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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Aug. 27, 2011	Oct. 17, 2011	Feb. 12, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AUTOZONE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000866787
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Aug. 27, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-27
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 7,312,576,491
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		39,888,099

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 8,072,973	$ 7,362,618	$ 6,816,824
Cost of sales, including warehouse and delivery expenses	3,953,510	3,650,874	3,400,375
Gross profit	4,119,463	3,711,744	3,416,449
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses	2,624,660	2,392,330	2,240,387
Operating profit	1,494,803	1,319,414	1,176,062
Interest expense, net	170,557	158,909	142,316
Income before income taxes	1,324,246	1,160,505	1,033,746
Income tax expense	475,272	422,194	376,697
Net income	$ 848,974	$ 738,311	$ 657,049
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share	42,632	48,488	55,282
Effect of dilutive stock equivalents	971	816	710
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share	43,603	49,304	55,992
Basic earnings per share	$ 19.91	$ 15.23	$ 11.89
Diluted earnings per share	$ 19.47	$ 14.97	$ 11.73

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 97,606	$ 98,280
Accounts receivable	140,690	125,802
Merchandise inventories	2,466,107	2,304,579
Other current assets	88,022	83,160
Total current assets	2,792,425	2,611,821
Property and equipment:
Land	740,276	690,098
Buildings and improvements	2,177,476	2,013,301
Equipment	994,369	923,595
Leasehold improvements	275,299	247,748
Construction in progress	184,452	192,519
Property and equipment	4,371,872	4,067,261
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,702,997	1,547,315
Property and equipment, net	2,668,875	2,519,946
Goodwill	302,645	302,645
Deferred income taxes	10,661	46,223
Other long-term assets	94,996	90,959
Other long-term assets, total	408,302	439,827
Assets	5,869,602	5,571,594
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,755,853	2,433,050
Accrued expenses and other	449,327	432,368
Income taxes payable	25,185	25,385
Deferred income taxes	166,449	146,971
Short-term borrowings	34,082	26,186
Total current liabilities	3,430,896	3,063,960
Long-term debt	3,317,600	2,882,300
Other long-term liabilities	375,338	364,099
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock, authorized 1,000 shares; no shares issued
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 200,000 shares; 44,084 shares issued and 40,109 shares outstanding in 2011 and 50,061 shares issued and 45,107 shares outstanding in 2010	441	501
Additional paid-in capital	591,384	557,955
Retained deficit	(643,998)	(245,344)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(119,691)	(106,468)
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,082,368)	(945,409)
Total stockholders' deficit	(1,254,232)	(738,765)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit	$ 5,869,602	$ 5,571,594

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010
Stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	44,084	50,061
Common stock, shares outstanding	40,109	45,107

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 848,974	$ 738,311	$ 657,049
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	196,209	192,084	180,433
Amortization of debt origination fees	8,962	6,495	3,644
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(34,945)	(22,251)	(8,407)
Deferred income taxes	44,667	(9,023)	46,318
Share-based compensation expense	26,625	19,120	19,135
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(14,605)	782	(56,823)
Merchandise inventories	(155,421)	(96,077)	(76,337)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	342,826	349,122	137,158
Income taxes payable	34,319	12,474	32,264
Other, net	(6,073)	5,215	(10,626)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,291,538	1,196,252	923,808
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(321,604)	(315,400)	(272,247)
Purchase of marketable securities	(43,772)	(56,156)	(48,444)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	43,081	52,620	46,306
Disposal of capital assets	3,301	11,489	10,663
Net cash used in investing activities	(318,994)	(307,447)	(263,722)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from commercial paper	134,600	155,400	277,600
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings	6,901	26,186
Proceeds from issuance of debt	500,000		500,000
Repayment of debt	(199,300)		(300,700)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock	55,846	52,922	39,855
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,466,802)	(1,123,655)	(1,300,002)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	34,945	22,251	8,407
Payments of capital lease obligations	(22,781)	(16,597)	(17,040)
Other	(17,180)		(15,016)
Net cash used in financing activities	(973,771)	(883,493)	(806,896)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	553	262	(2,945)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(674)	5,574	(149,755)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	98,280	92,706	242,461
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	97,606	98,280	92,706
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of interest cost capitalized	155,531	150,745	132,905
Income taxes paid	405,654	420,575	299,021
Assets acquired through capital lease	$ 32,301	$ 75,881	$ 16,880

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained (Deficit) Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock
Beginning Balance at Aug. 30, 2008	$ 229,687	$ 636	$ 537,005	$ 206,099	$ (4,135)	$ (509,918)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Aug. 30, 2008		63,600
Net income	657,049			657,049
Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes of ($29,481), ($5,504) and ($3,998) for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(46,956)				(46,956)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(43,655)				(43,655)
Unrealized (loss) gain adjustment on marketable securities net of taxes of $306, ($56) and ($91) for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	568				568
Reclassification of net loss on termination of swap into earnings, net of taxes of $1,601	2,744				2,744
Reclassification of net gain (loss) on derivatives into earnings	(612)				(612)
Comprehensive income	569,138
Cumulative effect of adopting ASC Topic 715 measurement date, net of taxes of $198	311			300	11
Purchase of 9,313, 6,376 and 5,598 shares of treasury stock for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(1,300,002)					(1,300,002)
Issuance of 3 shares of common stock	395					395
Retirement of treasury shares		$ (62)	(55,071)	(726,513)		781,646
Retirement of of treasury shares		(6,223)
Sale of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans	39,855	$ 5	39,850
Sale of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans, Shares		504
Share-based compensation expense	19,135		19,135
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	8,407		8,407
Ending Balance at Aug. 29, 2009	(433,074)	$ 579	549,326	136,935	(92,035)	(1,027,879)
Ending Balance, Shares at Aug. 29, 2009		57,881
Net income	738,311			738,311
Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes of ($29,481), ($5,504) and ($3,998) for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(8,133)				(8,133)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	705				705
Unrealized (loss) gain adjustment on marketable securities net of taxes of $306, ($56) and ($91) for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(104)				(104)
Net losses on outstanding (terminated) derivatives, net of taxes of ($3,700) in 2010	(6,278)				(6,278)
Reclassification of net gain (loss) on derivatives into earnings	(612)				(612)
Comprehensive income	723,889
Purchase of 9,313, 6,376 and 5,598 shares of treasury stock for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(1,123,655)					(1,123,655)
Retirement of treasury shares		$ (85)	(85,657)	(1,120,289)		1,206,031
Retirement of of treasury shares		(8,504)
Sale of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans	52,922	$ 7	52,915
Sale of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans, Shares		684
Share-based compensation expense	19,120		19,120
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	22,251		22,251
Other	(218)			(301)	(11)	94
Ending Balance at Aug. 28, 2010	$ (738,765)	$ 501	557,955	(245,344)	(106,468)	(945,409)
Ending Balance, Shares at Aug. 28, 2010	50,061	50,061
Net income	$ 848,974			848,974
Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes of ($29,481), ($5,504) and ($3,998) for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(17,346)				(17,346)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	8,347				8,347
Unrealized (loss) gain adjustment on marketable securities net of taxes of $306, ($56) and ($91) for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(171)				(171)
Net losses on outstanding (terminated) derivatives, net of taxes of ($3,700) in 2010	(5,453)				(5,453)
Reclassification of net gain (loss) on derivatives into earnings	1,400				1,400
Comprehensive income	835,751
Purchase of 9,313, 6,376 and 5,598 shares of treasury stock for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(1,466,802)					(1,466,802)
Retirement of treasury shares		$ (66)	(82,150)	(1,247,627)		1,329,843
Retirement of of treasury shares		(6,577)
Sale of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans	55,846	$ 6	55,840
Sale of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans, Shares		600
Share-based compensation expense	24,794		24,794
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	34,945		34,945
Other	(1)			(1)
Ending Balance at Aug. 27, 2011	$ (1,254,232)	$ 441	$ 591,384	$ (643,998)	$ (119,691)	$ (1,082,368)
Ending Balance, Shares at Aug. 27, 2011	44,084	44,084

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Retained (Deficit) Earnings
Cumulative effect of initial adoption of ASC topic 715, tax			$ 198
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Pension liability adjustments, taxes	$ (3,998)	$ (5,504)	(29,481)
Unrealized gain (loss) adjustment on marketable securities net of taxes	$ (91)	(56)	306
Net losses on outstanding derivatives, taxes		$ (3,700)
Reclassification of net loss on termination of swap into earnings, taxes			1,601
Cumulative effect of initial adoption of ASC topic 715, tax			$ 198
Treasury Stock
Purchase of treasury stock, shares	5,598	6,376	9,313
Issuance of common stock			3

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

Note A — Significant Accounting Policies

Business: AutoZone, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“AutoZone” or the “Company”) are principally a retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories. At the end of fiscal 2011, the Company operated 4,534 domestic stores in the United States (“U.S.”), including Puerto Rico, and 279 stores in Mexico. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive products. In 2,659 of the domestic stores at the end of fiscal 2011, the Company had a commercial sales program that provides commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations and public sector accounts. The Company also sells the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software through www.alldata.com and www.alldatadiy.com. Additionally, the Company sells automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive products through www.autozone.com, and the Company’s commercial customers can make purchases through www.autozonepro.com. The Company does not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation services.

Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday in August. Accordingly, each of fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 represented 52 weeks.

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AutoZone, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates: Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities to prepare these financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents consist of investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase. Cash equivalents include proceeds due from credit and debit card transactions with settlement terms of less than 5 days. Credit and debit card receivables included within cash and cash equivalents were $32.5 million at August 27, 2011 and $29.6 million at August 28, 2010.

Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable consists of receivables from commercial customers and vendors, and are presented net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts. AutoZone routinely grants credit to certain of its commercial customers. The risk of credit loss in its trade receivables is substantially mitigated by the Company’s credit evaluation process, short collection terms and sales to a large number of customers, as well as the low dollar value per transaction for most of its sales. Allowances for potential credit losses are determined based on historical experience and current evaluation of the composition of accounts receivable. Historically, credit losses have been within management’s expectations and the allowances for uncollectible accounts were $2.1 million at August 27, 2011, and $1.4 million at August 28, 2010.

Merchandise Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out method for domestic inventories and the first-in, first out (“FIFO”) method for Mexico inventories. Included in inventory are related purchasing, storage and handling costs. Due to price deflation on the Company’s merchandise purchases, the Company’s domestic inventory balances are effectively maintained under the FIFO method. The Company’s policy is not to write up inventory in excess of replacement cost. The cumulative balance of this unrecorded adjustment, which will be reduced upon experiencing price inflation on our merchandise purchases, was $253.3 million at August 27, 2011, and $247.3 million at August 28, 2010.

Marketable Securities: The Company invests a portion of its assets held by the Company’s wholly owned insurance captive in marketable debt securities and classifies them as available-for-sale. The Company includes these securities within the Other current assets and Other long-term assets captions in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and records the amounts at fair market value, which is determined using quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. A discussion of marketable securities is included in “Note E — Fair Value Measurements” and “Note F — Marketable Securities”.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed principally using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings, 40 to 50 years; building improvements, 5 to 15 years; equipment, 3 to 10 years; and leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the remaining lease term, which includes any reasonably assured renewal periods. Depreciation and amortization include amortization of assets under capital lease.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. When such an event occurs, the Company compares the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows of the asset (asset group) with the carrying amounts of the asset. If the undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, the Company measures the amount of impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. There were no material impairment losses recorded in the three years ended August 27, 2011.

Goodwill: The cost in excess of fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill has not been amortized since fiscal 2001, but an analysis is performed at least annually to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amount to determine if any impairment exists. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, unless circumstances dictate more frequent assessments. No impairment losses were recorded in the three years ended August 27, 2011. Goodwill was $302.6 million as of August 27, 2011, and August 28, 2010.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: AutoZone is exposed to market risk from, among other things, changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and fuel prices. From time to time, the Company uses various derivative instruments to reduce such risks. To date, based upon the Company’s current level of foreign operations, no derivative instruments have been utilized to reduce foreign exchange rate risk. All of the Company’s hedging activities are governed by guidelines that are authorized by AutoZone’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Further, the Company does not buy or sell derivative instruments for trading purposes.

AutoZone’s financial market risk results primarily from changes in interest rates. At times, AutoZone reduces its exposure to changes in interest rates by entering into various interest rate hedge instruments such as interest rate swap contracts, treasury lock agreements and forward-starting interest rate swaps. All of the Company’s interest rate hedge instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. Refer to “Note H — Derivative Financial Instruments” for additional disclosures regarding the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. Cash flows related to these instruments designated as qualifying hedges are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same categories as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Accordingly, cash flows relating to the settlement of interest rate derivatives hedging the forecasted issuance of debt have been reflected upon settlement as a component of financing cash flows. The resulting gain or loss from such settlement is deferred to Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified to interest expense over the term of the underlying debt. This reclassification of the deferred gains and losses impacts the interest expense recognized on the underlying debt that was hedged and is therefore reflected as a component of operating cash flows in periods subsequent to settlement. The periodic settlement of interest rate derivatives hedging outstanding variable rate debt is recorded as an adjustment to interest expense and is therefore reflected as a component of operating cash flows.

Foreign Currency: The Company accounts for its Mexican operations using the Mexican peso as the functional currency and converts its financial statements from Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars. The cumulative loss on currency translation is recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss and approximated $36.4 million at August 27, 2011, and $44.7 million at August 28, 2010.

Self-Insurance Reserves: The Company retains a significant portion of the risks associated with workers’ compensation, employee health, general, products liability, property and vehicle insurance. Through various methods, which include analyses of historical trends and utilization of actuaries, the Company estimates the costs of these risks. The costs are accrued based upon the aggregate of the liability for reported claims and an estimated liability for claims incurred but not reported. Estimates are based on calculations that consider historical lag and claim development factors. The long-term portions of these liabilities are recorded at the Company’s estimate of their net present value.

Deferred Rent: The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the course of the lease term, which includes any reasonably assured renewal periods, beginning on the date the Company takes physical possession of the property (see “Note M — Leases”). Differences between this calculated expense and cash payments are recorded as a liability within the Accrued expenses and other and Other long-term liabilities captions in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on the terms of the lease. Deferred rent approximated $77.6 million as of August 27, 2011, and $67.6 million as of August 28, 2010.

Financial Instruments: The Company has financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate fair value because of their short maturities. A discussion of the carrying values and fair values of the Company’s debt is included in “Note I — Financing,” marketable securities is included in “Note F — Marketable Securities,” and derivatives is included in “Note H — Derivative Financial Instruments.”

Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Our effective tax rate is based on income by tax jurisdiction, statutory rates, and tax saving initiatives available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate.

The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as the Company must determine the probability of various possible outcomes. The Company reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis or when new information becomes available to management. These reevaluations are based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, successfully settled issues under audit, expirations due to statutes, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an increase to the tax accrual.

The Company classifies interest related to income tax liabilities, and if applicable, penalties, as a component of Income tax expense. The income tax liabilities and accrued interest and penalties that are expected to be payable within one year of the balance sheet date are presented within the Accrued expenses and other caption in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining portion of the income tax liabilities and accrued interest and penalties are presented within the Other long-term liabilities caption in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets because payment of cash is not anticipated within one year of the balance sheet date.

Sales and Use Taxes: Governmental authorities assess sales and use taxes on the sale of goods and services. The Company excludes taxes collected from customers in its reported sales results; such amounts are included within the Accrued expenses and other caption until remitted to the taxing authorities.

Dividends: The Company currently does not pay a dividend on its common stock. The ability to pay dividends is subject to limitations imposed by Nevada law. Under Nevada law, any future payment of dividends would be dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, capital requirements, earnings and cash flow.

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales at the time the sale is made and the product is delivered to the customer. Revenue from sales are presented net of allowances for estimated sales returns, which are based on historical return rates.

A portion of the Company’s transactions include the sale of auto parts that contain a core component. The core component represents the recyclable portion of the auto part. Customers are not charged for the core component of the new part if a used core is returned at the point of sale of the new part; otherwise the Company charges customers a specified amount for the core component. The Company refunds that same amount upon the customer returning a used core to the store at a later date. The Company does not recognize sales or cost of sales for the core component of these transactions when a used part is returned or expected to be returned from the customer.

Vendor Allowances and Advertising Costs: The Company receives various payments and allowances from its vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements. Monies received from vendors include rebates, allowances and promotional funds. The amounts to be received are subject to the terms of the vendor agreements, which generally do not state an expiration date, but are subject to ongoing negotiations that may be impacted in the future based on changes in market conditions, vendor marketing strategies and changes in the profitability or sell-through of the related merchandise.

Rebates and other miscellaneous incentives are earned based on purchases or product sales and are accrued ratably over the purchase or sale of the related product. These monies are generally recorded as a reduction of merchandise inventories and are recognized as a reduction to cost of sales as the related inventories are sold.

For arrangements that provide for reimbursement of specific, incremental, identifiable costs incurred by the Company in selling the vendors’ products, the vendor funds are recorded as a reduction to Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses in the period in which the specific costs were incurred.

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense, net of vendor promotional funds, was $71.5 million in fiscal 2011, $65.5 million in fiscal 2010, and $72.1 million in fiscal 2009. Vendor promotional funds, which reduced advertising expense, amounted to $23.2 million in fiscal 2011, $19.6 million in fiscal 2010, and $9.7 in fiscal 2009.

Cost of Sales and Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: The following illustrates the primary costs classified in each major expense category:

Cost of Sales

•

Total cost of merchandise sold, including:

	o		Freight expenses associated with moving merchandise inventories from the Company’s vendors to the distribution centers and to the retail stores

	o		Vendor allowances that are not reimbursements for specific, incremental and identifiable costs

	•		Costs associated with operating the Company’s supply chain, including payroll and benefit costs, warehouse occupancy costs, transportation costs and depreciation

	•		Inventory shrinkage

Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

	•		Payroll and benefit costs for store and store support employees;

	•		Occupancy costs of store and store support facilities;

	•		Depreciation and amortization related to retail and store support assets;

	•		Transportation costs associated with commercial and hub deliveries;

	•		Advertising;

	•		Self insurance costs; and

	•		Other administrative costs, such as credit card transaction fees, supplies, and travel and lodging

Warranty Costs: The Company or the vendors supplying its products provides the Company’s customers limited warranties on certain products that range from 30 days to lifetime. In most cases, the Company’s vendors are primarily responsible for warranty claims. Warranty costs relating to merchandise sold under warranty not covered by vendors are estimated and recorded as warranty obligations at the time of sale based on each product’s historical return rate. These obligations, which are often funded by vendor allowances, are recorded within the Accrued expenses and other caption in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For vendor allowances that are in excess of the related estimated warranty expense for the vendor’s products, the excess is recorded in inventory and recognized as a reduction to cost of sales as the related inventory is sold.

Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company does not generally charge customers separately for shipping and handling. Substantially all the costs the Company incurs to ship products to our stores are included in cost of sales.

Pre-opening Expenses: Pre-opening expenses, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs, are expensed as incurred.

Earnings per Share: Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares adjusted for the effect of common stock equivalents, which are primarily stock options. There were no stock options excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation that would have been anti-dilutive as of August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010. At August 29, 2009, approximately 30,000 shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation.

Share-Based Payments: Share-based payments include stock option grants and certain other transactions under the Company’s stock plans. The Company recognizes compensation expense for its share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards. See “Note B — Share-Based Payments” for further discussion.

Risk and Uncertainties: In fiscal 2011, one class of similar products accounted for 10 percent of the Company’s total revenues, and one vendor supplied more than 10 percent of the Company’s total purchases. No other class of similar products accounted for 10 percent or more of total revenues, and no other individual vendor provided more than 10 percent of total purchases.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-28, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. ASU 2010-28 modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment analysis if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists based on a qualitative assessment of adverse factors. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2010-28 to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. This update will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending August 25, 2012.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The purpose of ASU 2011-04 is to clarify the intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and to change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2011-04 to have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements. This update will be effective for the Company’s third quarter ending May 5, 2012.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which amends ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. The objective of ASU 2011-05 is to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The update will require entities to present items of net income, items of other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income in one continuous statement or two separate consecutive statements, and entities will no longer be allowed to present items of other comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Reclassification adjustments between other comprehensive income and net income will be presented separately on the face of the financial statements. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2011-05 to have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements. This update will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending August 31, 2013.

In August 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, which amends ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. The purpose of ASU 2011-08 is to simplify how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. Entities will assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value. In instances where the fair value is determined to be less than the carrying value, entities will perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2011-08 to have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements. This update will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending August 31, 2013.

Share-Based Payments

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Share-Based Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Payments

Note B — Share-Based Payments

Total share-based compensation expense (a component of Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses) was $26.6 million for fiscal 2011, $19.1 million for fiscal 2010, and $19.1 million for fiscal 2009. As of August 27, 2011, share-based compensation expense for unvested awards not yet recognized in earnings is $18.7 million and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years. Tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost are classified as a financing cash inflow.

On December 15, 2010, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2011 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the “2011 Plan”), allowing the Company to provide equity-based compensation to non-employee directors and employees for their service to AutoZone or its subsidiaries or affiliates. Under the 2011 Plan, participants may receive equity-based compensation in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, deferred stock, stock payments, performance share awards and other incentive awards structured by the Board and the Compensation Committee of the Board. Prior to the Company’s adoption of the 2011 Plan, equity-based compensation was provided to employees under the 2006 Stock Option Plan and to non-employee directors under the 2003 Director Compensation Plan (the “2003 Comp Plan”) and the 2003 Director Stock Option Plan (the “2003 Option Plan”).

The Company grants options to purchase common stock to certain of its employees under its plans at prices equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Options have a term of 10 years or 10 years and one day from grant date. Employee options generally vest in equal annual installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date and generally have 30 or 90 days after the service relationship ends, or one year after death, to exercise all vested options. The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each vesting date. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the grant date for the award and each vesting date.

In addition to the 2011 Plan, on December 15, 2010, the Company adopted the 2011 Director Compensation Program (the “2011 Program”), which states that non-employee directors will receive their compensation in awards of restricted stock units under the 2011 Plan. Under the 2011 Program, restricted stock units are granted the first day of each calendar quarter. The number of restricted stock units granted each quarter is determined by dividing one-fourth of the amount of the annual retainer by the fair market value of the shares of common stock as of the grant date. The restricted stock units are fully vested on the date they are issued and are paid in shares of the Company’s common stock subsequent to the non-employee director ceasing to be a member of the Board.

The 2011 Program replaces the 2003 Comp Plan and the 2003 Option Plan. Under the 2003 Comp Plan, non-employee directors could receive no more than one-half of their director fees immediately in cash, and the remainder of the fees was required to be taken in common stock or stock appreciation rights. The director had the option to elect to receive up to 100% of the fees in stock or defer all or part of the fees in units with value equivalent to the value of shares of common stock as of the grant date. At August 27, 2011, the Company has $5.9 million accrued related to 19,709 outstanding units issued under the 2003 Comp Plan and prior plans. At August 28, 2010, the Company has $4.1 million accrued related to 19,228 outstanding units issued under the 2003 Comp Plan and prior plans. No additional shares of stock or units will be issued in future years under the 2003 Comp Plan.

Under the 2003 Option Plan, each non-employee director received an option grant on January 1 of each year, and each new non-employee director received an option to purchase 3,000 shares upon election to the Board, plus a portion of the annual directors’ option grant prorated for the portion of the year actually served. These stock option grants were made at the fair market value as of the grant date and generally vested three years from the grant date. There are 125,614 outstanding options under the 2003 Option Plan as of August 27, 2011, and 137,016 outstanding options as of August 28, 2010. No additional options will be issued in future years under the 2003 Option Plan.

The Company has estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. The following table presents the weighted average for key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted and the related share-based compensation expense:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
	2011			2010			2009

Expected price volatility		31	%		31	%		28	%
Risk-free interest rates		1.0	%		1.8	%		2.4	%
Weighted average expected lives in years		4.3			4.3			4.1
Forfeiture rate		10	%		10	%		10	%
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%

The following methodologies were applied in developing the assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted:

Expected price volatility — This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of its stock to calculate the volatility assumption as it is management’s belief that this is the best indicator of future volatility. The Company calculates daily market value changes from the date of grant over a past period representative of the expected life of the options to determine volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.

Risk-free interest rate — This is the U.S. Treasury rate for the week of the grant having a term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Expected lives — This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years or ten years and one day. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.

Forfeiture rate — This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or canceled before becoming fully vested. This estimate is based on historical experience at the time of valuation and reduces expense ratably over the vesting period. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense. This estimate is evaluated periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the previous estimate.

Dividend yield — The Company has not made any dividend payments nor does it have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $58.57 during fiscal 2011, $40.75 during fiscal 2010, and $34.06 during fiscal 2009. The intrinsic value of options exercised was $100.0 million in fiscal 2011, $64.8 million in fiscal 2010, and $29.3 million in fiscal 2009. The total fair value of options vested was $20.7 million in fiscal 2011, $20.7 million in fiscal 2010 and $16.2 million in fiscal 2009.

The Company generally issues new shares when options are exercised. The following table summarizes information about stock option activity for the year ended August 27, 2011:


						Weighted-
						Average
				Weighted		Remaining		Aggregate
				Average		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Number			Exercise		Term		Value
	of Shares			Price		(in years)		(in thousands)

Outstanding — August 28, 2010		2,874,206		$	110.93
Granted		424,780			226.00
Exercised		(607,975	)		96.35
Canceled		(60,817	)		135.07

Outstanding — August 27, 2011		2,630,194			132.32		6.35	$	444,437

Exercisable		1,446,765			104.23		5.01		285,111

Expected to vest		1,065,086			166.67		7.99		143,394

Available for future grants		2,817,250

The Company recognized $1.4 million in expense related to the discount on the selling of shares to employees and executives under various share purchase plans in fiscal 2011, $1.0 million in fiscal 2010 and $0.9 million in fiscal 2009. The Sixth Amended and Restated AutoZone, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Employee Plan”), which is qualified under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, permits all eligible employees to purchase AutoZone’s common stock at 85% of the lower of the market price of the common stock on the first day or last day of each calendar quarter through payroll deductions. Maximum permitted annual purchases are $15,000 per employee or 10 percent of compensation, whichever is less. Under the Employee Plan, 21,608 shares were sold to employees in fiscal 2011, 26,620 shares were sold to employees in fiscal 2010, and 29,147 shares were sold to employees in fiscal 2009. The Company repurchased 30,864 shares at fair value in fiscal 2011, 30,617 shares at fair value in fiscal 2010, and 37,190 shares at fair value in fiscal 2009 from employees electing to sell their stock. Issuances of shares under the Employee Plan are netted against repurchases and such repurchases are not included in share repurchases disclosed in “Note K — Stock Repurchase Program.” At August 27, 2011, 272,375 shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance under the Employee Plan.

Once executives have reached the maximum purchases under the Employee Plan, the Fourth Amended and Restated Executive Stock Purchase Plan (the “Executive Plan”) permits all eligible executives to purchase AutoZone’s common stock up to 25 percent of his or her annual salary and bonus. Purchases under the Executive Plan were 1,719 shares in fiscal 2011, 1,483 shares in fiscal 2010, and 1,705 shares in fiscal 2009. At August 27, 2011, 256,337 shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance under the Executive Plan.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

+ Details

Accrued Expenses and Other

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses and Other

Note C — Accrued Expenses and Other

Accrued expenses and other consisted of the following:


	August 27,		August 28,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Medical and casualty insurance claims (current portion)	$	55,896	$	60,955
Accrued compensation, related payroll taxes and benefits		151,419		134,830
Property, sales, and other taxes		89,675		102,364
Accrued interest		33,811		31,091
Accrued gift cards		27,406		22,013
Accrued sales and warranty returns		16,269		14,679
Capital lease obligations		25,296		21,947
Other		49,555		44,489

	$	449,327	$	432,368

The Company retains a significant portion of the insurance risks associated with workers’ compensation, employee health, general, products liability, property and vehicle insurance. A portion of these self-insured losses is managed through a wholly owned insurance captive. The Company maintains certain levels for stop-loss coverage for each self-insured plan in order to limit its liability for large claims. The limits are per claim and are $1.5 million for workers’ compensation and property, $0.5 million for employee health, and $1.0 million for general, products liability, and vehicle.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note D — Income Taxes

The provision for income tax expense consisted of the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Current:
Federal	$	391,132		$	397,062		$	303,929
State		39,473			34,155			26,450

		430,605			431,217			330,379

Deferred:
Federal		49,698			(3,831	)		46,809
State		(5,031	)		(5,192	)		(491	)

		44,667			(9,023	)		46,318

Income tax expense	$	475,272		$	422,194		$	376,697

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the federal statutory tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes is as follows:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Federal tax at statutory U.S. income tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net		1.7	%		1.6	%		1.6	%
Other		(0.8	%)		(0.2	%)		(0.2	%)

Effective tax rate		35.9	%		36.4	%		36.4	%

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:


	August 27,			August 28,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	$	31,772		$	25,781
Insurance reserves		17,542			20,400
Accrued benefits		61,436			50,991
Pension		30,967			34,965
Other		39,878			34,764

Total deferred tax assets		181,595			166,901
Less: Valuation allowances		(7,973	)		(7,085	)

		173,622			159,816
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment		(64,873	)		(35,714	)
Inventory		(220,234	)		(205,000	)
Other		(44,303	)		(19,850	)

		(329,410	)		(260,564	)

Net deferred tax liability	$	(155,788	)	$	(100,748	)

Deferred taxes are not provided for temporary differences of approximately $140.2 million at August 27, 2011, and $91.1 million of August 28, 2010, representing earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that are intended to be permanently reinvested. Computation of the potential deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings and other basis differences is not practicable.

At August 27, 2011, and August 28, 2010, the Company had deferred tax assets of $8.0 million and $8.2 million from federal tax operating losses (“NOLs”) of $22.8 million and $23.4 million, and deferred tax assets of $1.1 million and $1.6 million from state tax NOLs of $22.5 million and $35.5 million, respectively. At August 27, 2011, the Company had deferred tax assets of $1.5 million from Non-U.S. NOLs of $5.1 million. At August 28, 2010, the Company had no deferred tax assets from Non-U.S. NOLs. The federal and state NOLs expire between fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2026. At August 27, 2011, and August 28, 2010, the Company had a valuation allowance of $8.0 million and $6.8 million, respectively, for certain federal, state and Non-U.S. NOLs resulting primarily from annual statutory usage limitations. At August 27, 2011, and August 28, 2010, the Company had deferred tax assets of $21.2 million and $16.0 million, respectively, for federal, state, and Non-U.S. income tax credit carryforwards. Certain tax credit carryforwards have no expiration date and others will expire in fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2031. At August 27, 2011, the Company had no valuation allowance for credits subject to such expiration. At August 28, 2010, the Company had a valuation allowance of $0.3 million for credits subject to such expiration periods.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


	August 27,			August 28,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Beginning balance	$	38,554		$	44,192
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		6,205			16,802
Additions for tax positions of prior years		11,787			2,125
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(20,998	)		(6,390	)
Reductions due to settlements		(3,829	)		(16,354	)
Reductions due to statue of limitations		(1,813	)		(1,821	)

Ending balance	$	29,906		$	38,554

Included in the August 27, 2011 balance is $19.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate.

The Company accrues interest on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of Income tax expense. In addition, penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of Income tax expense. The Company had $5.2 million and $7.9 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits at August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010, respectively.

The major jurisdictions where the Company files income tax returns are the U.S. and Mexico. With few exceptions, tax returns filed for tax years 2007 through 2010 remain open and subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities. The Company is typically engaged in various tax examinations at any given time, both by U.S. federal and state taxing jurisdictions and Mexican tax authorities. As of August 27, 2011, the Company estimates that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by approximately $6.3 million over the next twelve months as a result of tax audit closings, settlements, and the expiration of statutes to examine such returns in various jurisdictions. While the Company believes that it has adequately accrued for possible audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined at this time and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Note E — Fair Value Measurements

The Company has adopted ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. This standard defines fair value as the price received to transfer an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 establishes a framework for measuring fair value by creating a hierarchy of valuation inputs used to measure fair value, and although it does not require additional fair value measurements, it applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.

The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels:

Level 1 inputs — unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. An active market for the asset or liability is one in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide ongoing pricing information.

Level 2 inputs — inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include, but are not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rate curves and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, credit risk and default rates.

Level 3 inputs — unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Financial Assets & Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:


	August 27, 2011
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value

Other current assets	$	11,872	$	—	$	—	$	11,872
Other long-term assets		55,390		5,869		—		61,259

	$	67,262	$	5,869	$	—	$	73,131


	August 28, 2010
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Fair Value

Other current assets	$	11,307	$	4,996		$	—	$	16,303
Other long-term assets		47,725		8,673			—		56,398
Accrued expenses and other		—		(9,979	)		—		(9,979	)

	$	59,032	$	3,690		$	—	$	62,722

At August 27, 2011, the fair value measurement amounts for assets and liabilities recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet consisted of short-term marketable securities of $11.9 million, which are included within Other current assets and long-term marketable securities of $61.3 million, which are included in Other long-term assets. The Company’s marketable securities are typically valued at the closing price in the principal active market as of the last business day of the quarter or through the use of other market inputs relating to the securities, including benchmark yields and reported trades. A discussion on how the Company’s cash flow hedges are valued is included in “Note H — Derivative Financial Instruments”, while the fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets are disclosed in “Note L — Pension and Savings Plans”.

Non-Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

Non-financial assets could be required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in certain circumstances, including the event of impairment. The assets could include assets acquired in an acquisition as well as property, plant and equipment that are determined to be impaired. During fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, the Company did not have any significant non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition.

Financial Instruments not Recognized at Fair Value

The Company has financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The fair value of the Company’s debt is disclosed in “Note I — Financing”.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

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+ Details

Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities

Note F — Marketable Securities

The Company’s basis for determining the cost of a security sold is the “Specific Identification Model”. Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company’s available-for-sale marketable securities consisted of the following:


	August 27, 2011
	Amortized		Gross		Gross
	Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
(in thousands)	Basis		Gains		Losses			Fair Value

Corporate securities	$	26,261	$	229	$	(45	)	$	26,445
Government bonds		29,464		343		—			29,807
Mortgage-backed securities		4,291		55		—			4,346
Asset-backed securities and other		12,377		156		—			12,533

	$	72,393	$	783	$	(45	)	$	73,131


	August 28, 2010
	Amortized		Gross		Gross
	Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
(in thousands)	Basis		Gains		Losses			Fair Value

Corporate securities	$	28,707	$	490	$	(1	)	$	29,196
Government bonds		24,560		283		—			24,843
Mortgage-backed securities		8,603		192		—			8,795
Asset-backed securities and other		9,831		47		(11	)		9,867

	$	71,701	$	1,012	$	(12	)	$	72,701

The debt securities held at August 27, 2011, had effective maturities ranging from less than one year to approximately 3 years. The Company did not realize any material gains or losses on its marketable securities during fiscal 2011.

The Company holds ten securities that are in an unrealized loss position of approximately $45 thousand at August 27, 2011. The Company has the intent and ability to hold these investments until recovery of fair value or maturity, and does not deem the investments to be impaired on an other than temporary basis. In evaluating whether the securities are deemed to be impaired on an other than temporary basis, the Company considers factors such as the duration and severity of the loss position, the credit worthiness of the investee, the term to maturity and our intent and ability to hold the investments until maturity or until recovery of fair value.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of investments in certain debt and equity securities (and certain other trading assets) which include all debt and equity securities (other than those equity securities accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting) with readily determinable fair values. Other trading assets include assets that are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and held for trading purposes. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise that is in the form of a security. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities (and other trading assets).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 137
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Debt Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509901
-Topic 320

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Equity Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6511694
-Topic 320

+ Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Note G — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes certain adjustments to pension liabilities, foreign currency translation adjustments, certain activity for interest rate swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges and unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities.

Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following:


						Unrealized
	Pension		Foreign			Loss (Gain) on			Net			Accumulated
	Liability		Currency			Marketable			Derivative			Other
	Adjustments,		Translation			Securities,			Activity,			Comprehensive
*(in thousands)*	net of taxes		Adjustments			net of taxes			net of taxes			Loss
Balance at August 29, 2009	$	51,215	$	45,453		$	(754	)	$	(3,879	)	$	92,035
Fiscal 2010 activity		8,144		(705	)		104			6,890			14,433

Balance at August 28, 2010		59,359		44,748			(650	)		3,011			106,468
Fiscal 2011 activity		17,346		(8,347	)		171			4,053			13,223

Balance at August 27, 2011	$	76,705	$	36,401		$	(479	)	$	7,064		$	119,691

During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company was party to three forward starting swaps, of which two were entered into during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and one was entered into during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The net derivative activity in fiscal 2011 reflects net losses on the three forward starting swaps expiring in November 2010, resulting in a loss of $5.4 million, offset by net losses from prior derivatives being amortized into interest expense of $1.4 million. The net derivative activity in fiscal 2010 reflects net losses on the two forward starting swaps entered into during fiscal 2010 of $6.3 million, as well as net gains from prior derivatives being amortized into interest expense of $612 thousand.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (3) gains (losses) on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (4) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (5) unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (6) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (7) the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14-26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

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+ Details

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
Derivative Financial Instruments	Aug. 27, 2011
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Note H — Derivative Financial Instruments Cash Flow Hedges The Company periodically uses derivatives to hedge exposures to interest rates. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. For transactions that meet the hedge accounting criteria, the Company formally designates and documents the instrument as a hedge at inception and quarterly thereafter assesses the hedges to ensure they are effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures. Derivatives are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value, determined using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. In accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, the effective portion of a financial instrument’s change in fair value is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss for derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges and any ineffective portion of an instrument’s change in fair value is recognized in earnings. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company was party to three forward starting swaps, of which two were entered into during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and one was entered into during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. These agreements were designated as cash flow hedges and were used to hedge the exposure to variability in future cash flows resulting from changes in variable interest rates related to the $500 million Senior Note debt issuance during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The swaps had notional amounts of $150 million, $150 million and $100 million with associated fixed rates of 3.15%, 3.13% and 2.57%, respectively. The swaps were benchmarked based on the 3-month London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). These swaps expired in November 2010 and resulted in a loss of $11.7 million, which has been deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and will be reclassified to interest expense over the life of the underlying debt. The hedges remained highly effective until they expired; therefore, no ineffectiveness was recognized in earnings. During 2009, the Company was party to an interest rate swap agreement related to its $300 million term floating rate loan, which bore interest based on the three month LIBOR and matured in December 2009. Under this agreement, which was accounted for as a cash flow hedge, the interest rate on the term loan was effectively fixed for its entire term at 4.4% and effectiveness was measured each reporting period. During August 2009, the Company elected to prepay, without penalty, the entire $300 million term loan. The outstanding liability associated with the interest rate swap totaled $3.6 million, and was immediately expensed in earnings upon termination. The Company recognized $5.9 million as increases to interest expense during 2009 related to payments associated with the interest rate swap agreement prior to its termination. Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments The Company is dependent upon diesel fuel to operate its vehicles used in the Company’s distribution network to deliver parts to its stores and unleaded fuel for delivery of parts from its stores to its commercial customers or other stores. Fuel is not a material component of the Company’s operating costs; however, the Company attempts to reduce fuel cost volatility in its operating results. Because unleaded and diesel fuel include transportation costs and taxes, there are limited opportunities to hedge this exposure directly. The Company had no fuel hedges during fiscal 2011 and 2010. During fiscal year 2009, the Company used a derivative financial instrument to economically hedge the commodity cost associated with its unleaded fuel. The notional amount of the contract was 2.5 million gallons and terminated August 31, 2009. The loss on the fuel contract for fiscal 2009 was $2.3 million.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708775-113959

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41635-113959

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708773-113959

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

+ Details

Financing

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Financing [Abstract]

Financing

Note I — Financing

The Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:


	August 27,		August 28,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

4.750% Senior Notes due November 2010, effective interest rate of 4.17%	$	—	$	199,300
5.875% Senior Notes due October 2012, effective interest rate of 6.33%		300,000		300,000
4.375% Senior Notes due June 2013, effective interest rate of 5.65%		200,000		200,000
6.500% Senior Notes due January 2014, effective interest rate of 6.63%		500,000		500,000
5.750% Senior Notes due January 2015, effective interest rate of 5.89%		500,000		500,000
5.500% Senior Notes due November 2015, effective interest rate of 4.86%		300,000		300,000
6.950% Senior Notes due June 2016, effective interest rate of 7.09%		200,000		200,000
7.125% Senior Notes due August 2018, effective interest rate of 7.28%		250,000		250,000
4.000% Senior Notes due November 2020, effective interest rate of 4.43%		500,000		—
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 0.4% at August 27, 2011, and 0.4% at August 28, 2010		567,600		433,000

	$	3,317,600	$	2,882,300

As of August 27, 2011, the commercial paper borrowings mature in the next twelve months but are classified as long-term in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, as the Company has the ability and intent to refinance them on a long-term basis. Specifically, excluding the effect of commercial paper borrowings, the Company had $996.6 million of availability under its new $1.0 billion revolving credit facility, expiring in September 2016 that would allow it to replace these short-term obligations with long-term financing.

In addition to the long-term debt discussed above, the Company had $34.1 million of short-term borrowings that are scheduled to mature in the next twelve months as of August 27, 2011. The short-term borrowings are unsecured, peso denominated borrowings and accrue interest at 4.85% as of August 27, 2011.

In September 2011, the Company amended and restated its $800 million revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to expire in July 2012. The capacity under the revolving credit facility was increased to $1.0 billion. This credit facility is available to primarily support commercial paper borrowings, letters of credit and other short-term, unsecured bank loans. The capacity of the credit facility may be increased to $1.250 billion prior to the maturity date at the Company’s election and subject to bank credit capacity and approval, may include up to $200 million in letters of credit, and may include up to $175 million in capital leases each fiscal year. Under the revolving credit facility, the Company may borrow funds consisting of Eurodollar loans or base rate loans. Interest accrues on Eurodollar loans at a defined Eurodollar rate, defined as LIBOR plus the applicable percentage, as defined in the revolving credit facility, depending upon the Company’s senior, unsecured, (non-credit enhanced) long-term debt rating. Interest accrues on base rate loans as defined in the credit facility. The Company also has the option to borrow funds under the terms of a swingline loan subfacility. The revolving credit facility expires in September 2016.

The revolving credit facility agreement requires that the Company’s consolidated interest coverage ratio as of the last day of each quarter shall be no less than 2.50:1. This ratio is defined as the ratio of (i) consolidated earnings before interest, taxes and rents to (ii) consolidated interest expense plus consolidated rents. The Company’s consolidated interest coverage ratio as of August 27, 2011 was 4.44:1.

In June 2010, the Company entered into a letter of credit facility that allows the Company to request the participating bank to issue letters of credit on the Company’s behalf up to an aggregate amount of $100 million. The letter of credit facility is in addition to the letters of credit that may be issued under the revolving credit facility. As of August 27, 2011, the Company has $92.9 million in letters of credit outstanding under the letter of credit facility, which expires in June 2013.

On November 15, 2010, the Company issued $500 million in 4.000% Senior Notes due 2020 under the Company’s shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 29, 2008 (the “Shelf Registration”). The Shelf Registration allows the Company to sell an indeterminate amount in debt securities to fund general corporate purposes, including repaying, redeeming or repurchasing outstanding debt and for working capital, capital expenditures, new store openings, stock repurchases and acquisitions. The Company used the proceeds from the issuance of debt to repay the principal due relating to the $199.3 million in 4.750% Senior Notes that matured on November 15, 2010, to repay a portion of the commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes.

The 5.750% Senior Notes issued in July 2009 and the 6.500% and 7.125% Senior Notes issued during August 2008, (collectively, the “Notes”), are subject to an interest rate adjustment if the debt ratings assigned to the Notes are downgraded. The Notes, along with the 4.000% Senior Notes issued in during November 2010, also contain a provision that repayment of the notes may be accelerated if the Company experiences a change in control (as defined in the agreements). The Company’s borrowings under its other senior notes contain minimal covenants, primarily restrictions on liens. Under the revolving credit facility, covenants include limitations on total indebtedness, restrictions on liens, a maximum debt to earnings ratio, and a change of control provision that may require acceleration of the repayment obligations under certain circumstances. These covenants are in addition to the consolidated interest coverage ratio discussed above. All of the repayment obligations under the borrowing arrangements may be accelerated and come due prior to the scheduled payment date if covenants are breached or an event of default occurs.

As of August 27, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all covenants related to its borrowing arrangements. All of the Company’s debt is unsecured. Scheduled maturities of long-term debt are as follows:


	Scheduled
(in thousands)	Maturities

2012	$	567,600
2013		500,000
2014		500,000
2015		500,000
2016		500,000
Thereafter		750,000

	$	3,317,600

The fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated at $3.633 billion as of August 27, 2011, and $3.182 billion as of August 28, 2010, based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates available to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. Such fair value is greater than the carrying value of debt by $281.0 million and $273.5 million at August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Interest Expense

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Interest Expense [Abstract]

Interest Expense

Note J — Interest Expense

Net interest expense consisted of the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Interest expense	$	173,674		$	162,628		$	147,504
Interest income		(2,058	)		(2,626	)		(3,887	)
Capitalized interest		(1,059	)		(1,093	)		(1,301	)

	$	170,557		$	158,909		$	142,316

Stock Repurchase Program

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]

Stock Repurchase Program

Note K — Stock Repurchase Program

During 1998, the Company announced a program permitting the Company to repurchase a portion of its outstanding shares not to exceed a dollar maximum established by the Board. The program was last amended on June 14, 2011 to increase the repurchase authorization to $10.4 billion from $9.9 billion. From January 1998 to August 27, 2011, the Company has repurchased a total of 127.3 million shares at an aggregate cost of $10.2 billion.

The Company’s share repurchase activity consisted of the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,		August 28,		August 29,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Amount	$	1,466,802	$	1,123,655	$	1,300,002
Shares		5,598		6,376		9,313

Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2011, the Board voted to increase the authorization by $750 million to raise the cumulative share repurchase authorization from $10.4 billion to $11.15 billion. From August 28, 2011 to October 24, 2011, the Company repurchased approximately 527 thousand shares for $169.7 million.

Pension and Savings Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Pension and Savings Plans [Abstract]

Pension and Savings Plans

Note L — Pension and Savings Plans

Prior to January 1, 2003, substantially all full-time employees were covered by a defined benefit pension plan. The benefits under the plan were based on years of service and the employee’s highest consecutive five-year average compensation. On January 1, 2003, the plan was frozen. Accordingly, pension plan participants will earn no new benefits under the plan formula and no new participants will join the pension plan.

On January 1, 2003, the Company’s supplemental defined benefit pension plan for certain highly compensated employees was also frozen. Accordingly, plan participants will earn no new benefits under the plan formula and no new participants will join the pension plan.

The Company has recognized the unfunded status of the defined pension plans in its Consolidated Balance Sheets, which represents the difference between the fair value of pension plan assets and the projected benefit obligations of its defined benefit pension plans. The net unrecognized actuarial losses and unrecognized prior service costs are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. These amounts will be subsequently recognized as net periodic pension expense pursuant to the Company’s historical accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Further, actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent periods and are not recognized as net periodic pension expense in the same periods will be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Those amounts will be subsequently recognized as a component of net periodic pension expense on the same basis as the amounts previously recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The Company’s investment strategy for pension plan assets is to utilize a diversified mix of domestic and international equity and fixed income portfolios to earn a long-term investment return that meets the Company’s pension plan obligations. The pension plan assets are invested primarily in listed securities, and the pension plans hold only a minimal investment in AutoZone common stock that is entirely at the discretion of third-party pension fund investment managers. The Company’s largest holding classes, U.S. equities and fixed income bonds, are invested with a fund manager that holds diversified portfolios. Accordingly, the Company does not have any significant concentrations of risk in particular securities, issuers, sectors, industries or geographic regions. Alternative investment strategies, including private real estate, are in the process of being liquidated and constitute less than 5% of the pension plan assets. The Company’s investment managers are prohibited from using derivatives for speculative purposes and are not permitted to use derivatives to leverage a portfolio.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s investments measured at fair value:

U.S., international, emerging, and high yield equities — These investments are commingled funds and are valued using the net asset values, which are determined by valuing investments at the closing price or last trade reported on the major market on which the individual securities are traded. These investments are subject to annual audits.

Alternative investments — This category represents a hedge fund of funds made up of 16 different hedge fund managers diversified over 9 different hedge strategies. The fair value of the hedge fund of funds is determined using valuations provided by the third party administrator for each of the underlying funds.

Real estate — The valuation of these investments requires significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. These investments are valued based upon recommendations of our investment manager incorporating factors such as contributions and distributions, market transactions, and market comparables.

Fixed income securities — The fair values of corporate, U.S. government securities and other fixed income securities are estimated by using bid evaluation pricing models or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.

Cash and cash equivalents — These investments include cash equivalents valued using exchange rates provided by an industry pricing vendor and commingled funds valued using the net asset value. These investments also include cash.

The fair values of investments by level and asset category and the weighted-average asset allocations of the Company’s pension plans at the measurement date are presented in the following table:


August 27, 2011
	Fair		Asset Allocation						Fair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands)	Value		Actual			Target			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

U.S. equities	$	40,092		25.5	%		30.0	%	$	—	$	40,092	$	—
International equities		28,378		18.1			20.0			—		28,378		—
Emerging equities		12,086		7.7			10.0			—		12,086		—
High yield equities		12,547		8.0			10.0			—		12,547		—
Alternative investments		2,807		1.8			—			—		—		2,807
Real estate		2,474		1.6			—			—		—		2,474
Fixed income securities		27,321		17.4			30.0			—		27,321		—
Cash and cash equivalents		31,178		19.9			—			—		31,178		—

	$	156,883		100.0	%		100.0	%	$	—	$	151,602	$	5,281


August 28, 2010
	Fair		Asset Allocation						Fair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands)	Value		Actual			Target			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

U.S. equities	$	33,445		28.5	%		35.0	%	$	—	$	33,445	$	—
International equities		24,049		20.5			25.0			—		24,049		—
Emerging equities		10,431		8.9			10.0			—		10,431		—
High yield equities		10,604		9.0			10.0			—		10,604		—
Alternative investments		4,348		3.7			—			—		—		4,348
Real estate		7,348		6.3			—			—		—		7,348
Fixed income securities		22,131		18.9			20.0			—		22,131		—
Cash and cash equivalents		4,887		4.2			—			—		4,887		—

	$	117,243		100.0	%		100.0	%	$	—	$	105,547	$	11,696

In August 2011, the Company’s Investment Committee approved a revised asset allocation target for the investments held by the pension plan. Based on the revised asset allocation target, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets will change from 8.0% to 7.5% for the year ending August 25, 2012. The August 27, 2011 actual asset allocation in the chart above includes a $28.3 million cash contribution made prior to the balance sheet date. Subsequent to August 27, 2011, this cash contribution was allocated to the pension plan investments to achieve the revised asset allocation target.

The change in fair value of Level 3 assets that use significant unobservable inputs is presented in the following table:


	Level 3
(in thousands)	Assets

Beginning balance — August 28, 2010	$	11,696
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held at August 27, 2011		713
Assets sold during the year		1,361
Sales and settlements		(8,489	)

Ending balance — August 27, 2011	$	5,281

The following table sets forth the plans’ funded status and amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:


	August 27,			August 28,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	211,536		$	185,590
Interest cost		11,135			11,315
Actuarial losses		23,746			18,986
Benefits paid		(4,772	)		(4,355	)

Benefit obligations at end of year	$	241,645		$	211,536


Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	117,243		$	115,313
Actual return on plan assets		10,336			6,273
Employer contributions		34,076			12
Benefits paid		(4,772	)		(4,355	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	156,883		$	117,243


	August 27,			August 28,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Amount Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position:
Current liabilities	$	(27	)	$	(12	)
Long-term liabilities		(84,736	)		(94,281	)

Net amount recognized	$	(84,763	)	$	(94,293	)


Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and not yet reflected in Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Net actuarial loss	$	(106,972	)	$	(94,293	)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(106,972	)	$	(94,293	)


Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and not yet reflected in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and expected to be amortized in next year’s Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Net actuarial loss	$	(9,795	)	$	(10,252	)

Amount recognized	$	(9,795	)	$	(10,252	)

Net periodic benefit expense (income) consisted of the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Interest cost	$	11,135		$	11,315		$	10,647
Expected return on plan assets		(9,326	)		(9,045	)		(12,683	)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			60
Recognized net actuarial losses		9,405			8,135			73

Net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	11,214		$	10,405		$	(1,903	)

The actuarial assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligation include the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
	2011			2010			2009

Weighted average discount rate		5.13	%		5.25	%		6.24	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		8.00	%		8.00	%		8.00	%

As the plan benefits are frozen, increases in future compensation levels no longer impact the calculation and there is no service cost. The discount rate is determined as of the measurement date and is based on the calculated yield of a portfolio of high-grade corporate bonds with cash flows that generally match the Company’s expected benefit payments in future years. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on the historical relationships between the investment classes and the capital markets, updated for current conditions.

The Company makes annual contributions in amounts at least equal to the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The Company contributed $34.1 million to the plans in fiscal 2011, $12 thousand to the plans in fiscal 2010 and $18 thousand to the plans in fiscal 2009. The Company expects to contribute approximately $7 million to the plan in fiscal 2012; however, a change to the expected cash funding may be impacted by a change in interest rates or a change in the actual or expected return on plan assets.

Based on current assumptions about future events, benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows for each of the following fiscal years. Actual benefit payments may vary significantly from the following estimates:


	Benefit
(in thousands)	Payments

2012	$	6,575
2013		7,236
2014		7,989
2015		8,705
2016		9,332
2017 — 2021		56,199

The Company has a 401(k) plan that covers all domestic employees who meet the plan’s participation requirements. The plan features include Company matching contributions, immediate 100% vesting of Company contributions and a savings option up to 25% of qualified earnings. The Company makes matching contributions, per pay period, up to a specified percentage of employees’ contributions as approved by the Board. The Company made matching contributions to employee accounts in connection with the 401(k) plan of $13.3 million in fiscal 2011, $11.7 million in fiscal 2010 and $11.0 million in fiscal 2009.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Leases

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

Note M — Leases

The Company leases some of its retail stores, distribution centers, facilities, land and equipment, including vehicles. Other than vehicle leases, most of the leases are operating leases, which include renewal options made at the Company’s election, options to purchase and provisions for percentage rent based on sales. Rental expense was $213.8 million in fiscal 2011, $195.6 million in fiscal 2010, and $181.3 million in fiscal 2009. Percentage rentals were insignificant.

The Company has a fleet of vehicles used for delivery to its commercial customers and stores and travel for members of field management. The majority of these vehicles are held under capital lease. At August 27, 2011, the Company had capital lease assets of $86.6 million, net of accumulated amortization of $30.2 million, and capital lease obligations of $86.7 million, of which $25.3 million is classified as Accrued expenses and other as it represents the current portion of these obligations. At August 28, 2010, the Company had capital lease assets of $85.8 million, net of accumulated amortization of $20.4 million, and capital lease obligations of $88.3 million, of which $21.9 million was classified as Accrued expenses and other.

The Company records rent for all operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any reasonably assured renewal periods and the period of time prior to the lease term that the Company is in possession of the leased space for the purpose of installing leasehold improvements. Differences between recorded rent expense and cash payments are recorded as a liability in Accrued expenses and other and Other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on the terms of the lease. The deferred rent approximated $77.6 million on August 27, 2011, and $67.6 million on August 28, 2010.

Future minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and capital leases were as follows at the end of fiscal 2011:


	Operating		Capital
(in thousands)	Leases		Leases

2012	$	209,778	$	25,296
2013		200,715		25,444
2014		182,071		21,599
2015		164,283		14,187
2016		145,700		3,123
Thereafter		948,906		—

Total minimum payments required	$	1,851,453		89,649

Less: Interest				(2,993	)

Present value of minimum capital lease payments			$	86,656

In connection with the Company’s December 2001 sale of the TruckPro business, the Company subleased some properties to the purchaser for an initial term of not less than 20 years. The Company’s remaining aggregate rental obligation at August 27, 2011 of $18.9 million is included in the above table, but the obligation is entirely offset by the sublease rental agreement.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for lessee entity's leasing arrangements including, but not limited to, all of the following: (a.) The basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (b.) The existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (c.) Restrictions imposed by lease agreements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing.

+ References + Details

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Aug. 27, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note N — Commitments and Contingencies Construction commitments, primarily for new stores, totaled approximately $23.9 million at August 27, 2011. The Company had $96.6 million in outstanding standby letters of credit and $26.3 million in surety bonds as of August 27, 2011, which all have expiration periods of less than one year. A substantial portion of the outstanding standby letters of credit (which are primarily renewed on an annual basis) and surety bonds are used to cover reimbursement obligations to our workers’ compensation carriers. There are no additional contingent liabilities associated with these instruments as the underlying liabilities are already reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. The standby letters of credit and surety bonds arrangements have automatic renewal clauses.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

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-Publisher FASB
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-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Litigation	12 Months Ended
Litigation	Aug. 27, 2011
Litigation [Abstract]
Litigation	Note O — Litigation We were a defendant in a lawsuit entitled “Coalition for a Level Playing Field, L.L.C., et al., v. AutoZone, Inc. et al.,” filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in October 2004. The case was originally filed by more than 200 plaintiffs, which are principally automotive aftermarket warehouse distributors and jobbers, against a number of defendants, including automotive aftermarket retailers and aftermarket automotive parts manufacturers. In the amended complaint, the plaintiffs alleged, inter alia, that some or all of the automotive aftermarket retailer defendants had knowingly received, in violation of the Robinson-Patman Act (the “Act”), from various of the manufacturer defendants benefits such as volume discounts, rebates, early buy allowances and other allowances, fees, inventory without payment, sham advertising and promotional payments, a share in the manufacturers’ profits, benefits of pay-on-scan purchases, implementation of radio frequency identification technology, and excessive payments for services purportedly performed for the manufacturers. Additionally, a subset of plaintiffs alleged a claim of fraud against the automotive aftermarket retailer defendants based on discovery issues in a prior litigation involving similar claims under the Act. In the prior litigation, the discovery dispute, as well as the underlying claims, was decided in favor of AutoZone and the other automotive aftermarket retailer defendants who proceeded to trial, pursuant to a unanimous jury verdict which was affirmed by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. In the current litigation, the plaintiffs sought an unspecified amount of damages (including statutory trebling), attorneys’ fees, and a permanent injunction prohibiting the aftermarket retailer defendants from inducing and/or knowingly receiving discriminatory prices from any of the aftermarket manufacturer defendants and from opening up any further stores to compete with the plaintiffs as long as the defendants allegedly continue to violate the Act. In an order dated September 7, 2010, and issued on September 16, 2010, the court granted motions to dismiss all claims against AutoZone and its co-defendant competitors and suppliers. Based on the record in the prior litigation, the court dismissed with prejudice all overlapping claims — that is, those covering the same time periods covered by the prior litigation and brought by the judgment plaintiffs in the prior litigation. The court also dismissed with prejudice the plaintiffs’ attempt to revisit discovery disputes from the prior litigation. Further, with respect to the other claims under the Act, the court found that the factual statements contained in the complaint fall short of what would be necessary to support a plausible inference of unlawful price discrimination. Finally, the court held that the AutoZone pay-on-scan program is a difference in non-price terms that are not governed by the Act. The court ordered the case closed, but also stated that “in an abundance of caution the Court [was] defer[ring] decision on whether to grant leave to amend to allow plaintiff an opportunity to propose curative amendments.” The plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to amend their complaint and attached a proposed Third Amended and Supplemental Complaint (the “Third Amended Complaint”) on behalf of four plaintiffs. The Third Amended Complaint repeated and expanded certain allegations from previous complaints, asserting two claims under the Act, but stated that all other plaintiffs have withdrawn their claims, and that, inter alia, Chief Auto Parts, Inc. had been dismissed as a defendant. AutoZone and the co-defendants filed an opposition to the motion seeking leave to amend. In an order dated September 28, 2011, the court denied the four remaining plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file a Third Amended Complaint because the proposed Third Amended Complaint failed to address deficiencies previously identified by the court. The Company believes this suit to be without merit and is vigorously defending against it. The Company is unable to estimate a loss or possible range of loss. In 2004, the Company acquired a store site in Mount Ephraim, New Jersey that had previously been the site of a gasoline service station and contained evidence of groundwater contamination. Upon acquisition, the Company voluntarily reported the groundwater contamination issue to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and entered into a Voluntary Remediation Agreement providing for the remediation of the contamination associated with the property. The Company has conducted and paid for (at an immaterial cost to the Company) remediation of visible contamination on the property and is investigating and will be addressing potential vapor intrusion impacts in downgradient residences and businesses. Pursuant to the Voluntary Remediation Agreement, upon completion of all remediation required by the agreement, the Company is eligible to be reimbursed up to 75 percent of its remediation costs by the State of New Jersey. Although the aggregate amount of additional costs that the Company may incur pursuant to the Voluntary Remediation Agreement cannot currently be ascertained, the Company does not currently believe that fulfillment of its obligations under the agreement will result in costs that are material to its financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of its business, including several lawsuits containing class-action allegations in which the plaintiffs are current and former hourly and salaried employees who allege various wage and hour violations and unlawful termination practices. The Company does not currently believe that, either individually or in the aggregate, these matters will result in liabilities material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Note P — Segment Reporting

The Company’s two operating segments (Domestic Auto Parts and Mexico) have been aggregated as one reportable segment: Auto Parts Stores. The criteria the Company used to identify the reportable segment are primarily the nature of the products the Company sells and the operating results that are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about the resources to be allocated to the business units and to assess performance. The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segment are the same as those described in Note A.

The Auto Parts Stores segment is a retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories through the Company’s 4,813 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive products.

The “Other” category reflects business activities that are not separately reportable, including ALLDATA which produces, sells and maintains diagnostic and repair information software used in the automotive repair industry, and e-Commerce, which includes direct sales to customers through www.autozone.com.

The Company evaluates its reportable segment primarily on the basis of net sales and segment profit, which is defined as gross profit. During fiscal 2009, the Company reassessed and revised its reportable segment to exclude ALLDATA and e-Commerce from the newly designated Auto Parts Stores reporting segment. Previously, these immaterial business activities had been combined with Auto Parts Stores.

The following table shows segment results for the following fiscal years:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Net Sales:
Auto Parts Stores	$	7,906,692		$	7,213,753		$	6,671,939
Other		166,281			148,865			144,885

Total	$	8,072,973		$	7,362,618		$	6,816,824


Segment Profit:
Auto Parts Stores	$	3,989,852		$	3,591,464		$	3,296,777
Other		129,611			120,280			119,672

Gross profit		4,119,463			3,711,744			3,416,449
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses		(2,624,660	)		(2,392,330	)		(2,240,387	)
Interest expense, net		(170,557	)		(158,909	)		(142,316	)

Income before income taxes	$	1,324,246		$	1,160,505		$	1,033,746


Segment Assets:
Auto Parts Stores	$	5,827,285		$	5,531,955		$	5,279,454
Other		42,317			39,639			38,951

Total	$	5,869,602		$	5,571,594		$	5,318,405


Capital Expenditures:
Auto Parts Stores	$	316,074		$	307,725		$	260,448
Other		5,530			7,675			11,799

Total	$	321,604		$	315,400		$	272,247


Sales by Product Grouping:
Failure	$	3,530,497		$	3,145,528		$	2,816,126
Maintenance items		3,051,672			2,792,610			2,655,113
Discretionary		1,324,523			1,275,615			1,200,700

Auto Parts Stores net sales	$	7,906,692		$	7,213,753		$	6,671,939

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 10
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

+ Details

Quarterly Summary

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Quarterly Summary [Abstract]

Quarterly Summary

Note Q — Quarterly Summary ⁽¹⁾
(Unaudited)


							Sixteen
	Twelve Weeks Ended						Weeks Ended
	November 20,		February 12,		May 7,		August 27,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2010		2011		2011		2011⁽²⁾

Net sales	$	1,791,662	$	1,660,946	$	1,978,369	$	2,641,996
Gross profit		907,748		845,611		1,013,530		1,352,574
Operating profit		306,121		271,748		392,925		524,010
Income before income taxes		268,868		232,172		353,009		470,197
Net income		172,076		148,056		227,373		301,469
Basic earnings per share		3.85		3.41		5.42		7.35
Diluted earnings per share		3.77		3.34		5.29		7.18


							Sixteen
	Twelve Weeks Ended						Weeks Ended
	November 21,		February 13,		May 8,		August 28,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2009		2010		2010		2010⁽²⁾

Net sales	$	1,589,244	$	1,506,225	$	1,821,990	$	2,445,159
Gross profit		799,924		753,736		923,121		1,234,963
Operating profit		260,428		230,381		355,865		472,740
Income before income taxes		224,088		194,072		319,032		423,313
Net income		143,300		123,333		202,745		268,933
Basic earnings per share		2.86		2.49		4.19		5.77
Diluted earnings per share		2.82		2.46		4.12		5.66


(1)		The sum of quarterly amounts may not equal the annual amounts reported due to rounding. In addition, the earnings per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter while the full year is based on the annual weighted average shares outstanding.

(2)		The fourth quarter for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 are based on a 16-week period. All other quarters presented are based on a 12-week period.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Business

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday in August. Accordingly, each of fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 represented 52 weeks.

Basis of Presentation

Use of Estimates

Cash Equivalents

Accounts Receivable

Merchandise Inventories

Marketable Securities

Property and Equipment

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Foreign Currency

Self-Insurance Reserves

Deferred Rent

Financial Instruments

Vendor Allowances and Advertising Costs

Cost of Sales and Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Cost of Sales and Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: The following illustrates the primary costs classified in each major expense category:

Cost of Sales

•

Total cost of merchandise sold, including:

	o		Freight expenses associated with moving merchandise inventories from the Company’s vendors to the distribution centers and to the retail stores

	o		Vendor allowances that are not reimbursements for specific, incremental and identifiable costs

	•		Costs associated with operating the Company’s supply chain, including payroll and benefit costs, warehouse occupancy costs, transportation costs and depreciation

	•		Inventory shrinkage

Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

	•		Payroll and benefit costs for store and store support employees;

	•		Occupancy costs of store and store support facilities;

	•		Depreciation and amortization related to retail and store support assets;

	•		Transportation costs associated with commercial and hub deliveries;

	•		Advertising;

	•		Self insurance costs; and

	•		Other administrative costs, such as credit card transaction fees, supplies, and travel and lodging

Warranty Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs

Pre-opening Expenses

Pre-opening Expenses: Pre-opening expenses, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs, are expensed as incurred.

Earnings per Share

Share-Based Payments

Risk and Uncertainties

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-28, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. ASU 2010-28 modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment analysis if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists based on a qualitative assessment of adverse factors. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2010-28 to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. This update will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending August 25, 2012.

Adoption of ASC Topic 820 Policy

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

Goodwill and Other

Adoption of ASC Topic 815 and its impact

The Company periodically uses derivatives to hedge exposures to interest rates. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. For transactions that meet the hedge accounting criteria, the Company formally designates and documents the instrument as a hedge at inception and quarterly thereafter assesses the hedges to ensure they are effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures. Derivatives are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value, determined using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. In accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, the effective portion of a financial instrument’s change in fair value is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss for derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges and any ineffective portion of an instrument’s change in fair value is recognized in earnings.

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Share-Based Payments [Abstract]

Weighted average for key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted and the related share-based compensation expense:

The following table presents the weighted average for key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted and the related share-based compensation expense:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
	2011			2010			2009

Expected price volatility		31	%		31	%		28	%
Risk-free interest rates		1.0	%		1.8	%		2.4	%
Weighted average expected lives in years		4.3			4.3			4.1
Forfeiture rate		10	%		10	%		10	%
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%

Stock option activity

The following table summarizes information about stock option activity for the year ended August 27, 2011:


						Weighted-
						Average
				Weighted		Remaining		Aggregate
				Average		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Number			Exercise		Term		Value
	of Shares			Price		(in years)		(in thousands)

Outstanding — August 28, 2010		2,874,206		$	110.93
Granted		424,780			226.00
Exercised		(607,975	)		96.35
Canceled		(60,817	)		135.07

Outstanding — August 27, 2011		2,630,194			132.32		6.35	$	444,437

Exercisable		1,446,765			104.23		5.01		285,111

Expected to vest		1,065,086			166.67		7.99		143,394

Available for future grants		2,817,250

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of components of a stock option or other award plan under which equity-based compensation is awarded to employees, typically comprised of the amount of unearned compensation (deferred compensation cost), compensation expense, and changes in the quantity and fair value of the shares (or other type of equity) granted, exercised, forfeited, and issued and outstanding pertaining to that plan. Disclosure may also include nature and general terms of such arrangements that existed during the period and potential effects of those arrangements on shareholders, effect of compensation cost arising from equity-based payment arrangements on the income statement, method of estimating the fair value of the goods or services received, or the fair value of the equity instruments granted, during the period, cash flow effects resulting from equity-based payment arrangements and, for registrants that accelerate vesting of out of the money share options, reasons for the decision to accelerate.

+ References + Details

Accrued Expenses and Other (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses and other consisted of the following:


	August 27,		August 28,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Medical and casualty insurance claims (current portion)	$	55,896	$	60,955
Accrued compensation, related payroll taxes and benefits		151,419		134,830
Property, sales, and other taxes		89,675		102,364
Accrued interest		33,811		31,091
Accrued gift cards		27,406		22,013
Accrued sales and warranty returns		16,269		14,679
Capital lease obligations		25,296		21,947
Other		49,555		44,489

	$	449,327	$	432,368

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Provision for income tax expense

The provision for income tax expense consisted of the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Current:
Federal	$	391,132		$	397,062		$	303,929
State		39,473			34,155			26,450

		430,605			431,217			330,379

Deferred:
Federal		49,698			(3,831	)		46,809
State		(5,031	)		(5,192	)		(491	)

		44,667			(9,023	)		46,318

Income tax expense	$	475,272		$	422,194		$	376,697

Reconciliation of provision for income taxes

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the federal statutory tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes is as follows:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Federal tax at statutory U.S. income tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net		1.7	%		1.6	%		1.6	%
Other		(0.8	%)		(0.2	%)		(0.2	%)

Effective tax rate		35.9	%		36.4	%		36.4	%

Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:


	August 27,			August 28,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	$	31,772		$	25,781
Insurance reserves		17,542			20,400
Accrued benefits		61,436			50,991
Pension		30,967			34,965
Other		39,878			34,764

Total deferred tax assets		181,595			166,901
Less: Valuation allowances		(7,973	)		(7,085	)

		173,622			159,816
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment		(64,873	)		(35,714	)
Inventory		(220,234	)		(205,000	)
Other		(44,303	)		(19,850	)

		(329,410	)		(260,564	)

Net deferred tax liability	$	(155,788	)	$	(100,748	)

Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


	August 27,			August 28,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Beginning balance	$	38,554		$	44,192
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		6,205			16,802
Additions for tax positions of prior years		11,787			2,125
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(20,998	)		(6,390	)
Reductions due to settlements		(3,829	)		(16,354	)
Reductions due to statue of limitations		(1,813	)		(1,821	)

Ending balance	$	29,906		$	38,554

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Aug. 27, 2011
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	<!--DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd" --> <!-- Begin Block Tagged Note Table: AZO-20110827_note5_table1 - us-gaap:FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock--> <div align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif"> <div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; margin-left: 0in; "> <div align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 10pt">The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows: </div> <div align="center"> <table style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <!-- Begin Table Head --> <tr valign="bottom"> <td width="44%"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="9%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="9%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="9%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="9%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 10pt" valign="bottom"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="14" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>August 27, 2011</b></td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 10pt" valign="bottom"> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><i>(in thousands)</i></td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>Level 1</b></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>Level 2</b></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>Level 3</b></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>Fair Value</b></td> <td> </td> </tr> <!-- End Table Head --> <!-- Begin Table Body --> <tr valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space --> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px"> </div></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Other current assets </div></td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">11,872</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">—</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">—</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">11,872</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Other long-term assets </div></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">55,390</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">5,869</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">—</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">61,259</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 1px"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px"> </div></td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px"> </div></td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">67,262</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">5,869</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">—</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">73,131</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 1px"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px"> </div></td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 3px double #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 3px double #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 3px double #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 3px double #000000"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <!-- End Table Body --> </table> </div> <div align="center"> <table style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <!-- Begin Table Head --> <tr valign="bottom"> <td width="44%"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="9%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="9%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="9%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="3%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="9%"> </td> <td width="1%"> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 10pt" valign="bottom"> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="14" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>August 28, 2010</b></td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 10pt" valign="bottom"> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><i>(in thousands)</i></td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>Level 1</b></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>Level 2</b></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>Level 3</b></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="center" colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><b>Fair Value</b></td> <td> </td> </tr> <!-- End Table Head --> <!-- Begin Table Body --> <tr valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space --> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px"> </div></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Other current assets </div></td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">11,307</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">4,996</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">—</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">16,303</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Other long-term assets </div></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">47,725</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">8,673</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">—</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">56,398</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom" style="background: #cceeff"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Accrued expenses and other </div></td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">—</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left"> </td> <td align="right">(9,979</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">)</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="right">—</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" align="left"> </td> <td align="right">(9,979</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">)</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 1px"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px"> </div></td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px"> </div></td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">59,032</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">3,690</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">—</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td align="left">$</td> <td align="right">62,722</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 1px"> <td> <div style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px"> </div></td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 3px double #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 3px double #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 3px double #000000"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" colspan="2" align="right" style="border-top: 3px double #000000"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <!-- End Table Body --> </table> </div> </div> </div>

- Definition

This element represents the disclosure related to assets and liabilities by class, including [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, that are measured at fair value on a recurring and/or nonrecurring basis in periods after initial recognition (for example, impaired assets). The disclosures that may be required or desired include: (a) the fair value measurements recorded during the period and the reasons for the measurements and (b) the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Where the quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, the Level 1 input is the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 33
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 6
-Footnote 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a),(b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19190-110258

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (a),(b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

+ Details

Marketable Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Available-for-sale marketable securities

The Company’s available-for-sale marketable securities consisted of the following:


	August 27, 2011
	Amortized		Gross		Gross
	Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
(in thousands)	Basis		Gains		Losses			Fair Value

Corporate securities	$	26,261	$	229	$	(45	)	$	26,445
Government bonds		29,464		343		—			29,807
Mortgage-backed securities		4,291		55		—			4,346
Asset-backed securities and other		12,377		156		—			12,533

	$	72,393	$	783	$	(45	)	$	73,131


	August 28, 2010
	Amortized		Gross		Gross
	Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
(in thousands)	Basis		Gains		Losses			Fair Value

Corporate securities	$	28,707	$	490	$	(1	)	$	29,196
Government bonds		24,560		283		—			24,843
Mortgage-backed securities		8,603		192		—			8,795
Asset-backed securities and other		9,831		47		(11	)		9,867

	$	71,701	$	1,012	$	(12	)	$	72,701

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-1
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 19, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 320
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62586-112803

+ Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss

Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following:


						Unrealized
	Pension		Foreign			Loss (Gain) on			Net			Accumulated
	Liability		Currency			Marketable			Derivative			Other
	Adjustments,		Translation			Securities,			Activity,			Comprehensive
*(in thousands)*	net of taxes		Adjustments			net of taxes			net of taxes			Loss
Balance at August 29, 2009	$	51,215	$	45,453		$	(754	)	$	(3,879	)	$	92,035
Fiscal 2010 activity		8,144		(705	)		104			6,890			14,433

Balance at August 28, 2010		59,359		44,748			(650	)		3,011			106,468
Fiscal 2011 activity		17,346		(8,347	)		171			4,053			13,223

Balance at August 27, 2011	$	76,705	$	36,401		$	(479	)	$	7,064		$	119,691

Financing (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Financing [Abstract]

The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:

The Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:


	August 27,		August 28,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

4.750% Senior Notes due November 2010, effective interest rate of 4.17%	$	—	$	199,300
5.875% Senior Notes due October 2012, effective interest rate of 6.33%		300,000		300,000
4.375% Senior Notes due June 2013, effective interest rate of 5.65%		200,000		200,000
6.500% Senior Notes due January 2014, effective interest rate of 6.63%		500,000		500,000
5.750% Senior Notes due January 2015, effective interest rate of 5.89%		500,000		500,000
5.500% Senior Notes due November 2015, effective interest rate of 4.86%		300,000		300,000
6.950% Senior Notes due June 2016, effective interest rate of 7.09%		200,000		200,000
7.125% Senior Notes due August 2018, effective interest rate of 7.28%		250,000		250,000
4.000% Senior Notes due November 2020, effective interest rate of 4.43%		500,000		—
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 0.4% at August 27, 2011, and 0.4% at August 28, 2010		567,600		433,000

	$	3,317,600	$	2,882,300

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt are as follows:


	Scheduled
(in thousands)	Maturities

2012	$	567,600
2013		500,000
2014		500,000
2015		500,000
2016		500,000
Thereafter		750,000

	$	3,317,600

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

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-Publisher FASB
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-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Interest Expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Interest Expense [Abstract]

Net interest expense

Net interest expense consisted of the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Interest expense	$	173,674		$	162,628		$	147,504
Interest income		(2,058	)		(2,626	)		(3,887	)
Capitalized interest		(1,059	)		(1,093	)		(1,301	)

	$	170,557		$	158,909		$	142,316

Stock Repurchase Program (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]

Summarize the Company's share repurchase activity

The Company’s share repurchase activity consisted of the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,		August 28,		August 29,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Amount	$	1,466,802	$	1,123,655	$	1,300,002
Shares		5,598		6,376		9,313

Pension and Savings Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Pension and Savings Plans [Abstract]

Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets

The fair values of investments by level and asset category and the weighted-average asset allocations of the Company’s pension plans at the measurement date are presented in the following table:


August 27, 2011
	Fair		Asset Allocation						Fair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands)	Value		Actual			Target			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

U.S. equities	$	40,092		25.5	%		30.0	%	$	—	$	40,092	$	—
International equities		28,378		18.1			20.0			—		28,378		—
Emerging equities		12,086		7.7			10.0			—		12,086		—
High yield equities		12,547		8.0			10.0			—		12,547		—
Alternative investments		2,807		1.8			—			—		—		2,807
Real estate		2,474		1.6			—			—		—		2,474
Fixed income securities		27,321		17.4			30.0			—		27,321		—
Cash and cash equivalents		31,178		19.9			—			—		31,178		—

	$	156,883		100.0	%		100.0	%	$	—	$	151,602	$	5,281


August 28, 2010
	Fair		Asset Allocation						Fair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands)	Value		Actual			Target			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

U.S. equities	$	33,445		28.5	%		35.0	%	$	—	$	33,445	$	—
International equities		24,049		20.5			25.0			—		24,049		—
Emerging equities		10,431		8.9			10.0			—		10,431		—
High yield equities		10,604		9.0			10.0			—		10,604		—
Alternative investments		4,348		3.7			—			—		—		4,348
Real estate		7,348		6.3			—			—		—		7,348
Fixed income securities		22,131		18.9			20.0			—		22,131		—
Cash and cash equivalents		4,887		4.2			—			—		4,887		—

	$	117,243		100.0	%		100.0	%	$	—	$	105,547	$	11,696

Change in fair value of Level 3 assets

The change in fair value of Level 3 assets that use significant unobservable inputs is presented in the following table:


	Level 3
(in thousands)	Assets

Beginning balance — August 28, 2010	$	11,696
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held at August 27, 2011		713
Assets sold during the year		1,361
Sales and settlements		(8,489	)

Ending balance — August 27, 2011	$	5,281

The plans' funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets

The following table sets forth the plans’ funded status and amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:


	August 27,			August 28,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	211,536		$	185,590
Interest cost		11,135			11,315
Actuarial losses		23,746			18,986
Benefits paid		(4,772	)		(4,355	)

Benefit obligations at end of year	$	241,645		$	211,536


Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	117,243		$	115,313
Actual return on plan assets		10,336			6,273
Employer contributions		34,076			12
Benefits paid		(4,772	)		(4,355	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	156,883		$	117,243


	August 27,			August 28,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Amount Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position:
Current liabilities	$	(27	)	$	(12	)
Long-term liabilities		(84,736	)		(94,281	)

Net amount recognized	$	(84,763	)	$	(94,293	)


Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and not yet reflected in Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Net actuarial loss	$	(106,972	)	$	(94,293	)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(106,972	)	$	(94,293	)


Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and not yet reflected in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and expected to be amortized in next year’s Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Net actuarial loss	$	(9,795	)	$	(10,252	)

Amount recognized	$	(9,795	)	$	(10,252	)

Net periodic benefit expense (income)

Net periodic benefit expense (income) consisted of the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Interest cost	$	11,135		$	11,315		$	10,647
Expected return on plan assets		(9,326	)		(9,045	)		(12,683	)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			60
Recognized net actuarial losses		9,405			8,135			73

Net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	11,214		$	10,405		$	(1,903	)

Actuarial assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligation

The actuarial assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligation include the following:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
	2011			2010			2009

Weighted average discount rate		5.13	%		5.25	%		6.24	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		8.00	%		8.00	%		8.00	%

Benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows


	Benefit
(in thousands)	Payments

2012	$	6,575
2013		7,236
2014		7,989
2015		8,705
2016		9,332
2017 — 2021		56,199

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of one or more of the entity's defined benefit pension plans or one or more other defined benefit postretirement plans, separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans including the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 4, 7, 16, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6930749&loc=d3e4179-114921

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e2410-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e2439-114920

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e2417-114920

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Leases [Abstract]

Future minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and capital leases

Future minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and capital leases were as follows at the end of fiscal 2011:


	Operating		Capital
(in thousands)	Leases		Leases

2012	$	209,778	$	25,296
2013		200,715		25,444
2014		182,071		21,599
2015		164,283		14,187
2016		145,700		3,123
Thereafter		948,906		—

Total minimum payments required	$	1,851,453		89,649

Less: Interest				(2,993	)

Present value of minimum capital lease payments			$	86,656

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment results

The following table shows segment results for the following fiscal years:


	Year Ended
	August 27,			August 28,			August 29,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Net Sales:
Auto Parts Stores	$	7,906,692		$	7,213,753		$	6,671,939
Other		166,281			148,865			144,885

Total	$	8,072,973		$	7,362,618		$	6,816,824


Segment Profit:
Auto Parts Stores	$	3,989,852		$	3,591,464		$	3,296,777
Other		129,611			120,280			119,672

Gross profit		4,119,463			3,711,744			3,416,449
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses		(2,624,660	)		(2,392,330	)		(2,240,387	)
Interest expense, net		(170,557	)		(158,909	)		(142,316	)

Income before income taxes	$	1,324,246		$	1,160,505		$	1,033,746


Segment Assets:
Auto Parts Stores	$	5,827,285		$	5,531,955		$	5,279,454
Other		42,317			39,639			38,951

Total	$	5,869,602		$	5,571,594		$	5,318,405


Capital Expenditures:
Auto Parts Stores	$	316,074		$	307,725		$	260,448
Other		5,530			7,675			11,799

Total	$	321,604		$	315,400		$	272,247


Sales by Product Grouping:
Failure	$	3,530,497		$	3,145,528		$	2,816,126
Maintenance items		3,051,672			2,792,610			2,655,113
Discretionary		1,324,523			1,275,615			1,200,700

Auto Parts Stores net sales	$	7,906,692		$	7,213,753		$	6,671,939

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Quarterly Summary (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 27, 2011

Quarterly Summary [Abstract]

Quarterly Summary


							Sixteen
	Twelve Weeks Ended						Weeks Ended
	November 20,		February 12,		May 7,		August 27,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2010		2011		2011		2011⁽²⁾

Net sales	$	1,791,662	$	1,660,946	$	1,978,369	$	2,641,996
Gross profit		907,748		845,611		1,013,530		1,352,574
Operating profit		306,121		271,748		392,925		524,010
Income before income taxes		268,868		232,172		353,009		470,197
Net income		172,076		148,056		227,373		301,469
Basic earnings per share		3.85		3.41		5.42		7.35
Diluted earnings per share		3.77		3.34		5.29		7.18


							Sixteen
	Twelve Weeks Ended						Weeks Ended
	November 21,		February 13,		May 8,		August 28,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2009		2010		2010		2010⁽²⁾

Net sales	$	1,589,244	$	1,506,225	$	1,821,990	$	2,445,159
Gross profit		799,924		753,736		923,121		1,234,963
Operating profit		260,428		230,381		355,865		472,740
Income before income taxes		224,088		194,072		319,032		423,313
Net income		143,300		123,333		202,745		268,933
Basic earnings per share		2.86		2.49		4.19		5.77
Diluted earnings per share		2.82		2.46		4.12		5.66


(1)		The sum of quarterly amounts may not equal the annual amounts reported due to rounding. In addition, the earnings per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter while the full year is based on the annual weighted average shares outstanding.

(2)		The fourth quarter for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 are based on a 16-week period. All other quarters presented are based on a 12-week period.

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textuals) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($) Year DerivativeInstrument Store shares	Aug. 28, 2010 USD ($) DerivativeInstrument shares	Aug. 29, 2009 USD ($) shares
Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Number of stores \| Store	4,813
Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of domestic stores in the United States and Puerto Rico \| Store	4,534
Number of stores with commercial sales program \| Store	2,659
Allowances for uncollectible accounts	$ 2,100	$ 1,400
Unrecorded adjustment for LIFO value in excess of replacement value	253,300	247,300
Impairment loss of long lived assets	0	0	$ 0
Impairment loss of goodwill	0
Goodwill	$ 302,645	$ 302,645
To date the number of derivative instruments utilized to reduce foreign exchange rate risk \| DerivativeInstrument	0	0
Cumulative loss on currency translation recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 36,401	$ 44,748	45,453
Deferred rent	$ 77,600	67,600
Measure of income tax benefit for uncertain income tax positions	More than 50%
Advertising expense, net of vendor promotional funds	$ 71,500	65,500	72,100
Vendor promotional funds, which reduced advertising expense	$ 23,200	19,600	$ 9,700
Limited warranty period, minimum period (Days)	30 days
Mexico [Member]
Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Number of stores \| Store	279
Cash Equivalents [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Maturity period of investments	90 days or less
Settlement term of credit and debit card transactions	less than 5 days
Credit and debit card receivables included within cash and cash equivalents	$ 32,500	$ 29,600
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Minimum useful lives \| Year	40
Estimated Maximum useful lives \| Year	50
Building improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Minimum useful lives \| Year	5
Estimated Maximum useful lives \| Year	15
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Minimum useful lives \| Year	3
Estimated Maximum useful lives \| Year	10
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of earnings per share \| shares	0	0	30,000

Share-Based Payments (Details) - Year	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Payments (Details) - Year	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Weighted average for key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted and the related share-based compensation expense:
Expected price volatility	31.00%	31.00%	28.00%
Risk-free interest rates	1.00%	1.80%	2.40%
Weighted average expected lives in years	4.3	4.3	4.1
Forfeiture rate	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Share-Based Payments (Details 1) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($) Year $ / shares shares
Stock option activity
Outstanding, Number of Shares, Beginning balance	2,874,206
Granted, Number of Shares	424,780
Exercised, Number of Shares	(607,975)
Canceled, Number of Shares	(60,817)
Outstanding, Number of Shares, Ending balance	2,630,194
Exercisable, Number of Shares	1,446,765
Expected to vest, Number of Shares	1,065,086
Available for future grants, Number of Shares	2,817,250
Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price, Beginning balance \| $ / shares	$ 110.93
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	226.00
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	96.35
Canceled, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	135.07
Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price, Ending balance \| $ / shares	132.32
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	104.23
Expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 166.67
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) \| Year	6.35
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) \| Year	5.01
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| Year	7.99
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 444,437
Expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	285,111
Expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) \| $	$ 143,394

Share-Based Payments (Details Textuals)	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Payments (Details Textuals)	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($) Year $ / shares shares	Aug. 28, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Aug. 29, 2009 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding options	2,630,194	2,874,206
Shares sold to employees under employee stock purchase plan	21,608	26,620	29,147
Share-Based Payments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Term of options from grant date	10 Years or 10 Years and one day
Total share-based expense related to stock options and share purchase plans \| $	$ 26,600,000	$ 19,100,000	$ 19,100,000
Share-based compensation expense for unvested awards not yet recognized in earnings \| $	$ 18,700,000
Weighted average period recognition of share-based compensation expense for unvested awards \| Year	2.5
Exercise period of vested options after death	1 year
Percent of Director fees a non-employee director may receive immediately in cash	50.00%
Maximum limit of the fees a Director can elect to receive in stock	100.00%
Accrued Director fees \| $	$ 5,900,000	$ 4,100,000
Accrued Director fees in shares	19,709	19,228
Number of shares for which each new non-employee director receives an option to purchase	3,000
Outstanding options	2,630,194	2,874,206
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted \| $ / shares	$ 58.57	$ 40.75	$ 34.06
Intrinsic value of options exercised \| $	$ 100,000,000	$ 64,800,000	$ 29,300,000
Total fair value of options vested \| $	$ 20,700,000	20,700,000	16,200,000
Restricted stock units granted under Director Compensation Program, description	Under the Program, restricted stock units are granted the first day of each calendar quarter. The number of restricted stock units granted each quarter is determined by dividing one-fourth of the amount of the annual retainer by the fair market value of the shares of common stock as of the grant date.
Expense related to the discount on the selling of shares to employees and executives \| $	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 900,000
Shares sold to employees under employee stock purchase plan	21,608	26,620	29,147
Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding options	125,614	137,016
Common stock reserved for future issuance	0
Share-Based Payments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Outstanding options	125,614	137,016
Restated Executive Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum permitted annual purchases per employee, Percent of Compensation	25.00%
Common stock reserved for future issuance	256,337
Shares sold to employees under employee stock purchase plan	1,719	1,483	1,705
Share-Based Payments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Shares sold to employees under employee stock purchase plan	1,719	1,483	1,705
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased from employees at fair value	30,864	30,617	37,190
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum exercise period of vested options after service period	90 days
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise period of vested options after service period	30 days
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of market price at which employees permitted to purchase through payroll deductions	85.00%
Maximum permitted annual purchases per employee \| $	$ 15,000
Maximum permitted annual purchases per employee, Percent of Compensation	10.00%
Common stock reserved for future issuance	272,375

Accrued Expenses and Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010
Accrued Expenses and Other
Medical and casualty insurance claims (current portion)	$ 55,896	$ 60,955
Accrued compensation, related payroll taxes and benefits	151,419	134,830
Property, sales, and other taxes	89,675	102,364
Accrued interest	33,811	31,091
Accrued gift cards	27,406	22,013
Accrued sales and warranty returns	16,269	14,679
Capital lease obligations	25,296	21,947
Other	49,555	44,489
Total	449,327	$ 432,368
Workers' compensation and property [Member]
Accrued Expenses and Other (Textuals) [Abstract]
Maximum limits per claim for self-insured plan, per annum	1,500
Employee health [Member]
Accrued Expenses and Other (Textuals) [Abstract]
Maximum limits per claim for self-insured plan, per annum	500
General, products liability, and vehicle [Member]
Accrued Expenses and Other (Textuals) [Abstract]
Maximum limits per claim for self-insured plan, per annum	$ 1,000

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Current:
Federal	$ 391,132	$ 397,062	$ 303,929
State	39,473	34,155	26,450
Total	430,605	431,217	330,379
Deferred:
Federal	49,698	(3,831)	46,809
State	(5,031)	(5,192)	(491)
Total	44,667	(9,023)	46,318
Income tax expense	$ 475,272	$ 422,194	$ 376,697

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Paragraph Question 1-7

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
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+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts of income taxes paid or payable (or refundable) for the period for all income tax obligations as determined by applying the provisions of relevant enacted tax laws to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
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-Article 4

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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
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-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
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+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) during the period in the entity's domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section I
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+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References

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-Publisher SEC
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+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
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+ Details

Income Taxes (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 1)	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Reconciliation of the provision for income taxes
Federal tax at statutory U.S. income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net	1.70%	1.60%	1.60%
Other	(0.80%)	(0.20%)	(0.20%)
Effective tax rate	35.90%	36.40%	36.40%

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	$ 31,772	$ 25,781
Insurance reserves	17,542	20,400
Accrued benefits	61,436	50,991
Pension	30,967	34,965
Other	39,878	34,764
Total deferred tax assets	181,595	166,901
Less: Valuation allowances	(7,973)	(7,085)
Deferred tax assets	173,622	159,816
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(64,873)	(35,714)
Inventory	(220,234)	(205,000)
Other	(44,303)	(19,850)
Deferred tax liabilities	(329,410)	(260,564)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (155,788)	$ (100,748)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010
Reconciliation of Unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning balance	$ 38,554	$ 44,192
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	6,205	16,802
Additions for tax positions of prior years	11,787	2,125
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(20,998)	(6,390)
Reductions due to settlements	(3,829)	(16,354)
Reductions due to statue of limitations	(1,813)	(1,821)
Ending balance	$ 29,906	$ 38,554

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract]
Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred taxes not provided for temporary differences	$ 140.2	$ 91.1
Deferred tax assets from federal tax operating losses	8.0	8.2
Deferred tax assets from state tax NOLs	1.1	1.6
Deferred tax assets from non-U.S. NOLs	$ 1.5	0.0
Expiration date of federal state and non-U.S. NOLs	Between fiscal year 2012 and 2026
Valuation allowance from certain federal and state NOLs	$ 8.0	6.8
Deferred tax assets from federal state and Non-U.S. income tax carryforwards	$ 21.2	16.0
Expiration date of tax credit carryforwards	Fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2031
Tax credit carryforward, valuation allowances	$ 0.0	0.3
Unrecognized tax benefits , if recognized would reduce effective tax rate, amount	19.3
Accrued for payment of interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits	5.2	7.9
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits that could be reduce over next twelve months	6.3
Federal tax [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	22.8	23.4
State tax [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	22.5	35.5
Non-U.S. [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 5.1	$ 0.0

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other current assets	$ 11,872
Other long-term assets	61,259
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other current assets	11,872	$ 16,303
Other long-term assets	61,259	56,398
Accrued expenses and other		9,979
Total	73,131
Total		62,722
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other current assets	11,872	11,307
Other long-term assets	55,390	47,725
Accrued expenses and other		0
Total	67,262
Total		59,032
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other current assets	0	4,996
Other long-term assets	5,869	8,673
Accrued expenses and other		9,979
Total	5,869
Total		3,690
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other current assets	0	0
Other long-term assets	0	0
Accrued expenses and other		0
Total	$ 0
Total		$ 0

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textuals) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($)
Fair Value Measurements (Textuals) [Abstract]
Short-term marketable securities	$ 11,872
Long term marketable securities	$ 61,259

- Definition

Investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as trading securities nor held-to-maturity securities and which are intended be sold or mature within one year from the balance sheet date or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer. Such securities are reported at fair value; unrealized gains (losses) related to Available-for-sale Securities are excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity (other comprehensive income), unless the Available-for-sale security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain (loss) of an Available-for-sale security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge is recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as are other than temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis for investments in equity securities and debt securities that an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. Other than temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis for debt securities categorized as Available-for-sale that an entity does not intend to sell and for which it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before the recovery of its amortized cost basis are bifurcated into credit losses and losses related to all other factors. Other than temporary declines in fair value below cost basis related to credit losses are recognized in earnings, and losses related to all other factors are recognized in other comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph b
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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
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+ Details

- Definition

Investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading and which are intended to be sold or mature more than one year from the balance sheet date or operating cycle, if longer. Such securities are reported at fair value; unrealized gains (losses) related to Available-for-sale Securities are excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity (other comprehensive income), unless the Available-for-sale security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain (loss) of an Available-for-sale security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge is recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as are other than temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis for investments in equity securities and debt securities that an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. Other than temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis for debt securities categorized as Available-for-sale that an entity does not intend to sell and for which it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before the recovery of its amortized cost basis are bifurcated into credit losses and losses related to all other factors. Other than temporary declines in fair value below cost basis related to credit losses are recognized in earnings, and losses related to all other factors are recognized in other comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Available-for-Sale Securities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505594

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26626-111562

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15C
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15E
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Marketable Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Marketable Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($) SecuritiesHold	Aug. 28, 2010 USD ($)
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 72,393	$ 71,701
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	783	1,012
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(45)	(12)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	$ 73,131	72,701
Marketable Securities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Available for sale securities debt maturity period range	Less than one year to approximately 3 years
Held to maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position amount	$ 45
Number of securities held in unrealized loss position \| SecuritiesHold	10
Corporate securities [Member]
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 26,261	28,707
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	229	490
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(45)	(1)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	26,445	29,196
Government bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	29,464	24,560
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	343	283
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	29,807	24,843
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,291	8,603
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	55	192
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	4,346	8,795
Asset-Backed securities and other [Member]
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	12,377	9,831
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	156	47
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(11)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	$ 12,533	$ 9,867

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Pension Liability Adjustments, net of taxes, Beginning balance	$ 59,359	$ 51,215
Pension liability adjustments, Fiscal year	17,346	8,144
Pension Liability Adjustments, net of taxes, Ending balance	76,705	59,359	$ 51,215
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Beginning Balance	44,748	45,453
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Fiscal year	(8,347)	(705)	43,655
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Ending Balance	36,401	44,748	45,453
Unrealized Loss (Gain) on Marketable Securities, net of taxes, Beginning Balance	(650)	(754)
Unrealized gain adjustment on marketable securities net of taxes, Fiscal year	171	104	(568)
Unrealized Loss (Gain) on Marketable Securities, net of taxes, Ending Balance	(479)	(650)	(754)
Net Derivative Activity, net of taxes, Beginning Balance	3,011	(3,879)
Net Derivative Activity, net of taxes	4,053	6,890
Net Derivative Activity, net of taxes, Ending Balance	7,064	3,011	(3,879)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Beginning balance	106,468	92,035
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Fiscal year	13,223	14,433
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Ending balance	$ 119,691	$ 106,468	$ 92,035

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details Textuals) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 20, 2010 USD ($) ForwardStartingSwap	Aug. 28, 2010 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of forward starting swaps \| ForwardStartingSwap	3
Net loss on derivatives	$ 5,400	$ 6,300
Derivatives being amortized into interest expense	$ 1,400	$ 612

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands, gal in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Nov. 20, 2010 USD ($) ForwardStartingSwap	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 29, 2009 USD ($) gal
Derivative Financial Instruments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of forward starting swaps \| ForwardStartingSwap		3
Senior notes issued during period		$ 500,000	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Derivative description of terms		The swaps were benchmarked based on the 3-month London InterBank Offered Rate.
Net losses on expired swaps, before tax	$ (11,700)
Ineffective portion recognized of forward starting swaps		$ 0
Period of interest on LIBOR (in months)				3 months
Repayment of entire term loan due December 2009				$ 300,000
The notional amount of fuel swap contract (measured in gallons) \| gal				2.5
The loss on fuel contract in the current fiscal				$ 2,300
Forward Starting Swap, One [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of forward swaps		$ 150,000
Fixed rates of the hedges based on LIBOR		3.15%
Forward Starting Swap, Two [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of forward swaps		$ 150,000
Fixed rates of the hedges based on LIBOR		3.13%
Forward Starting Swap, Three [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of forward swaps		$ 100,000
Fixed rates of the hedges based on LIBOR		2.57%
Term floating rate loan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of term floating rate loan				$ 300,000
Fixed rates of the hedges based on LIBOR				4.40%
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability associated with the interest rate swap				$ 3,600
Derivative instruments loss recognized in income				$ 5,900

Financing (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	$ 3,317,600	$ 2,882,300
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
2012	567,600
2013	500,000
2014	500,000
2015	500,000
2016	500,000
Thereafter	750,000
Total	3,317,600	2,882,300
4.750% Senior Notes due November 2010, effective interest rate of 4.17% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	0	199,300
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	0	199,300
5.875% Senior Notes due October 2012, effective interest rate of 6.33% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	300,000	300,000
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	300,000	300,000
4.375% Senior Notes due June 2013, effective interest rate of 5.65% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	200,000	200,000
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	200,000	200,000
6.500% Senior Notes due January 2014, effective interest rate of 6.63% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	500,000	500,000
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	500,000	500,000
5.750% Senior Notes due January 2015, effective interest rate of 5.89% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	500,000	500,000
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	500,000	500,000
5.500% Senior Notes due November 2015, effective interest rate of 4.86% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	300,000	300,000
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	300,000	300,000
6.950% Senior Notes due June 2016, effective interest rate of 7.09% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	200,000	200,000
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	200,000	200,000
7.125% Senior Notes due August 2018, effective interest rate of 7.28% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	250,000	250,000
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	250,000	250,000
4.000% Senior Notes due November 2020, effective interest rate of 4.43% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	500,000	0
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	500,000	0
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 0.4% at August 27, 2011, and 0.4% at August 28, 2010 [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	567,600	433,000
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
Total	$ 567,600	$ 433,000

Financing (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Financing (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 20, 2010	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009	Sep. 13, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount available under credit facility		$ 1,000,000			$ 1,000,000
Expiration of credit facility		September 2016	June 2013
Letter of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity					1,250,000
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 500,000	$ 500,000		$ 500,000
Financing (Textuals) [Abstract]
Remaining borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility		996,600
Short-term borrowings		$ 34,082	$ 26,186
Interest rate on short-term borrowings		4.85%
Interest accrual on foreign currency loans the basis points		Interest accrues on Eurodollar loans at a defined Eurodollar rate, defined as LIBOR plus the applicable percentage, as defined in the revolving credit facility, depending upon the Company’s senior, unsecured, (non-credit enhanced) long-term debt rating.
Line of credit facility covenant terms		The revolving credit facility agreement requires that the Company’s consolidated interest coverage ratio as of the last day of each quarter shall be no less than 2.50:1. This ratio is defined as the ratio of (i) consolidated earnings before interest, taxes and rents to (ii) consolidated interest expense plus consolidated rents. The Company’s consolidated interest coverage ratio as of August 27, 2011
Interest coverage ratio		4.44%
Fair value of the Company's debt		$ 3,633,000	3,182,000
Excess (shortfall) of fair value of debt over (from) carrying value		$ 281,000	$ 273,500
4.750% Senior Notes due November 2010, effective interest rate of 4.17% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage		4.75%
Effective interest rate		4.17%
Proceeds from issuance of debt	199,300
5.875% Senior Notes due October 2012, effective interest rate of 6.33% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage		5.875%
Effective interest rate		6.33%
4.375% Senior Notes due June 2013, effective interest rate of 5.65% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage		4.375%
Effective interest rate		5.65%
6.500% Senior Notes due January 2014, effective interest rate of 6.63% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage		6.50%
Effective interest rate		6.63%
5.750% Senior Notes due January 2015, effective interest rate of 5.89% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage		5.75%
Effective interest rate		5.89%
5.500% Senior Notes due November 2015, effective interest rate of 4.86% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage		5.50%
Effective interest rate		4.86%
6.950% Senior Notes due June 2016, effective interest rate of 7.09% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage		6.95%
Effective interest rate		7.09%
7.125% Senior Notes due August 2018, effective interest rate of 7.28% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage		7.125%
Effective interest rate		7.28%
4.000% Senior Notes due November 2020, effective interest rate of 4.43% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage		4.00%
Effective interest rate		4.43%
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 500,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity		$ 175,000
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 0.4% at August 27, 2011, and 0.4% at August 28, 2010 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper borrowings, maturity period (in months)		12 months
Weighted average interest rate of commercial paper		0.40%	0.40%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity		$ 200,000				$ 100,000
Letter of credit outstanding		$ 92,900
Revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to expire in July 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount available under credit facility					$ 800,000
Expiration of credit facility		July 2012

Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Net interest expense
Interest expense	$ 173,674	$ 162,628	$ 147,504
Interest income	(2,058)	(2,626)	(3,887)
Capitalized interest	(1,059)	(1,093)	(1,301)
Net interest expense	$ 170,557	$ 158,909	$ 142,316

Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			164 Months Ended
	Oct. 24, 2011	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009	Aug. 27, 2011	Jun. 14, 2011
Share repurchase activity
Amount	$ 169,700	$ 1,466,802	$ 1,123,655	$ 1,300,002	$ 10,200,000
Shares	527	5,598	6,376	9,313	127,300
Stock Repurchase Program (Textuals) [Abstract]
Stock Repurchased Authorized Value		$ 10,400,000			$ 10,400,000	$ 9,900,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	527	5,598	6,376	9,313	127,300
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 169,700	$ 1,466,802	$ 1,123,655	$ 1,300,002	$ 10,200,000
Stock repurchase authorized during the period, value		750,000			750,000
Stock repurchase authorized amended value		$ 11,150,000			$ 11,150,000

- Definition

Equity impact of the cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method.

+ References + Details

Pension and Savings Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 156,883	$ 117,243	$ 115,313
Asset Allocation, Actual
Asset Allocation, Actual	100.00%	100.00%
Asset Allocation, Target
Debt Securities	30.00%	20.00%
Asset Allocation, Target	100.00%	100.00%
Level 1 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Level 2 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	151,602	105,547
Level 3 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	5,281	11,696
U.S. equities [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 40,092	$ 33,445
Asset Allocation, Actual
Equities	25.50%	28.50%
Asset Allocation, Target
Equities	30.00%	35.00%
U.S. equities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
U.S. equities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	40,092	33,445
U.S. equities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International Equities [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 28,378	$ 24,049
Asset Allocation, Actual
Equities	18.10%	20.50%
Asset Allocation, Target
Equities	20.00%	25.00%
International Equities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
International Equities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	28,378	24,049
International Equities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Emerging Equities [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 12,086	$ 10,431
Asset Allocation, Actual
Equities	7.70%	8.90%
Asset Allocation, Target
Equities	10.00%	10.00%
Emerging Equities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Emerging Equities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	12,086	10,431
Emerging Equities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
High Yield Equities [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 12,547	$ 10,604
Asset Allocation, Actual
Equities	8.00%	9.00%
Asset Allocation, Target
Equities	10.00%	10.00%
High Yield Equities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
High Yield Equities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	12,547	10,604
High Yield Equities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Alternative Investments [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,807	$ 4,348
Asset Allocation, Actual
Investments	1.80%	3.70%
Alternative Investments [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Alternative Investments [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Alternative Investments [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	2,807	4,348
Real Estate [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,474	$ 7,348
Asset Allocation, Actual
Real estate	1.60%	6.30%
Real Estate [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Real Estate [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Real Estate [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	2,474	7,348
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 27,321	$ 22,131
Asset Allocation, Actual
Debt Securities	17.40%	18.90%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	27,321	22,131
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 31,178	$ 4,887
Asset Allocation, Actual
Investments	19.90%	4.20%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	31,178	4,887
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Pension and Savings Plans (Details 1) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Pension and Savings Plans (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($)
Change in fair value of Level 3 assets
Beginning balance	$ 117,243
Actual return on plan assets:
Ending balance	156,883
Level 3 [Member]
Change in fair value of Level 3 assets
Beginning balance	11,696
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held	713
Assets sold during the year	1,361
Sales and settlements	(8,489)
Ending balance	$ 5,281

- Definition

Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

+ References + Details

Pension and Savings Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 211,536	$ 185,590
Interest cost	11,135	11,315	$ 10,647
Actuarial losses	23,746	18,986
Benefits paid	(4,772)	(4,355)
Benefit obligations at end of year	241,645	211,536	185,590
Change in Plan Assets:
Beginning balance	117,243	115,313
Actual return on plan assets	10,336	6,273
Employer contributions	34,076	12	18
Benefits paid	(4,772)	(4,355)
Ending balance	156,883	117,243	$ 115,313
Amount Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position:
Current liabilities	(27)	(12)
Long-term liabilities	(84,736)	(94,281)
Net amount recognized	(84,763)	(94,293)
Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and not yet reflected in Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Net actuarial loss	(106,972)	(94,293)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(106,972)	(94,293)
Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and not yet reflected in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and expected to be amortized in next year's Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Net actuarial loss	(9,795)	(10,252)
Amount recognized	$ (9,795)	$ (10,252)

Pension and Savings Plans (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Net periodic benefit expense (income)
Interest cost	$ 11,135	$ 11,315	$ 10,647
Expected return on plan assets	(9,326)	(9,045)	(12,683)
Amortization of prior service cost			60
Recognized net actuarial losses	9,405	8,135	73
Net periodic benefit expense (income)	$ 11,214	$ 10,405	$ (1,903)

- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References + Details

Pension and Savings Plans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Actuarial assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligation
Weighted average discount rate	5.13%	5.25%	6.24%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows
2012	$ 6,575
2013	7,236
2013	7,989
2014	8,705
2015	9,332
2017 - 2021	$ 56,199

Pension and Savings Plans (Details Textuals) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Pension and Savings Plans (Details Textuals) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($) Manager Strategy	Aug. 28, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 29, 2009 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Pension and Savings Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of consecutive years of highest compensation used to determine defined benefit pension plan benefits		5 years
Pension plan asset constituted in alternate investment strategies		Less than 5%
Hedge fund managers diversified over hedge strategies \| Manager		16
Different hedge strategies \| Strategy		9
Annual contributions by the Company to pension plans		$ 34,076	$ 12	$ 18
Expected contributions to the plan during the remainder of fiscal 2011		7,000
Cash contribution in asset allocation		$ 28,300
Percentage of company matching retirement savings plan contributions that vest immediately		100.00%
Percentage of savings option up to qualified earnings		25.00%
Annual Contribution by employer towards 401(k) Plan		$ 13,300	$ 11,700	$ 11,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.50%	8.00%

Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($)
Future minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and capital leases
2012	$ 209,778
2013	200,715
2014	182,071
2015	164,283
2016	145,700
Thereafter	948,906
Total minimum payments required	1,851,453
2012	25,296
2013	25,444
2014	21,599
2015	14,187
2016	3,123
Thereafter	0
Total minimum payments required	89,649
Less: Interest	(2,993)
Present value of minimum capital lease payments	$ 86,656

Leases (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Leases (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Remaining aggregate rental obligation	$ 1,851,453
Leases (Textuals) [Abstract]
Rental expenses	213,800	$ 195,600	$ 181,300
Capital lease assets	86,600	85,800
Capital lease, accumulated amortization	30,200	20,400
Capital lease obligations	86,700	88,300
Current portion of capital lease obligations	25,296	21,947
Deferred rent	$ 77,600	$ 67,600
Sublease in connection with sale of TruckPro business [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Initial term of subleased properties in connection with sale of TruckPro business	Not less than 20 years
Remaining aggregate rental obligation	$ 18,900

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Commitment for construction	$ 23.9
The period of time before the expiration of standby letters of credit and surety bonds	less than one year
Surety bonds	$ 26.3
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Outstanding standby letters of credit	$ 96.6

Litigation (Details)	12 Months Ended
Litigation (Details)	Aug. 27, 2011 LegalMatter Plaintiffs
Litigation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of plaintiffs in lawsuit entitled Coalition for a Level Playing Field, L.L.C., et al., v. AutoZone, Inc. et al.	More than 200
Number of plaintiffs who filed motions for leave and to amend their complaint \| Plaintiffs	4
Number of claims asserted under the Robinson-Patman Act \| LegalMatter	2
Site contingency, recovery from third party of environmental remediation cost	In 2004, the Company acquired a store site in Mount Ephraim, New Jersey that had previously been the site of a gasoline service station and contained evidence of groundwater contamination. Upon acquisition, the Company voluntarily reported the groundwater contamination issue to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and entered into a Voluntary Remediation Agreement providing for the remediation of the contamination associated with the property. The Company has conducted and paid for (at an immaterial cost to the Company) remediation of visible contamination on the property and is investigating and will be addressing potential vapor intrusion impacts in downgradient residences and businesses. Pursuant to the Voluntary Remediation Agreement, upon completion of all remediation required by the agreement, the Company is eligible to be reimbursed up to 75 percent of its remediation costs by the State of New Jersey. Although the aggregate amount of additional costs that the Company may incur pursuant to the Voluntary Remediation Agreement cannot currently be ascertained, the Company does not currently believe that fulfillment of its obligations under the agreement will result in costs that are material to its financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
Reimbursable remediation costs	75.00%

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	May 07, 2011 USD ($)	Feb. 12, 2011 USD ($)	Nov. 20, 2010 USD ($)	May 08, 2010 USD ($)	Feb. 13, 2010 USD ($)	Nov. 21, 2009 USD ($)	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($) Store	Aug. 28, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($) ReportableSegment OperatingSegment Store	Aug. 28, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 29, 2009 USD ($)
Net Sales:
Net sales	$ 1,978,369	$ 1,660,946	$ 1,791,662	$ 1,821,990	$ 1,506,225	$ 1,589,244	$ 2,641,996	$ 2,445,159	$ 8,072,973	$ 7,362,618	$ 6,816,824
Segment Profit:
Gross profit	1,013,530	845,611	907,748	923,121	753,736	799,924	1,352,574	1,234,963	4,119,463	3,711,744	3,416,449
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses									(2,624,660)	(2,392,330)	(2,240,387)
Interest expense, net									(170,557)	(158,909)	(142,316)
Income before income taxes	$ 353,009	$ 232,172	$ 268,868	$ 319,032	$ 194,072	$ 224,088	470,197	423,313	1,324,246	1,160,505	1,033,746
Segment Assets:
Assets							$ 5,869,602	5,571,594	5,869,602	5,571,594
Capital Expenditures:
Capital Expenditures									$ 321,604	315,400	272,247
Segment Reporting (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of operating segments \| OperatingSegment									2
Number of reportable segments \| ReportableSegment									1
Number of automotive parts and accessories stores in the United States, including Puerto Rico and Mexico \| Store							4,813		4,813
Failure [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales									$ 3,530,497	3,145,528	2,816,126
Maintenance items [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales									3,051,672	2,792,610	2,655,113
Discretionary [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales									1,324,523	1,275,615	1,200,700
Auto Parts Stores [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales									7,906,692	7,213,753	6,671,939
Segment Profit:
Gross profit									3,989,852	3,591,464	3,296,777
Segment Assets:
Assets							$ 5,827,285	5,531,955	5,827,285	5,531,955	5,279,454
Capital Expenditures:
Capital Expenditures									316,074	307,725	260,448
Other [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales									166,281	148,865	144,885
Segment Profit:
Gross profit									129,611	120,280	119,672
Segment Assets:
Assets							42,317	39,639	42,317	39,639	38,951
Capital Expenditures:
Capital Expenditures									5,530	7,675	11,799
Total [Member]
Segment Assets:
Assets							$ 5,869,602	$ 5,571,594	5,869,602	5,571,594	5,318,405
Capital Expenditures:
Capital Expenditures									$ 321,604	$ 315,400	$ 272,247

Quarterly Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 07, 2011	Feb. 12, 2011	Nov. 20, 2010	May 08, 2010	Feb. 13, 2010	Nov. 21, 2009	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010	Aug. 29, 2009
Quarterly Summary
Net sales	$ 1,978,369	$ 1,660,946	$ 1,791,662	$ 1,821,990	$ 1,506,225	$ 1,589,244	$ 2,641,996	$ 2,445,159	$ 8,072,973	$ 7,362,618	$ 6,816,824
Gross profit	1,013,530	845,611	907,748	923,121	753,736	799,924	1,352,574	1,234,963	4,119,463	3,711,744	3,416,449
Operating profit	392,925	271,748	306,121	355,865	230,381	260,428	524,010	472,740	1,494,803	1,319,414	1,176,062
Income before income taxes	353,009	232,172	268,868	319,032	194,072	224,088	470,197	423,313	1,324,246	1,160,505	1,033,746
Net income	$ 227,373	$ 148,056	$ 172,076	$ 202,745	$ 123,333	$ 143,300	$ 301,469	$ 268,933	$ 848,974	$ 738,311	$ 657,049
Basic earnings per share	$ 5.42	$ 3.41	$ 3.85	$ 4.19	$ 2.49	$ 2.86	$ 7.35	$ 5.77	$ 19.91	$ 15.23	$ 11.89
Diluted earnings per share	$ 5.29	$ 3.34	$ 3.77	$ 4.12	$ 2.46	$ 2.82	$ 7.18	$ 5.66	$ 19.47	$ 14.97	$ 11.73

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 7
-Paragraph 18

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945512&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

+ Details