement Benefits (Tables)

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Boots Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Percentage of Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets	Defined benefit pension plan assets were invested in the following classes of securities as of August 31, 2015: Percentage of Fair Market Value Equity securities 9.5 % Debt securities 81.5 % Real estate 5.6 % Other 3.4 %
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Using Fair Value Hierarchy	The following table presents defined benefit pension plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of August 31, 2015 (in millions). August 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities: Equity securities (1) $ 852 $ - $ 852 $ - Debt securities: Fixed interest government bonds (2) 267 - 267 - Index linked government bonds (2) 1,006 - 1,006 - Corporate bonds (3) 5,535 - 5,535 - Other bonds (4) 472 - 472 - Real estate: Real estate (5) 502 - - 502 Other: Other investments (6) 302 25 275 2 Total $ 8,936 $ 25 $ 8,407 $ 504 (1) Equity securities, which mainly comprise investments in comingled funds, are valued based on quoted prices and are primarily exchange-traded. Securities for which official close or last trade pricing on an active exchange is available are classified as Level 1 investments. If closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the last quoted bid price and typically are categorized as Level 2 investments. (2) Debt securities: government bonds comprise fixed interest and index linked bonds issued by central governments, and are valued based on quotes received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Pricing services utilize pricing which considers readily available inputs such as the yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as dealer-supplied prices. Debt securities: government bonds are categorized as Level 2 investments. (3) Debt securities: corporate bonds comprise bonds issued by corporations and are valued using recently executed transactions, or quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active. If there have been no market transactions in a particular fixed income security, its fair value is calculated by pricing models that benchmark the security against other securities with actual market prices. Debt securities: corporate bonds are categorized as Level 2 investments. (4) Debt securities: other bonds comprise agency and mortgage-backed securities. These are valued using recently executed transactions and quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active. If there have been no market transactions in a particular fixed income security, its fair value is calculated by pricing models that benchmark the security against other securities with actual market prices. Debt securities: other bonds are categorized as Level 2 investments. (5) Real estate comprises investments in certain property funds which themselves are valued based on the value of the underlying properties. These properties are valued using a number of standard industry techniques such as cost, discounted cash flows, independent appraisals and market based comparable data. Real estate investments are categorized as Level 3 investments. (6) Other investments mainly comprise cash and cash equivalents and derivatives. Cash is categorized as a Level 1 investment. Cash equivalents are valued using observable yield curves, discounting and interest rates and are categorized as Level 2 investments. Derivatives which are exchange-traded and for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by an independent pricing service on the primary market, or exchange on which they are traded, and are categorized as Level 1 investments. Over-the-counter derivatives typically are valued by independent pricing services and are categorized as Level 2 investments.
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Components of net periodic pension costs for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions): Boots and Other Pension Plans 2015 Service costs $ 3 Interest costs 214 Expected returns on plan assets (173 ) Settlements (2 ) Total net periodic pension costs $ 42
Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations	Change in benefit obligations for the defined benefit pension plans from the date of the Second Step Transaction (in millions): 2015 Benefit obligation at December 31 $ 8,827 Service costs 3 Interest costs 214 Amendments (2 ) Net a (103 ) Benefits paid (186 ) Currency translation adjustments (118 ) Benefit obligation at August 31 $ 8,635
Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets	Change in plan assets for the defined benefit pension plans from the date of the Second Step Transaction (in millions): 2015 Plan assets at fair value at December 31 $ 8,987 Employer contributions 152 Benefits paid (186 ) Return on assets 91 Currency translation adjustments (108 ) Plan assets at fair value at August 31 $ 8,936
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): 2015 Non-current assets $ 468 Current liabilities 1 Non-current liabilities 166 Net asset recognized at August 31 $ 301
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (in millions): 2015 Prior service credit $ - Net actuarial gain 21
Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year	The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for all pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at August 31, 2015 were as follows (in millions): 2015 Projected benefit obligation $ 8,635 Accumulated benefit obligation 8,624 Fair value of plan assets 8,936
Estimated Future Benefit Payments and Federal Subsidy	Estimated future benefit payments from defined benefit pension plans to participants are as follows (in millions): Estimated Future Benefit Payments 2016 $ 288 2017 284 2018 293 2019 303 2020 311 2021-2025 1,707
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The assumptions used in accounting for the defined benefit pension plans were as follows: 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 3.87 % Rate of compensation increase 2.55 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 3.77 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 2.99 % Rate of compensation increase 2.66 %
Postretirement Health Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Components of net periodic benefit costs (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 11 $ 8 $ 9 Interest cost 17 17 14 Amortization of actuarial loss 19 11 12 Amortization of prior service cost (24 ) (23 ) (22 ) Total postretirement benefit cost $ 23 $ 13 $ 13
Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations	Change in benefit obligation (in millions): 2015 2014 Benefit obligation at September 1 $ 427 $ 350 Service cost 11 8 Interest cost 17 17 Amendments (27 ) (23 ) Actuarial loss (gain) 17 88 Benefits paid (21 ) (19 ) Participants’ contributions 7 6 Benefit obligation at August 31 $ 431 $ 427
Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets	Change in plan assets (in millions): 2015 2014 Plan assets at fair value at September 1 $ - $ - Participants’ contributions 7 6 Employer contributions 14 13 Benefits paid (21 ) (19 ) Plan assets at fair value at August 31 $ - $ -
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): 2015 2014 Current liabilities (present value of expected net benefit payments) $ (12 ) $ (11 ) Non-current liabilities (419 ) (416 ) Net liability recognized at August 31 $ (431 ) $ (427 )
Net Funded Status	Funded status (in millions): 2015 2014 Funded status at August 31 $ (431 ) $ (427 )
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (in millions): 2015 2014 Prior service credit $ (231 ) $ (228 ) Net actuarial loss 223 225
Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year	Amounts expected to be recognized as components of net periodic costs for fiscal year 2016 (in millions): 2016 Prior service credit $ (27 ) Net actuarial loss 19
Effect of One Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate	A one percentage point change in the assumed medical cost trend rate would have the following effects (in millions): 1% Increase 1% Decrease Effect on service and interest cost $ (1 ) $ 1 Effect on postretirement obligation 17 (13 )
Estimated Future Benefit Payments and Federal Subsidy	Estimated future federal subsidies are immaterial for all periods presented. Future benefit payments are as follows (in millions): Estimated Future Benefit Payments 2016 $ 10 2017 11 2018 12 2019 13 2020 14 2021-2025 98

Accumulated Other Comprehensi45

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following is a summary of net changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and net of tax for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in millions): Post- retirement Liability Unrecognized Gains on Available-for- Sale Investments Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges Share of Alliance Boots OCI Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance at August 31, 2012 $ 68 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 68 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments (9 ) 1 - (146 ) (93 ) (247 ) Tax benefit (provision) 4 - - 51 32 87 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (5 ) 1 (95 ) (61 ) (160 ) Balance at August 31, 2013 63 1 - (95 ) (61 ) (92 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments (77 ) 170 (43 ) (27 ) 330 353 Tax benefit (provision) 29 (64 ) 16 9 (115 ) (125 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (48 ) 106 (27 ) (18 ) 215 228 Balance at August 31, 2014 15 107 (27 ) (113 ) 154 136 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments 23 247 (14 ) (57 ) (779 ) (580 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - - (5 ) 230 80 305 Tax benefit (provision) (9 ) (95 ) 6 (60 ) 83 (75 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 14 152 (13 ) 113 (616 ) (350 ) Balance at August 31, 2015 $ 29 $ 259 $ (40 ) $ - $ (462 ) $ (214 )

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated	The following table reflects results of operations of the Company’s reportable segments (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations and Unallocated Items Consolidated For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Sales to external customers $ 80,974 $ 8,657 $ 13,813 $ - $ 103,444 Intersegment sales - 124 1,514 (1,638 ) - Total Sales $ 80,974 $ 8,781 $ 15,327 $ (1,638 ) $ 103,444 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,098 $ 616 $ 450 $ (7 ) $ 6,157 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,217 $ 393 $ 120 $ 12 $ 1,742 Additions to property, plant and equipment 951 249 51 - 1,251 For the Year Ended August 31, 2014 Sales to external customers $ 76,392 $ - $ - $ - $ 76,392 Intersegment sales - - - - - Total Sales 76,392 - - - 76,392 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,866 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,866 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,316 $ - $ - $ - $ 1,316 Additions to property, plant and equipment 1,106 - - - 1,106 For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 Sales to external customers $ 72,217 $ - $ - $ - $ 72,217 Intersegment sales - - - - - Total Sales 72,217 - - - 72,217 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,828 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,828 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,283 $ - $ - $ - $ 1,283 Additions to property, plant and equipment 1,212 - - - 1,212
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	The following table reconciles adjusted operating income to operating income (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations and Unallocated Items Consolidated For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,098 $ 616 $ 450 $ (7 ) $ 6,157 Cost transformation (542 ) Acquisition-related amortization (515 ) LIFO provision (285 ) Asset impairment (110 ) Acquisition-related costs (87 ) Store closures and other optimization costs (56 ) Loss on sale of business (17 ) Increase in fair market value of warrants 123 Operating Income $ 4,668 For the Year Ended August 31, 2014 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,866 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,866 Acquisition-related amortization (364 ) LIFO provision (132 ) Store closure and other optimization costs (271 ) Acquisition-related costs (82 ) Increase in fair market value of warrants 168 Gain on sale of business 9 Operating Income $ 4,194 For the Year Ended August 31, 2013 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,828 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,828 Acquisition-related amortization (394 ) LIFO provision (239 ) Acquisition-related costs (96 ) Hurricane Sandy costs (39 ) DEA settlement costs (28 ) Distributor transition costs (13 ) Gain on sale of business 20 Increase in fair market value of warrants 53 Operating Income $ 4,092
Geographic Data for Net Sales	Geographic data for net sales is as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 80,974 $ 76,392 $ 72,217 United Kingdom 9,235 - - Europe (excluding the United Kingdom) 11,402 - - Other 1,833 - - Net sales $ 103,444 $ 76,392 $ 72,217
Geographic Data for Long-Lived Assets	Geographic data for long-lived assets, defined as property, plant and equipment is as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 United States $ 11,327 $ 12,257 United Kingdom 2,835 - Europe (excluding the United Kingdom) 725 - Other 181 - Total long-lived assets $ 15,068 $ 12,257

Supplementary Financial Infor47

Supplementary Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Supplementary Financial Information [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Included in Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions	Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets captions are the following assets and liabilities (in millions): 2015 2014 Accounts receivable Accounts receivable $ 7,021 $ 3,391 Allowance for doubtful accounts (172 ) (173 ) $ 6,849 $ 3,218 Other non-current assets Warrants $ 2,140 $ 553 Other equity method investments 1,242 74 Investment in AmerisourceBergen 1,147 887 Other 805 362 $ 5,334 $ 1,876 Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued salaries and wages $ 1,357 $ 1,123 Other 3,868 2,578 $ 5,225 $ 3,701
Summary of Quarterly Results	Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts) Quarter Ended November February May August Fiscal Year Fiscal 2015 Net Sales $ 19,554 $ 26,573 $ 28,795 $ 28,522 $ 103,444 Gross Profit 5,296 6,882 7,481 7,265 26,924 Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 850 2,042 1,302 26 4,220 Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - Basic $ 0.90 $ 1.96 $ 1.19 $ 0.02 $ 4.05 Diluted 0.89 1.93 1.18 0.02 4.00 Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.3375 $ 0.3375 $ 0.3375 $ 0.3600 $ 1.3725 Fiscal 2014 Net Sales $ 18,329 $ 19,605 $ 19,401 $ 19,057 $ 76,392 Gross Profit 5,152 5,650 5,440 5,327 21,569 Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 723 716 714 (221 ) 1,932 Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - Basic $ 0.76 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ (0.23 ) $ 2.03 Diluted 0.75 0.74 0.74 (0.23 ) 2.00 Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.3150 $ 0.3150 $ 0.3150 $ 0.3375 $ 1.2825
Common Stock Price High and Low Sales Price for Each Quarter	The following table sets forth the sales price ranges of the Company’s common stock by quarter during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 as reported by the Consolidated Transaction Reporting System. Quarter Ended November February May August Fiscal Year Fiscal 2015 High $ 69.37 $ 83.77 $ 93.42 $ 97.30 $ 97.30 Low 58.39 66.46 81.01 76.01 58.39 Fiscal 2014 High $ 60.93 $ 69.84 $ 71.97 $ 76.39 $ 76.39 Low 48.18 54.86 62.80 57.75 48.18

Organization (Details)

Organization (Details) $ / shares in Units, £ in Millions, shares in Millions, $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Segment$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014GBP (£)Segmentshares	Aug. 31, 2015Segment$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2014$ / shares
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable segment | Segment	3	3	3
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.078125		$ 0.01	$ 0.078125
Total purchase price cash consideration	$ 4.9	£ 3,133
Walgreens Boots Alliance [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Increased ownership percentage of Alliance Boots	55.00%
Total purchase price cash consideration		£ 3,133
Number of shares exchanged in acquisition (in shares) | shares	144.3	144.3

Summary of Major Accounting P49

Summary of Major Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 18, 2013	Aug. 02, 2012
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Common shares transfer (in shares)	1,172,513,618	1,028,180,150
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Minimum number of days for settlement of credit and debit charges	2 days
Maximum number of days for settlement of credit and debit charges	7 days
Credit and debit card receivables	$ 165,000,000	$ 229,000,000
Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit at certain banks	448,000,000	267,000,000
Bank overdrafts included in short-term borrowings	45,000,000	0
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted cash	184,000,000	0
Inventory [Abstract]
Inventory increase in carrying amount if valued on LIFO basis	2,500,000,000	2,300,000,000
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	22,608,000,000	19,096,000,000
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	7,540,000,000	6,839,000,000
Property and equipment, net	15,068,000,000	12,257,000,000
Depreciation expense for property and equipment	$ 1,300,000,000	923,000,000	$ 894,000,000
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Minimum highly effective hedging percentage	80.00%
Maximum highly effective hedging percentage	125.00%
Impaired Assets and Liabilities for Store Closings [Abstract]
Impairment charges		167,000,000	30,000,000
Reserve for store closings	$ 446,000,000	257,000,000
Advertising Costs [Abstract]
Net advertising expenses included in selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 491,000,000	265,000,000	286,000,000
Points Earned Through Loyalty Programs [Abstract]
Number of years to recognize breakage income	3 years
Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 109,000,000	114,000,000	104,000,000
Recognized tax benefit, stock-based compensation	7,000,000	31,000,000	30,000,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards	$ 137,000,000
Compensation cost not yet recognized period for recognition	3 years
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$ 472,000,000	$ 161,000,000	$ 158,000,000
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Outstanding options to purchase common shares excluded from earnings per share calculations (in shares)	2,500,000	3,500,000	12,300,000
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Impact of ASU on non-current assets and long-term debt	$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000
Cost Transformation Restructuring Program [Member]
Impaired Assets and Liabilities for Store Closings [Abstract]
Impairment charges	386,000,000
Reserve for store closings	219,000,000
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	173,000,000	154,000,000	$ 99,000,000
Bad debt provision	90,000,000	86,000,000	124,000,000
Write-offs	(53,000,000)	(67,000,000)	(69,000,000)
Divestitures	(37,000,000)	0	0
Currency translation	(1,000,000)	0	0
Balance at end of year	$ 172,000,000	173,000,000	154,000,000
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	20 years
Property and equipment	$ 3,687,000,000	3,418,000,000
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 7,705,000,000	6,901,000,000
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	50 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	13 years
Fixtures, Plant And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 8,904,000,000	7,559,000,000
Fixtures, Plant And Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	20 years
Fixtures, Plant And Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	3 years
Capitalized System Development Costs And Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 1,491,000,000	688,000,000
Internally developed software amortization	178,000,000	127,000,000	$ 105,000,000
Unamortized capitalized software costs	$ 1,000,000,000	676,000,000
Capitalized System Development Costs And Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of capitalized software costs	8 years
Capitalized System Development Costs And Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of capitalized software costs	3 years
Capital Lease Properties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 821,000,000	$ 530,000,000
Alliance Boots [Member]
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Ownership percentage		45.00%		45.00%		45.00%
Noncontrolling interest	100.00%
AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Common shares transfer (in shares)					19,859,795
Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH [Member]
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Ownership percentage	72.50%
Ownership interest percentage prior to Second Step Transaction	50.00%
Noncontrolling interest	27.50%
Equity method ownership option to repurchase shares, amount	$ 100,000
Alliance Healthcare Italia Distribuzione S.p.A. [Member]
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Ownership percentage				5.00%
Common shares transfer (in shares)				320

Summary of Major Accounting P50

Summary of Major Accounting Policies, Class of Warrant or Right (Details) - $ / shares	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Mar. 18, 2013
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Right to purchase minority equity position (in shares)	1,172,513,618	1,028,180,150
AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Percentage of fully diluted equity			7.00%
AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member] | Warrants Exercisable in March 2016 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 51.50
AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member] | Warrants Exercisable in March 2017 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 52.50
Maximum [Member] | AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Right to purchase minority equity position (in shares)			19,859,795
Maximum [Member] | AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member] | Warrants Exercisable in March 2016 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant issued to purchase common stock (in shares)	22,696,912
Maximum [Member] | AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member] | Warrants Exercisable in March 2017 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant issued to purchase common stock (in shares)	22,696,912

Change in Accounting Policy (De

Change in Accounting Policy (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots	[1]									$ 339	$ 618	$ 496
Operating Income										4,668	4,194	4,092
Earnings Before Income Tax Provision										5,311	3,557	4,047
Income tax provision										1,056	1,526	1,499
Net Earnings										4,279	2,031	2,548
Net Earnings Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.		$ 26	$ 1,302	$ 2,042	$ 850	$ (221)	$ 714	$ 716	$ 723	$ 4,220	$ 1,932	$ 2,548
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - basic (in dollars per share)		$ 0.02	$ 1.19	$ 1.96	$ 0.90	$ (0.23)	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.76	$ 4.05	$ 2.03	$ 2.69
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - diluted (in dollars per share)		$ 0.02	$ 1.18	$ 1.93	$ 0.89	$ (0.23)	$ 0.74	$ 0.74	$ 0.75	$ 4	$ 2	$ 2.67
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings										$ 4,279	$ 2,031	$ 2,548
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of Alliance Boots										113	(18)	(95)
Cumulative translation adjustments										(622)	215	(61)
Total Other Comprehensive Income										(356)	228	(160)
Total Comprehensive Income										3,923	2,259	2,388
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.										3,870	2,160	2,388
Non-Current Assets [Abstract]
Equity investment in Alliance Boots		$ 0				$ 7,336				0	7,336
Total Non-Current Assets		49,125				25,008				49,125	25,008
Total Assets		68,782				37,250				68,782	37,250
Non-Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes		3,538				1,080				3,538	1,080
Total Non-Current Liabilities		20,925				7,738				20,925	7,738
Equity [Abstract]
Retained earnings		25,089				22,327				25,089	22,327
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(214)								(214)
Total Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. Shareholders' Equity		30,861				20,513				30,861	20,513
Total Equity		31,300				20,617				31,300	20,617	19,558	$ 18,236
Total Liabilities and Equity		$ 68,782				37,250				68,782	37,250
Cash Flows from Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net earnings										4,279	2,031	2,548
Deferred income taxes										(32)	177	202
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots	[1]									$ (339)	(618)	(496)
Reduction in non-current assets and non-current liabilities											(20)
Increase in retained earnings, net of tax											98
Alliance Boots [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Percentage of intial interest													45.00%
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots											617	496
Non-Current Assets [Abstract]
Equity investment in Alliance Boots						7,336					7,336
Cash Flows from Operating Activities [Abstract]
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots											(617)	(496)
As Reported [Member]
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Operating Income											4,194	3,940
Earnings Before Income Tax Provision											3,557	3,895
Income tax provision											1,526	1,445
Net Earnings											2,031	2,450
Net Earnings Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.											$ 1,932	$ 2,450
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - basic (in dollars per share)											$ 2.03	$ 2.59
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - diluted (in dollars per share)											$ 2	$ 2.56
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings											$ 2,031	$ 2,450
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of Alliance Boots											(41)	(59)
Cumulative translation adjustments											286	(103)
Total Other Comprehensive Income											276	(166)
Total Comprehensive Income											2,307	2,284
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.											2,208	2,284
Non-Current Assets [Abstract]
Total Non-Current Assets	[2]					24,920					24,920
Total Assets	[2]					37,162					37,162
Non-Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes	[2]					1,048					1,048
Total Non-Current Liabilities	[2]					7,706					7,706
Equity [Abstract]
Retained earnings	[2]					22,229					22,229
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[2]					178					178
Total Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. Shareholders' Equity	[2]					20,457					20,457
Total Equity	[2]					20,561					20,561
Total Liabilities and Equity	[2]					37,162					37,162
Cash Flows from Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net earnings											2,031	2,450
Deferred income taxes												148
As Reported [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots											617	344
Non-Current Assets [Abstract]
Equity investment in Alliance Boots	[2]					7,248					7,248
Cash Flows from Operating Activities [Abstract]
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots											(617)	(344)
Adjustments [Member]
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Operating Income											0	152
Earnings Before Income Tax Provision											0	152
Income tax provision											0	54
Net Earnings											0	98
Net Earnings Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.											$ 0	$ 98
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - basic (in dollars per share)											$ 0	$ 0.10
Net earnings per common share attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - diluted (in dollars per share)											$ 0	$ 0.11
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings											$ 0	$ 98
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of Alliance Boots											23	(36)
Cumulative translation adjustments											(71)	42
Total Other Comprehensive Income											(48)	6
Total Comprehensive Income											(48)	104
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.											(48)	104
Non-Current Assets [Abstract]
Total Non-Current Assets						88					88
Total Assets						88					88
Non-Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes						32					32
Total Non-Current Liabilities						32					32
Equity [Abstract]
Retained earnings						98					98
Accumulated other comprehensive income						(42)					(42)
Total Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. Shareholders' Equity						56					56
Total Equity						56					56
Total Liabilities and Equity						88					88
Cash Flows from Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net earnings											0	98
Deferred income taxes												54
Adjustments [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots											0	152
Non-Current Assets [Abstract]
Equity investment in Alliance Boots						$ 88					88
Cash Flows from Operating Activities [Abstract]
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots											$ 0	$ (152)
[1]	Earnings in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective average exchange rates.
[2]	Due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest, all reported periods include debt issuance costs as a contra-liability, This impacted the August 31, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet by reducing non-current assets and non-current liabilities by $20 million.

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)Store	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period	$ 542	$ 209
Total restructuring costs	559	209
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	540	209
Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	19	0
Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	0	0
Asset Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period		71
Total restructuring costs	223	71
Asset Impairments [Member] | Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	216	71
Asset Impairments [Member] | Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	7	0
Asset Impairments [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	0	0
Real Estate Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	219	137
Real Estate Costs [Member] | Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	219	137
Real Estate Costs [Member] | Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	0	0
Real Estate Costs [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	0	0
Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	117	1
Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member] | Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	105	1
Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member] | Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	12	0
Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	0	0
Lease Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period	$ 17	137
Other Charges [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period		$ 1
Cost Transformation Program [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of stores planned to be closed | Store	200
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	$ 1,600
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	1,800
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Asset Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period	223
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Asset Impairments [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	650
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Asset Impairments [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	725
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Real Estate Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period	202
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Real Estate Costs [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	525
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Real Estate Costs [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	600
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period	117
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	425
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	$ 475

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)Lease	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Initial term of operating lease, lower range	15 years
Initial term of operating lease, upper range	25 years
Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions	$ 867	$ 67	$ 115
Charges related to facilities that were closed or relocated	252	177	43
Financing Obligation [Abstract]
2,016	18
2,017	18
2,018	18
2,019	18
2,020	18
Later	1,234
Total minimum lease payments	1,324
Capital Lease [Abstract]
2,016	69
2,017	65
2,018	62
2,019	60
2,020	61
Later	881
Total minimum lease payments	1,198
Operating Lease [Abstract]
2,016	3,141
2,017	3,008
2,018	2,944
2,019	2,734
2,020	2,518
Later	23,625
Total minimum lease payments	37,970
Executory costs and imputed interest	1,600
Minimum sublease rentals	214
Changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges [Roll Forward]
Balance - beginning of period	257	123
Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities	231	171
Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates	(6)	(8)
Interest accretion	27	14
Liability assumed through acquisition of Alliance Boots	13	0
Cash payments, net of sublease income	(76)	(43)
Balance - end of period	$ 446	257	123
Number of assigned leases (in number of lease) | Lease	71
Maximum potential undiscounted future payments	$ 351
Rent Expense [Abstract]
Minimum rentals	3,176	2,687	2,644
Contingent rentals	38	5	6
Less: Sublease rental income	(46)	(22)	(22)
Total rental expense	$ 3,168	$ 2,670	$ 2,628

Equity Method Investments, Equi

Equity Method Investments, Equity Method Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 02, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 0		$ 7,336
Alliance Boots [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value			$ 7,336
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage		45.00%	45.00%	45.00%
Increased ownership percentage of Alliance Boots	100.00%
Other [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 1,242		$ 74
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage	12.00%		30.00%
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Total [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 1,242		$ 7,410

Equity Method Investments (Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details) shares in Millions, $ in Millions, £ in Billions		Dec. 31, 2014shares	Aug. 02, 2012USD ($)shares	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2012GBP (£)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Remaining ownership subject to call option					55.00%
Shares issued upon exercise of call option (in shares) | shares		144.3
Non-controlling interests				$ 163	$ 283
Equity earnings	[1]			339	$ 618	$ 496
Alliance Boots [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage		45.00%	45.00%		45.00%		45.00%
Cash paid to acquire investment			$ 4,025
Shares issued for Investment in Alliance Boots (in shares) | shares			83.4
Remaining ownership subject to call option			55.00%				55.00%
Cash price to exercise call option | £							£ 3.1
Shares issued upon exercise of call option (in shares) | shares			144.3
Equity method investments investment amount			$ 2,400
Incremental acquisition related amortization				14	$ 41	68
Non-cash gain resulting from the remeasurement of previously held equity interest				563
Foreign currency translation gains and losses recycled from cumulative other comprehensive income				310
Equity earnings					$ 617	$ 496
Other Equity Method Investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity earnings				$ 24
[1]	Earnings in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective average exchange rates.

Equity Method Investments, Summ

Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information of Equity Method Investees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Current assets	[1]	$ 5,015	$ 9,074
Non-current assets	[1]	1,548	22,363
Current liabilities	[1]	3,936	9,372
Non-current liabilities	[1]	837	10,608
Shareholders' Equity	[1],[2]	1,790	11,457
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	[3]	20,905	37,624	$ 36,482
Gross Profit	[3]	3,794	8,109	7,632
Net Earnings	[3]	791	1,446	1,363
Share of earnings from equity method investments	[3]	$ 339	$ 618	$ 496
[1]	Net assets in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective August 31, 2015 and 2014 spot rates.
[2]	Shareholders' equity at August 31, 2015 and 2014 includes $163 million and $283 million respectively, related to noncontrolling interests.
[3]	Earnings in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective average exchange rates.

Available-for-Sale Investment57

Available-for-Sale Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Summary of cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost basis	$ 754	$ 717
Gross unrealized gains	430	170
Gross unrealized losses	(1)	0
Fair value	1,183	887
Available for sale securities, current	$ 36	0
AmerisourceBergen Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares in minority equity position (in shares)	19,859,795
Percentage of rights to acquire common share	7.00%
Price of shares acquired through open market transaction	$ 0	493
Number of shares held (in shares)	11,500,000
Percentage of Outstanding Common Stock	5.20%
Sale of acquired available-for-sale securities	$ 52	0	$ 0
Summary of cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost basis	717	717
Gross unrealized gains	430	170
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	1,147	$ 887
Other Investments [Member]
Summary of cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost basis	37
Gross unrealized gains	0
Gross unrealized losses	(1)
Fair value	$ 36

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) $ / shares in Units, £ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014GBP (£)shares	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 30, 2014$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common shares transfer (in shares) | shares			1,172,513,618		1,028,180,150
Noncontrolling interest acquired			$ 439,000,000		$ 104,000,000
Total purchase price cash consideration	$ 4,900,000,000	£ 3,133
Spot rate	1.56	1.56
Purchase price consideration, common shares (in shares) | shares	144,300,000	144,300,000
Purchase price consideration common shares fair value	$ 11,000,000,000
Closing market price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 76.05
Alliance Boots [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of issued and outstanding capital acquired	55.00%	55.00%
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage			45.00%
Noncontrolling interest	100.00%	100.00%
Total purchase price cash consideration			$ 4,874,000,000
Purchase price consideration common shares fair value			8,149,000,000
Preliminary impact of equity transactions [Abstract]
Consideration attributable to WBAD			2,559,000,000
Less: Carrying value of the Company's pre-existing noncontrolling interest			130,000,000
Impact to additional paid in capital			$ 2,429,000,000
Alliance Boots [Member] | Previously Reported [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage			45.00%
Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage prior to Second Step Transaction			50.00%
Noncontrolling interest	100.00%	100.00%	27.50%
Equity method ownership option to repurchase shares, amount			$ 100,000
Noncontrolling interest acquired			$ 2,600,000,000
Alliance Healthcare Italia Distribuzione S.p.A. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage	5.00%	5.00%
Common shares transfer (in shares) | shares	320	320

Acquisitions, Consideration Pai

Acquisitions, Consideration Paid (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014GBP (£)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Consideration paid [Abstract]
Cash	$ 4,900	£ 3,133
Fair value of the investment in Alliance Boots held before the Second Step Transaction	$ 11,000
Alliance Boots [Member]
Consideration paid [Abstract]
Cash			$ 4,874
Common stock			10,977
Total consideration transferred			15,851
Less: consideration attributed to WBAD			(2,559)
Total consideration after attributed amount to WBAD			13,292
Fair value of the investment in Alliance Boots held before the Second Step Transaction			8,149
Total consideration			$ 21,441

Acquisitions, Identifiable Asse

Acquisitions, Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Including Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 16,372	$ 2,359	$ 2,410
Gain on previously held equity interest	563	$ 0	$ 0
Alliance Boots [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	413
Accounts receivable	3,799
Inventories	3,713
Other current assets	894
Property, plant and equipment	3,847
Intangible assets	11,691
Other non-current assets	2,218
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(7,711)
Borrowings	(9,010)
Deferred income taxes	(2,461)
Other non-current liabilities	(389)
Noncontrolling interests	(412)
Total identifiable net assets and noncontrolling interests	6,592
Goodwill	14,849
Fair value of previously held equity interest	$ 8,100

Acquisitions, The Preliminary I

Acquisitions, The Preliminary Identified Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 14,972	$ 58
Selling, general and administrative expenses	22,571	17,992	$ 17,543
Fair value of the assets acquired	3,700
Estimated manufacturing profit in acquired finished goods inventory capitalized	107
Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	4,036	0
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	7,290	58
Goodwill arising from synergies	3,500
Goodwill based on a with and without analysis	3,800
Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	3,646	$ 0
Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount	2,545
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount	9,146
Goodwill	$ 14,800
Equity interest in Alliance Boots	45.00%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 87
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount	6,657
Pharmacy Licenses [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount	$ 2,489
Customer Relationships [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	12 years	0 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	12 years
Amount	$ 1,311
Loyalty Card Holders [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	12 years	0 years
Loyalty Card Holders [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	12 years
Amount	$ 742
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	7 years
Amount	$ 399
Favorable Lease Interests [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	8 years
Amount	$ 93

Acquisitions, Unaudited Pro For

Acquisitions, Unaudited Pro Forma Results Prepared for Comparative Purposes (Details) - Alliance Boots [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 116,491	$ 113,896
Net earnings	$ 4,278	$ 3,884
Net earnings per common share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 4.10	$ 3.54
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 4.06	$ 3.50

Acquisitions, Actual Results fr

Acquisitions, Actual Results from Alliance Boots Operations Included in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	May. 31, 2015$ / shares	Feb. 28, 2015$ / shares	Nov. 30, 2014$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	May. 31, 2014$ / shares	Feb. 28, 2014$ / shares	Nov. 30, 2013$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / shares
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.02	$ 1.19	$ 1.96	$ 0.90	$ (0.23)	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.76	$ 4.05	$ 2.03	$ 2.69
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.02	$ 1.18	$ 1.93	$ 0.89	$ (0.23)	$ 0.74	$ 0.74	$ 0.75	$ 4	$ 2	$ 2.67
Aggregate purchase price									$ 4,461	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill									14,972	58
Alliance Boots [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales									22,470
Net earnings									$ 853
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares									$ 0.82
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares									$ 0.81
Goodwill									$ 14,800
Intangible assets	$ 11,691								11,691
Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net	6,592								6,592
Other Acquisitions and Divestitures [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Aggregate purchase price									371
Goodwill									126
Intangible assets	$ 255								255
Kerr Drug [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Goodwill									$ 42
Intangible assets					$ 54					54
Net cash paid					$ 170					$ 170
Number of stores acquired					76					76
Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net					$ 74					$ 74

Goodwill and Other Intangible64

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period		$ 2,359		$ 2,410
Acquisitions		14,972		58
Sale of business		(706)	[1]	(92)	[2]
Other	[3]	(3)		(17)
Currency translation adjustments		(250)
Net book value - Ending Period		16,372		2,359
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period		2,359		2,410
Acquisitions		7,290		58
Sale of business		(706)	[1]	(92)	[2]
Other	[3]	(3)		(17)
Currency translation adjustments		0
Net book value - Ending Period		8,940		2,359
Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period		0		0
Acquisitions		4,036		0
Sale of business		0	[1]	0	[2]
Other	[3]	0		0
Currency translation adjustments		(138)
Net book value - Ending Period		3,898		0
Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period		0		0
Acquisitions		3,646		0
Sale of business		0	[1]	0	[2]
Other	[3]	0		0
Currency translation adjustments		(112)
Net book value - Ending Period		$ 3,534		$ 0
[1]	Represents goodwill associated with Walgreens Infusion Services business which was sold in April 2015.
[2]	Represents goodwill associated with Walgreens Take Care Employer business which was sold in June 2014.
[3]	Other primarily represents immaterial purchase accounting adjustments for prior year Company acquisitions.

Goodwill and Other Intangible65

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 16,372	$ 2,359	$ 2,410
Goodwill impairment	706
Amortization expense for intangible assets	480	282	$ 289
Alliance Boots [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	14,849
Intangible assets	11,691
Purchase price	$ 15,851
Take Care Employer Solutions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		92
Kerr Drug [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		42
Intangible assets		54
Purchase price		$ 170

Goodwill and Other Intangible66

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 4,387	$ 2,108
Accumulated amortization	1,090	936
Total amortizable intangible assets, net	3,297	1,172
Total indefinite lived intangible assets	9,054	8
Total intangible assets, net	12,351	1,180
Purchased Prescription Files [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	885	1,079
Accumulated amortization	$ 470	$ 474
Weighted-average amortization period	6 years	6 years
Favorable Lease Interests [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 440	$ 382
Accumulated amortization	$ 207	$ 174
Weighted-average amortization period	13 years	11 years
Purchasing and Payer Contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 94	$ 301
Accumulated amortization	$ 65	$ 145
Weighted-average amortization period	10 years	13 years
Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 154	$ 151
Accumulated amortization	$ 92	$ 70
Weighted-average amortization period	5 years	5 years
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 675	$ 191
Accumulated amortization	83	69
Total indefinite lived intangible assets	$ 6,590	$ 8
Weighted-average amortization period	9 years	12 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 1,409	$ 0
Accumulated amortization	$ 132	$ 0
Weighted-average amortization period	12 years	0 years
Loyalty Card Holders [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 730	$ 0
Accumulated amortization	$ 41	$ 0
Weighted-average amortization period	12 years	0 years
Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 0	$ 4
Accumulated amortization	$ 0	$ 4
Weighted-average amortization period	0 years	8 years
Pharmacy Licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total indefinite lived intangible assets	$ 2,464	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible67

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense [Abstract]
2,016	$ 442
2,017	398
2,018	352
2,019	323
2,020	$ 267

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon68

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]
Other		$ 1,068	$ 774
Bank overdrafts		45	0
Assumed Loans [Member]
Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]
Current portion of loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings	[1]	$ 2	8
Interest rate, minimum	[1]	5.00%
Interest rate, maximum	[1]	8.75%
Maturity year, start	[1]	2,015
Maturity year, end	[1]	2,035
Unsecured Variable Rate Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]
Unsecured notes	[1]	$ 747	0
Maturity year	[1]	2,016
1.000% Unsecured Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]
Unsecured notes	[1]	$ 0	750
Stated interest rate	[1]	1.00%
Maturity year	[1]	2,015
Other Short-Term Debt [Member]
Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]
Other	[1],[2]	$ 319	16
Total short-term borrowings	[1]	1,068	$ 774
Bank overdrafts		$ 45
[1]	All notes are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable.
[2]	Other short-term borrowings represent a mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings with various maturities and working capital facilities denominated in various foreign currencies including $45 million of U.S. dollar equivalent bank overdrafts.

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon69

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt, Long-Term Debt (Details) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / £$ / €		Aug. 10, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Other	[1],[2]	$ 24			$ 0
Total long-term debt	[1]	13,315			3,716
Assumed Loans [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Loans assumed through the purchase of land and buildings	[1]	$ 20			32
Interest rate, minimum	[1]	5.00%
Interest rate, maximum	[1]	8.75%
Maturity year, start	[1]	2,015
Maturity year, end	[1]	2,035
Unsecured Pound Sterling Variable Rate Term Loan Due 2019 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[3]	$ 2,229			0
Maturity year	[1],[3]	2,019
1.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1]	$ 0			994
Stated interest rate		1.80%	[1]	1.80%
Maturity year	[1]	2,017
1.750% Unsecured Notes due 2017 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[4]	$ 746			0
Stated interest rate	[1],[4]	1.75%
Maturity year	[1],[4]	2,017
5.250% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[4]	$ 250			1,007
Stated interest rate	[1],[4]	5.25%
Maturity year	[1],[4]	2,019
2.700% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[3]	$ 1,243			0
Stated interest rate	[1],[3]	2.70%
Maturity year	[1],[3]	2,019
2.875% Unsecured Pound Sterling Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[3]	$ 612			0
Stated interest rate	[1],[3]	2.875%
Maturity year	[1],[3]	2,020
Spot rate | $ / £		1.54
3.300% Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1]	$ 1,241			0
Stated interest rate	[1]	3.30%
Maturity year	[1]	2,021
3.100% Unsecured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1]	$ 1,193			1,192
Stated interest rate	[1]	3.10%
Maturity year	[1]	2,022
3.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[3]	$ 1,985			0
Stated interest rate	[1],[3]	3.80%
Maturity year		2,024
3.600% Unsecured Pound Sterling Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[3]	$ 459			0
Stated interest rate	[1],[3]	3.60%
Maturity year	[1],[3]	2,025
Spot rate | $ / £		1.54
2.125% Unsecured Euro Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[5]	$ 836			0
Stated interest rate	[1],[5]	2.125%
Maturity year	[1],[5]	2,026
Spot rate | $ / €		1.12
4.500% Unsecured Notes Due 2034 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1]	$ 494			0
Stated interest rate	[1]	4.50%
Maturity year	[1]	2,034
4.400% Unsecured Notes Due 2042 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1]	$ 492			491
Stated interest rate	[1]	4.40%
Maturity year	[1]	2,042
4.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2044 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1]	$ 1,491			$ 0
Stated interest rate	[1]	4.80%
Maturity year		2,044
[1]	All notes are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable.
[2]	Other long-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings in various foreign currencies with various maturities.
[3]	Pound Sterling denominated notes are translated at the August 31, 2015 spot rate of $1.54 to one British Pound Sterling.
[4]	Also includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments, see Note 12, Fair Value Measurements for additional fair value disclosures.
[5]	Euro denominated notes are translated at the August 31, 2015 spot rate of $1.12 to one Euro.

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon70

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt, Debt Issuance (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015GBP (£)	Aug. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
1.750% Unsecured Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1],[2]	1.75%	1.75%	1.75%
3.300% Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	3.30%	3.30%	3.30%
3.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1],[3]	3.80%	3.80%	3.80%
4.500% Unsecured Notes Due 2034 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
4.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2044 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	4.80%	4.80%	4.80%
3.100% Unsecured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	3.10%	3.10%	3.10%
4.400% Unsecured Notes Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	4.40%	4.40%	4.40%
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued					$ 3,500
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Unsecured Variable Rate Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 750
Maturity date		May 18, 2016
Interest payment dates		February 18, May 18, August 18, and November 18; commencing on February 18, 2015
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis		Three-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR
Basis spread on variable rate		0.45%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 1.750% Unsecured Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 750
Maturity date		Nov. 17, 2017
Interest payment dates		May 17 and November 17; commencing on May 17, 2015
Interest rate		1.75%	1.75%	1.75%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 2.700% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 1,250
Maturity date		Nov. 18, 2019
Interest payment dates		May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015
Interest rate		2.70%	2.70%	2.70%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 3.300% Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 1,250
Maturity date		Nov. 18, 2021
Interest payment dates		May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015
Interest rate		3.30%	3.30%	3.30%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 3.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 2,000
Maturity date		Nov. 18, 2024
Interest payment dates		May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015
Interest rate		3.80%	3.80%	3.80%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 4.500% Unsecured Notes Due 2034 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 500
Maturity date		Nov. 18, 2034
Interest payment dates		May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015
Interest rate		4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 4.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2044 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 1,500
Maturity date		Nov. 18, 2044
Interest payment dates		May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015
Interest rate		4.80%	4.80%	4.80%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Total $8.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 8,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 2.125% Unsecured Euro Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued | €				€ 750
Maturity date		Nov. 20, 2026
Interest rate		2.125%	2.125%	2.125%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 2.875% Unsecured Pound Sterling Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued | £			£ 400
Maturity date		Nov. 20, 2020
Interest rate		2.875%	2.875%	2.875%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 3.600% Unsecured Pound Sterling Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued | £			£ 300
Maturity date		Nov. 20, 2025
Interest rate		3.60%	3.60%	3.60%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Pound Sterling Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued | £			£ 700
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 3.100% Unsecured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 1,200
Maturity date		Sep. 15, 2022
Interest payment dates		March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013
Interest rate		3.10%	3.10%	3.10%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 4.400% Unsecured Notes Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 500
Maturity date		Sep. 15, 2042
Interest payment dates		March 15 and September 15; commencing on March 15, 2013
Interest rate		4.40%	4.40%	4.40%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Total $4.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of notes issued		$ 1,700
[1]	All notes are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable.
[2]	Also includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments, see Note 12, Fair Value Measurements for additional fair value disclosures.
[3]	Pound Sterling denominated notes are translated at the August 31, 2015 spot rate of $1.54 to one British Pound Sterling.

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon71

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2015GBP (£)		Aug. 10, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Alliance Boots [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Repayment of debt	$ 9,000
Total $8.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Net proceeds from notes payable	7,900
Total issuance costs	44
Fair value of the notes	7,800
Maximum aggregate outstanding amount of indebtedness	$ 2,000
Percentage of principal amount of fixed rate notes can be redeemed	100.00%
Redemption of notes description	Redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the principal amount of the fixed rate 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 redemption date), discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the applicable series of notes), plus 15 basis points for the notes due 2017, 15 basis points for the notes due 2019, 20 basis points for the notes due 2021, 20 basis points for the notes due 2024, 20 basis points for the notes due 2034 and 25 basis points for the notes due 2044.
Percentage of redemption price	100.00%
Percentage of principal amount required on triggering event to repurchase notes	101.00%		101.00%
Total $4.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Net proceeds from notes payable	$ 4,000
Total issuance costs	26
Fair value of the notes	$ 1,600					$ 3,400
Percentage of principal amount of fixed rate notes can be redeemed	100.00%
Redemption of notes description	Redemption price equal to the greater of: (a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed; and (b) 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 in the applicable series of notes), 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 redemption price	100.00%
Percentage of principal amount required on triggering event to repurchase notes	101.00%		101.00%
Percentage of redemption price including accrued interest	101.677%
Debt instrument redemption premium	$ 17
Total $1.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Net proceeds from notes payable	1,000
Total issuance costs	8
Fair value of the notes	$ 300					1,100
Percentage of principal amount of fixed rate notes can be redeemed	100.00%
Redemption of notes description	Redemption price equal to the greater of: (a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed; or (b) 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 (as defined in the applicable series of notes), plus 45 basis points, plus accrued interest on the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, the date of redemption.
Percentage of principal amount required on triggering event to repurchase notes	101.00%		101.00%
Stated interest rate	5.25%		5.25%
Interest payment frequency	semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15
Face amount of notes issued						250
Percentage of redemption price including accrued interest	111.734%
Debt instrument redemption premium	$ 88
Total $1.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.45%
Euro and Pound Sterling Notes [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Total issuance costs	$ 11
Fair value of the notes	1,900
Maximum aggregate outstanding amount of indebtedness	$ 2,000
Percentage of principal amount of fixed rate notes can be redeemed	100.00%
Redemption of notes description	Redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be 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 redemption date), discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate, (as defined in the applicable series of notes), plus 20 basis points for the Euro notes, 20 basis points for the Pound Sterling notes due 2020 and 20 basis points for Pound Sterling the notes due 2025.
Percentage of redemption price	100.00%
Percentage of principal amount required on triggering event to repurchase notes	101.00%		101.00%
Euro and Pound Sterling Notes [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.20%
1.750% Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Redemption of notes description	At any time in whole or from time to time in part
1.750% Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.15%
2.700% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Redemption of notes description	At any time prior to October 18, 2019 in whole or from time to time prior to October 18, 2019 in part
2.700% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.15%
3.300% Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Redemption of notes description	At any time prior to September 18, 2021 in whole or from time to time prior to September 18, 2021 in part
3.300% Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.20%
3.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Redemption of notes description	At any time prior to August 18, 2024 in whole or from time to time prior to August 18, 2024 in part
3.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.20%
4.500% Unsecured Notes Due 2034 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Redemption of notes description	At any time prior to May 18, 2034 in whole or from time to time prior to May 18, 2034 in part
4.500% Unsecured Notes Due 2034 [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.20%
4.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2044 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Redemption of notes description	At any time prior to May 18, 2044 in whole or from time to time prior to May 18, 2044 in part
4.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2044 [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.25%
Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Repayment of debt	$ 550
1.000% Unsecured Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Repayment of debt	$ 750
1.000% Unsecured Notes Due 2015 [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.12%
3.100% Unsecured Notes Due 2022 [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.22%
4.400% Unsecured Notes Due 2042 [Member] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.25%
2.875% Unsecured Pound Sterling Notes Due 2020 [Member] | Government Bond Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.20%
3.600% Unsecured Pound Sterling Notes Due 2025 [Member] | Government Bond Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.20%
1.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Stated interest rate	1.80%	[1]	1.80%	[1]	1.80%
Face amount of notes issued					$ 1,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Face amount of notes issued						$ 3,500
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Total $8.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Face amount of notes issued	$ 8,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Total $4.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Face amount of notes issued	$ 1,700
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 2.700% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Stated interest rate	2.70%		2.70%
Interest payment frequency	May 18 and November 18; commencing on May 18, 2015
Maturity date	Nov. 18, 2019
Face amount of notes issued	$ 1,250
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 2.875% Unsecured Pound Sterling Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Stated interest rate	2.875%		2.875%
Maturity date	Nov. 20, 2020
Face amount of notes issued | £			£ 400
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 3.600% Unsecured Pound Sterling Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Stated interest rate	3.60%		3.60%
Maturity date	Nov. 20, 2025
Face amount of notes issued | £			£ 300
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 1.800% Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Maturity date	Sep. 15, 2017
[1]	All notes are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable.

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon72

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt, Other Borrowings (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 29, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 10, 2014USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Spot rate				1.56
United Kingdom, Pounds
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Spot rate	1.54		1.54
Commercial Paper [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance outstanding at fiscal year-end	$ 0	$ 0
Average daily short-term borrowings	$ 82	$ 4
Weighted-average interest rate	0.52%	0.23%	0.52%
Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate outstanding amount of indebtedness	$ 2,000
Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	2,200		£ 1,450
Amount borrowed | £			£ 1,450
Fair value of the notes	2,200
Fees related to borrowings	$ 14
Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt to total capitalization ratio	0.60		0.60
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 3,000	$ 2,250
Term of facility	5 years
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt to total capitalization ratio	0.60		0.60
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 500	$ 375
364-Day Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance outstanding at fiscal year-end	$ 0
Amount borrowed	$ 750
364-Day Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt to total capitalization ratio	0.60		0.60

Financial Instruments (Details)

Financial Instruments (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions, £ in Billions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015GBP (£)	Aug. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Aug. 10, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015GBP (£)	Jan. 31, 2015EUR (€)
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Cumulative fair value adjustments resulted in increase in long-term debt		$ 1		$ 12
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Value of Interest rate swap terminated | £									£ 1
Alliance Boots [Member]
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Outstanding debt		9,000
Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt issuance	[1],[2]	$ 1,985		0
Maturity year		2,024
Notes Due 2044 [Member]
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt issuance	[1]	$ 1,491		0
Maturity year		2,044
Three-month LIBOR [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives assets, Notional Amount		$ 1,500
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative notional principal amount		$ 1,500
Three-month LIBOR [Member] | Contract One [Member]
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt instrument, maturity period		10 years
Cash paid to settle swap		$ 45
Three-month LIBOR [Member] | Contract Two [Member]
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt instrument, maturity period		30 years
Cash paid to settle swap		$ 18
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative maturity date		Jul. 31, 2015
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | One-month LIBOR [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives assets, Fair Value		$ 250
Fixed interest rate percentage		5.25%				5.25%	5.25%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Six-month LIBOR [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives assets, Fair Value		$ 750
Fixed interest rate percentage		5.25%				5.25%	5.25%
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative notional amount terminated								$ 500
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		$ (4)		(15)	$ 63
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		(4)		(15)	63
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		1		0	0
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		1		0	0
Basis Swaps [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives assets, Notional Amount	[3]	1
Derivatives assets, Fair Value		0
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative notional principal amount	[3]	1
Notes [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		6		15	(43)
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		6		15	(43)
Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives assets, Notional Amount						£ 1.5	€ 2,000
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative notional principal amount						£ 1.5	€ 2,000
Derivative notional amount terminated | €										€ 600
Warrants [Member] | Other income/(expenses) [Member]
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		759		366	111
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		759		366	111
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		78		0	0
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		78		0	0
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other income/(expenses) [Member]
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		72		0	0
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		72		0	0
Second Step Transaction Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other income/(expenses) [Member]
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		(166)		0	0
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		(166)		0	$ 0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Forward Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, Notional Amount				1,500
Derivative liability, Fair value				44
Other Current Assets [Member] | Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives assets, Notional Amount	[3]	1,205
Derivatives assets, Fair Value		34
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative notional principal amount	[3]	1,205
Other Non-currents Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives assets, Notional Amount		250	[3]	1,000
Derivatives assets, Fair Value		2		16
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative notional principal amount		250	[3]	1,000
Other Non-currents Assets [Member] | Warrants [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Derivative asset		2,140		$ 553
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives assets, Notional Amount	[3]	495
Derivatives assets, Fair Value		9
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative notional principal amount	[3]	$ 495
[1]	All notes are presented net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, where applicable.
[2]	Pound Sterling denominated notes are translated at the August 31, 2015 spot rate of $1.54 to one British Pound Sterling.
[3]	Amounts are presented in U.S. dollar equivalents.

Financial Instruments, Warrants

Financial Instruments, Warrants (Details) - AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member]	Aug. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Warrants Exercisable in March 2016 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 51.50
Warrants Exercisable in March 2016 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant issued to purchase common stock (in share)	22,696,912
Warrants Exercisable in March 2017 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 52.50
Warrants Exercisable in March 2017 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrant issued to purchase common stock (in share)	22,696,912

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Restricted Cash [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[1]	$ 184
Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[2]	2,043	$ 1,879
Available-for-sale Investments [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[3]	1,183	887
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[4]	2	16
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[5]	34
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]	9
Warrants [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[6]	2,140	553
Forward Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[7]		44
Level 1 [Member] | Restricted Cash [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[1]	184
Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[2]	2,043	1,879
Level 1 [Member] | Available-for-sale Investments [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[3]	1,183	887
Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[4]	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Currency Forwards [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[5]	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]	0
Level 1 [Member] | Warrants [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[6]	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Forward Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[7]		0
Level 2 [Member] | Restricted Cash [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[1]	0
Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[2]	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Available-for-sale Investments [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[3]	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[4]	2	16
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Currency Forwards [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[5]	34
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]	9
Level 2 [Member] | Warrants [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[6]	2,140	553
Level 2 [Member] | Forward Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[7]		44
Level 3 [Member] | Restricted Cash [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[1]	0
Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[2]	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Available-for-sale Investments [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[4]	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Currency Forwards [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[5]	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]	0
Level 3 [Member] | Warrants [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[6]	$ 0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Forward Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[7]		$ 0
[1]	Restricted cash consists of deposits restricted under agency agreements and cash restricted by law and other obligations.
[2]	Money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor.
[3]	Fair values of quoted investments are based on current bid prices as of the balance sheet dates. See Note 7, Available-for-Sale Investments for additional disclosures.
[4]	The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated by discounting the estimated cash flows received and paid based on the applicable observable yield curves. See Note 11, Financial Instruments for additional disclosures.
[5]	The fair value of forward currency contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current available forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using observable market rates.
[6]	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 expected 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.
[7]	Forward interest rate swaps were valued using three-month LIBOR rates. See Note 11, Financial Instruments for additional disclosures.

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Abstract]
U.S.		$ 2,725	$ 3,386	$ 3,469
Non - U.S.		2,586	171	578
Earnings Before Income Tax Provision		5,311	3,557	4,047
Current provision [Abstract]
Federal		846	1,207	1,122
State		121	109	134
Non - U.S.		128	35	15
Total current provisions for income taxes		1,095	1,351	1,271
Deferred provision [Abstract]
Federal		(23)	183	228
State		(16)	(3)	(2)
Non - U.S.		0	(5)	2
Total deferred provision for income taxes		(39)	175	228
Income tax provision		$ 1,056	$ 1,526	$ 1,499
Difference Between the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and the Effective Tax Rate [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		1.30%	1.90%	2.20%
Loss on Alliance Boots call option	[1]	0.00%	8.50%	0.00%
Deferred tax asset recognition	[1]	(4.10%)	0.00%	0.00%
Gain on previously held equity interest		(5.80%)	0.00%	0.00%
Foreign income taxed at non-U.S. rates		(6.20%)	(3.10%)	(0.30%)
Non-taxable income		(2.60%)	0.00%	0.00%
Non-deductible expenses		2.30%	0.30%	1.00%
Other		0.00%	0.30%	(0.90%)
Effective income tax rate		19.90%	42.90%	37.00%
Remaining ownership subject to call option			55.00%
Nondeductible loss on exercise of call option		$ 0	$ 866	$ 0
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Postretirement benefits		130	247
Compensation and benefits		224	166
Insurance		68	98
Accrued rent		167	166
Outside basis difference		73	0
Bad debts		67	65
Tax attributes		341	430
Stock compensation		119	131
Other		93	75
Subtotal deferred tax assets		1,282	1,378
Less: Valuation allowance		125	223
Total deferred tax assets		1,157	1,155
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Accelerated depreciation		1,234	1,244
Inventory		420	407
Intangible assets		1,822	64
Equity method investment		333	387
Deferred income		889	208
Total deferred tax liabilities		4,698	2,310
Net deferred tax liabilities		3,541	1,155
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income taxes paid		1,300	1,200	1,200
Deferred tax assets operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration		218
Deferred tax assets operating loss carryforwards not subject to expiration		123
Unrecognized tax benefit reported in current income tax liabilities		73
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year		193	208	197
Gross increases related to business combination		84	0	0
Gross increases related to tax positions in a prior period		45	55	18
Gross decreases related to tax positions in a prior period		(75)	(82)	(32)
Gross increases related to tax positions in the current period		63	46	30
Settlements with taxing authorities		(45)	(22)	(2)
Lapse of statute of limitations		(4)	(12)	(3)
Balance at end of year		261	193	208
Unrecognized tax benefits would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized		$ 227	105	$ 116
Number of months of increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefit with respect to uncertain unrecognized tax positions (in months)		12
Accrued Interest and penalties in income tax provision		$ 36	$ 21
Interest and penalties included in income tax expense		3
Unrecorded deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to foreign subsidiaries		$ 89
Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates		Jan. 1, 2016
Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates		Dec. 31, 2033
U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards		$ 399
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards		478
Non-U.S. [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards		$ 476
[1]	Upon the amendment and immediate exercise of the call option to acquire the remaining 55% ownership of Alliance Boots, the Company was required to compare the fair value of the amended option with the book value of the original option with a gain or loss recognized for the difference. The fair value of the amended option resulted in a financial statement loss of $866 million. The loss on the Alliance Boots call option was, in part, a capital loss and available to be carried forward and offset future capital gains through fiscal 2020. The loss was also the primary contributor to the 2014 valuation allowance amount reported in the deferred income tax table below. In 2015, the deferred tax asset related to the loss was recognized, resulting in the 4.1% effective tax rate benefit reported in the table above as well as a reduction to the valuation allowance amount reported in the deferred income tax table below.

Stock Compensation Plans (Detai

Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares authorized under Omnibus Plan (in shares)		60,400,000
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of options that may be granted under this plan (in shares)		94,000,000
Percentage of the fair market value that the plan permits eligible employees to purchase common stock		90.00%
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)		14,000,000
Value of shares granted to each directors		$ 175,000	$ 175,000	$ 170,000
Number of shares each nonemployee director was granted (in shares)		2,725	2,892	4,789
Share-based compensation expense		$ 109,000,000	$ 114,000,000	$ 104,000,000
Stock Options [Member]
Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with Weighted-average Assumptions [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	[1]	1.97%	1.98%	1.15%
Average life of option	[2]	6 years 7 months 6 days	6 years 10 months 24 days	7 years
Volatility	[3]	25.58%	26.27%	24.94%
Dividend yield	[4]	1.79%	2.48%	2.44%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)		$ 14.62	$ 12.88	$ 6.75
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Intrinsic value for options exercised		$ 423,000,000	$ 346,000,000	$ 159,000,000
Fair value of options vested		54,000,000	58,000,000	51,000,000
Cash received from the exercise of options		352,000,000	490,000,000
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options		159,000,000	130,000,000
Share-based compensation expense		24,000,000	52,000,000	51,000,000
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation expense		68,000,000	48,000,000	33,000,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation expense		11,000,000	8,000,000	15,000,000
Other [Member]
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation expense		$ 6,000,000	$ 6,000,000	$ 5,000,000
Omnibus Plan [Member]
Stock Options Authorized and Available for Future Grant [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares at beginning of period (in shares)		48,352,242
Newly authorized options (in shares)		0
Granted (in shares)		(8,649,296)
Cancellation and forfeitures (in shares)		5,059,061
Plan termination (in shares)		1,409,063
Outstanding shares at end of period (in shares)		46,171,070	48,352,242
Outstanding Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares at beginning of period (in shares)		48,352,242
Granted (in shares)		(8,649,296)
Forfeited (in shares)		(5,059,061)
Outstanding shares at end of period (in shares)		46,171,070	48,352,242
Omnibus Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Outstanding Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)		31,916,824
Granted (in shares)		4,119,972
Exercised (in shares)		(10,007,975)
Expired/Forfeited (in shares)		(3,754,248)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)		22,274,573	31,916,824
Vested or expected to vest at end of period (in shares)		21,879,917
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)		8,825,638
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)		$ 39.28
Granted (in dollars per share)		64.19
Exercised (in dollars per share)		35.22
Expired/Forfeited (in dollars per share)		53.72
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)		43.52	$ 39.28
Vested or expected to vest at end of period (in dollars per share)		43.20
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)		$ 32.42
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms [Abstract]
Outstanding		6 years 3 months 14 days	6 years 4 months 24 days
Vested or expected to vest at end of period		6 years 3 months
Exercisable at end of period		4 years 11 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of period		$ 674,000,000
Outstanding at end of period		959,000,000	$ 674,000,000
Vested or expected to vest at end of period		948,000,000
Exercisable at end of period		$ 478,000,000
Omnibus Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stock Options Authorized and Available for Future Grant [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares at beginning of period (in shares)		3,280,067
Granted (in shares)		1,157,312
Cancellation and forfeitures (in shares)		636,244
Outstanding shares at end of period (in shares)		3,334,452	3,280,067
Outstanding Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares at beginning of period (in shares)		3,280,067
Granted (in shares)		1,157,312
Dividends (in shares)		64,796
Forfeited (in shares)		(636,244)
Vested (in shares)		(531,479)
Outstanding shares at end of period (in shares)		3,334,452	3,280,067
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)		$ 45.40
Granted (in dollars per share)		66.26
Dividends (in dollars per share)		0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)		52.68
Vested (in dollars per share)		52.29
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)		$ 50.85	$ 45.40
Omnibus Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Stock Options Authorized and Available for Future Grant [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares at beginning of period (in shares)		2,063,132
Granted (in shares)		483,174
Cancellation and forfeitures (in shares)		444,961
Outstanding shares at end of period (in shares)		1,445,780	2,063,132
Outstanding Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares at beginning of period (in shares)		2,063,132
Granted (in shares)		483,174
Performance adjustment (in shares)	[5]	(615,445)
Forfeited (in shares)		(444,961)
Vested (in shares)		(40,120)
Outstanding shares at end of period (in shares)		1,445,780	2,063,132
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)		$ 44.85
Granted (in dollars per share)		65.31
Performance adjustment (in dollars per share)	[5]	35.30
Forfeited (in dollars per share)		55
Vested (in dollars per share)		44
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)		$ 50.78	$ 44.85
[1]	Represents the U.S. Treasury security rates for the expected term of the option.
[2]	Represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company analyzed separate groups of employees with similar exercise behavior to determine the expected term.
[3]	Volatility was based on historical and implied volatility of the Company's common stock.
[4]	Represents the Company's forecasted cash dividend for the expected term.
[5]	Represents the adjustment to previously granted shares based on performance criteria.

Retirement Benefits (Details)

Retirement Benefits (Details) $ in Millions		8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)PensionPlan	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of defined benefit plans | PensionPlan			2
Defined benefit pension plan, investments holding percentage						85.00%
Cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans			$ 148
Additional cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans, next fiscal year			75
Profit sharing provision expense			158	$ 355	$ 342
Contributions to profit sharing			249	$ 328	$ 262
Cost recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of earnings			$ 93
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate						4.78%	4.40%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate			4.40%	5.05%	4.15%
Expected benefit to be paid net of estimated federal subsidy during fiscal year 2016						$ 10
Assumptions used to compute postretirement benefit obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate assumption used to compute the postretirement benefit obligation						4.78%	4.40%
Discount rate assumption used to determine net periodic benefit cost			4.40%	5.05%	4.15%
Percentage value of consumer price index used in assumptions to compute the postretirement benefit obligation			2.00%	2.00%
Assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]
Health care cost trend rate			7.15%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate			5.25%
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value		$ 8,936	$ 8,936			$ 8,936
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Service costs		3	3
Interest costs		214	214
Expected returns on plan assets			(173)
Settlements			(2)
Total postretirement benefit costs			42
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period		8,827
Service costs		3	3
Interest costs		214	214
Amendments		(2)
Actuarial loss (gain)		(103)
Benefits paid		(186)
Currency translation adjustments		(118)
Benefit obligation, end of period		8,635	8,635
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period		8,987
Employer contributions		152
Benefits paid		(186)
Return on assets		91
Currency translation adjustments		(108)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period		8,936	$ 8,936
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Non-current assets						468
Current liabilities						1
Non-current liabilities						166
Net asset/liability recognized						301
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Current liabilities (present value of expected net benefit payments)						(1)
Non-current liabilities						(166)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]
Prior service credit						0
Net actuarial loss (gain)						21
Accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation						8,635
Accumulated benefit obligation						8,624
Fair value of plan assets						$ 8,936
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate						3.87%
Rate of compensation increase						2.55%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate			3.77%
Expected long-term return on plan assets			2.99%
Rate of compensation increase			2.66%
Assumptions used to compute postretirement benefit obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate assumption used to compute the postretirement benefit obligation						3.87%
Discount rate assumption used to determine net periodic benefit cost			3.77%
Estimated future benefit payments and federal subsidy [Abstract]
2,016						$ 288
2,017						284
2,018						293
2,019						303
2,020						311
2021-2025						1,707
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value		25	$ 25			25
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period		25	25
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value		8,407	8,407			8,407
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period		8,407	8,407
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value		504	504			504
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period		504	$ 504
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Percentage of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value			9.50%
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[1]	852	$ 852			852
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[1]	852	852
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[1]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[1]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[1]	852	852			852
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[1]	852	852
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[1]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[1]	0	$ 0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Percentage of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value			81.50%
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Interest Government Bonds [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[2]	267	$ 267			267
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[2]	267	267
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Interest Government Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[2]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[2]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Interest Government Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[2]	267	267			267
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[2]	267	267
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Interest Government Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[2]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[2]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Index Linked Government Bonds [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[2]	1,006	1,006			1,006
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[2]	1,006	1,006
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Index Linked Government Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[2]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[2]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Index Linked Government Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[2]	1,006	1,006			1,006
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[2]	1,006	1,006
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Index Linked Government Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[2]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[2]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[3]	5,535	5,535			5,535
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[3]	5,535	5,535
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[3]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[3]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[3]	5,535	5,535			5,535
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[3]	5,535	5,535
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[3]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[3]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Other Bonds [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[4]	472	472			472
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[4]	472	472
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Other Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[4]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[4]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Other Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[4]	472	472			472
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[4]	472	472
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Other Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[4]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[4]	0	$ 0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Percentage of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value			5.60%
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[5]	502	$ 502			502
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[5]	502	502
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[5]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[5]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[5]	0	0			0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[5]	0	0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[5]	502	502			502
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[5]	502	$ 502
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Percentage of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value			3.40%
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[6]	302	$ 302			302
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[6]	302	302
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[6]	25	25			25
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[6]	25	25
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[6]	275	275			275
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[6]	275	275
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[6]	2	2			2
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	[6]	2	2
Postretirement Health Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value		0	0	$ 0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Service costs			11	8	9
Interest costs			17	17	14
Amortization of actuarial loss			19	11	12
Amortization of prior service cost			(24)	(23)	(22)
Total postretirement benefit costs			23	13	13
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period			427	350
Service costs			11	8	9
Interest costs			17	17	14
Amendments			(27)	(23)
Actuarial loss (gain)			17	88
Benefits paid			(21)	(19)
Participants' contributions			7	6
Benefit obligation, end of period		431	431	427	350
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period			0	0
Participants' contributions			7	6
Employer contributions			14	13
Benefits paid			(21)	(19)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period		$ 0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Funded status [Abstract]
Funded status						(431)	(427)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Current liabilities						12	11
Non-current liabilities						419	416
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Current liabilities (present value of expected net benefit payments)						(12)	(11)
Non-current liabilities						(419)	(416)
Net liability recognized						(431)	(427)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]
Prior service credit						(231)	(228)
Net actuarial loss (gain)						223	$ 225
Amounts expected to be recognized as components of net periodic costs [Abstract]
Prior service credit			(27)
Net actuarial loss			19
Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Effect of one percentage point increase on service and interest cost			(1)
Effect of one percentage point decrease on service and interest cost			1
Effect of one percentage point increase on postretirement obligation			17
Effect of one percentage point decrease on postretirement obligation			$ (13)
Estimated future benefit payments and federal subsidy [Abstract]
2,016						10
2,017						11
2,018						12
2,019						13
2,020						14
2021-2025						$ 98
[1]	Equity securities, which mainly comprise investments in comingled funds, are valued based on quoted prices and are primarily exchange-traded. Securities for which official close or last trade pricing on an active exchange is available are classified as Level 1 investments. If closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the last quoted bid price and typically are categorized as Level 2 investments.
[2]	Debt securities: government bonds comprise fixed interest and index linked bonds issued by central governments, and are valued based on quotes received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Pricing services utilize pricing which considers readily available inputs such as the yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as dealer-supplied prices. Debt securities: government bonds are categorized as Level 2 investments.
[3]	Debt securities: corporate bonds comprise bonds issued by corporations and are valued using recently executed transactions, or quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active. If there have been no market transactions in a particular fixed income security, its fair value is calculated by pricing models that benchmark the security against other securities with actual market prices. Debt securities: corporate bonds are categorized as Level 2 investments.
[4]	Debt securities: other bonds comprise agency and mortgage-backed securities. These are valued using recently executed transactions and quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active. If there have been no market transactions in a particular fixed income security, its fair value is calculated by pricing models that benchmark the security against other securities with actual market prices. Debt securities: other bonds are categorized as Level 2 investments.
[5]	Real estate comprises investments in certain property funds which themselves are valued based on the value of the underlying properties. These properties are valued using a number of standard industry techniques such as cost, discounted cash flows, independent appraisals and market based comparable data. Real estate investments are categorized as Level 3 investments.
[6]	Other investments mainly comprise cash and cash equivalents and derivatives. Cash is categorized as a Level 1 investment. Cash equivalents are valued using observable yield curves, discounting and interest rates and are categorized as Level 2 investments. Derivatives which are exchange-traded and for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by an independent pricing service on the primary market, or exchange on which they are traded, and are categorized as Level 1 investments. Over-the-counter derivatives typically are valued by independent pricing services and are categorized as Level 2 investments.

Capital Stock (Details)

Capital Stock (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during current fiscal year, value	$ 500	$ 705
Shares of common stock reserved for future issuances (in shares)	46.2
2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of shares under Stock repurchase program (in shares)	8.2
Value of shares purchased under Stock repurchase program	$ 726
Common Stock [Member] | 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, authorized maximum amount	$ 3,000

Accumulated Other Comprehensi80

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 20,617	$ 19,558	$ 18,236
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(580)	353	(247)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	305
Tax benefit (provision)	(75)	(125)	87
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(350)	228	(160)
Ending Balance	31,300	20,617	19,558
Post-retirement Liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	15	63	68
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	23	(77)	(9)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	0
Tax benefit (provision)	(9)	29	4
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	14	(48)	(5)
Ending Balance	29	15	63
Unrecognized Gains on Available-for-Sale Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	107	1	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	247	170	1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	0
Tax benefit (provision)	(95)	(64)	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	152	106	1
Ending Balance	259	107	1
Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(27)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(14)	(43)	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	(5)
Tax benefit (provision)	6	16	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(13)	(27)
Ending Balance	(40)	(27)	0
Share of Alliance Boots OCI [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(113)	(95)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(57)	(27)	(146)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	230
Tax benefit (provision)	(60)	9	51
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	113	(18)	(95)
Ending Balance	0	(113)	(95)
Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	154	(61)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(779)	330	(93)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	80
Tax benefit (provision)	83	(115)	32
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(616)	215	(61)
Ending Balance	(462)	154	(61)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	136	(92)	68
Ending Balance	$ (214)	$ 136	$ (92)

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014Segment	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)SegmentCustomer	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	3	3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer		0
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		$ 103,444	$ 76,392	$ 72,217
Adjusted Operating Income		6,157	4,866	4,828
Depreciation and amortization		1,742	1,316	1,283
Additions to property, plant and equipment		1,251	1,106	1,212
Asset impairment			(167)	(30)
Gain (Loss) on sale of business		0	0	20
Operating Income		4,668	$ 4,194	4,092
Alliance Boots [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity interest in Alliance Boots	45.00%		45.00%		45.00%
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Acquisition-related amortization		(14)	$ (41)	(68)
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		80,974	76,392	72,217
Adjusted Operating Income		5,098	4,866	4,828
Depreciation and amortization		1,217	1,316	1,283
Additions to property, plant and equipment		$ 951	1,106	1,212
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer		1
Concentration risk		12.30%
Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		$ 8,657	0	0
Adjusted Operating Income		616	0	0
Depreciation and amortization		393	0	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment		$ 249	0	0
Retail Pharmacy International [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer		1
Concentration risk		20.00%
Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		$ 13,813	0	0
Adjusted Operating Income		450	0	0
Depreciation and amortization		120	0	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment		51	0	0
Eliminations and Unallocated Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Adjusted Operating Income		(7)	0	0
Depreciation and amortization		12	0	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment		0	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		80,974	76,392	72,217
Adjusted Operating Income		5,098	4,866	4,828
Operating Segments [Member] | Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		8,781	0	0
Adjusted Operating Income		616	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		15,327	0	0
Adjusted Operating Income		450	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		124	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		1,514	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Eliminations and Unallocated Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales		(1,638)	0	0
Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Cost transformation		(542)
Acquisition-related amortization		(515)	(364)	(394)
LIFO provision		(285)	(132)	(239)
Asset impairment		(110)
Acquisition-related costs		(87)	(82)	(96)
Store closures and other optimization costs		(56)	(271)
Hurricane Sandy costs				(39)
DEA settlement costs				(28)
Distributor transition costs				(13)
Gain (Loss) on sale of business		(17)	9	20
Increase in fair market value of warrants		$ 123	$ 168	$ 53

Segment Reporting, Geographic D

Segment Reporting, Geographic Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	$ 103,444	$ 76,392	$ 72,217
Long-Lived Assets	15,068	12,257
United States [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	80,974	76,392	72,217
Long-Lived Assets	11,327	12,257
United Kingdom [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	9,235	0	0
Long-Lived Assets	2,835	0
Europe [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	11,402	0	0
Long-Lived Assets	725	0
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	1,833	0	$ 0
Long-Lived Assets	$ 181	$ 0

Supplementary Financial Infor83

Supplementary Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Non-cash transactions [Abstract]
Non-cash transactions for debt assumed	$ 9,000
Non-cash transaction for common stock issued in relation to the second step transaction	11,000
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration received	439	$ 104
Fair value of assets acquired	26,600
Liabilities assumed	20,000
Capital lease obligations		$ 322	$ 77
Walgreens Boots Alliance [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase consideration transferred	$ 8,100
Ownership percentage	45.00%
Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration received	$ 2,600

Supplementary Financial Infor84

Supplementary Financial Information, Assets and Liabilities Included in Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ 7,021	$ 3,391
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(172)	(173)
Net, Total	6,849	3,218
Other non-current assets [Abstract]
Warrants	2,140	553
Other equity method investments	1,242	74
Investment in AmerisourceBergen	1,147	887
Other	805	362
Other non-current assets, Total	5,334	1,876
Accrued expenses and other liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued salaries and wages	1,357	1,123
Other	3,868	2,578
Accrued expenses and other liabilities, Total	$ 5,225	$ 3,701

Supplementary Financial Infor85

Supplementary Financial Information, Summary of Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Supplementary Financial Information [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 28,522	$ 28,795	$ 26,573	$ 19,554	$ 19,057	$ 19,401	$ 19,605	$ 18,329	$ 103,444	$ 76,392	$ 72,217
Gross Profit	7,265	7,481	6,882	5,296	5,327	5,440	5,650	5,152	26,924	21,569	21,119
Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.	$ 26	$ 1,302	$ 2,042	$ 850	$ (221)	$ 714	$ 716	$ 723	$ 4,220	$ 1,932	$ 2,548
Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 1.19	$ 1.96	$ 0.90	$ (0.23)	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.76	$ 4.05	$ 2.03	$ 2.69
Diluted (in dollars per share)	0.02	1.18	1.93	0.89	(0.23)	0.74	0.74	0.75	4	2	2.67
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.3600	$ 0.3375	$ 0.3375	$ 0.3375	$ 0.3375	$ 0.3150	$ 0.3150	$ 0.3150	$ 1.3725	$ 1.2825	$ 1.14

Supplementary Financial Infor86

Supplementary Financial Information, Common Stock Price High And Low Sales Price for Each Quarter (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Supplementary Financial Information [Abstract]
Common stock price for quarter per Consolidated Transaction Reporting System, High	$ 97.30	$ 93.42	$ 83.77	$ 69.37	$ 76.39	$ 71.97	$ 69.84	$ 60.93	$ 97.30	$ 76.39
Common stock price for quarter per Consolidated Transaction Reporting System, Low	$ 76.01	$ 81.01	$ 66.46	$ 58.39	$ 57.75	$ 62.80	$ 54.86	$ 48.18	$ 58.39	$ 48.18

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Billions	Oct. 27, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2015StoreState
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement		Oct. 27, 2015
Number of stores | Store		4,561
Number of states | State		31
Bridge loan facility period		364 days
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Amount of cash stockholders entitled to receive (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 9
Total enterprise value	$ 17.2
Senior unsecured bridge facility	12.8
Additional Bridge Loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Bridge loan facility period		90 days
Additional Bridge Loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Senior unsecured bridge facility	$ 3