View Filing Data

Document and Entity Information - shares	8 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	May 05, 2012	Jun. 08, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AUTOZONE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000866787
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	May 05, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-25
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,433,856

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 05, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 103,100	$ 97,606
Accounts receivable	133,941	140,690
Merchandise inventories	2,629,821	2,466,107
Other current assets	77,410	88,022
Total current assets	2,944,272	2,792,425
Property and equipment:
Property and equipment	4,565,947	4,371,872
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,798,849)	(1,702,997)
Property and equipment, net	2,767,098	2,668,875
Goodwill	302,645	302,645
Deferred income taxes	22,390	10,661
Other long-term assets	112,449	94,996
Other long-term assets, total	437,484	408,302
Assets	6,148,854	5,869,602
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,866,580	2,755,853
Accrued expenses and other	443,161	449,327
Income taxes payable	80,718	25,185
Deferred income taxes	169,625	166,449
Short-term borrowings	7,309	34,082
Total current liabilities	3,567,393	3,430,896
Long-term debt	3,599,000	3,317,600
Other long-term liabilities	399,290	375,338
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; 39,624 shares issued and 38,069 shares outstanding as of May 5, 2012; 44,084 shares issued and 40,109 shares outstanding as of August 27, 2011	396	441
Additional paid-in capital	629,322	591,384
Retained deficit	(1,356,930)	(643,998)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(116,657)	(119,691)
Treasury stock, at cost	(572,960)	(1,082,368)
Total stockholders' deficit	(1,416,829)	(1,254,232)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit	$ 6,148,854	$ 5,869,602

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	May 05, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
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	39,624	44,084
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,069	40,109

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,111,866	$ 1,978,369	$ 5,840,277	$ 5,430,977
Cost of sales, including warehouse and delivery expenses	1,022,067	964,839	2,840,636	2,664,088
Gross profit	1,089,799	1,013,530	2,999,641	2,766,889
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses	662,549	620,605	1,930,806	1,796,095
Operating profit	427,250	392,925	1,068,835	970,794
Interest expense, net	39,743	39,916	117,760	116,745
Income before income taxes	387,507	353,009	951,075	854,049
Income taxes	138,921	125,636	344,434	306,544
Net income	$ 248,586	$ 227,373	$ 606,641	$ 547,505
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share	38,644	41,978	39,263	43,349
Effect of dilutive stock equivalents	946	977	968	973
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share	39,590	42,955	40,231	44,322
Basic earnings per share	$ 6.43	$ 5.42	$ 15.45	$ 12.63
Diluted earnings per share	$ 6.28	$ 5.29	$ 15.08	$ 12.35

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 606,641	$ 547,505
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	145,177	133,347
Amortization of debt origination fees	5,426	6,060
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(37,263)	(22,027)
Deferred income taxes	3,413	(9,771)
Share-based compensation expense	23,872	18,482
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	6,556	(9,872)
Merchandise inventories	(169,578)	(174,138)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	102,849	277,158
Income taxes payable	92,438	111,823
Other, net	19,076	18,326
Net cash provided by operating activities	798,607	896,893
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(228,277)	(200,584)
Purchase of marketable securities	(34,132)	(34,720)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	30,306	32,087
Disposal of capital assets and other, net	5,870	2,299
Net cash used in investing activities	(226,233)	(200,918)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net payments of commercial paper	(218,600)	(11,900)
Net (payments) proceeds from short-term borrowings	(24,793)	19,690
Proceeds from issuance of debt	500,000	500,000
Repayment of debt	0	(199,300)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock	50,521	42,147
Purchase of treasury stock	(882,725)	(1,033,488)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	37,263	22,027
Payments of capital lease obligations	(17,352)	(16,683)
Other, net	(10,927)	(17,180)
Net cash used in financing activities	(566,613)	(694,687)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(267)	799
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,494	2,087
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	97,606	98,280
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 103,100	$ 100,367

General

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

General [Abstract]

General

Note A – General

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) rules and regulations. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the AutoZone, Inc. (“AutoZone” or the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 27, 2011.

Operating results for the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended May 5, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 25, 2012. Each of the first three quarters of AutoZone’s fiscal year consists of 12 weeks, and the fourth quarter consists of 16 or 17 weeks. The fourth quarters for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 each have 16 weeks. Additionally, the Company’s business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales generally occurring during the months of February through September and the lowest sales generally occurring in the months of December and January.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. The purpose of ASU 2011-12 is to defer the effective date pertaining to reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, until the FASB is able to reconsider operational concerns related to ASU 2011-05. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05 are not affected by ASU 2011-12, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2011-05 or ASU 2011-12 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Both ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending August 31, 2013, including interim periods within that year.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-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
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
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-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
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+ Details

Share-Based Payments

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Share-Based Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Payments

Note B – Share-Based Payments

AutoZone recognizes compensation expense for share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date. Share-based payments include stock option grants, restricted stock grants, restricted stock unit grants and the discount on shares sold to employees under share purchase plans. Additionally, directors’ fees are paid in restricted stock units with value equivalent to the value of shares of common stock as of the grant date. The change in fair value of liability-based stock awards is also recognized in share-based compensation expense.

Total share-based compensation expense (a component of Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses) was $8.8 million for the twelve week period ended May 5, 2012, and was $6.4 million for the comparable prior year period. Share-based compensation expense was $23.9 million for the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012, and was $18.5 million for the comparable prior year period.

During the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012, 467,644 shares of stock options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $110.13. In the comparable prior year period, 436,394 shares of stock options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $99.87.

The Company made stock option grants of 377,130 shares during the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012, and granted options to purchase 424,780 shares during the comparable prior year period. The weighted average fair value of the stock option awards granted during the thirty-six week periods ended May 5, 2012, and May 7, 2011, using the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model, was $93.42 and $58.58 per share, respectively, using the following weighted average key assumptions:


	Thirty-Six Weeks Ended
	May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011
Expected price volatility		31	%		31	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.7	%		1.0	%
Weighted average expected lives (in years)		5.3			4.3
Forfeiture rate		10	%		10	%
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%

See AutoZone’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 27, 2011, for a discussion regarding the methodology used in developing AutoZone’s assumptions to determine the fair value of the option awards and a description of AutoZone’s 2011 Equity Incentive Award Plan and the 2011 Director Compensation Program.

For the twelve week periods ended May 5, 2012 and May 7, 2011, there were no anti-dilutive shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation. There were 1,500 anti-dilutive shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation for the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012, and 1,260 anti-dilutive shares excluded for the comparable prior year.

- 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
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-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
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+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Note C – Fair Value Measurements

The Company 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. The Company uses a hierarchy of valuation inputs to measure fair value.

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:


	May 5, 2012
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Other current assets	$	5,542	$	—	$	—	$	5,542
Other long-term assets		60,394		10,808		—		71,202

	$	65,936	$	10,808	$	—	$	76,744


	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

At May 5, 2012, the fair value measurement amounts for assets and liabilities recorded in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet consisted of short-term marketable securities of $5.5 million, which are included within Other current assets, and long-term marketable securities of $71.2 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. The fair values of the marketable securities, by asset class, are described in “Note D – Marketable Securities”.

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 the thirty-six week periods ended May 5, 2012 and May 7, 2011, 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. A discussion of the carrying values and fair values of the Company’s debt is included in “Note H – 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)
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-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
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-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
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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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
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

+ Details

Marketable Securities

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities

Note D – 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:


	May 5, 2012
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost Basis		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Corporate securities	$	24,930	$	234	$	(5	)	$	25,159
Government bonds		27,792		184		(3	)		27,973
Mortgage-backed securities		4,868		26		(4	)		4,890
Asset-backed securities and other		18,628		94		—			18,722

	$	76,218	$	538	$	(12	)	$	76,744


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

The debt securities held at May 5, 2012, 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 the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012.

The Company holds eight securities that are in an unrealized loss position of approximately $12 thousand at May 5, 2012. 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 the 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
-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
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 2
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

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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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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Equity Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6511694
-Topic 320

+ Details

Derivative Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Note E – Derivative Financial Instruments

During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company entered into two treasury rate locks. 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 in April 2012. The treasury rate locks had notional amounts of $300 million and $100 million with associated fixed rates of 2.09% and 2.07% respectively. The locks were benchmarked based on the 10-year U.S. treasury notes. These locks expired on April 20, 2012 and resulted in a loss of $2.8 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, and no ineffectiveness was 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, and no ineffectiveness was recognized in earnings.

At May 5, 2012, the Company had $5.4 million recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to net realized losses associated with terminated interest rate swap and treasury rate lock derivatives which were designated as hedging instruments. Net losses are amortized into Interest expense over the remaining life of the associated debt. During the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012, the Company reclassified $1.2 million of net losses from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense. In the comparable prior year period, the Company reclassified $858 thousand of net losses from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense. The Company expects to reclassify $1.7 million of net losses from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense over the next 12 months.

Subsequent to May 5, 2012, the Company entered into two treasury rate locks, each with a notional amount of $100 million. These agreements, which are set to expire on November 1, 2012, are cash flow hedges used to hedge the exposure to variability in future cash flows resulting from changes in variable interest rates relating to an anticipated debt transaction. The fixed rates of the hedges are 2.07% and 1.92% and are benchmarked based on the 10-year U.S. treasury notes. It is expected that upon settlement of these agreements, the realized gain or loss will be deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified to Interest expense over the life of the underlying debt.

- 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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-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 FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44
-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
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6887037&loc=d3e80784-113994

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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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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-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
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-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
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Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

+ Details

Merchandise Inventories

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Merchandise Inventories [Abstract]

Merchandise Inventories

Note F – Merchandise Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for domestic inventories and the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method for Mexico inventories. Included in inventories 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 the Company’s merchandise purchases, was $266.2 million at May 5, 2012, and $253.3 million at August 27, 2011.

Pension and Savings Plans

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Pension and Savings Plans [Abstract]

Pension and Savings Plans

Note G – Pension and Savings Plans

The components of net periodic pension expense related to the Company’s pension plans consisted of the following:


	Twelve Weeks Ended						Thirty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)	May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011			May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011
Interest cost	$	2,819		$	2,570		$	8,456		$	7,709
Expected return on plan assets		(2,704	)		(2,152	)		(8,112	)		(6,456	)
Amortization of net loss		2,260			2,170			6,781			6,511

Net periodic pension expense	$	2,375		$	2,588		$	7,125		$	7,764

The Company makes contributions in amounts at least equal to the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. During the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012, the Company made contributions to its funded plan in the amount of $4.6 million. The Company expects to contribute approximately $10.7 million to the plan during the remainder of 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.

- 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)
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
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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
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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
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Financing

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Financing [Abstract]

Financing

Note H – Financing

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


(in thousands)	May 5, 2012		August 27, 2011
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		500,000
3.700% Senior Notes due April 2022, effective interest rate of 3.85%		500,000		—
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 0.44% and 0.35% at May 5, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively		349,000		567,600

	$	3,599,000	$	3,317,600

As of May 5, 2012, the commercial paper borrowings and the 5.875% Senior Notes due October 2012 mature in the next twelve months, but are classified as long-term in the accompanying Condensed 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 $1.0 billion revolving credit facility, expiring in September 2016, which would allow it to replace these short-term obligations with long-term financing.

In addition to the long-term debt discussed above, as of May 5, 2012, the Company had $7.3 million of short-term borrowings that are scheduled to mature in the next 12 months. The short-term borrowings are unsecured, peso-denominated borrowings and accrued interest at 4.63% as of May 5, 2012.

On April 24, 2012, the Company issued $500 million in 3.700% Senior Notes due April 2022 under the Company’s shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2012 (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 a portion of the commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes.

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 fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated at $3.896 billion as of May 5, 2012, and $3.633 billion as of August 27, 2011, 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 terms (Level 2). Such fair value is greater than the carrying value of debt by $289.7 million at May 5, 2012, and $281.0 million at August 27, 2011.

- 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

Stock Repurchase Program

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]

Stock Repurchase Program

Note I – Stock Repurchase Program

From January 1, 1998 to May 5, 2012, the Company has repurchased a total of 129.9 million shares at an aggregate cost of $11.1 billion, including 2,510,029 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $882.7 million during the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012. On March 7, 2012, the Board voted to increase the authorization by $750 million to raise the cumulative share repurchase authorization from $11.15 billion to $11.9 billion. Considering the cumulative repurchases as of May 5, 2012, the Company had $835.9 million remaining under the Board’s authorization to repurchase its common stock. Subsequent to May 5, 2012, the Company has repurchased 893,910 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $335.5 million.

During the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012, the Company retired 4.9 million shares of treasury stock which had previously been repurchased under the Company’s share repurchase program. The retirement increased Retained deficit by $1,319.6 million and decreased Additional paid-in capital by $72.5 million. During the comparable prior year period, the Company retired 6.6 million shares of treasury stock, which increased Retained deficit by $1,247.7 million and decreased Additional paid-in capital by $82.2 million.

Comprehensive Income

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income

Note J – Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes foreign currency translation adjustments; the impact from certain derivative financial instruments designated and effective as cash flow hedges, including changes in fair value, as applicable; the reclassification of gains and/or losses from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Net income to offset the earnings impact of the underlying items being hedged; pension liability adjustments and changes in the fair value of certain investments classified as available-for-sale.

Comprehensive income consisted of the following:


	Twelve Weeks Ended					Thirty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)	May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011		May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011
Net income	$	248,586		$	227,373	$	606,641		$	547,505
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(10,355	)		8,508		(13,616	)		24,790
Net impact from derivative instruments		(1,513	)		405		1,619			(4,594	)
Pension liability adjustments		1,372			736		15,169			3,979
Unrealized gains (losses) from marketable securities		(27	)		220		(138	)		(181	)

Comprehensive income	$	238,063		$	237,242	$	609,675		$	571,499

- 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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+ Details

Litigation

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Litigation [Abstract]

Litigation

Note K – Litigation

The Company was 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 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. The plaintiffs alleged, inter alia, that some or all of the automotive aftermarket retailer defendants including AutoZone had knowingly received, in violation of the Robinson-Patman Act, from various of the manufacturer defendants benefits such as volume discounts, rebates, early buy allowances and other allowances, fees, and other payments including sham advertising and promotional payments that were not available to Plaintiffs.

In an order issued on September 16, 2010, the court granted motions to dismiss all claims against AutoZone and its co-defendant competitors and suppliers. The court ordered the case closed, but allowed plaintiffs to move for leave to file a third amended complaint. In an order dated September 28, 2011, the court denied the 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. On October 26, 2011, plaintiffs filed an appeal of the dismissal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Following mediation, on March 23, 2012, all parties settled the case pursuant to a confidential settlement agreement. On April 5, 2012, the case was withdrawn with prejudice from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On April 11, 2012, the case was dismissed with prejudice by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

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. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has indicated that it will assert that the Company is liable for the downgradient impacts under a joint and severable liability theory, and the Company intends to contest any such assertion. Pursuant to the Voluntary Remediation Agreement, upon completion of all remediation required by the agreement, the Company believes it should be eligible to be reimbursed up to 75 percent of qualified remediation costs by the State of New Jersey. The Company has asked the state for clarification that the agreement applies to off-site work, and the state is considering the request. Although the aggregate amount of additional costs that the Company may incur pursuant to the remediation cannot currently be ascertained, the Company does not currently believe that fulfillment of its obligations under the agreement or otherwise 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

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Note L – Segment Reporting

The Company’s two operating segments (Domestic Auto Parts and Mexico) are 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 in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 27, 2011.

The Auto Parts Stores segment is a retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories through the Company’s 4,910 stores in the United States, including 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. Segment results for the periods presented were as follows:


	Twelve Weeks Ended						Thirty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)	May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011			May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011
Net Sales
Auto Parts Stores	$	2,068,643		$	1,939,094		$	5,715,683		$	5,318,031
Other		43,223			39,275			124,594			112,946

Total	$	2,111,866		$	1,978,369		$	5,840,277		$	5,430,977

Segment Profit
Auto Parts Stores	$	1,056,587		$	983,256		$	2,903,437		$	2,678,814
Other		33,212			30,274			96,204			88,075

Gross profit		1,089,799			1,013,530			2,999,641			2,766,889
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses		(662,549	)		(620,605	)		(1,930,806	)		(1,796,095	)
Interest expense, net		(39,743	)		(39,916	)		(117,760	)		(116,745	)

Income before income taxes	$	387,507		$	353,009		$	951,075		$	854,049

- 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.

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+ Details

General (Policies)	3 Months Ended
General (Policies)	May 05, 2012
General [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. The purpose of ASU 2011-12 is to defer the effective date pertaining to reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, until the FASB is able to reconsider operational concerns related to ASU 2011-05. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05 are not affected by ASU 2011-12, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2011-05 or ASU 2011-12 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Both ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending August 31, 2013, including interim periods within that year.

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Share-Based Payments [Abstract]

Weighted average fair value of the stock option awards granted, weighted average key assumptions


	Thirty-Six Weeks Ended
	May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011
Expected price volatility		31	%		31	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.7	%		1.0	%
Weighted average expected lives (in years)		5.3			4.3
Forfeiture rate		10	%		10	%
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	May 05, 2012
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-20120505_note3_table1 - us-gaap:FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock--> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="92%" border="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; text-align: left" align="center"> <!-- Begin Table Head --> <tr> <td width="66%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="4%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="4%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="4%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="4%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="14" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>May 5, 2012</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:45pt"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><i>(in thousands)</i></font></p> </td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>Level 1</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>Level 2</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>Level 3</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>Fair Value</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> </tr> <!-- End Table Head --> <!-- Begin Table Body --> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> <p style="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">Other current assets</font></p> </td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">5,542</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">— </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">— </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">5,542</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p style="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">Other long-term assets</font></p> </td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">60,394</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">10,808</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">— </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">71,202</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> </td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">65,936</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">10,808</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">— </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">76,744</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td height="16"> </td> <td height="16" colspan="16"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="14" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>August 27, 2011</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:45pt"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><i>(in thousands)</i></font></p> </td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>Level 1</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>Level 2</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>Level 3</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="1"><b>Fair Value</b></font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> <p style="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">Other current assets</font></p> </td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">11,872</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">— </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">— </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">11,872</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p style="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">Other long-term assets</font></p> </td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">55,390</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">5,869</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">— </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">61,259</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:1px solid #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> </td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">67,262</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">5,869</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">— </font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font size="1"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">$</font></td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2">73,131</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><font style="font-family:times new roman" size="2"> </font></td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td valign="bottom"> <p style="border-top:3px double #000000"> </p> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <!-- End Table Body --> </table>

- 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)
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-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)

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Available-for-sale marketable securities


	May 5, 2012
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost Basis		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Corporate securities	$	24,930	$	234	$	(5	)	$	25,159
Government bonds		27,792		184		(3	)		27,973
Mortgage-backed securities		4,868		26		(4	)		4,890
Asset-backed securities and other		18,628		94		—			18,722

	$	76,218	$	538	$	(12	)	$	76,744


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

- 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
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
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-SubTopic 320
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-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62586-112803

+ Details

Pension and Savings Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Pension and Savings Plans [Abstract]

Net periodic pension expense


	Twelve Weeks Ended						Thirty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)	May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011			May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011
Interest cost	$	2,819		$	2,570		$	8,456		$	7,709
Expected return on plan assets		(2,704	)		(2,152	)		(8,112	)		(6,456	)
Amortization of net loss		2,260			2,170			6,781			6,511

Net periodic pension expense	$	2,375		$	2,588		$	7,125		$	7,764

- 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.

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-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.

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-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

Financing (Tables)

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Financing [Abstract]

Components of Company's long-term debt


(in thousands)	May 5, 2012		August 27, 2011
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		500,000
3.700% Senior Notes due April 2022, effective interest rate of 3.85%		500,000		—
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 0.44% and 0.35% at May 5, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively		349,000		567,600

	$	3,599,000	$	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
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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-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

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income


	Twelve Weeks Ended					Thirty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)	May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011		May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011
Net income	$	248,586		$	227,373	$	606,641		$	547,505
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(10,355	)		8,508		(13,616	)		24,790
Net impact from derivative instruments		(1,513	)		405		1,619			(4,594	)
Pension liability adjustments		1,372			736		15,169			3,979
Unrealized gains (losses) from marketable securities		(27	)		220		(138	)		(181	)

Comprehensive income	$	238,063		$	237,242	$	609,675		$	571,499

Segment Reporting (Tables)

3 Months Ended

May 05, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment results


	Twelve Weeks Ended						Thirty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)	May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011			May 5, 2012			May 7, 2011
Net Sales
Auto Parts Stores	$	2,068,643		$	1,939,094		$	5,715,683		$	5,318,031
Other		43,223			39,275			124,594			112,946

Total	$	2,111,866		$	1,978,369		$	5,840,277		$	5,430,977

Segment Profit
Auto Parts Stores	$	1,056,587		$	983,256		$	2,903,437		$	2,678,814
Other		33,212			30,274			96,204			88,075

Gross profit		1,089,799			1,013,530			2,999,641			2,766,889
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses		(662,549	)		(620,605	)		(1,930,806	)		(1,796,095	)
Interest expense, net		(39,743	)		(39,916	)		(117,760	)		(116,745	)

Income before income taxes	$	387,507		$	353,009		$	951,075		$	854,049

- 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

General (Details)	8 Months Ended
General (Details)	May 05, 2012
General (Textual) [Abstract]
Description of reporting periods	Operating results for the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended May 5, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 25, 2012. Each of the first three quarters of AutoZone’s fiscal year consists of 12 weeks, and the fourth quarter consists of 16 or 17 weeks. The fourth quarters for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 each have 16 weeks. Additionally, the Company’s business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales generally occurring during the months of February through September and the lowest sales generally occurring in the months of December and January.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for determining an entity's fiscal year or other fiscal period. This disclosure may include identification of the fiscal period end-date, the length of the fiscal period, any reporting period lag between the entity and its subsidiaries, or equity investees. If a reporting lag exists, the closing date of the entity having a different period end is generally noted, along with an explanation of the necessity for using different closing dates. Any intervening events that materially affect the entity's financial position or results of operations are generally also disclosed.

+ References + Details

Share-Based Payments (Details) - yr	8 Months Ended
Share-Based Payments (Details) - yr	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011
Weighted average fair value of the stock option awards granted, weighted average key assumptions
Expected price volatility	31.00%	31.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.70%	1.00%
Weighted average expected lives (in years)	5.3	4.3
Forfeiture rate	10.00%	10.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%

Share-Based Payments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011
Share-Based Payments (Textual) [Abstract]
Total share-based expense related to stock options and share purchase plans	$ 8.8	$ 6.4	$ 23.9	$ 18.5
Stock options exercised - Shares			467,644	436,394
Stock options exercised - Weighted average exercise price	$ 110.13	$ 99.87	$ 110.13	$ 99.87
Stock options granted			377,130	424,780
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted			$ 93.42	$ 58.58
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of earnings per share	0	0	1,500	1,260

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-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 128
-Paragraph 171
-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 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-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 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 8: 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

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 05, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other current assets	$ 5,542	$ 11,872
Other long-term assets	71,202	61,259
Total	76,744	73,131
Level 1 [Member]
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other current assets	5,542	11,872
Other long-term assets	60,394	55,390
Total	65,936	67,262
Level 2 [Member]
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other current assets	0	0
Other long-term assets	10,808	5,869
Total	10,808	5,869
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
Total	$ 0	$ 0

- 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
-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 133
-Paragraph 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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 16
-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 AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 3
-Section A
-Paragraph 4, 5
-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
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13, 17
-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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379932&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26626-111562

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
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-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 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-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.

+ 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.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 17
-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
-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

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-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
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-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
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-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

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 05, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Short-term marketable securities	$ 5,542	$ 11,872
Long term marketable securities	$ 71,202	$ 61,259

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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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 17
-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
-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	8 Months Ended
Marketable Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	May 05, 2012 USD ($) SecuritiesHold	Aug. 27, 2011 USD ($)
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 76,218	$ 72,393
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	538	783
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(12)	(45)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	$ 76,744	73,131
Marketable Securities (Textual) [Abstract]
Available for sale securities debt maturity period range	Less than one year to approximately 3 years
Number of securities held in unrealized loss position \| SecuritiesHold	8
Available for sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position amount	$ (12)
Corporate securities [Member]
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	24,930	26,261
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	234	229
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(5)	(45)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	25,159	26,445
Government bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	27,792	29,464
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	184	343
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(3)	0
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	27,973	29,807
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,868	4,291
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	26	55
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	0
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	4,890	4,346
Asset-Backed securities and other [Member]
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	18,628	12,377
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	94	156
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	$ 18,722	$ 12,533

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Nov. 20, 2010 USD ($) Forward_StartingSwap	May 05, 2012 USD ($) TreasuryRate_Locks	May 07, 2011 USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2012 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Ineffective portion recognized of forward starting swaps		$ 0
Derivative Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of treasury rate locks \| TreasuryRate_Locks			2
Number of forward starting swaps \| Forward_StartingSwap		3
Senior notes issued during period		$ 500,000	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Senior notes debt issuance		$ 500,000
Derivative description of terms		The swaps were benchmarked based on the 3-month London InterBank Offered Rate.	The locks were benchmarked based on the 10-year U.S. treasury notes
Derivative instrument, variable interest rate months of LIBOR		3 months
Derivative instrument, variable interest rate years			10 years
Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to net unrealized gain (loss), net of tax			$ 5,400
Net realized losses associated with terminated interest derivatives reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense			1,200	$ 858
Expected losses reclassified to interest expense			1,700
Subsequent Event [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of forward swaps					$ 100,000
Fixed rates of the hedges based on LIBOR					2.07%
Losses on three expired interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Losses recognized in OCI upon expiration of swaps	$ 11,700
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%
Treasury Rate Lock, One [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of forward swaps			$ 300,000
Fixed rates of the hedges based on LIBOR			2.09%
Treasury Rate Lock, Two [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of forward swaps			$ 100,000
Fixed rates of the hedges based on LIBOR			2.07%
Treasury Rate Lock, Two [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of forward swaps			$ 100,000
Fixed rates of the hedges based on LIBOR			1.92%
Treasury Rate Lock [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Ineffective portion recognized of forward starting swaps			$ 0
Treasury Rate Lock [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Treasury rate lock agreement, expiration date			Nov. 01, 2012
Treasury Rate Lock [Member] \| Loss on two expired treasury rate locks [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Losses recognized in OCI upon expiration of swaps			$ 2,800

Merchandise Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 05, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Merchandise Inventories (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecorded adjustment for LIFO value in excess of replacement value	$ 266.2	$ 253.3

Pension and Savings Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011
Net periodic pension expense
Interest cost	$ 2,819	$ 2,570	$ 8,456	$ 7,709
Expected return on plan assets	(2,704)	(2,152)	(8,112)	(6,456)
Amortization of net loss	2,260	2,170	6,781	6,511
Net periodic pension expense	2,375	$ 2,588	7,125	$ 7,764
Pension and Savings Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Annual contributions by the Company to pension plans			4,600
Expected contributions to the plan during the remainder of fiscal 2012	$ 10,700		$ 10,700

- 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

Financing (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 05, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	$ 3,599,000	$ 3,317,600
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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	500,000
3.700% Senior Notes due April 2022, effective interest rate of 3.85% [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	500,000
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 0.44% and 0.35% at May 5, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively [Member]
The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
Long-term debt	$ 349,000	$ 567,600

Financing (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
Financing (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 13, 2011	Jul. 31, 2009	Nov. 20, 2010	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011	Aug. 27, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt			$ 500,000	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Financing (Textual) [Abstract]
Remaining borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility				$ 996,600
Interest rate on short-term borrowings				4.63%
Short-term borrowings				$ 7,309		$ 34,082
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.
Fair value of the Company's debt				$ 3,896,000		3,633,000
Excess (shortfall) of fair value of debt over (from) carrying value				$ 289,700		281,000
Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount available under credit facility	$ 200,000
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount available under credit facility	$ 1,000,000					$ 800,000
Expiration of credit facility	September 2016	July 2012
Letter of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,250,000
5.875% Senior Notes due October 2012, effective interest rate of 6.33% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage				5.875%		5.875%
Effective interest rate				6.33%		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%		4.375%
Effective interest rate				5.65%		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%		6.50%
Effective interest rate				6.63%		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%		5.75%
Effective interest rate				5.89%		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%		5.50%
Effective interest rate				4.86%		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%		6.95%
Effective interest rate				7.09%		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%		7.125%
Effective interest rate				7.28%		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%		4.00%
Effective interest rate				4.43%		4.43%
3.700% Senior Notes due April 2022, effective interest rate of 3.85% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt				$ 500,000
Stated interest rate percentage				3.70%		3.70%
Effective interest rate				3.85%		3.85%
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount available under credit facility	$ 175,000
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 0.44% and 0.35% at May 5, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper borrowings, maturity period (in months)				12 months
Weighted average interest rate of commercial paper				0.44%		0.35%

Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		8 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	172 Months Ended
Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 28, 2011	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011	Aug. 25, 2012	May 05, 2012	Mar. 07, 2012
Stock Repurchase Program (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares			2,510,029		893,910	129,900,000
Purchase of treasury stock			$ 882.7		$ 335.5	$ 11,100.0
Remaining Value Authorized For Share Repurchases			$ 835.9			$ 835.9
Stock repurchase authorized during the period, value							$ 750.0
Stock repurchase authorized amended value	$ 11,900.0	$ 11,150.0
Treasury stock acquired repurchase authorization			From January 1, 1998 to May 5, 2012, the Company has repurchased a total of 129.9 million shares at an aggregate cost of $11.1 billion, including 2,510,029 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $882.7 million during the thirty-six week period ended May 5, 2012. On March 7, 2012, the Board voted to increase the authorization by $750 million to raise the cumulative share repurchase authorization from $11.15 billion to $11.9 billion. Considering the cumulative repurchases as of May 5, 2012, the Company had $835.9 million remaining under the Board’s authorization to repurchase its common stock. Subsequent to May 5, 2012, the Company has repurchased 893,910 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $335.5 million.
Shares of treasury stock retired			4,900,000	6,600,000
Retained deficit [Member]
Treasury stock retired, cost method			$ 1,319.6	$ 1,247.7
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Treasury stock retired, cost method			$ 72.5	$ 82.2

Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011	May 05, 2012	May 07, 2011
Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 248,586	$ 227,373	$ 606,641	$ 547,505
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,355)	8,508	(13,616)	24,790
Net impact from derivative instruments	(1,513)	405	1,619	(4,594)
Pension liability adjustments	1,372	736	15,169	3,979
Unrealized gains (losses) from marketable securities	(27)	220	(138)	(181)
Comprehensive income	$ 238,063	$ 237,242	$ 609,675	$ 571,499

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
-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 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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A5
-Appendix A

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e557-108580

Reference 5: 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 6: 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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508144

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ 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
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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19

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

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
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+ Details

- Definition

Net of tax effect change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges after taxes. A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction that is attributable to a particular risk. The change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase or decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 46
-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
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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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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+ Details

- Definition

Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

- Definition

Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain (loss), net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain (loss) at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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+ Details

Litigation (Details)	8 Months Ended
Litigation (Details)	May 05, 2012
Litigation (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Plaintiffs filed case	more than 200 plaintiffs
Maximum reimbursement percentage of qualified remediation cost	75.00%
Description of Reimbursement percentage of qualified remediation cost	up to 75 percent

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	May 05, 2012 USD ($) Store	May 07, 2011 USD ($)	May 05, 2012 USD ($) Store ReportableSegment OperatingSegment	May 07, 2011 USD ($)
Net Sales
Net sales	$ 2,111,866	$ 1,978,369	$ 5,840,277	$ 5,430,977
Segment Profit
Gross profit	1,089,799	1,013,530	2,999,641	2,766,889
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses	(662,549)	(620,605)	(1,930,806)	(1,796,095)
Interest expense, net	(39,743)	(39,916)	(117,760)	(116,745)
Income before income taxes	$ 387,507	353,009	$ 951,075	854,049
Segment Reporting (Textual) [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	4,910		4,910
Auto Parts Stores [Member]
Net Sales
Net sales	$ 2,068,643	1,939,094	$ 5,715,683	5,318,031
Segment Profit
Gross profit	1,056,587	983,256	2,903,437	2,678,814
Other [Member]
Net Sales
Net sales	43,223	39,275	124,594	112,946
Segment Profit
Gross profit	$ 33,212	$ 30,274	$ 96,204	$ 88,075