Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) 10-K 20 Oct 16 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016
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	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 73
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,083,282,661
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2016

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 9,807	$ 3,000
Accounts receivable, net		6,260	6,849
Inventories		8,956	8,678
Other current assets		860	1,130
Total Current Assets		25,883	19,657
Non-Current Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization		14,335	15,068
Goodwill		15,527	16,372
Intangible assets, net		10,302	12,351
Equity method investments		6,174	1,242
Other non-current assets		467	4,092
Total Non-Current Assets		46,805	49,125
Total Assets		72,688	68,782
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings		323	1,068
Trade accounts payable (see Note 19)		11,000	10,088
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		5,484	5,225
Income taxes		206	176
Total Current Liabilities		17,013	16,557
Non-Current Liabilities:
Long-term debt	[1]	18,705	13,315
Deferred income taxes		2,644	3,538
Other non-current liabilities		4,045	4,072
Total Non-Current Liabilities		25,394	20,925
Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 12)
Equity:
Preferred stock $.01 par value; authorized 32 million shares, none issued		0	0
Common stock $.01 par value; authorized 3.2 billion shares; issued 1,172,513,618 at August 31, 2016 and 2015		12	12
Paid-in capital		10,111	9,953
Employee stock loan receivable		(1)	(2)
Retained earnings		27,684	25,089
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(2,992)	(214)
Treasury stock, at cost; 89,527,027 shares at August 31, 2016 and 82,603,274 at August 31, 2015		(4,934)	(3,977)
Total Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Shareholders' Equity		29,880	30,861
Noncontrolling interests		401	439
Total Equity		30,281	31,300
Total Liabilities and Equity		$ 72,688	$ 68,782
[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, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
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	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	3,200,000,000	3,200,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	1,172,513,618	1,172,513,618
Treasury stock, issued (in shares)	89,527,027	82,603,274

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 Interests [Member]	Total
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	$ 80	$ (3,114)	$ 1,074	$ (11)	$ (92)	$ 21,621	$ 0	$ 19,558
Beginning 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 (loss), 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 (loss), 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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 0	0	0	0	0	4,173	18	4,191
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0	0	0	(2,778)	0	(56)	(2,834)
Dividends declared	0	0	0	0	0	(1,578)	0	(1,578)
Treasury stock purchases	$ 0	(1,152)	0	0	0	0	0	(1,152)
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)	(13,815,558)
Employee stock purchase and option plans	$ 0	195	43	0	0	0	0	238
Employee stock purchase and option plans (in shares)	6,891,805
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	0	115	0	0	0	0	115
Employee stock loan receivable	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2016	$ 12	$ (4,934)	$ 10,111	$ (1)	$ (2,992)	$ 27,684	$ 401	$ 30,281
Ending Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2016	1,082,986,591

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQU5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2016

May 31, 2016

Feb. 29, 2016

Nov. 30, 2015

Aug. 31, 2015

May 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Nov. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2016

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY [Abstract]

Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)

$ 0.3750

[1]

$ 0.3600

[1]

$ 0.3600

[1]

$ 0.3600

[1]

$ 0.3600

[1]

$ 0.3375

[1]

$ 0.3375

[1]

$ 0.3375

[1]

$ 1.4550

[1]

$ 1.3725

[1]

$ 1.28

[1]

To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to fiscal 2016 for the quarterly periods ended November 30, 2015, February 29, 2016, and May 31, 2016 and to fiscal 2015 for the quarterly periods ended February 29, 2015, May 31, 2015, and August 31, 2015 to Sales, Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has no impact on Operating Income.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS [Abstract]
Sales	$ 117,351	[1]	$ 103,444	[1]	$ 76,392
Cost of sales	87,477		76,691		54,823
Gross Profit	29,874	[1]	26,753	[1]	21,569
Selling, general and administrative expense	23,910		22,400		17,992
Equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen	37		0		0
Equity earnings in Alliance Boots	0		315	[2]	617	[2]
Operating Income	6,001		4,668		4,194
Gain on previously held equity interest	0		563		0
Other income (expense)	(261)		685		(481)
Earnings Before Interest and Income Tax Provision	5,740		5,916		3,713
Interest expense, net	596		605		156
Earnings Before Income Tax Provision	5,144		5,311		3,557
Income tax provision	997		1,056		1,526
Post tax earnings from other equity method investments	44		24		0
Net Earnings	4,191		4,279		2,031
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	18		59		99
Net Earnings Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.	$ 4,173	[1]	$ 4,220	[1]	$ 1,932
Net earnings per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 3.85		$ 4.05		$ 2.03
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.82		$ 4		$ 2
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	1,083.1		1,043.2		953.1
Diluted (in shares)	1,091.1		1,053.9		965.2
[1]	To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to fiscal 2016 for the quarterly periods ended November 30, 2015, February 29, 2016, and May 31, 2016 and to fiscal 2015 for the quarterly periods ended February 29, 2015, May 31, 2015, and August 31, 2015 to Sales, Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has no impact on Operating Income.
[2]	Earnings in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective average exchange rates.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net Earnings	$ 4,191	$ 4,279	$ 2,031
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension/postretirement obligations	(241)	14	(48)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	3	(13)	(27)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments	(257)	152	106
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of equity method investments	(1)	113	(18)
Currency translation adjustments	(2,338)	(622)	215
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(2,834)	(356)	228
Total Comprehensive Income	1,357	3,923	2,259
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(39)	53	99
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.	$ 1,396	$ 3,870	$ 2,160

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Earnings	$ 4,191	$ 4,279	$ 2,031
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,718	1,742	1,316
Change in fair value of warrants and related amortization	516	(779)	(385)
Loss on exercise of call option	0	0	866
Gain on previously held equity interest	0	(563)	0
Deferred income taxes	(442)	(32)	177
Stock compensation expense	115	109	114
Equity earnings from equity method investments	(81)	(339)	(619)
Other	148	752	183
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	115	(338)	(616)
Inventories	(644)	719	860
Other current assets	66	22	(10)
Trade accounts payable	1,572	268	(339)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	313	170	195
Income taxes	202	(335)	17
Other non-current assets and liabilities	58	(11)	103
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,847	5,664	3,893
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(1,325)	(1,251)	(1,106)
Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions	60	867	67
Proceeds related to the sale of business	74	814	93
Proceeds from sale of other assets	155	184	139
Alliance Boots acquisition, net of cash received	0	(4,461)	0
Other business and intangible asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(126)	(371)	(344)
Investment in AmerisourceBergen	(2,360)	0	(493)
Other	5	(58)	(87)
Net cash used for investing activities	(3,517)	(4,276)	(1,731)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds and payments of short-term borrowings, net	29	(226)	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	5,991	12,285	0
Payments of long-term debt	(791)	(10,472)	(550)
Proceeds from financing leases	0	0	268
Stock purchases	(1,152)	(1,226)	(705)
Proceeds related to employee stock plans	235	503	612
Cash dividends paid	(1,563)	(1,384)	(1,199)
Other	(143)	(395)	(48)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	2,606	(915)	(1,622)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(129)	(119)	0
Changes in Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	6,807	354	540
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,000	2,646	2,106
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 9,807	$ 3,000	$ 2,646

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Organization [Abstract]
Organization	1. Organization Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (“Walgreens Boots Alliance”) and its subsidiaries are a global pharmacy-led health and wellbeing enterprise. Its operations are conducted through three reportable segments (Retail Pharmacy USA, Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale). See Note 18, Segment Reporting for further information. 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 Delaware corporation formed for the purposes of the Reorganization, and each issued and outstanding share of Walgreens common stock converted on a one-to-one basis into Walgreens Boots Alliance common stock. 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. 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. 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.

Summary of Major Accounting Pol

Summary of Major Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Summary of Major Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Major Accounting Policies	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. To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to prior periods to conform to current year classifications. 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 $114 million and $165 million were included in cash and cash equivalents at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 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, 2016 and 2015, the amount of such restricted cash was $185 million, and $184 million respectively and is reported in Other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets 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. The allowance for doubtful accounts for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $166 million, $172 million and $173 million, respectively. 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, 2016 and 2015, Retail Pharmacy USA segment inventories would have been greater by $2.8 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, if they had been valued on a lower of first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) cost or market basis. The total carrying value of the segment inventory accounted for under the LIFO method is $6.1 billion and $5.6 billion at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 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. The total carrying value of the inventory for Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale segments is $2.9 billion and $3.1 billion at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 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. See Note 5, 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 hold 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 and comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses of available-for-sale investments are included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company evaluates these investments 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 fair 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, 3 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, substantially remodeled or impaired. Property, plant and equipment consists of (in millions): 2016 2015 Land and land improvements $ 3,738 $ 3,687 Buildings and building improvements 7,557 7,705 Fixtures and equipment 9,064 8,904 Capitalized system development costs and software 1,787 1,491 Capital lease properties 789 821 22,935 22,608 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 8,600 7,540 Balance at end of year $ 14,335 $ 15,068 Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $1.3 billion in fiscal 2016, $1.3 billion in fiscal 2015 and $923 million in fiscal 2014. 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 $238 million in fiscal 2016, $178 million in fiscal 2015 and $127 million in fiscal 2014. Unamortized costs at August 31, 2016 and 2015 were $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively. Business Combinations Business combinations are accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification (“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 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 8, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional disclosure regarding the Company’s intangible assets. Warrants The warrants to acquire shares of AmerisourceBergen Corporation were Statements was 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 · 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 · 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 · Changes in the fair value of a derivative not designated in a hedging relationship are recognized in the Consolidated Statements 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 Statement 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 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 $305 $ $ Liabilities for Store Closings 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. The reserve for store closings, including $ 91 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 15, 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 Statement 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: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (iv) 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: (i) whether it is the primary obligor in the arrangement, (ii) whether it has latitude in establishing the price, changing the product or performing part of the service, (iii) whether it has discretion in supplier selection, (iv) whether it is involved in the determination of service specifications, and (v) whether it is exposed to credit risk. Cost of Sales 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 for retail operations, purchasing costs, freight costs, cash discounts and vendor allowances. Cost of sales for our Retail Pharmacy USA segment is derived based upon point-of-sale scanning information with an estimate for shrinkage and is adjusted based on periodic inventory counts. 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), wholesale warehousing costs 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 $598 million in fiscal 2016, $491 million in fiscal 2015 and $265 million in fiscal 2014. 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 2016, 2015 or 2014. 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. See Note 14, Stock Compensation Plans for more information on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans. 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 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, 2.5 million and 3.5 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. New Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU addresses the classification of certain specific cash flow issues including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of certain debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of certain insurance claims and distributions received from equity method investees. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU will have on our consolidated statement of cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available for sale debt securities. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal 2021), including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU simplifies the employee share-based payment accounting of stock compensation, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term must be applied prospectively. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement must be applied retrospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. This ASU is effective for annual periods after December 15, 2016 (fiscal 2018), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is early adopting this guidance at the beginning of Fiscal 2017 and does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, Liabilities – Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20): Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products. This ASU addresses diversity in practice related to the de-recognition of a prepaid store-value product liability. The ASU amends the guidance on extinguishing financial liabilities for certain prepaid store-value products. If an entity selling prepaid store-value products expects to be entitled to an amount that will not be redeemed, the entity will recognize the expected breakage in proportion to the pattern of rights expected to be exercised by the product holder to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the breakage amount will not subsequently occur. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, including adoption before the effective date of ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (described below). The amendments in this ASU should be applied either using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the guidance is effective or retrospectively to each period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes Topic 840, Leases. This ASU increases the transparency and comparability of organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. At the lease commencement date, lessee recognizes a lease liability and right-of-use asset, which is initially measured at the present value of future lease payments. There are two approaches for amortizing the right-of use asset. Under the finance lease approach, interest on the lease liability is recognized separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset. Repayments of the principal portion of the lease liability will be classified as financing activities and payments of interest on the lease liability and variable lease payments will be classified as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. Under the operating lease approach, the cost of the lease is calculated on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease term. All cash payments are classified as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For sale and leaseback transactions, in order for a sale to occur, the transfer of the asset must meet all criteria in Topic 606. If there is no sale for the seller-lessee, the buyer-lessor does not account for a purchase. Any consideration paid for the asset is accounted for as a financing transaction. For transactions previously accounted for as a sale and leaseback, the transition guidance in Topic 842 does not require an entity to assess whether the transaction would have qualified as a sale and a leaseback in accordance with Topic 842. Additionally, gains recorded under sale and leaseback transactions are recognized at the transaction date and no longer deferred over the lease term. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020). In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach which includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. The Company has begun evaluating and planning for the adoption and implementation of this ASU, including assessing the overall impact. This ASU will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position. The impact on the Company’s results of operations is being evaluated. The impact of this ASU is non-cash in nature and will not affect the Company’s cash position. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Restructuring [Abstract]
Restructuring	3. Restructuring On April 8, 2015, the Walgreens Boots Alliance 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 implemented and built on the cost-reduction initiative previously announced by the Company on August 6, 2014 and included plans to close stores across the U.S.; reorganize corporate and field operations; drive operating efficiencies; and streamline information technology and other functions. The Company incurred pre-tax charges of $424 million related to the Cost Transformation Program during fiscal 2016. $966 million ($448 million related to asset impairment charges, $293 million in real estate costs and $225 million in severance and other business transition and exit costs) related to the Cost Transformation Program. All charges related to the Cost Transformation Program have been recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. In March 2014, the Walgreens Board of Directors approved a plan to close underperforming stores in efforts to optimize and focus resources in a manner intended to increase stockholder value. As of August 31, 2015, this plan was completed and no additional charges related to the plan are expected. For fiscal 2015, the Company incurred pre-tax charges of $17 million, which were primarily related to lease termination costs. In fiscal 2014, the Company incurred pre-tax charges of $209 million. All charges related to this plan have been recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. Restructuring costs by segment are as follows (in millions): Retail Pharmacy Fiscal 2016 USA International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Consolidated Asset impairments 215 10 - 225 Real estate costs 89 1 1 91 Severance and other business transition and exit costs 70 18 20 108 Total restructuring costs $ 374 $ 29 $ 21 $ 424 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 Asset impairments 137 - - 137 Real estate costs 71 - - 71 Severance and other business transition and exit costs 1 - - 1 Total restructuring costs $ 209 $ - $ - $ 209

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	4. 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 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions of $60 million, $867 million and $67 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 2017 $ 18 $ 68 $ 3,066 2018 18 62 2,972 2019 18 59 2,826 2020 18 58 2,632 2021 18 57 2,403 Later 1,267 966 20,190 Total Minimum Lease Payments $ 1,357 $ 1,270 $ 34,089 The capital and finance lease amounts include $1.7 billion of imputed interest and executory costs. Total minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $199 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 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded charges of $127 million, $252 million and $177 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): 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 446 $ 257 Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities 134 231 Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates (34 ) (6 ) Interest accretion 27 27 Liability assumed through acquisition of Alliance Boots - 13 Cash payments, net of sublease income (107 ) (76 ) Balance at end of period $ 466 $ 446 The Company remains secondarily liable on 79 leases. For leases on which the Company remains secondarily liable, the maximum potential undiscounted future payments are $340 million at August 31, 2016. Lease option dates vary, with some lease terms extending up to 2039. Rental expense, which includes common area maintenance, insurance and taxes, where appropriate, was as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 Minimum rentals $ 3,355 $ 3,176 $ 2,687 Contingent rentals 60 38 5 Less: Sublease rental income (49 ) (46 ) (22 ) $ 3,366 $ 3,168 $ 2,670

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	5. Equity Method Investments Equity method investments as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in millions, except percentages): 2016 2015 Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Carrying Value Ownership Percentage AmerisourceBergen $ 4,964 24 % $ NA NA Others 1,210 12% - 50 % 1,242 12% - 50 % Total $ 6,174 $ 1,242 AmerisourceBergen Investment On March 18, 2016, the Company exercised warrants to purchase 22,696,912 shares of AmerisourceBergen Corporation (“AmerisourceBergen”) common stock at an exercise price of $51.50 per share for an aggregate exercise price payment of $1.17 billion. On August 25, 2016, the Company exercised additional warrants to purchase 22,696,912 shares of AmerisourceBergen common stock at an exercise price of $52.50 per share for an aggregate exercise price payment of $1.19 billion. As of August 31, 2016, the Company owned 56,854,867 AmerisourceBergen common shares representing approximately 24% of the outstanding AmerisourceBergen common stock and accounts for its equity investment in AmerisourceBergen using the equity method of accounting, with the net earnings attributable to the Company’s investment being classified within the operating income of its Pharmaceutical Wholesale segment. Due to the timing and availability of financial information of AmerisourceBergen, we account for this equity method investment on a financial of two months. Statements level 1 The Company’s investment in AmerisourceBergen carrying value exceeded its proportionate share of the net assets of AmerisourceBergen by $4.5 billion. This premium of $4.5 billion was recognized as part of the carrying value in the Company’s equity investment in AmerisourceBergen. The difference was primarily related to goodwill and the fair value of AmerisourceBergen intangible assets. Other Investments The Company’s other equity method investments include its investments in Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Nanjing Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited, the Company’s pharmaceutical wholesale investments in China; and the equity method investment retained through the sale of a majority interest in Option Care Inc. in fiscal 2015. The Company reported $44 million and $24 million of post-tax equity earnings from equity method investments other than AmerisourceBergen and Alliance Boots for fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Post-tax equity earnings from the historical Walgreens other equity method investments in fiscal 2014 were immaterial. Also in fiscal 2015, the Company accounted for its 45% investment in Alliance Boots using the equity method of accounting. The Company utilized a three-month reporting lag in recording equity income in Alliance Boots, which was eliminated on December 31, 2014. The Company’s share of Alliance Boots earnings was recorded as Equity earnings in Alliance Boots in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company’s investment was recorded as Equity investment in Alliance Boots in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Summarized Financial Information Summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investment in Alliance Boots is as follows: Statements of Earnings (in millions) Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 (1) 2014 (l) Net sales NA $ 13,071 $ 37,579 Gross Profit NA 3,050 8,096 Net Earnings NA 723 1,444 Share of earnings from equity method investments (1) NA 315 617 (l) Earnings in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective average exchange rates.

Available-for-Sale Investments

Available-for-Sale Investments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Available-for-Sale Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Investments	6. Available-for-Sale Investments 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, 2016 Amortized cost basis Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized (losses) Fair value Corporate bonds and Treasury Bills $ 30 $ 2 $ - $ 32 August 31, 2015 Amortized cost basis Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized (losses) Fair value AmerisourceBergen common stock $ 717 $ 430 $ - $ 1,147 Corporate bonds and Treasury Bills 37 - (1 ) 36 Total available-for-sale investments $ 754 $ 430 $ (1 ) $ 1,183 On March 18, 2016, the Company exercised warrants to purchase 22,696,912 shares of AmerisourceBergen common stock at an exercise price of $51.50 per share, which resulted in a change in method of accounting for the Company’s investment to the equity method of accounting. In conjunction with the change to the equity method of accounting, the Company recognized a gain of $268 million of Other Comprehensive Income to Other income (expense) within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, and Note 10, Financial Instruments for further information. In fiscal 2016, there were $7 million of available-for-sale securities sold. In fiscal 2015, subsequent to the Second Step Transaction, $52 million of acquired available-for-sale securities were sold. In 2014, there were no sales of available-for-sale investments. Gains and losses related to these disposals were not significant. The Company has $32 million and $36 million of available-for-sale investments classified within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	7. 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%. The Company previously accounted for its 45% interest in Alliance Boots as an equity method investment. As a result of the closing of the Second Step Transaction, the Company increased its ownership in WBAD, a 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 Company has completed the purchase accounting of the Second Step Transaction. The total purchase price of the Second Step Transaction of $15.9 billion included £3.133 billion in cash ($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 allocated to acquire the 55% ownership interest in Alliance Boots and $2.6 billion was 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 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 The following table summarizes the consideration paid to acquire the remaining 55% interest in Alliance Boots and the 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 3,806 Intangible assets 11,691 Other non-current assets 2,217 Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities (7,696 ) Borrowings (9,010 ) Deferred income taxes (2,452 ) Other non-current liabilities (383 ) Noncontrolling interests (412 ) Total identifiable net assets and noncontrolling interests 6,580 Goodwill $ 14,861 As a result of the Company acquiring the remaining 55% interest in Alliance Boots, the Company’s previously held 45% interest was re-measured at fair value, resulting in a gain of $563 million. The gain has been recognized as Gain on previously held equity interest in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015. The fair value of the previously held equity interest of $8.1 billion in Alliance Boots was determined using the income approach methodology. 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. The fair value measurements of the previously held equity interest and intangible assets are based on significant inputs not observable in the market, and thus represent Level 3 measurements. The fair value estimates for the previously held equity interest and intangible assets are based on (i) projected discounted cash flows, (ii) historical and projected financial information, (iii) synergies including cost savings, and (iv) attrition rates, as relevant, that market participants would consider when estimating fair values. The 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 20 742 Trade names and trademarks 9 399 Favorable lease interests 7 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 goodwill of $14.9 billion arising from the Second Step Transaction primarily reflects the expected purchasing synergies, operating efficiencies by benchmarking performance and applying best practices across the Company, consolidation of operations, reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses and combining workforces. Following the completion of the Second Step Transaction, the Company realigned its operations into three reportable segments: Retail Pharmacy USA, Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale. The Company determined that the goodwill should be allocated across all segments recognizing that each segment will benefit from the expected synergies. The goodwill allocated to the Retail Pharmacy USA segment of $7.3 billion is comprised of $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. Of the remaining goodwill, $3.9 billion was allocated to the Retail Pharmacy International segment and $3.7 billion was allocated to the Pharmaceutical Wholesale segment. 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 fair value of the assets acquired includes inventory having an estimated fair value of $3.7 billion. This fair value includes a $106 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. 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 that 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 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 Year Ended August 31, 2014 (in millions, except per share amounts) 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) 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 business and intangible assets acquired, net of cash received, was $126 million for fiscal 2016. These acquisitions included an international beauty brand and prescription files resulting in an increase of $23 million to goodwill and $95 million to intangible assets. The remaining fair value relates to immaterial amounts of tangible assets, less liabilities assumed and contingent considerations. Operating results of the businesses acquired have been included in the Consolidated Statements 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 resulted in an increase of $126 million to goodwill and $255 million to intangible assets. Any remaining fair value relates to immaterial amounts of tangible assets, less liabilities assumed. Operating results of the businesses acquired have been included in the Consolidated Statements 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.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets 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, we determined fair value for each reporting unit 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. Based on the results of our testing, the fair values of each of the reporting units and other indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeded their carrying values, therefore, no impairment was recognized. 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 g roup 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 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 Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. August 31, 2014 $ 2,359 $ - $ - $ 2,359 Acquisitions 7,290 4,036 3,646 14,972 Sale of business (1) (706 ) - - (706 ) Other (2) (3 ) - - (3 ) Currency translation adjustments - (138 ) (112 ) (250 ) August 31, 2015 $ 8,940 $ 3,898 $ 3,534 $ 16,372 Acquisitions - 23 - 23 Sale of business (4 ) - - (4 ) Other (2) 100 (113 ) 13 - Currency translation adjustments - (439 ) (425 ) (864 ) August 31, 2016 $ 9, 036 $ 3, 369 $ 3,122 $ 15,527 (1) Represents goodwill associated with Walgreens Infusion Services business which was sold in April 2015. (2) Other primarily represents the reallocation of goodwill between reporting units and purchase accounting adjustments for prior year acquisitions. In fiscal 2016, the Company purchased an international beauty brand and prescription files resulting in an increase of $23 million to goodwill and $95 million to intangible assets. As a result of the Second Step Transaction, t he Company recorded $14.9 billion of goodwill and $11.7 billion of intangible assets in conjunction with the purchase accounting. See Note 7, 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 Sheets. The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets consist of the following (in millions): August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets Customer relationships and loyalty card holders $ 1,867 $ 2,139 Purchased prescription files 932 885 Favorable lease interests and non-compete agreements 619 594 Trade names and trademarks 532 675 Purchasing and payer contracts 94 94 Total gross amortizable intangible assets 4,044 4,387 Accumulated amortization Customer relationships and loyalty card holders $ 275 $ 173 Purchased prescription files 600 470 Favorable lease interests and non-compete agreements 388 299 Trade names and trademarks 105 83 Purchasing and payer contracts 71 65 Total accumulated amortization 1,439 1,090 Total amortizable intangible assets, net $ 2,605 $ 3,297 Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Trade names and trademarks $ 5,604 $ 6,590 Pharmacy licenses 2,093 2,464 Total Indefinite-Lived intangible assets $ 7,697 $ 9,054 Total intangible assets, net $ 10,302 $ 12,351 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $396 million, $480 million and $282 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets recorded at August 31, 2016 is as follows (in millions): 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Estimated annual amortization expense $ 357 $ 319 $ 293 $ 243 $ 199

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Borrowings [Abstract]
Borrowings	9. Borrowings Borrowings consist of the following (all amounts are presented in millions of U.S. dollars and debt issuances are denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 Short-Term Borrowings ( 1 ) Unsecured Pound Sterling variable rate term loan due 2019 $ 63 $ - Unsecured variable rate notes due 2016 - 747 Other (2) 260 321 Total short-term borrowings $ 323 $ 1,068 Long-Term Debt (1) Unsecured Pound Sterling variable rate term loan due 2019 $ 1,833 $ 2,229 $6 Billion Note Issuance (7)(9) 1.750% unsecured notes due 2018 1,246 - 2.600% unsecured notes due 2021 1,493 - 3.100% unsecured notes due 2023 744 - 3.450% unsecured notes due 2026 1,885 - 4.650% unsecured notes due 2046 590 - $8 Billion Note Issuance (7)(9) 1.750% unsecured notes due 2017 746 746 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 1,244 1,243 3.300% unsecured notes due 2021 1,242 1,241 3.800% unsecured notes due 2024 1,987 1,985 4.500% unsecured notes due 2034 494 494 4.800% unsecured notes due 2044 1,492 1,491 £700 Million Note Issuance (3)(7)(9) 2.875% unsecured Pound Sterling notes due 2020 521 612 3.600% unsecured Pound Sterling notes due 2025 391 459 €750 Million Note Issuance (5)(7)(9) 2.125% unsecured Euro notes due 2026 830 836 $4 Billion Note Issuance (7)(8)(9) 3.100% unsecured notes due 2022 1,194 1,193 4.400% unsecured notes due 2042 492 492 $1 Billion Note Issuance (8)(9) 5.250% unsecured notes due 2019 (4) 249 250 Other (6) 32 44 Total long-term debt, less current portion $ 18,705 $ 13,315 (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 bank overdrafts. (3) Pound Sterling denominated notes are translated at the spot rates at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (4) Includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments. See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements for additional fair value disclosures. (5) Euro denominated notes are translated at the spot rate at August 31, 2016 and 2015. (6) Other long-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings in various foreign currencies with various maturities. (7) Notes are unsubordinated debt obligations of and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of from time to time outstanding. (8) Notes are senior debt obligations of Walgreens 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. (9) The fair value of the $6 billion, $8 billion, £ 0.7 billion, €0.75 billion , $4 billion and $1 billion note issuances as of August 31, 2016 was $6.2 billion, $7.7 billion, $1.0 billion, $ 0.9 billion , $1.8 billion and $ 0.3 billion , respectively. At August 31, 2016, the future maturities of long-term debt, excluding debt discounts and issuance costs and financing and capital lease obligations (see Note 4, Leases, for the future lease obligation maturities), consisted of the following ($ in millions): Year ended August 31, Amount 2017 $ 323 2018 2,137 2019 416 2020 2,808 2021 2,024 Later 11,442 Total estimated future maturities $ 19,150 $6.0 Billion Note Issuance On June 1, 2016, Walgreens Boots Alliance received net proceeds (after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses) of $6.0 billion from a public offering of five series of U.S. dollar notes with varying maturities and interest rates . Total issuance costs relating to the notes, including underwriting discounts and offering expenses, were $ 30 million. £700 Million and €750 Million Notes Issuance On November 20, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance received net proceeds (after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses) of $2.0 billion from a public offering of three series of notes denominated in Euros and Pound Sterling with varying maturities and interest rates. 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. Total issuance costs relating to the notes, including underwriting discounts and offering expenses, were $11 million. $8.0 Billion Note Issuance On November 18, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance received net proceeds (after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses) of $7.9 billion from a public offering of seven series of U.S. dollar notes with varying maturities and interest rates, the majority of which are fixed rate. 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 . Total issuance costs relating to the notes, including underwriting discounts and offering expenses, were $ 42 million. The Company repaid the $750 million variable rate notes on their May 18, 2016 maturity date. The notes issued on June 1, 2016, November 20, 2014 and November 18, 2014 Bridge Credit Agreement, 2015 Term Loan Credit Agreement and 2016 Term Loan Credit Agreement On October 27, 2015, in connection with the pending acquisition of Rite Aid Corporation (the “Acquisition”), the Company entered into a $12.8 billion bridge credit facility commitment letter (as amended and restated, the “Bridge Commitment Letter”). On December 18, 2015, the Company entered into a Bridge Term Loan Credit Agreement (as amended, the “Bridge Credit Agreement”) and a Term Loan Credit Agreement (as amended, the “2015 Term Loan Credit Agreement). The Bridge Commitment Letter and the commitments contemplated thereby terminated upon entering into the Bridge Credit Agreement and 2015 Term Loan Credit Agreement. The Bridge Credit Agreement is a 364-day unsecured bridge term loan facility and had initial aggregate commitments of $7.8 billion, which may be increased by the Company prior to the funding of the loans thereunder by up to $2.0 billion in certain circumstances. The Company can extend up to $3.0 billion of the loans under the Bridge Credit Agreement for an additional 90-day period if desired. The 2015 Term Loan Credit Agreement is a $5.0 billion unsecured term loan facility comprising two tranches with maturities three and five years following the funding date or, if earlier, three and five years after October 27, 2016. The obligations of the lenders party to each of the Bridge Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Credit Agreement become effective upon the date of closing of the Rite Aid On June 1, 2016, in connection with the $6.0 billion note issuance on the same date, the aggregate commitments under the Bridge Credit Agreement were reduced by $6.0 billion to $1.8 billion. On August 30, 2016, the Company entered into a $1.0 billion senior unsecured term loan facility (the “2016 Term Loan Credit Agreement”) comprising two tranches with maturities on March 30, 2017 and one year after the funding date, respectively. The obligations of the lender under the 2016 Term Loan Credit Agreement become effective upon the date of closing of the Acquisition. No upfront fees were paid in connection to the 2016 Term Loan Agreement. As a result of entering into the 2016 Term Loan Credit Agreement, the aggregate commitments under the Bridge Credit Agreement were reduced by $1.0 billion to $0.8 billion. As of August 31, 2016, there were no borrowings under the Bridge Credit Agreement, the 2015 Term Loan Credit Agreement or the 2016 Term Loan Credit Agreement. 2014 Term Loan Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement On November 10, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Walgreens entered into a term loan credit agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”), which provided Walgreens Boots Alliance and Walgreens with the ability to borrow up to £1.45 billion on an unsecured basis. As of August 31, 2016, Walgreens Boots Alliance had borrowed £1.45 billion ($1.9 billion) under the Term Loan Agreement. On November 10, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Walgreens entered into a five-year unsecured, multicurrency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), with available credit of $3.0 billion, of which $500 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit. As of August 31, 2016, there were no borrowings or letters of credit issued pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement. On December 19, 2014, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Walgreens entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement (as amended, the “364-Day Credit Agreement”). The 364-Day Credit Agreement was a $750 million, 364-day unsecured, multicurrency revolving facility. On July 9, 2015, the 364-Day Credit Agreement was amended to remove Walgreens as a borrower thereunder, eliminate Walgreens’ guarantee of all obligations of Walgreens Boots Alliance thereunder Debt covenants The Company’s credit facilities 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 0.60:1.00. The credit facilities contain various other customary covenants. In the case of the Bridge Credit Agreement, the 2015 Term Loan Credit Agreement and the 2016 Term Loan Credit Agreement, such covenants are not in effect until the loans under each such credit facility are funded. Other Borrowings The Company periodically borrows under its commercial paper program and may borrow under it in future periods. There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of August 31, 2016 or August 31, 2015, respectively. The Company had weighted average daily short-term borrowings of $14 million of commercial paper outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 0.66% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. 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. Interest Interest paid, which is net of capitalized interest, was $580 million in fiscal 2016, $472 million in fiscal 2015 and $161 million in fiscal 2014. Interest capitalized as a part of significant construction projects during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was immaterial.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	10. Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate and foreign currency exchange risks. The notional amounts, fair value and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments outstanding as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 2016 Notional (1) Fair Value Location in Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Interest rate swaps $ 250 $ 3 Other non-current assets Derivatives not designated as hedges Foreign currency forwards 1,177 16 Other current assets Foreign currency forwards 41 - Other current liabilities Basis swap 2 1 Other current liabilities (1) Amounts are presented in U.S. dollar equivalents, as applicable. 2015 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 designated as cash flow 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, as applicable. 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 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 In fiscal 2015, 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. The gains and losses due to changes in fair value on the swaps and on the hedged notes attributable to interest rate risk and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. 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 9, Borrowings). At August 31, 2016 and 2015, the cumulative fair value adjustments resulted in an increase in long-term debt of $2 million and $ 1 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 2016 2015 2014 Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net $ - $ 1 $ - Foreign currency forwards Selling, general and administrative expense 19 78 - Second Step Transaction foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) - (166 ) - Foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) (12 ) 72 - Warrants On March 18, 2016, the Company exercised warrants to purchase 22,696,912 shares of AmerisourceBergen common stock at an exercise price of $51.50 per share for an aggregate exercise price payment of $1.17 billion. On August 25, 2016, the Company exercised additional warrants to purchase 22,696,912 shares of AmerisourceBergen common stock at an exercise price of $52.50 per share for an aggregate exercise price payment of $1.19 billion. See Note 5, Equity Method Investments and Note 6, Available-for-Sale Investments for further information. As of August 31, 2016, the Company holds no warrants to purchase AmerisourceBergen common stock. 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, 2016 August 31, 2015 Asset derivatives not designated as hedges: Warrants Other non-current assets $ - $ 2,140 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 2016 2015 2014 Warrants Other income (expense) $ (546 ) $ 759 $ 366 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 Sheet.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	11. 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, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Restricted cash (1) $ 185 $ 185 $ - $ - Money market funds (2) 9,133 9,133 - - Available-for-sale investments (3) 32 32 - - Interest rate swaps (4) 3 - 3 - Foreign currency forwards (5) 16 - 16 - Liabilities Basis swaps (5) 1 - 1 - 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 - (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 6, Available-for-Sale Investments for additional information. (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 10, Financial Instruments for additional information. (5) The fair value of basis swaps and 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 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. There were no transfers between levels in fiscal 2016 or 2015. 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 9, Borrowings 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, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	12. 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 asserted 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 was subject to, among other things, court approval. On July 8, 2015, the Court preliminarily approved the settlement, and on November 20, 2015, the Court entered an order of final approval of the settlement. On December 17, 2015, a purported class member who had objected to the settlement appealed the Court’s order. The appeal was docketed with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Oral argument was held on June 2, 2016. On August 10, 2016, the Seventh Circuit issued an order reversing the district court’s judgment approving the settlement and remanding the case for further proceedings. 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. Lead plaintiff filed a response to the motion to dismiss on December 22, 2015, and defendants filed a reply in support of the motion on February 5, 2016. On September 30, 2016, the Court issued an order granting in part and denying in part Walgreen Co.’s motion to dismiss. As of August 31, 2016, the Company was aware of ten putative class action lawsuits (the “Rite Aid actions”) filed by purported Rite Aid stockholders against Rite Aid and its board of directors, Walgreens Boots Alliance and for claims arising out of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Rite Aid Transactions”). Eight of the Rite Aid actions were filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware actions”), one Rite Aid action was filed in the State of Pennsylvania in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County (the “Pennsylvania action”), and one Rite Aid action was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania (the “federal action”). The Delaware actions and the Pennsylvania action primarily allege that the Rite Aid board of directors breached its fiduciary duties in connection with the Rite Aid Transactions by, among other things, agreeing to an unfair and inadequate price, agreeing to deal protection devices that preclude other bidders from making successful competing offers for Rite Aid, and failing to disclose all allegedly material information concerning the proposed merger; and also allege that Walgreens Boots Alliance and aided and abetted these alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. The federal action alleges, among other things, that Rite Aid and its board of directors disseminated an allegedly false and misleading proxy statement in connection with the Rite Aid Transactions. The Delaware actions were consolidated, and plaintiffs filed a motion for expedited proceedings and a motion for preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin the Rite Aid shareholder vote on the Rite Aid Transactions. The plaintiffs in the federal action also filed a motion for preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin the same Rite Aid shareholder vote. All such motions were denied, and the Rite Aid shareholders approved the Rite Aid Transactions at a special meeting on February 4, 2016. On April 15, 2016, the plaintiffs in the Delaware actions agreed to a settlement in principle related to this matter for an immaterial amount. In the Pennsylvania action, plaintiffs agreed to stay the litigation until after the Rite Aid Transactions have closed.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. Income Taxes The components of Earnings Before Income Tax Provision were (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 U.S. $ 2,577 $ 2,725 $ 3,386 Non – U.S. 2,567 2,586 171 Total $ 5,144 $ 5,311 $ 3,557 The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 Current provision Federal $ 999 $ 846 $ 1,207 State 56 121 109 Non – U.S. 371 128 35 1,426 1,095 1,351 Deferred provision Federal (183 ) (23 ) 183 State 6 (16 ) (3 ) Non – U.S. – Tax Law Change (182 ) - - Non – U.S. – Excluding Tax Law Change ( 70 ) - (5 ) (429 ) (39 ) 175 Income tax provision $ 997 $ 1,056 $ 1,526 The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 0.8 1.3 1.9 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 (7.8 ) (6.2 ) (3.1 ) Non-taxable income (4.4 ) (2.6 ) - Non-deductible expenses 1.1 2.3 0.3 Tax Law changes (3.5 ) - - Tax Credits (1.5 ) - - Other (0.3 ) - 0.3 Effective income tax rate 19.4 % 19.9 % 42.9 % (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. 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. The deferred tax assets and liabilities included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following (in millions): 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets Postretirement benefits $ 190 $ 130 Compensation and benefits 205 224 Insurance 75 68 Accrued rent 169 167 Outside basis difference 134 73 Bad debts 65 67 Tax attributes 373 341 Stock compensation 97 119 Deferred income 150 - Other 195 93 1,653 1,282 Less: Valuation allowance 305 125 Total deferred tax assets 1,348 1,157 Deferred tax liabilities Accelerated depreciation 1,205 1,234 Inventory 388 420 Intangible assets 1,418 1,822 Equity method investment 978 333 Deferred income - 889 3,989 4,698 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 2,641 $ 3,541 At August 31, 2016, the Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $373 million, primarily reflecting the benefit of $200 million in U.S. federal, $226 million in state and $837 million in non-U.S. ordinary and capital losses. In addition, these deferred tax assets include $55 million of income tax credits. Of these deferred tax assets, $139 million will expire at various dates from 2017 through 2036. The residual deferred tax assets of $234 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 $305 million against those deferred tax assets as of August 31, 2016. Income taxes paid were $1.1 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, provides guidance regarding the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure in the financial statement The following table provides a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 261 $ 193 $ 208 Gross increases related to business combination - 84 - Gross increases related to tax positions in a prior period 21 45 55 Gross decreases related to tax positions in a prior period (47 ) (75 ) (82 ) Gross increases related to tax positions in the current period 68 63 46 Settlements with taxing authorities (17 ) (45 ) (22 ) Currency (11 ) - - Lapse of statute of limitations (6 ) (4 ) (12 ) Balance at end of year $ 269 $ 261 $ 193 At August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, $237 million, $227 million and $105 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 $51 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 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 2015. 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 2011 2011 2011 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 $116 million and $89 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. 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, 2016, 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, 2016
Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock Compensation Plans	14. 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. The Company grants stock options, performance shares and restricted units under the Omnibus Plan. Performance shares issued under the Omnibus Plan offer performance-based incentive awards and equity-based awards to key employees. The Total stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $115 million, $109 million and $114 million, respectively. The recognized tax benefit was $21 million, $7 million and $31 million for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards at August 31, 2016, was $111 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of three years.

Retirement Benefits

Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Benefits	15. 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. Effective September 1, 2016, for UK and U.S. benefit plans using the yield curve approach, the Company will change the method used to calculate the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs for pension and postretirement benefit plans and will measure these costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the plans’ projected cash flows. The Company believes the new approach will provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected cash flows and the corresponding spot yield curve rates. The change does not affect the measurement of the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit obligations for those plans and will be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate, which is applied prospectively. This change is not expected to have a material impact to the 2017 full year results. 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. Defined benefit pension plan assets were invested in the following classes of securities as of August 31: Percentage of Fair Market Value 2016 2015 Equity securities 8.9% 9.5% Debt securities 78.8% 81.5% Real estate 4.3% 5.6% Other 8.0% 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, 2016 (in millions). August 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities Equity securities (1) $ 834 $ - $ 834 $ - Debt securities: Fixed interest government bonds (2) 265 - 265 - Index linked government bonds (2) 3,502 - 3,502 - Corporate bonds (3) 3,663 - 3,663 - Real estate: Real estate (4) 411 - - 411 Other Other investments (5) 753 38 713 2 Total $ 9,428 $ 38 $ 8,977 $ 413 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 (6) 472 - 472 - Real estate: Real estate (4) 502 - - 502 Other Other investments (5) 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) 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. Change in Level 3 investments driven primarily by currency fluctuations. (5) 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. (6) 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. Components of net periodic pension costs for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions): Boots and Other Pension Plans 2016 2015 (1) Service costs $ 4 $ 3 Interest costs 308 214 Expected returns on plan assets (247 ) (173 ) Curtailments (2 ) (2 ) Total net periodic pension costs $ 63 $ 42 Change in benefit obligations for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions): 2016 2015 (1) Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 8,635 $ 8,827 Service costs 4 3 Interest costs 308 214 Amendments (2 ) (2 ) Net actuarial (gain) loss 2,272 (103 ) Benefits paid (277 ) (186 ) Currency translation adjustments (1,477 ) (118 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 9,463 $ 8,635 Change in plan assets for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions): 2016 2015 (1) Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year $ 8,936 $ 8,987 Employer contributions 75 152 Benefits paid (277 ) (186 ) Return on assets 2,216 91 Currency translation adjustments (1,522 ) (108 ) Plan assets at fair value at end of year $ 9,428 $ 8,936 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): 2016 2015 Other non-current assets $ 155 $ 468 Accrued expenses and other liabilities (6 ) ( ) Other non-current liabilities ( ) ( ) Net (liability) $ (35 ) $ 301 Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (in millions): 2016 2015 (1) Net actuarial (gain) loss (258 ) 21 (1) Fiscal 2015 represents change in pension benefit obligation and plan assets from December 31, 2014 to August 31, 2015. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for all pension plans including accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at August 31, 2016 were as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 Projected benefit obligation $ 9,463 $ 8,635 Accumulated benefit obligation 9,457 8,624 Fair value of plan assets 9,428 8,936 Estimated future benefit payments from defined benefit pension plans to participants are as follows (in millions): Estimated Future Benefit Payments 2017 $ 264 2018 237 2019 248 2020 266 2021 279 2022-2026 1,641 The assumptions used in accounting for the defined benefit pension plans were as follows: 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 2.17 % 3.87 % Rate of compensation increase 2.44 % 2.55 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 3.87 % 3.77 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 3.05 % 2.99 % Rate of compensation increase 2.55 % 2.66 % Based on current actuarial estimates, the Company plans to make contributions of $66 million to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2017 and expects to make contributions beyond 2017, 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 $226 million, $ million and $355 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s contributions were $225 million, $249 million and $328 million in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company also has certain contract based defined contribution arrangements. The principal one is the Alliance Healthcare & Boots Retirement Savings Plan, which is United Kingdom based and to which both the Company and participating employees contribute. The cost related to these arrangements recognized in the Consolidated Statement 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 obligation was $466 and $ in fiscal 2016 and 2015

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Capital Stock	16. 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 authorized 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 1.3 million and 8.2 million shares under the 2014 stock repurchase program in fiscal 2016 and 2015 at a cost of $110 million and $726 million, respectively. 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 $1.0 billion were purchased to support the needs of the employee stock plans during fiscal 2016 as compared to $500 million and $705 million in fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. At August 31, 2016, 43.8 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, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	17. 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 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in millions): Pension/post -retirement obligations Unrecognized gain (loss) on available-for- sale investments Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges Share of OCI of equity method investments Cumulative translation adjustments Total 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 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments (303 ) (148 ) - (1 ) (2,279 ) (2,731 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - (268 ) 5 - (3 ) (266 ) Tax benefit (provision) 62 159 (2 ) - - 219 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (241 ) (257 ) 3 (1 ) $ (2,282 ) (2,778 ) Balance at August 31, 2016 $ (212 ) $ 2 $ (37 ) $ (1 ) $ (2,744 ) $ (2,992 )

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	18. 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, the Company has realigned its operations into three reportable segments: Retail Pharmacy USA, Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale. The operating segments have been identified based on the financial data utilized by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the chief operating decision maker) to assess segment performance and allocate resources among the Company’s operating segments, which have been aggregated as described below. The chief operating decision maker uses adjusted operating income to assess segment profitability. The chief operating decision maker does not use total assets by segment to make decisions regarding resources, therefore the total asset disclosure by segment has not been included. · The Retail Pharmacy USA segment consists of the legacy Walgreens business, which includes the operation of retail drugstores and convenient care clinics and the provision of 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 and an equity method investment in AmerisourceBergen reported on a two-month lag. Wholesale operations are located in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Spain, 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 results of operations for each reportable segment include synergy benefits, including WBAD operations and an allocation of corporate-related overhead costs. The “Eliminations” 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 reflects the operating results of the Company’s 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 an entity 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’s Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale segments were acquired as part of the Second Step Transaction in which the Company acquired the 55% of Alliance Boots that it did not already own on December 31, 2014. The Company has determined that it is impracticable to restate segment information for periods prior the completion of the Second Step Transaction, as well as to provide disclosures for such periods under both the old basis and new basis of reporting for certain items. Specifically, WBAD operations prior to December 31, 2014 were recorded in the Retail Pharmacy USA segment and have not been restated, as the Company believes 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 has 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 period, as the Company believes it is impracticable. Accordingly, only eight months of results (January to August 2015) have been reported for these segments for fiscal 2015. To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to prior period results , this The following table reflects results of operations of the Company’s reportable segments (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA International (1) Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations (1) Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. For the Year Ended August 31, 2016 Sales to external customers $ 83,802 $ 13,256 $ 20,293 $ - $ 117,351 Intersegment sales - - 2,278 (2,278 ) - Sales $ 83,802 $ 13,256 $ 22,571 $ (2,278 ) $ 117,351 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,357 $ 1,155 $ 708 $ (12 ) $ 7,208 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,134 $ 401 $ 166 $ 17 $ 1,718 Additions to property, plant and equipment 777 444 104 - 1,325 For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Sales to external customers $ 80,974 $ 8,657 $ 13,813 $ - $ 103,444 Intersegment sales - - 1,514 (1,514 ) - Sales $ 80,974 $ 8,657 $ 15,327 $ (1,514 ) $ 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 - - - - - 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 (1) To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to fiscal 2015 Sales, Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has no impact on Operating Income. The following table reconciles adjusted operating income to operating income (in millions): Retail Pharmacy USA International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. For the Year Ended August 31, 2016 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,357 $ 1,155 $ 708 $ (12 ) $ 7,208 Cost transformation (424 ) Acquisition-related amortization (369 ) LIFO provision (214 ) Acquisition-related costs (102 ) Legal settlement (47 ) Asset impairment (30 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (21 ) Operating Income $ 6,001 For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,098 $ 616 $ 450 $ (7 ) $ 6,157 Cost transformation (542 ) Acquisition-related amortization (485 ) LIFO provision (285 ) Acquisition-related costs (87 ) Asset impairment (110 ) Store closures and other optimization costs (56 ) (Loss (17 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in Alliance Boots 93 Operating Income $ 4,668 For the Year Ended August 31, 2014 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,866 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,866 Acquisition-related amortization (282 ) Acquisition-related costs (82 ) LIFO provision (132 ) Store closures and other optimization costs (271 ) Gain on sale of business 9 Adjustments to equity earnings in Alliance Boots 86 Operating Income $ 4,194 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated sales for any of the periods presented. Two payers accounted for approximately 22 and one payer accounted for approximately 12% of the Retail Pharmacy USA division’s sales in fiscal 2015. and approximately 20% in fiscal 2015. Geographic data for sales is as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 United States $ 83,802 $ 80,974 $ 76,392 United Kingdom 14,081 9,235 - Europe (excluding the United Kingdom) 16,793 11,402 - Other 2,675 1,833 - Sales $ 117,351 $ 103,444 $ 76,392 Geographic data for long-lived assets, defined as property, plant and equipment is as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 United States $ 10,924 $ 11,327 United Kingdom 2,611 2,835 Europe (excluding the United Kingdom) 625 725 Other 175 181 Total long-lived assets $ 14,335 $ 15,068

Related Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Related Parties [Abstract]
Related Parties	19. Related Parties The Company has a long-term pharmaceutical distribution agreement with AmerisourceBergen pursuant to which the Company sources branded and generic pharmaceutical products from AmerisourceBergen principally for its U.S. operations. Related party transactions (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 Purchases, net $ 41,889 $ 39, 360 $ 31,439 Trade accounts payable , net 3, 456 2, 867 2, 360 Additionally, AmerisourceBergen receives sourcing services for generic pharmaceutical products through the Company’s global sourcing enterprise WBAD.

Supplementary Financial Informa

Supplementary Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Supplementary Financial Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Financial Information	20. Supplementary Financial Information There were no significant non-cash transactions in fiscal 2016. 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. Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets captions are the following assets and liabilities (in millions): 2016 2015 Accounts receivable Accounts receivable $ 6,426 $ 7,021 Allowance for doubtful accounts (166 ) (172 ) $ 6,260 $ 6,849 Other non-current assets Investment in AmerisourceBergen $ - $ 1,147 Warrants - 2,140 Other 467 805 $ 467 $ 4,092 Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued salaries and wages $ 1,398 $ 1,357 Other 4,086 3,868 $ 5,484 $ 5,225 Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts) Quarter Ended November February May August Fiscal Year Fiscal 2016 (1) Sales $ 29,033 $ 30,184 $ 29,498 $ 28,636 $ 117,351 Gross Profit 7,419 7,867 7,433 7,155 29,874 Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 1,110 930 1,103 1,030 4,173 Net earnings per common share: Basic $ 1.02 $ 0.86 $ 1.02 $ 0.95 $ 3.85 Diluted 1.01 0.85 1.01 0.95 3.82 Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.3600 $ 0.3600 $ 0.3600 $ 0.3750 $ 1.4550 Fiscal 2015 (1) Sales $ 19,554 $ 26,573 $ 28,795 $ 28,522 $ 103,444 Gross Profit 5,296 6,842 7,420 7,195 26,753 Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 850 2,042 1,302 26 4,220 Net earnings per common: 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 (1) To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to fiscal 2016 for the quarterly periods ended November 30, 2015, February 29, 2016, and May 31, 2016 and to fiscal 2015 the ended February 29, 2015, May 31, 2015, and August 31,

Summary of Major Accounting P29

Summary of Major Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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. To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to prior periods to conform to current year classifications.
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 $114 million and $165 million were included in cash and cash equivalents at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
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, 2016 and 2015, the amount of such restricted cash was $185 million, and $184 million respectively and is reported in Other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
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. The allowance for doubtful accounts for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $166 million, $172 million and $173 million, respectively.
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, 2016 and 2015, Retail Pharmacy USA segment inventories would have been greater by $2.8 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, if they had been valued on a lower of first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) cost or market basis. The total carrying value of the segment inventory accounted for under the LIFO method is $6.1 billion and $5.6 billion at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 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. The total carrying value of the inventory for Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale segments is $2.9 billion and $3.1 billion at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
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. See Note 5, 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 hold 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 and comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses of available-for-sale investments are included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company evaluates these investments 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 fair 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, 3 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, substantially remodeled or impaired. Property, plant and equipment consists of (in millions): 2016 2015 Land and land improvements $ 3,738 $ 3,687 Buildings and building improvements 7,557 7,705 Fixtures and equipment 9,064 8,904 Capitalized system development costs and software 1,787 1,491 Capital lease properties 789 821 22,935 22,608 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 8,600 7,540 Balance at end of year $ 14,335 $ 15,068 Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $1.3 billion in fiscal 2016, $1.3 billion in fiscal 2015 and $923 million in fiscal 2014. 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 $238 million in fiscal 2016, $178 million in fiscal 2015 and $127 million in fiscal 2014. Unamortized costs at August 31, 2016 and 2015 were $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations Business combinations are accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification (“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 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 8, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional disclosure regarding the Company’s intangible assets.
Warrants	Warrants The warrants to acquire shares of AmerisourceBergen Corporation were Statements was
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 · 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 · 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 · Changes in the fair value of a derivative not designated in a hedging relationship are recognized in the Consolidated Statements 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 Statement 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	Impaired Assets 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 $305 $ $
Liabilities for Store Closings	Liabilities for Store Closings 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. The reserve for store closings, including $ 91
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 15, 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 Statement 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: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (iv) 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: (i) whether it is the primary obligor in the arrangement, (ii) whether it has latitude in establishing the price, changing the product or performing part of the service, (iii) whether it has discretion in supplier selection, (iv) whether it is involved in the determination of service specifications, and (v) whether it is exposed to credit risk.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales 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 for retail operations, purchasing costs, freight costs, cash discounts and vendor allowances. Cost of sales for our Retail Pharmacy USA segment is derived based upon point-of-sale scanning information with an estimate for shrinkage and is adjusted based on periodic inventory counts.
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), wholesale warehousing costs 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 $598 million in fiscal 2016, $491 million in fiscal 2015 and $265 million in fiscal 2014.
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 2016, 2015 or 2014.
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. See Note 14, Stock Compensation Plans for more information on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.
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, 2.5 million and 3.5 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU addresses the classification of certain specific cash flow issues including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of certain debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of certain insurance claims and distributions received from equity method investees. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU will have on our consolidated statement of cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available for sale debt securities. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal 2021), including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU simplifies the employee share-based payment accounting of stock compensation, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term must be applied prospectively. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement must be applied retrospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. This ASU is effective for annual periods after December 15, 2016 (fiscal 2018), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is early adopting this guidance at the beginning of Fiscal 2017 and does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, Liabilities – Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20): Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products. This ASU addresses diversity in practice related to the de-recognition of a prepaid store-value product liability. The ASU amends the guidance on extinguishing financial liabilities for certain prepaid store-value products. If an entity selling prepaid store-value products expects to be entitled to an amount that will not be redeemed, the entity will recognize the expected breakage in proportion to the pattern of rights expected to be exercised by the product holder to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the breakage amount will not subsequently occur. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019), and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, including adoption before the effective date of ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (described below). The amendments in this ASU should be applied either using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the guidance is effective or retrospectively to each period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes Topic 840, Leases. This ASU increases the transparency and comparability of organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. At the lease commencement date, lessee recognizes a lease liability and right-of-use asset, which is initially measured at the present value of future lease payments. There are two approaches for amortizing the right-of use asset. Under the finance lease approach, interest on the lease liability is recognized separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset. Repayments of the principal portion of the lease liability will be classified as financing activities and payments of interest on the lease liability and variable lease payments will be classified as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. Under the operating lease approach, the cost of the lease is calculated on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease term. All cash payments are classified as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For sale and leaseback transactions, in order for a sale to occur, the transfer of the asset must meet all criteria in Topic 606. If there is no sale for the seller-lessee, the buyer-lessor does not account for a purchase. Any consideration paid for the asset is accounted for as a financing transaction. For transactions previously accounted for as a sale and leaseback, the transition guidance in Topic 842 does not require an entity to assess whether the transaction would have qualified as a sale and a leaseback in accordance with Topic 842. Additionally, gains recorded under sale and leaseback transactions are recognized at the transaction date and no longer deferred over the lease term. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020). In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach which includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. The Company has begun evaluating and planning for the adoption and implementation of this ASU, including assessing the overall impact. This ASU will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position. The impact on the Company’s results of operations is being evaluated. The impact of this ASU is non-cash in nature and will not affect the Company’s cash position. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10). This ASU requires equity investments (except those under the equity method of accounting or those that result in the consolidation of an investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. This simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments previous held at cost. Separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category is required. This ASU is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019). Early application is permitted, for fiscal years or interim periods that have not yet been issued as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This ASU simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. This ASU may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax assets and liabilities, or retrospectively to all periods presented for annual periods beginning after December 16, 2016 and interim periods thereafter (fiscal 2018), with early adoption permitted, and may require additional disclosure based on the application method selected. The Company prospectively 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). Subsequently, the FASB has also issued accounting standards updates which clarify the guidance. This ASU removes inconsistencies, complexities and allows transparency and comparability of revenue transactions across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets by providing a single comprehensive principles-based model with additional disclosures regarding uncertainties. The principles-based revenue recognition model has 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. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (fiscal 2018). In transition, the ASU may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance including the transition method. 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 method or the retail inventory method. 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.

Summary of Major Accounting P30

Summary of Major Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Summary of Major Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment consists of (in millions): 2016 2015 Land and land improvements $ 3,738 $ 3,687 Buildings and building improvements 7,557 7,705 Fixtures and equipment 9,064 8,904 Capitalized system development costs and software 1,787 1,491 Capital lease properties 789 821 22,935 22,608 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 8,600 7,540 Balance at end of year $ 14,335 $ 15,068

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Restructuring [Abstract]
Restructuring Costs by Segment	Restructuring costs by segment are as follows (in millions): Retail Pharmacy Fiscal 2016 USA International Pharmaceutical Wholesale Consolidated Asset impairments 215 10 - 225 Real estate costs 89 1 1 91 Severance and other business transition and exit costs 70 18 20 108 Total restructuring costs $ 374 $ 29 $ 21 $ 424 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 Asset impairments 137 - - 137 Real estate costs 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, 2016
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 2017 $ 18 $ 68 $ 3,066 2018 18 62 2,972 2019 18 59 2,826 2020 18 58 2,632 2021 18 57 2,403 Later 1,267 966 20,190 Total Minimum Lease Payments $ 1,357 $ 1,270 $ 34,089
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): 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 446 $ 257 Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities 134 231 Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates (34 ) (6 ) Interest accretion 27 27 Liability assumed through acquisition of Alliance Boots - 13 Cash payments, net of sublease income (107 ) (76 ) Balance at end of period $ 466 $ 446
Schedule of Rental Expense	Rental expense, which includes common area maintenance, insurance and taxes, where appropriate, was as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 Minimum rentals $ 3,355 $ 3,176 $ 2,687 Contingent rentals 60 38 5 Less: Sublease rental income (49 ) (46 ) (22 ) $ 3,366 $ 3,168 $ 2,670

Equity Method Investments (Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment	Equity method investments as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in millions, except percentages): 2016 2015 Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Carrying Value Ownership Percentage AmerisourceBergen $ 4,964 24 % $ NA NA Others 1,210 12% - 50 % 1,242 12% - 50 % Total $ 6,174 $ 1,242
Summarized Financial Information of Equity Method Investees	Summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investment in Alliance Boots is as follows: Statements of Earnings (in millions) Year Ended August 31, 2016 2015 (1) 2014 (l) Net sales NA $ 13,071 $ 37,579 Gross Profit NA 3,050 8,096 Net Earnings NA 723 1,444 Share of earnings from equity method investments (1) NA 315 617 (l) Earnings in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective average exchange rates.

Available-for-Sale Investments

Available-for-Sale Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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, 2016 Amortized cost basis Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized (losses) Fair value Corporate bonds and Treasury Bills $ 30 $ 2 $ - $ 32 August 31, 2015 Amortized cost basis Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized (losses) Fair value AmerisourceBergen common stock $ 717 $ 430 $ - $ 1,147 Corporate bonds and Treasury Bills 37 - (1 ) 36 Total available-for-sale investments $ 754 $ 430 $ (1 ) $ 1,183

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule of Impact of Equity Transaction	The 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 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 3,806 Intangible assets 11,691 Other non-current assets 2,217 Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities (7,696 ) Borrowings (9,010 ) Deferred income taxes (2,452 ) Other non-current liabilities (383 ) Noncontrolling interests (412 ) Total identifiable net assets and noncontrolling interests 6,580 Goodwill $ 14,861
Schedule of Identified Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	The 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 20 742 Trade names and trademarks 9 399 Favorable lease interests 7 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 Year Ended August 31, 2014 (in millions, except per share amounts) 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) Sales $ 22,470 Net earnings 853 Net earnings per common share: Basic $ 0.82 Diluted 0.81

Goodwill and Other Intangible36

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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 Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. August 31, 2014 $ 2,359 $ - $ - $ 2,359 Acquisitions 7,290 4,036 3,646 14,972 Sale of business (1) (706 ) - - (706 ) Other (2) (3 ) - - (3 ) Currency translation adjustments - (138 ) (112 ) (250 ) August 31, 2015 $ 8,940 $ 3,898 $ 3,534 $ 16,372 Acquisitions - 23 - 23 Sale of business (4 ) - - (4 ) Other (2) 100 (113 ) 13 - Currency translation adjustments - (439 ) (425 ) (864 ) August 31, 2016 $ 9, 036 $ 3, 369 $ 3,122 $ 15,527 (1) Represents goodwill associated with Walgreens Infusion Services business which was sold in April 2015. (2) Other primarily represents the reallocation of goodwill between reporting units and purchase accounting adjustments for prior year 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, 2016 August 31, 2015 Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets Customer relationships and loyalty card holders $ 1,867 $ 2,139 Purchased prescription files 932 885 Favorable lease interests and non-compete agreements 619 594 Trade names and trademarks 532 675 Purchasing and payer contracts 94 94 Total gross amortizable intangible assets 4,044 4,387 Accumulated amortization Customer relationships and loyalty card holders $ 275 $ 173 Purchased prescription files 600 470 Favorable lease interests and non-compete agreements 388 299 Trade names and trademarks 105 83 Purchasing and payer contracts 71 65 Total accumulated amortization 1,439 1,090 Total amortizable intangible assets, net $ 2,605 $ 3,297 Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Trade names and trademarks $ 5,604 $ 6,590 Pharmacy licenses 2,093 2,464 Total Indefinite-Lived intangible assets $ 7,697 $ 9,054 Total intangible assets, net $ 10,302 $ 12,351
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets recorded at August 31, 2016 is as follows (in millions): 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Estimated annual amortization expense $ 357 $ 319 $ 293 $ 243 $ 199

Borrowings (Tables)

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Borrowings [Abstract]
Short-Term Borrowings	Borrowings consist of the following (all amounts are presented in millions of U.S. dollars and debt issuances are denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 Short-Term Borrowings ( 1 ) Unsecured Pound Sterling variable rate term loan due 2019 $ 63 $ - Unsecured variable rate notes due 2016 - 747 Other (2) 260 321 Total short-term borrowings $ 323 $ 1,068
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt (1) Unsecured Pound Sterling variable rate term loan due 2019 $ 1,833 $ 2,229 $6 Billion Note Issuance (7)(9) 1.750% unsecured notes due 2018 1,246 - 2.600% unsecured notes due 2021 1,493 - 3.100% unsecured notes due 2023 744 - 3.450% unsecured notes due 2026 1,885 - 4.650% unsecured notes due 2046 590 - $8 Billion Note Issuance (7)(9) 1.750% unsecured notes due 2017 746 746 2.700% unsecured notes due 2019 1,244 1,243 3.300% unsecured notes due 2021 1,242 1,241 3.800% unsecured notes due 2024 1,987 1,985 4.500% unsecured notes due 2034 494 494 4.800% unsecured notes due 2044 1,492 1,491 £700 Million Note Issuance (3)(7)(9) 2.875% unsecured Pound Sterling notes due 2020 521 612 3.600% unsecured Pound Sterling notes due 2025 391 459 €750 Million Note Issuance (5)(7)(9) 2.125% unsecured Euro notes due 2026 830 836 $4 Billion Note Issuance (7)(8)(9) 3.100% unsecured notes due 2022 1,194 1,193 4.400% unsecured notes due 2042 492 492 $1 Billion Note Issuance (8)(9) 5.250% unsecured notes due 2019 (4) 249 250 Other (6) 32 44 Total long-term debt, less current portion $ 18,705 $ 13,315 (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 bank overdrafts. (3) Pound Sterling denominated notes are translated at the spot rates at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (4) Includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments. See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements for additional fair value disclosures. (5) Euro denominated notes are translated at the spot rate at August 31, 2016 and 2015. (6) Other long-term debt represents a mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings in various foreign currencies with various maturities. (7) Notes are unsubordinated debt obligations of and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of from time to time outstanding. (8) Notes are senior debt obligations of Walgreens 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. (9) The fair value of the $6 billion, $8 billion, £ 0.7 billion, €0.75 billion , $4 billion and $1 billion note issuances as of August 31, 2016 was $6.2 billion, $7.7 billion, $1.0 billion, $ 0.9 billion , $1.8 billion and $ 0.3 billion , respectively.
Future Maturities of Long-Term Debt	At August 31, 2016, the future maturities of long-term debt, excluding debt discounts and issuance costs and financing and capital lease obligations (see Note 4, Leases, for the future lease obligation maturities), consisted of the following ($ in millions): Year ended August 31, Amount 2017 $ 323 2018 2,137 2019 416 2020 2,808 2021 2,024 Later 11,442 Total estimated future maturities $ 19,150

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 2016 Notional (1) Fair Value Location in Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Interest rate swaps $ 250 $ 3 Other non-current assets Derivatives not designated as hedges Foreign currency forwards 1,177 16 Other current assets Foreign currency forwards 41 - Other current liabilities Basis swap 2 1 Other current liabilities (1) Amounts are presented in U.S. dollar equivalents, as applicable. 2015 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 designated as cash flow 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, as applicable.
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, 2016 August 31, 2015 Asset derivatives not designated as hedges: Warrants Other non-current assets $ - $ 2,140
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 2016 2015 2014 Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net $ - $ 1 $ - Foreign currency forwards Selling, general and administrative expense 19 78 - Second Step Transaction foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) - (166 ) - Foreign currency forwards Other income (expense) (12 ) 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 2016 2015 2014 Warrants Other income (expense) $ (546 ) $ 759 $ 366

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Restricted cash (1) $ 185 $ 185 $ - $ - Money market funds (2) 9,133 9,133 - - Available-for-sale investments (3) 32 32 - - Interest rate swaps (4) 3 - 3 - Foreign currency forwards (5) 16 - 16 - Liabilities Basis swaps (5) 1 - 1 - 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 - (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 6, Available-for-Sale Investments for additional information. (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 10, Financial Instruments for additional information. (5) The fair value of basis swaps and 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 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.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	The components of Earnings Before Income Tax Provision were (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 U.S. $ 2,577 $ 2,725 $ 3,386 Non – U.S. 2,567 2,586 171 Total $ 5,144 $ 5,311 $ 3,557
Provisions for Income Taxes	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 Current provision Federal $ 999 $ 846 $ 1,207 State 56 121 109 Non – U.S. 371 128 35 1,426 1,095 1,351 Deferred provision Federal (183 ) (23 ) 183 State 6 (16 ) (3 ) Non – U.S. – Tax Law Change (182 ) - - Non – U.S. – Excluding Tax Law Change ( 70 ) - (5 ) (429 ) (39 ) 175 Income tax provision $ 997 $ 1,056 $ 1,526
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: 2016 2015 2014 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 0.8 1.3 1.9 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 (7.8 ) (6.2 ) (3.1 ) Non-taxable income (4.4 ) (2.6 ) - Non-deductible expenses 1.1 2.3 0.3 Tax Law changes (3.5 ) - - Tax Credits (1.5 ) - - Other (0.3 ) - 0.3 Effective income tax rate 19.4 % 19.9 % 42.9 % (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. 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.
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): 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets Postretirement benefits $ 190 $ 130 Compensation and benefits 205 224 Insurance 75 68 Accrued rent 169 167 Outside basis difference 134 73 Bad debts 65 67 Tax attributes 373 341 Stock compensation 97 119 Deferred income 150 - Other 195 93 1,653 1,282 Less: Valuation allowance 305 125 Total deferred tax assets 1,348 1,157 Deferred tax liabilities Accelerated depreciation 1,205 1,234 Inventory 388 420 Intangible assets 1,418 1,822 Equity method investment 978 333 Deferred income - 889 3,989 4,698 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 2,641 $ 3,541
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): 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 261 $ 193 $ 208 Gross increases related to business combination - 84 - Gross increases related to tax positions in a prior period 21 45 55 Gross decreases related to tax positions in a prior period (47 ) (75 ) (82 ) Gross increases related to tax positions in the current period 68 63 46 Settlements with taxing authorities (17 ) (45 ) (22 ) Currency (11 ) - - Lapse of statute of limitations (6 ) (4 ) (12 ) Balance at end of year $ 269 $ 261 $ 193

Retirement Benefits (Tables)

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
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: Percentage of Fair Market Value 2016 2015 Equity securities 8.9% 9.5% Debt securities 78.8% 81.5% Real estate 4.3% 5.6% Other 8.0% 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, 2016 (in millions). August 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities Equity securities (1) $ 834 $ - $ 834 $ - Debt securities: Fixed interest government bonds (2) 265 - 265 - Index linked government bonds (2) 3,502 - 3,502 - Corporate bonds (3) 3,663 - 3,663 - Real estate: Real estate (4) 411 - - 411 Other Other investments (5) 753 38 713 2 Total $ 9,428 $ 38 $ 8,977 $ 413 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 (6) 472 - 472 - Real estate: Real estate (4) 502 - - 502 Other Other investments (5) 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) 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. Change in Level 3 investments driven primarily by currency fluctuations. (5) 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. (6) 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.
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 2016 2015 (1) Service costs $ 4 $ 3 Interest costs 308 214 Expected returns on plan assets (247 ) (173 ) Curtailments (2 ) (2 ) Total net periodic pension costs $ 63 $ 42
Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations	Change in benefit obligations for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions): 2016 2015 (1) Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 8,635 $ 8,827 Service costs 4 3 Interest costs 308 214 Amendments (2 ) (2 ) Net actuarial (gain) loss 2,272 (103 ) Benefits paid (277 ) (186 ) Currency translation adjustments (1,477 ) (118 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 9,463 $ 8,635
Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets	Change in plan assets for the defined benefit pension plans (in millions): 2016 2015 (1) Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year $ 8,936 $ 8,987 Employer contributions 75 152 Benefits paid (277 ) (186 ) Return on assets 2,216 91 Currency translation adjustments (1,522 ) (108 ) Plan assets at fair value at end of year $ 9,428 $ 8,936
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): 2016 2015 Other non-current assets $ 155 $ 468 Accrued expenses and other liabilities (6 ) ( ) Other non-current liabilities ( ) ( ) Net (liability) $ (35 ) $ 301
Pre-tax Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss	Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (in millions): 2016 2015 (1) Net actuarial (gain) loss (258 ) 21 (1) Fiscal 2015 represents change in pension benefit obligation and plan assets from December 31, 2014 to August 31, 2015.
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 including accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at August 31, 2016 were as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 Projected benefit obligation $ 9,463 $ 8,635 Accumulated benefit obligation 9,457 8,624 Fair value of plan assets 9,428 8,936
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	Estimated future benefit payments from defined benefit pension plans to participants are as follows (in millions): Estimated Future Benefit Payments 2017 $ 264 2018 237 2019 248 2020 266 2021 279 2022-2026 1,641
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The assumptions used in accounting for the defined benefit pension plans were as follows: 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 2.17 % 3.87 % Rate of compensation increase 2.44 % 2.55 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 3.87 % 3.77 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 3.05 % 2.99 % Rate of compensation increase 2.55 % 2.66 %

Accumulated Other Comprehensi42

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in millions): Pension/post -retirement obligations Unrecognized gain (loss) on available-for- sale investments Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges Share of OCI of equity method investments Cumulative translation adjustments Total 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 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments (303 ) (148 ) - (1 ) (2,279 ) (2,731 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - (268 ) 5 - (3 ) (266 ) Tax benefit (provision) 62 159 (2 ) - - 219 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (241 ) (257 ) 3 (1 ) $ (2,282 ) (2,778 ) Balance at August 31, 2016 $ (212 ) $ 2 $ (37 ) $ (1 ) $ (2,744 ) $ (2,992 )

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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 (1) Pharmaceutical Wholesale Eliminations (1) Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. For the Year Ended August 31, 2016 Sales to external customers $ 83,802 $ 13,256 $ 20,293 $ - $ 117,351 Intersegment sales - - 2,278 (2,278 ) - Sales $ 83,802 $ 13,256 $ 22,571 $ (2,278 ) $ 117,351 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,357 $ 1,155 $ 708 $ (12 ) $ 7,208 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,134 $ 401 $ 166 $ 17 $ 1,718 Additions to property, plant and equipment 777 444 104 - 1,325 For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Sales to external customers $ 80,974 $ 8,657 $ 13,813 $ - $ 103,444 Intersegment sales - - 1,514 (1,514 ) - Sales $ 80,974 $ 8,657 $ 15,327 $ (1,514 ) $ 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 - - - - - 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 (1) To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to fiscal 2015 Sales, Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has no impact on Operating Income.
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 Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. For the Year Ended August 31, 2016 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,357 $ 1,155 $ 708 $ (12 ) $ 7,208 Cost transformation (424 ) Acquisition-related amortization (369 ) LIFO provision (214 ) Acquisition-related costs (102 ) Legal settlement (47 ) Asset impairment (30 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen (21 ) Operating Income $ 6,001 For the Year Ended August 31, 2015 Adjusted Operating Income $ 5,098 $ 616 $ 450 $ (7 ) $ 6,157 Cost transformation (542 ) Acquisition-related amortization (485 ) LIFO provision (285 ) Acquisition-related costs (87 ) Asset impairment (110 ) Store closures and other optimization costs (56 ) (Loss (17 ) Adjustments to equity earnings in Alliance Boots 93 Operating Income $ 4,668 For the Year Ended August 31, 2014 Adjusted Operating Income $ 4,866 $ - $ - $ - $ 4,866 Acquisition-related amortization (282 ) Acquisition-related costs (82 ) LIFO provision (132 ) Store closures and other optimization costs (271 ) Gain on sale of business 9 Adjustments to equity earnings in Alliance Boots 86 Operating Income $ 4,194
Geographic Data for Net Sales	Geographic data for sales is as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 United States $ 83,802 $ 80,974 $ 76,392 United Kingdom 14,081 9,235 - Europe (excluding the United Kingdom) 16,793 11,402 - Other 2,675 1,833 - Sales $ 117,351 $ 103,444 $ 76,392
Geographic Data for Long-Lived Assets	Geographic data for long-lived assets, defined as property, plant and equipment is as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 United States $ 10,924 $ 11,327 United Kingdom 2,611 2,835 Europe (excluding the United Kingdom) 625 725 Other 175 181 Total long-lived assets $ 14,335 $ 15,068

Related Parties (Tables)

Related Parties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	Related party transactions (in millions): 2016 2015 2014 Purchases, net $ 41,889 $ 39, 360 $ 31,439 Trade accounts payable , net 3, 456 2, 867 2, 360

Supplementary Financial Infor45

Supplementary Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
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): 2016 2015 Accounts receivable Accounts receivable $ 6,426 $ 7,021 Allowance for doubtful accounts (166 ) (172 ) $ 6,260 $ 6,849 Other non-current assets Investment in AmerisourceBergen $ - $ 1,147 Warrants - 2,140 Other 467 805 $ 467 $ 4,092 Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued salaries and wages $ 1,398 $ 1,357 Other 4,086 3,868 $ 5,484 $ 5,225
Summary of Quarterly Results	Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts) Quarter Ended November February May August Fiscal Year Fiscal 2016 (1) Sales $ 29,033 $ 30,184 $ 29,498 $ 28,636 $ 117,351 Gross Profit 7,419 7,867 7,433 7,155 29,874 Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 1,110 930 1,103 1,030 4,173 Net earnings per common share: Basic $ 1.02 $ 0.86 $ 1.02 $ 0.95 $ 3.85 Diluted 1.01 0.85 1.01 0.95 3.82 Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.3600 $ 0.3600 $ 0.3600 $ 0.3750 $ 1.4550 Fiscal 2015 (1) Sales $ 19,554 $ 26,573 $ 28,795 $ 28,522 $ 103,444 Gross Profit 5,296 6,842 7,420 7,195 26,753 Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 850 2,042 1,302 26 4,220 Net earnings per common: 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 (1) To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to fiscal 2016 for the quarterly periods ended November 30, 2015, February 29, 2016, and May 31, 2016 and to fiscal 2015 the ended February 29, 2015, May 31, 2015, and August 31,

Organization (Details)

Organization (Details) £ in Millions, shares in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014GBP (£)Segmentshares	Aug. 31, 2016Segment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable segment | Segment	3	3
Common stock conversion ratio		1
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

Summary of Major Accounting P47

Summary of Major Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
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	$ 114	$ 165
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted cash	185	184
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	166	172	$ 173
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory, LIFO Reserve	2,800	2,500
Total carrying value of inventory	8,956	8,678
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	22,935	22,608
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	8,600	7,540
Property and equipment, net	14,335	15,068
Depreciation expense for property and equipment	1,300	1,300	923
Impaired Assets [Abstract]
Impairment charges	30	110
Liabilities for Store Closings [Abstract]
Reserve for store closings	466	446
Advertising Costs [Abstract]
Net advertising expenses included in selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 598	$ 491	$ 265
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Outstanding options to purchase common shares excluded from earnings per share calculations (in shares)	2.5	2.5	3.5
Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Highly effective hedging percentage	80.00%
Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Highly effective hedging percentage	125.00%
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Impaired Assets [Abstract]
Impairment charges			$ 167
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total carrying value of inventory	$ 6,100	$ 5,600
Retail Pharmacy International and Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total carrying value of inventory	2,900	3,100
Cost Transformation Restructuring Program [Member]
Liabilities for Store Closings [Abstract]
Reserve for store closings	91
Cost Transformation Restructuring Program [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Impaired Assets [Abstract]
Impairment charges	$ 305	386
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	20 years
Property and equipment	$ 3,738	3,687
Buildings and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 7,557	7,705
Buildings and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	3 years
Buildings and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	50 years
Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 9,064	8,904
Fixtures and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	3 years
Fixtures and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	20 years
Capitalized System Development Costs and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 1,787	1,491
Internally developed software amortization	238	178	$ 127
Unamortized capitalized software costs	$ 900	1,000
Capitalized System Development Costs and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of capitalized software costs	3 years
Capitalized System Development Costs and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of capitalized software costs	8 years
Capital Lease Properties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 789	$ 821

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	$ 424	$ 559	$ 209
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	374	540	209
Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	29	19	0
Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	21	0	0
Asset Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	225	223	137
Asset Impairments [Member] | Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	215	216	137
Asset Impairments [Member] | Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	10	7	0
Asset Impairments [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	0	0	0
Real Estate Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	91	219	71
Real Estate Costs [Member] | Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	89	219	71
Real Estate Costs [Member] | Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	1	0	0
Real Estate Costs [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	1	0	0
Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	108	117	1
Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member] | Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	70	105	1
Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member] | Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	18	12	0
Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Total restructuring costs	20	0	$ 0
Lease Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period		17
Cost Transformation Program [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period	424	$ 542		$ 966
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	1,300			1,300
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected pre-tax charges	$ 1,500			1,500
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Asset Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period				448
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Real Estate Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period				293
Cost Transformation Program [Member] | Severance and Other Business Transition and Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Disclosures [Abstract]
Pre-tax charges incurred during the period				$ 225

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)Lease	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Interval period of renewal options	5 years
Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions	$ 60	$ 867	$ 67
Financing Obligation [Abstract]
2,017	18
2,018	18
2,019	18
2,020	18
2,021	18
Later	1,267
Total minimum lease payments	1,357
Capital Lease [Abstract]
2,017	68
2,018	62
2,019	59
2,020	58
2,021	57
Later	966
Total minimum lease payments	1,270
Operating Lease [Abstract]
2,017	3,066
2,018	2,972
2,019	2,826
2,020	2,632
2,021	2,403
Later	20,190
Total minimum lease payments	34,089
Imputed interest and executory costs	1,700
Charges related to facilities that were closed or relocated	$ 127	252	177
Number of leases | Lease	79
Changes in reserve for facility closings and related lease termination charges [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 446	257
Provision for present value of non-cancellable lease payments on closed facilities	134	231
Assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates	(34)	(6)
Interest accretion	27	27
Liability assumed through acquisition of Alliance Boots	0	13
Cash payments, net of sublease income	(107)	(76)
Balance at end of period	466	446	257
Rent Expense [Abstract]
Minimum rentals	3,355	3,176	2,687
Contingent rentals	60	38	5
Less: Sublease rental income	(49)	(46)	(22)
Total rental expense	$ 3,366	$ 3,168	$ 2,670
Minimum [Member]
Leases [Abstract]
Initial term of operating lease	15 years
Operating Lease [Abstract]
Sublease rentals	$ 199
Maximum [Member]
Leases [Abstract]
Initial term of operating lease	25 years
Operating Lease [Abstract]
Potential undiscounted future payments	$ 340

Equity Method Investments, Equi

Equity Method Investments, Equity Method Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 6,174	$ 1,242
AmerisourceBergen [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 4,964
Increased ownership percentage of Alliance Boots	24.00%
Other [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 1,210	$ 1,242
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage	12.00%	12.00%
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	$ 6,174	$ 1,242

Equity Method Investments (Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Aug. 25, 2016	Mar. 18, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity earnings			$ 44	$ 24	$ 0
AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Warrant issued to purchase common stock (in shares)	22,696,912	22,696,912	0
Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 52.50	$ 51.50
Warrants aggregate exercise price payment	$ 1,190	$ 1,170
Outstanding shares owned (in shares)			56,854,867
Percentage of outstanding common shares owned			24.00%
Period of reporting lag			2 months 15 days
Period of using equity method accounting			3 months 15 days
Equity investment, exceeded its proportionate share of net assets			$ 4,500
Other Investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity earnings			$ 44	$ 24
Alliance Boots [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Period of reporting lag				3 months
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage				45.00%		45.00%

Equity Method Investments, Summ

Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information of Equity Method Investees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	[1]		$ 13,071		$ 37,579
Gross Profit	[1]		3,050		8,096
Net Earnings	[1]		723		1,444
Share of earnings from equity method investments		$ 0	$ 315	[1]	$ 617	[1]
[1]	Earnings in foreign equity method investments are translated at their respective average exchange rates.

Available-for-Sale Investment53

Available-for-Sale Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Mar. 18, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Summary of cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost basis			$ 754
Gross unrealized gains			430
Gross unrealized (losses)			(1)
Fair value			1,183
Available for sale securities, current		$ 32	36
AmerisourceBergen Common Stock [Member]
Summary of cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost basis			717
Gross unrealized gains			430
Gross unrealized (losses)			0
Fair value			1,147
Warrant to purchase common stock (in shares)	22,696,912
Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 51.50
Gain from reclassification of income from other comprehensive income to other income (expense)	$ 268
Sale of acquired available-for-sale securities		7	52
Corporate Bonds and Treasury Bills [Member]
Summary of cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost basis		30	37
Gross unrealized gains		2	0
Gross unrealized (losses)		0	(1)
Fair value		$ 32	$ 36

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) $ / shares in Units, £ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014GBP (£)shares	Aug. 31, 2016shares	Aug. 31, 2015shares	Dec. 30, 2014$ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common shares transfer (in shares) | shares				1,172,513,618	1,172,513,618
Alliance Boots [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of issued and outstanding capital acquired		55.00%	55.00%
Noncontrolling interest		100.00%	100.00%
Total purchase price cash consideration		$ 4,874,000,000	£ 3,133
Spot rate		1.56	1.56
Purchase price consideration, common shares (in shares) | shares		144,300,000	144,300,000
Closing market price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 76.05
Preliminary impact of equity transactions [Abstract]
Consideration attributed 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]
Noncontrolling interest		100.00%	100.00%	27.50%
Ownership interest percentage prior to Second Step Transaction				50.00%
Equity method ownership option to repurchase shares, amount	$ 100,000
Alliance Healthcare Italia Distribuzione S.p.A. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership interest percentage	5.00%
Common shares transfer (in shares) | shares	320

Acquisitions, Consideration Pai

Acquisitions, Consideration Paid (Details) - Dec. 31, 2014 - Alliance Boots [Member] £ in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Consideration paid [Abstract]
Cash	$ 4,874	£ 3,133
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, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 15,527	$ 16,372	$ 2,359
Gain on previously held equity interest	0	563	$ 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				3,806
Intangible assets				11,691
Other non-current assets				2,217
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities				(7,696)
Borrowings				(9,010)
Deferred income taxes				(2,452)
Other non-current liabilities				(383)
Noncontrolling interests				(412)
Total identifiable net assets and noncontrolling interests				6,580
Goodwill				$ 14,861
Gain on previously held equity interest		$ 563
Fair value of previously held equity interest	$ 8,100

Acquisitions, The Preliminary I

Acquisitions, The Preliminary Identified Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Segment	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)Segment	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		$ 23	$ 14,972
Number of reportable segments | Segment	3	3
Selling, general and administrative expenses		$ 23,910	22,400	$ 17,992
Fair value of the assets acquired		3,700
Estimated manufacturing profit in acquired finished goods inventory capitalized		106
Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		23	4,036
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		0	7,290
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		$ 0	3,646
Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount	$ 2,545
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amount	9,146
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] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	12 years
Amount	$ 1,311
Loyalty Card Holders [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	20 years
Amount	$ 742
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	9 years
Amount	$ 399
Favorable Lease Interests [Member] | Alliance Boots [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	7 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) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Net earnings per common share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	[1]	$ 0.95	$ 1.02	$ 0.86	$ 1.02	$ 0.02	$ 1.19	$ 1.96	$ 0.90	$ 3.85	$ 4.05
Diluted (in dollars per share)	[1]	$ 0.95	$ 1.01	$ 0.85	$ 1.01	$ 0.02	$ 1.18	$ 1.93	$ 0.89	$ 3.82	$ 4
Aggregate purchase price net of cash received										$ 0	$ 4,461	$ 0
Goodwill										23	14,972
Alliance Boots [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales											22,470
Net earnings											$ 853
Net earnings per common share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)											$ 0.82
Diluted (in dollars per share)											$ 0.81
Intangible assets													$ 11,691
Other Acquisitions and Divestitures [Member]
Net earnings per common share [Abstract]
Aggregate purchase price net of cash received										126	$ 371
Goodwill										23	126
Intangible assets		$ 95				$ 255				$ 95	$ 255
[1]	To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to fiscal 2016 for the quarterly periods ended November 30, 2015, February 29, 2016, and May 31, 2016 and to fiscal 2015 for the quarterly periods ended February 29, 2015, May 31, 2015, and August 31, 2015 to Sales, Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has no impact on Operating Income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible60

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period		$ 16,372	$ 2,359
Acquisitions		23	14,972
Sale of business		(4)	(706)	[1]
Other	[2]	0	(3)
Currency translation adjustments		(864)	(250)
Net book value - Ending Period		15,527	16,372
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period		8,940	2,359
Acquisitions		0	7,290
Sale of business		(4)	(706)	[1]
Other	[2]	100	(3)
Currency translation adjustments		0	0
Net book value - Ending Period		9,036	8,940
Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period		3,898	0
Acquisitions		23	4,036
Sale of business		0	0	[1]
Other	[2]	(113)	0
Currency translation adjustments		(439)	(138)
Net book value - Ending Period		3,369	3,898
Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net book value - Beginning Period		3,534	0
Acquisitions		0	3,646
Sale of business		0	0	[1]
Other	[2]	13	0
Currency translation adjustments		(425)	(112)
Net book value - Ending Period		$ 3,122	$ 3,534
[1]	Represents goodwill associated with Walgreens Infusion Services business which was sold in April 2015.
[2]	Other primarily represents the reallocation of goodwill between reporting units and purchase accounting adjustments for prior year acquisitions.

Goodwill and Other Intangible61

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 15,527	$ 16,372	$ 2,359
Amortization expense for intangible assets	396	$ 480	$ 282
Alliance Boots [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 14,861
Intangible assets				$ 11,691
International Beauty Brand [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	23
Intangible assets	$ 95

Goodwill and Other Intangible62

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 4,044	$ 4,387
Accumulated amortization	1,439	1,090
Total amortizable intangible assets, net	2,605	3,297
Total Indefinite-Lived intangible assets	7,697	9,054
Total intangible assets, net	10,302	12,351
Customer Relationships and Loyalty Card Holders [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	1,867	2,139
Accumulated amortization	275	173
Purchased Prescription Files [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	932	885
Accumulated amortization	600	470
Favorable Lease Interests and Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	619	594
Accumulated amortization	388	299
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	532	675
Accumulated amortization	105	83
Total Indefinite-Lived intangible assets	5,604	6,590
Purchasing and Payer Contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amortizable Intangible Assets	94	94
Accumulated amortization	71	65
Pharmacy Licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total Indefinite-Lived intangible assets	$ 2,093	$ 2,464

Goodwill and Other Intangible63

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense [Abstract]
2,017	$ 357
2,018	319
2,019	293
2,020	243
2,021	$ 199

Borrowings, Short-Term Borrowin

Borrowings, Short-Term Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]
Other		$ 323	$ 1,068
Unsecured Pound Sterling Variable Rate Term Loan Due 2019 [Member]
Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]
Unsecured notes	[1]	$ 63	0
Maturity year	[1]	2,019
Unsecured Variable Rate Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]
Unsecured notes	[1]	$ 0	747
Maturity year	[1]	2,016
Other Short-Term Debt [Member]
Short-Term Borrowings [Abstract]
Other	[1],[2]	$ 260	321
Total short-term borrowings	[1]	$ 323	$ 1,068
[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 bank overdrafts.

Borrowings, Long-Term Debt (Det

Borrowings, Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Other	[1],[2]	$ 32	$ 44
Total long-term debt	[1]	18,705	13,315
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]	$ 1,833	2,229
Maturity year	[1],[3]	2,019
1.750% unsecured notes due 2018 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[4],[5]	$ 1,246	0
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5]	1.75%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5]	2,018
2.600% unsecured notes due 2021 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[4],[5],[6]	$ 1,493	0
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5],[6]	2.60%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5],[6]	2,021
3.100% unsecured notes due 2023 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[4],[5],[6]	$ 744	0
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5],[6]	3.10%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5],[6]	2,023
3.450% unsecured notes due 2026 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[3],[4],[5]	$ 1,885	0
Stated interest rate	[1],[3],[4],[5]	3.45%
Maturity year	[1],[3],[4],[5]	2,026
4.650% unsecured notes due 2046 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes, net of unamortized discount and interest rate swap FMV adjustment	[1],[3],[4],[5]	$ 590	0
Stated interest rate	[1],[3],[4],[5]	4.65%
Maturity year	[1],[3],[4],[5]	2,046
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],[5]	$ 746	746
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5]	1.75%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5]	2,017
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],[4],[5]	$ 1,244	1,243
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5]	2.70%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5]	2,019
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],[4],[5]	$ 1,242	1,241
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5]	3.30%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5]	2,021
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],[4],[5]	$ 1,987	1,985
Stated interest rate	[1],[3],[4],[5]	3.80%
Maturity year	[1],[3],[4],[5]	2,024
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],[3],[4],[5]	$ 494	494
Stated interest rate	[1],[3],[4],[5]	4.50%
Maturity year	[1],[3],[4],[5]	2,034
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],[4],[5],[7]	$ 1,492	1,491
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5],[7]	4.80%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5],[7]	2,044
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],[4],[5],[6]	$ 521	612
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5],[6]	2.875%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5],[6]	2,020
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],[4],[5],[6]	$ 391	459
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5],[6]	3.60%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5],[6]	2,025
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],[4],[5],[7]	$ 830	836
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5],[7]	2.125%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5],[7]	2,026
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],[4],[5],[8]	$ 1,194	1,193
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5],[8]	3.10%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5],[8]	2,022
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],[4],[5],[8]	$ 492	492
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[5],[8]	4.40%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[5],[8]	2,042
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],[8]	$ 249	$ 250
Stated interest rate	[1],[4],[8]	5.25%
Maturity year	[1],[4],[8]	2,019
[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]	Includes interest rate swap fair market value adjustments. See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements for additional fair value disclosures.
[4]	The fair value of the $6 billion, $8 billion, £0.7 billion, €0.75 billion, $4 billion and $1 billion note issuances as of August 31, 2016 was $6.2 billion, $7.7 billion, $1.0 billion, $0.9 billion, $1.8 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively. The fair values of the notes outstanding are Level 1 fair value measures and determined based on quoted market price and translated at the August 31, 2016 spot rate, as applicable.
[5]	Notes are 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.
[6]	Pound Sterling denominated notes are translated at the spot rates at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
[7]	Euro denominated notes are translated at the spot rate at August 31, 2016 and 2015.
[8]	Notes are senior debt obligations of Walgreens 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.

Borrowings, Long-Term Debt by F

Borrowings, Long-Term Debt by Future Maturity (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Long Term Debt by Future Maturity [Abstract]
2,017	$ 323
2,018	2,137
2,019	416
2,020	2,808
2,021	2,024
Later	11,442
Total estimated future maturities	$ 19,150

Borrowings, Note Issuances (Det

Borrowings, Note Issuances (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Total $6.0 billion debt issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Net proceeds from notes payable	$ 6,000
Total issuance costs	30
Fair value of the notes	$ 6,200
Percentage of principal amount of fixed rate notes can be redeemed	101.00%
Total $8.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Repayment of debt	$ 750
Net proceeds from notes payable	7,900
Total issuance costs	42
Fair value of the notes	7,700
Maximum aggregate outstanding amount of indebtedness	2,000
Total $4.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Fair value of the notes	1,800
Total $1.0 Billion Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Fair value of the notes	300
Total 700 million Pounds Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Fair value of the notes	1,000
Total 750 million Euros Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Fair value of the notes	900
Total 700 million Pounds and 750 million Euros Debt Issuance [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Net proceeds from notes payable	2,000
Total issuance costs	$ 11

Borrowings, Loan Agreements and

Borrowings, Loan Agreements and Other Borrowings (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)Tranche	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016GBP (£)	Dec. 18, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 27, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 10, 2014USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Senior unsecured bridge facility						$ 7,800	$ 12,800
Additional senior unsecured bridge facility						2,000
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest		$ 580	$ 472	$ 161
Commercial Paper [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance outstanding at fiscal year-end		0	0
Average daily short-term borrowings		$ 14	$ 82
Weighted-average interest rate		0.66%	0.52%		0.66%
Additional Bridge Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 5,000
Senior unsecured bridge facility						$ 3,000
Term of credit agreement		90 days
Bridge Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term of credit agreement		364 days
Reduced commitment amount	$ 6,000
Reduced commitment amount after issuance of notes	$ 1,800
Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,900			£ 1,450
Amount borrowed | £					£ 1,450
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		$ 0						$ 3,000
Term of facility		5 years
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity								$ 500
364-Day Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount borrowed		$ 750
2015 Credit Agreements [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fees related to borrowings		30
2016 Credit Agreements [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		1,000
Reduced commitment amount		1,000
Reduced commitment amount after issuance of notes		$ 800
Number of tranches | Tranche		2
Tranche One [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term of credit agreement		3 years
Tranche Two [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term of credit agreement		5 years

Financial Instruments (Details)

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 10, 2015
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Cumulative fair value adjustments resulted in increase in long-term debt		$ 2	$ 1
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Six-month LIBOR [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value			$ 750
Fixed interest rate percentage			5.25%
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative notional amount terminated					$ 500
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | One-month LIBOR [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value			$ 250
Fixed interest rate percentage			5.25%
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Non-currents Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	[1]	250	$ 250
Fair value		3	2
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest Expense, Net [Member]
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments		0	1	$ 0
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	[1]		1,205
Fair value			34
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	[1]		495
Fair value			9
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [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		19	78	0
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [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		(12)	72	0
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	[1]	1,177
Fair value		16
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	[1]	41
Fair value		0
Basis Swaps [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	[1]		1
Fair value			0
Basis Swaps [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional	[1]	2
Fair value		1
Second Step Transaction Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [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		0	(166)	0
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		$ (546)	$ 759	$ 366
[1]	Amounts are presented in U.S. dollar equivalents, as applicable.

Financial Instruments, Warrants

Financial Instruments, Warrants (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Aug. 25, 2016	Mar. 18, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
AmerisourceBergen Corporation [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Warrant to purchase common stock (in shares)	22,696,912	22,696,912	0
Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 52.50	$ 51.50
Warrants aggregate exercise price payment	$ 1,190	$ 1,170
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest Expense, Net [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments			$ 0	$ 1	$ 0
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments			19	78	0
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Income (Expenses) [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments			(12)	72	0
Second Step Transaction Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Income (Expenses) [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments			0	(166)	0
Warrants [Member] | Other Income (Expenses) [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of derivative instruments			(546)	759	$ 366
Warrants [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Non-currents Assets [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Derivative asset			$ 0	$ 2,140

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[1]	$ 185	$ 184
Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[2]	9,133	2,043
Available-for-sale Investments [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[3]	32	1,183
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[4]	3	2
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[5]	16	34
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]		9
Warrants [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[6]		2,140
Basis Swaps [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]	1
Level 1 [Member] | Restricted Cash [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[1]	185	184
Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[2]	9,133	2,043
Level 1 [Member] | Available-for-sale Investments [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[3]	32	1,183
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	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]		0
Level 1 [Member] | Warrants [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[6]		0
Level 1 [Member] | Basis Swaps [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]	0
Level 2 [Member] | Restricted Cash [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[1]	0	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]	3	2
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Currency Forwards [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[5]	16	34
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]		9
Level 2 [Member] | Warrants [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[6]		2,140
Level 2 [Member] | Basis Swaps [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]	1
Level 3 [Member] | Restricted Cash [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[1]	0	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	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]		0
Level 3 [Member] | Warrants [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	[6]		$ 0
Level 3 [Member] | Basis Swaps [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of liabilities	[5]	$ 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 6, Available-for-Sale Investments for additional information.
[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 10, Financial Instruments for additional information.
[5]	The fair value of basis swaps and 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 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.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Aug. 31, 2016Lawsuit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits filed	10
Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits filed	8
State of Pennsylvania in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits filed	1
Middle District of Pennsylvania [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits filed	1

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Abstract]
U.S.		$ 2,577	$ 2,725	$ 3,386
Non - U.S.		2,567	2,586	171
Earnings Before Income Tax Provision		5,144	5,311	3,557
Current provision [Abstract]
Federal		999	846	1,207
State		56	121	109
Non - U.S.		371	128	35
Total current provisions for income taxes		1,426	1,095	1,351
Deferred provision [Abstract]
Federal		(183)	(23)	183
State		6	(16)	(3)
Non - U.S. - Tax Law Change		(182)	0	0
Non - U.S. - Excluding Tax Law Change		(70)	0	(5)
Total deferred provision for income taxes		(429)	(39)	175
Income tax provision		$ 997	$ 1,056	$ 1,526
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		0.80%	1.30%	1.90%
Loss on Alliance Boots call option	[1]	0.00%	0.00%	8.50%
Deferred tax asset recognition	[1]	0.00%	(4.10%)	0.00%
Gain on previously held equity interest		0.00%	(5.80%)	0.00%
Foreign income taxed at non-U.S. rates		(7.80%)	(6.20%)	(3.10%)
Non-taxable income		(4.40%)	(2.60%)	0.00%
Non-deductible expenses		1.10%	2.30%	0.30%
Tax Law changes		(3.50%)	0.00%	0.00%
Tax Credits		(1.50%)	0.00%	0.00%
Other		(0.30%)	0.00%	0.30%
Effective income tax rate		19.40%	19.90%	42.90%
Remaining ownership subject to call option				55.00%
Nondeductible loss on exercise of call option		$ 0	$ 0	$ 866
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Postretirement benefits		190	130
Compensation and benefits		205	224
Insurance		75	68
Accrued rent		169	167
Outside basis difference		134	73
Bad debts		65	67
Tax attributes		373	341
Stock compensation		97	119
Deferred income		150	0
Other		195	93
Subtotal deferred tax assets		1,653	1,282
Less: Valuation allowance		305	125
Total deferred tax assets		1,348	1,157
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Accelerated depreciation		1,205	1,234
Inventory		388	420
Intangible assets		1,418	1,822
Equity method investment		978	333
Deferred income		0	889
Total deferred tax liabilities		3,989	4,698
Net deferred tax liabilities		2,641	3,541
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax credits		55
Income taxes paid		1,100	1,300	1,200
Deferred tax assets operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration		139
Deferred tax assets operating loss carryforwards not subject to expiration		234
Unrecognized tax benefit reported in current income tax liabilities		51
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year		261	193	208
Gross increases related to business combination		0	84	0
Gross increases related to tax positions in a prior period		21	45	55
Gross decreases related to tax positions in a prior period		(47)	(75)	(82)
Gross increases related to tax positions in the current period		68	63	46
Settlements with taxing authorities		(17)	(45)	(22)
Currency		(11)	0	0
Lapse of statute of limitations		(6)	(4)	(12)
Balance at end of year		269	261	193
Unrecognized tax benefits would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized		$ 237	227	$ 105
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		$ 34	36
Interest and penalties included in income tax expense		2
Unrecorded deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to foreign subsidiaries		$ 116	$ 89
Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates		Jan. 1, 2017
Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates		Dec. 31, 2036
U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards		$ 200
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards		226
Non-U.S. [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards		$ 837
[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. 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.

Stock Compensation Plans (Detai

Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 115	$ 109	$ 114
Stock-based compensation, recognized tax benefit,	21	$ 7	$ 31
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards	$ 111
Compensation cost not yet recognized period for recognition	3 years

Retirement Benefits (Details)

Retirement Benefits (Details) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)PensionPlan		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
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		$ 66
Profit sharing provision expense		226		$ 158		$ 355
Contributions to profit sharing		225		249		328
Cost recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of earnings		130		93
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan obligation		8,635	[1]	8,635	[1]	8,827	[1]	$ 9,463	$ 8,635	[1]
Defined benefit pension plan assets investment in the classes of securities [Abstract]
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value		9,428		8,936	[1]	8,987	[1]	9,428	8,936	[1]
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Service costs		4		3	[1]
Interest costs		308		214	[1]
Expected returns on plan assets		(247)		(173)	[1]
Curtailments		(2)		(2)
Total postretirement benefit costs		63		42	[1]
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	[1]	8,635		8,827
Service costs		4		3	[1]
Interest costs		308		214	[1]
Amendments		(2)		(2)	[1]
Net actuarial (gain) loss		2,272		(103)	[1]
Benefits paid		(277)		(186)	[1]
Currency translation adjustments		(1,477)		(118)	[1]
Benefit obligation at end of year		9,463		8,635	[1]	8,827	[1]
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[1]	8,936		8,987
Employer contributions		75		152	[1]
Benefits paid		(277)		(186)	[1]
Return on assets		2,216		91	[1]
Currency translation adjustments		(1,522)		(108)	[1]
Plan assets at fair value at end of year		$ 9,428		$ 8,936	[1]	$ 8,987	[1]
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Other non-current assets								155	468
Accrued expenses and other liabilities								(6)	(1)
Other non-current liabilitries								(184)	(166)
Net (liability) asset recognized at end of year								(35)	301
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]
Net actuarial (gain) loss								(258)	21	[1]
Accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation								9,463	8,635
Accumulated benefit obligation								9,457	8,624
Fair value of plan assets								$ 9,428	$ 8,936
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate								2.17%	3.87%
Rate of compensation increase								2.44%	2.55%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate		3.87%		3.77%
Expected long-term return on plan assets		3.05%		2.99%
Rate of compensation increase		2.55%		2.66%
Estimated future benefit payments and federal subsidy [Abstract]
2,017								$ 264
2,018								237
2,019								248
2,020								266
2,021								279
2022-2026								1,641
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | 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				38	$ 25
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year		25
Plan assets at fair value at end of year		38		25
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | 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				8,977	8,407
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year		8,407
Plan assets at fair value at end of year		8,977		8,407
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | 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				413	504
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year		504
Plan assets at fair value at end of year		$ 413		$ 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		8.90%		9.50%
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[2]	$ 834		$ 852				834	852
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[2]	852
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[2]	834		852
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | 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	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[2]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[2]	0		0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | 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]	852		852				834	852
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[2]	852
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[2]	834		852
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | 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	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[2]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[2]	$ 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		78.80%		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	[3]	$ 267		$ 267				265	267
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[3]	267
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[3]	265		267
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Interest Government Bonds [Member] | 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	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[3]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[3]	0		0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Interest Government Bonds [Member] | 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]	265		267				265	267
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[3]	267
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[3]	265		267
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Fixed Interest Government Bonds [Member] | 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	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[3]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[3]	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	[3]	3,502		1,006				3,502	1,006
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[3]	1,006
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[3]	3,502		1,006
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Index Linked Government Bonds [Member] | 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	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[3]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[3]	0		0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Index Linked Government Bonds [Member] | 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]	1,006		1,006				3,502	1,006
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[3]	1,006
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[3]	3,502		1,006
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Index Linked Government Bonds [Member] | 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	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[3]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[3]	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	[4]	5,535		5,535				3,663	5,535
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[4]	5,535
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[4]	3,663		5,535
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | 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	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[4]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[4]	0		0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | 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]	3,663		5,535				3,663	5,535
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[4]	5,535
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[4]	3,663		5,535
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | 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	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[4]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[4]	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	[5]	472		472					472
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[5]	472
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[5]			472
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Other Bonds [Member] | 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 at beginning of year	[5]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[5]			0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Other Bonds [Member] | 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]	472		472					472
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[5]	472
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[5]			472
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Other Bonds [Member] | 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]	0		0					0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[5]	$ 0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[5]			$ 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		4.30%		5.60%
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[6]	$ 502		$ 502				411	502
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[6]	502
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[6]	411		502
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | 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]	0		0				0	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[6]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[6]	0		0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | 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]	0		0				0	0
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[6]	0
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[6]	0		0
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | 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]	411		502				411	502
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[6]	502
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[6]	$ 411		$ 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		8.00%		3.40%
Amount of defined benefit pension plan assets investment of fair market value	[7]	$ 302		$ 302				753	302
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[7]	302
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[7]	753		302
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Other [Member] | 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	[7]	25		25				38	25
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[7]	25
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[7]	38		25
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Other [Member] | 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	[7]	713		275				713	275
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[7]	275
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[7]	713		275
Boots and Other Pension Plans [Member] | Other [Member] | 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	[7]	2		2				2	2
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	[7]	2
Plan assets at fair value at end of year	[7]	2		2
Postretirement Health Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan obligation		466		431				466	$ 431
Expected benefit to be paid net of estimated federal subsidy during fiscal year 2017								$ 11
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		431
Benefit obligation at end of year		$ 466		$ 431
[1]	Fiscal 2015 represents change in pension benefit obligation and plan assets from December 31, 2014 to August 31, 2015.
[2]	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.
[3]	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.
[4]	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.
[5]	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.
[6]	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. Change in Level 3 investments driven primarily by currency fluctuations.
[7]	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, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during current fiscal year, value	$ 1,000	$ 500	$ 705
Shares of common stock reserved for future issuances (in shares)	43.8
2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of shares under stock repurchase program (in shares)	1.3	8.2
Value of shares purchased under stock repurchase program	$ 110	$ 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 Comprehensi77

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 31,300	$ 20,617	$ 19,558
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(2,731)	(580)	353
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	(266)	305
Tax benefit (provision)	219	(75)	(125)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,834)	(356)	228
Ending Balance	30,281	31,300	20,617
Pension/Post-retirement Obligations [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	29	15	63
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(303)	23	(77)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	0	0
Tax benefit (provision)	62	(9)	29
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(241)	14	(48)
Ending Balance	(212)	29	15
Unrecognized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	259	107	1
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(148)	247	170
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	(268)	0
Tax benefit (provision)	159	(95)	(64)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(257)	152	106
Ending Balance	2	259	107
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(40)	(27)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	0	(14)	(43)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	5	(5)
Tax benefit (provision)	(2)	6	16
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	3	(13)	(27)
Ending Balance	(37)	(40)	(27)
Share of OCI of Equity Method Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0	(113)	(95)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(1)	(57)	(27)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	0	230
Tax benefit (provision)	0	(60)	9
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(1)	113	(18)
Ending Balance	(1)	0	(113)
Cumulative Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(462)	154	(61)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(2,279)	(779)	330
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	(3)	80
Tax benefit (provision)	0	83	(115)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,282)	(616)	215
Ending Balance	(2,744)	(462)	154
AOCI Total [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(214)	136	(92)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,778)	(350)	228
Ending Balance	$ (2,992)	$ (214)	$ 136

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2014Segment	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)SegmentCustomer	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)Customer	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
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			$ 117,351	$ 103,444	$ 76,392
Adjusted Operating Income			7,208	6,157	4,866
Depreciation and amortization			1,718	1,742	1,316
Additions to property, plant and equipment			1,325	1,251	1,106
Cost transformation			(424)	(542)
Acquisition-related amortization			(369)	(485)	(282)
LIFO provision			(214)	(285)	(132)
Acquisition-related costs			(102)	(87)	(82)
Legal settlement			(47)
Asset impairment			(30)	(110)
Store closures and other optimization costs				(56)	(271)
Gain (loss) on sale of business				(17)	9
Adjustments to equity earnings in AmerisourceBergen			(21)
Adjustments to equity earnings in Alliance Boots				93	86
Operating Income			6,001	$ 4,668	4,194
Walgreens Boots Alliance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of WBA		55.00%
Alliance Boots [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity interest in Alliance Boots		45.00%		45.00%
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales			$ 83,802	$ 80,974	76,392
Retail Pharmacy USA [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer			2	1
Concentration risk			22.00%	12.00%
Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales	[1]		$ 13,256	$ 8,657	0
Retail Pharmacy International [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer			1
Concentration risk			18.00%	20.00%
Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales			$ 22,571	$ 15,327	0
Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales			117,351	103,444	76,392
Reportable Segments [Member] | Retail Pharmacy USA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales			83,802	80,974	76,392
Adjusted Operating Income			5,357	5,098	4,866
Depreciation and amortization			1,134	1,217	1,316
Additions to property, plant and equipment			777	951	1,106
Reportable Segments [Member] | Retail Pharmacy International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales	[1]		13,256	8,657	0
Adjusted Operating Income	[1]		1,155	616	0
Depreciation and amortization	[1]		401	393	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment	[1]		444	249	0
Reportable Segments [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales			20,293	13,813	0
Adjusted Operating Income			708	450	0
Depreciation and amortization			166	120	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment			104	51	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales	[1]		(2,278)	(1,514)	0
Adjusted Operating Income	[1]		(12)	(7)	0
Depreciation and amortization	[1]		17	12	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment	[1]		0	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	[1]		0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Pharmaceutical Wholesale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Sales			$ 2,278	$ 1,514	$ 0
[1]	To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to fiscal 2015 Sales, Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has no impact on Operating Income.

Segment Reporting, Geographic D

Segment Reporting, Geographic Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	$ 117,351	$ 103,444	$ 76,392
Long-Lived Assets	14,335	15,068
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	2,675	1,833	0
Long-Lived Assets	175	181
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	83,802	80,974	76,392
Long-Lived Assets	10,924	11,327
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	14,081	9,235	0
Long-Lived Assets	2,611	2,835
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	16,793	11,402	$ 0
Long-Lived Assets	$ 625	$ 725

Related Parties (Details)

Related Parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Related Parties [Abstract]
Purchases, net	$ 41,889	$ 39,360	$ 31,439
Trade accounts payable	$ 3,456	$ 2,867	$ 2,360

Supplementary Financial Infor81

Supplementary Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Non-cash transactions [Abstract]
Non-cash transactions for debt assumed	$ 0	$ 9,000
Non-cash transaction for common stock issued in relation to the second step transaction		11,000
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration received	$ 401	439
Fair value of assets acquired		26,600
Liabilities assumed		20,000
Capital lease obligations			$ 322
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 Infor82

Supplementary Financial Information, Assets and Liabilities Included in Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ 6,426	$ 7,021
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(166)	(172)	$ (173)
Net, Total	6,260	6,849
Other non-current assets [Abstract]
Investment in AmerisourceBergen	0	1,147
Warrants	0	2,140
Other	467	805
Other non-current assets, Total	467	4,092
Accrued expenses and other liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued salaries and wages	1,398	1,357
Other	4,086	3,868
Accrued expenses and other liabilities, Total	$ 5,484	$ 5,225

Supplementary Financial Infor83

Supplementary Financial Information, Summary of Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016		May 31, 2016		Feb. 29, 2016		Nov. 30, 2015		Aug. 31, 2015		May 31, 2015		Feb. 28, 2015		Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Supplementary Financial Information [Abstract]
Sales		$ 28,636	[1]	$ 29,498	[1]	$ 30,184	[1]	$ 29,033	[1]	$ 28,522	[1]	$ 28,795	[1]	$ 26,573	[1]	$ 19,554	[1]	$ 117,351	[1]	$ 103,444	[1]	$ 76,392
Gross Profit		7,155	[1]	7,433	[1]	7,867	[1]	7,419	[1]	7,195	[1]	7,420	[1]	6,842	[1]	5,296	[1]	29,874	[1]	26,753	[1]	21,569
Net Earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.		$ 1,030	[1]	$ 1,103	[1]	$ 930	[1]	$ 1,110	[1]	$ 26	[1]	$ 1,302	[1]	$ 2,042	[1]	$ 850	[1]	$ 4,173	[1]	$ 4,220	[1]	$ 1,932
Net earnings per common share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	[1]	$ 0.95		$ 1.02		$ 0.86		$ 1.02		$ 0.02		$ 1.19		$ 1.96		$ 0.90		$ 3.85		$ 4.05
Diluted (in dollars per share)	[1]	0.95		1.01		0.85		1.01		0.02		1.18		1.93		0.89		3.82		4
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.3750	[1]	$ 0.3600	[1]	$ 0.3600	[1]	$ 0.3600	[1]	$ 0.3600	[1]	$ 0.3375	[1]	$ 0.3375	[1]	$ 0.3375	[1]	$ 1.4550	[1]	$ 1.3725	[1]	$ 1.28
[1]	To improve comparability, certain classification changes have been made to fiscal 2016 for the quarterly periods ended November 30, 2015, February 29, 2016, and May 31, 2016 and to fiscal 2015 for the quarterly periods ended February 29, 2015, May 31, 2015, and August 31, 2015 to Sales, Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has no impact on Operating Income.