Exit and disposal activities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2018

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses Related to Cost Transformation

The changes in accrued expenses and other liabilities related to the Cost Transformation Program for the six months ended February 28, 2018 include the following (in millions):

	Real estate costs			Severance and other business transition and exit costs			Total
Balance at August 31, 2017	$	521		$	79		$	600
Payments	(79		)	(63		)	(142		)
Other - non cash	9			—			9
Balance at February 28, 2018	$	451		$	16		$	467

Restructuring and Related Costs

Restructuring costs by segment included in the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 are as follows (in millions):

Three Months Ended February 28, 2017	Retail Pharmacy USA		Retail Pharmacy International		Pharmaceutical Wholesale		Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Asset impairments	$	65	$	1	$	1	$	67
Real estate costs	240		—		—		240
Severance and other business transition and exit costs	11		18		4		33
Total restructuring costs	$	316	$	19	$	5	$	340

Six Months Ended February 28, 2017	Retail Pharmacy USA		Retail Pharmacy International		Pharmaceutical Wholesale		Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Asset impairments	$	111	$	3	$	1	$	115
Real estate costs	249		—		—		249
Severance and other business transition and exit costs	28		22		7		57
Total restructuring costs	$	388	$	25	$	8	$	421