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Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Nov. 17, 2018	Dec. 13, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Nov. 17, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	AZO
Entity Registrant Name	AUTOZONE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000866787
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-25
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,205,125

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 252,086	$ 217,824
Accounts receivable	275,194	258,136
Merchandise inventories	4,090,376	3,943,670
Other current assets	196,673	216,239
Total current assets	4,814,329	4,635,869
Property and equipment:
Property and equipment	7,324,008	7,291,623
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,095,207	3,073,223
Property and equipment, net	4,228,801	4,218,400
Goodwill	302,645	302,645
Deferred income taxes	33,118	34,620
Other long-term assets	144,688	155,446
Other long-term assets, total	480,451	492,711
Assets	9,523,581	9,346,980
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	4,455,330	4,409,372
Accrued expenses and other	637,274	606,894
Income taxes payable	75,568	12,415
Total current liabilities	5,168,172	5,028,681
Long-term debt	5,156,037	5,005,930
Deferred income taxes	288,438	285,204
Other long-term liabilities	569,550	547,520
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; 27,658 shares issued and 25,216 shares outstanding as of November 17, 2018; 27,530 shares issued and 25,742 shares outstanding as of August 25, 2018	277	275
Additional paid-in capital	1,209,851	1,155,426
Retained deficit	(864,191)	(1,208,824)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(276,066)	(235,805)
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,728,487)	(1,231,427)
Total stockholders' deficit	(1,658,616)	(1,520,355)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit	$ 9,523,581	$ 9,346,980

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	27,658,000	27,530,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,216,000	25,742,000

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,641,733	$ 2,589,131
Cost of sales, including warehouse and delivery expenses	1,224,259	1,223,283
Gross profit	1,417,474	1,365,848
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses	929,656	897,094
Operating profit	487,818	468,754
Interest expense, net	39,006	38,889
Income before income taxes	448,812	429,865
Income tax expense	97,406	148,862
Net income	$ 351,406	$ 281,003
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share	25,629	27,638
Effect of dilutive stock equivalents	468	458
Weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share	26,097	28,096
Basic earnings per share	$ 13.71	$ 10.17
Diluted earnings per share	$ 13.47	$ 10.00

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Nov. 18, 2017

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Net income

$ 351,406

$ 281,003

Other comprehensive loss:

Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes

^[1]

1,316

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(40,573)

(43,217)

Unrealized (losses) on marketable debt securities, net of taxes

^[2]

(77)

(316)

Net derivative activities, net of taxes

^[3]

389

323

Total other comprehensive loss

(40,261)

(41,894)

Comprehensive income

$ 311,145

$ 239,109

[1]	Pension liability adjustments are presented net of taxes of $1,161 in fiscal 2018.
[2]	Unrealized gains on marketable debt securities are presented net of taxes of $20 in fiscal 2019 and $170 in fiscal 2018.
[3]	Net derivative activities are presented net of taxes of $120 in fiscal 2019 and $186 in fiscal 2018.

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Pension liability adjustments, taxes		$ 1,161
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities, taxes	$ 20	170
Net derivative activities, taxes	$ 120	$ 186

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 351,406	$ 281,003
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangibles	82,452	77,986
Amortization of debt origination fees	1,864	1,999
Deferred income taxes	7,420	8,556
Share-based compensation expense	10,527	11,086
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(16,338)	6,671
Merchandise inventories	(167,454)	(151,396)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	67,762	185,009
Income taxes payable	63,774	123,292
Other, net	47,769	20,811
Net cash provided by operating activities	449,182	565,017
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(98,168)	(110,278)
Purchase of marketable debt securities	(7,480)	(61,505)
Proceeds from sale of marketable debt securities	13,116	36,776
Proceeds from disposal of capital assets and other, net	633	354
Net cash used in investing activities	(91,899)	(134,653)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper	149,378	(99,000)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock	44,671	7,033
Purchase of treasury stock	(497,060)	(352,572)
Payments of capital lease obligations	(12,597)	(18,000)
Other, net		(1,165)
Net cash used in financing activities	(315,608)	(463,704)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(7,413)	(2,253)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	34,262	(35,593)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	217,824	293,270
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 252,086	$ 257,677

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficit - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Balance at Aug. 26, 2017	$ (1,428,377)	$ 287	$ 1,086,671	$ (1,642,387)	$ (254,557)	$ (618,391)
Balance, Shares at Aug. 26, 2017		28,735
Net income	281,003			281,003
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(41,894)				(41,894)
Purchase of treasury stock	(352,572)					(352,572)
Issuance of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans	7,463	$ 1	7,462
Issuance of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans, Shares		26
Share-based compensation expense	9,278		9,278
Balance at Nov. 18, 2017	(1,525,099)	$ 288	1,103,411	(1,361,384)	(296,451)	(970,963)
Balance, Shares at Nov. 18, 2017		28,761
Balance at Aug. 25, 2018	$ (1,520,355)	$ 275	1,155,426	(1,208,824)	(235,805)	(1,231,427)
Balance, Shares at Aug. 25, 2018	27,530	27,530
Balance at August 25, 2018, as adjusted at Aug. 25, 2018	$ (1,527,128)	$ 275	1,155,426	(1,215,597)	(235,805)	(1,231,427)
Balance at August 25, 2018, as adjusted, shares at Aug. 25, 2018		27,530
Net income	351,406			351,406
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(40,261)				(40,261)
Purchase of treasury stock	(497,060)					(497,060)
Issuance of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans	44,926	$ 2	44,924
Issuance of common stock under stock options and stock purchase plans, Shares		128
Share-based compensation expense	9,501		9,501
Balance at Nov. 17, 2018	$ (1,658,616)	$ 277	$ 1,209,851	(864,191)	$ (276,066)	$ (1,728,487)
Balance, Shares at Nov. 17, 2018	27,658	27,658
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2014-09	$ (6,773)			$ (6,773)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficit (Parenthetical) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		251 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017	Nov. 17, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Purchase of treasury stock, shares	654	597	145,300

General	3 Months Ended
General	Nov. 17, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
General	Note A – General The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and are presented in accordance with the requirements of 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. GAAP 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 25, 2018. Operating results for the twelve weeks ended November 17, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending August 31, 2019. 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 quarter of fiscal 2019 has 17 weeks and fiscal 2018 had 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. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU, along with subsequent ASUs issued to clarify certain provisions of ASU 2014-09, is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that expands disclosure requirements and requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Companies that transition to this new standard may either retrospectively restate each prior reporting period or follow the modified retrospective method, which reflects the cumulative effect of initially applying the updates with an adjustment to retained earnings at the date of adoption. The Company adopted this standard using the modified retrospective approach with its first quarter ended November 17, 2018. Results for the quarter ended November 17, 2018 were presented under ASU 2014-09, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior periods. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, business processes, controls or systems. Refer to “Note L – Revenue Recognition”. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. ASU 2016-16 requires that an entity recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The guidance must be applied using the modified retrospective approach. The Company adopted this standard with its first quarter ended November 17, 2018 and evaluated the effects from this adoption. The Company determined the provision of ASU 2016-16 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. On August 17, 2018, the SEC adopted a final rule that eliminates or amends certain disclosure requirements that were deemed redundant and outdated in light of changes in SEC requirements, U.S. GAAP or changes in technology or the business environment. The rule also requires registrants to include in their interim financial statements a reconciliation of changes in stockholders’ equity in the notes or as a separate statement. The analysis should reconcile the beginning balance to the ending balance of each caption in shareholders’ equity for each period for which an income statement is required to be filed. The final rule became effective November 5, 2018. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we have provided a reconciliation for the quarterly period as well as the comparable prior period in this Form 10-Q. The eliminated or amended disclosures did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements: In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires a two-fold approach for lessee accounting, under which a lessee will account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. For all leases with terms greater than 12 months, both lease classifications will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on its balance sheet, with differing methodology for income statement recognition. This guidance also requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. The amendment will be effective for the Company at the beginning of its fiscal 2020 year, and early adoption is permitted. As originally issued, this guidance required a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the consolidated financial statements. In July 2018, the FASB issued additional guidance, which allows companies to record the cumulative effect of applying the new standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption, which the Company intends to apply, as an alternative to the modified retrospective approach. The Company intends to elect transition practical expedients under which the Company will not be required to reassess (i) whether expired or existing contracts are or contain leases as defined by the new standard, (ii) the classification of such leases, and (iii) whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under the new standard. The Company established a cross-functional implementation team to evaluate and identify the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Based on the preliminary work completed, the Company has concluded its assessment on its leasing arrangements, evaluated the impact of applying the practical expedients and accounting policy elections and is working on implementing software to meet the reporting requirements of this standard. The Company is currently in the process of identifying changes to its business processes and controls to support the adoption of the new standard. The team is continuing to understand the full analysis of the adoption, but is unable to quantify the impact at this time. The Company anticipates the adoption of this new standard to result in a significant increase in lease-related assets and liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income is currently being evaluated. As the impact of this standard is non-cash in nature, the Company does not anticipate its adoption to have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 aims to simplify the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees, with certain exceptions. The amendment will be effective for the Company at the beginning of its fiscal 2020 year, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2018-07 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Share-Based Payments

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Payments

Note B – Share-Based Payments

AutoZone maintains the Amended 2011 Equity Plan, which provides equity-based compensation to non-employee directors and eligible employees for their service to AutoZone, its subsidiaries or affiliates. The Company 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.

Stock Options:

The Company made stock option grants of 171,293 shares during the twelve week period ended November 17, 2018, and granted options to purchase 282,820 shares during the comparable prior year period. The weighted average fair value of the stock option awards granted during the twelve week periods ended November 17, 2018 and November 18, 2017, using the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model, was $208.31 and $128.93 per share, respectively, using the following weighted average key assumptions:


	Twelve Weeks Ended
	November 17, 2018		November 18, 2017

Expected price volatility		21%		20%
Risk-free interest rate		3.1%		1.9%
Weighted average expected lives (in years)		5.6		5.1
Forfeiture rate		10%		10%
Dividend yield		0%		0%

During the twelve week period ended November 17, 2018, 129,559 stock options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $359.94. In the comparable prior year period, 24,761 stock options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $284.04.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company made restricted stock unit grants of 10,474 shares to eligible employees during the twelve week period ended November 17, 2018 and none in the comparable prior year period. The fair value of the restricted stock unit grants is the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date and the grants vest ratably on an annual basis over a four-year service period. Restricted stock unit awards are payable in shares of common stock on the vesting date. Compensation expense for grants of employee restricted stock units is recognized on a straight-line basis over the four-year service period, less estimated forfeitures, which are consistent with stock option grant forfeiture assumptions.

The weighted average fair value per restricted stock unit granted was $772.80. As of November 17, 2018, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock unit awards, net of estimated forfeitures, was approximately $7.0 million, before income taxes, which we expect to recognize over an estimated weighted average period of 4.0 years. None of the restricted stock units vested as of November 17, 2018.

Total share-based compensation expense (a component of Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses) was $10.5 million for the twelve week period ended November 17, 2018, and $11.1 million for the comparable prior year period.

For the twelve week period ended November 17, 2018, 427,407 stock options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation because they would have been anti-dilutive. For the comparable prior year period, 802,195 anti-dilutive shares were excluded from the dilutive earnings per share computation.

See AutoZone’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 25, 2018, 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 Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Incentive Award Plan, the 2011 Director Compensation Program and the 2014 Director Compensation Plan.

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [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. In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, the Company uses the fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy, as defined below, gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are set forth below:

Level 1 inputs—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access at the measurement date.

Level 2 inputs—inputs other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for the asset or liability.

Level 3 inputs—unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are based on the Company’s own assumptions as there is little, if any, observable activity in identical assets or liabilities.

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:


	November 17, 2018
(in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value

Other current assets		$	53,889		$	3,308		$	–		$	57,197
Other long-term assets			57,214			14,531			–			71,745

		$	111,103		$	17,839		$	–		$	128,942


	August 25, 2018
(in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value

Other current assets		$	55,711		$	3,733		$	–		$	59,444
Other long-term assets			58,973			16,259			–			75,232

		$	114,684		$	19,992		$	–		$	134,676

At November 17, 2018, the fair value measurement amounts for assets and liabilities recorded in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of short-term marketable debt securities of $57.2 million, which are included within Other current assets, and long-term marketable debt securities of $71.7 million, which are included in Other long-term assets. The Company’s marketable debt 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 debt securities, by asset class, are described in “Note D – Marketable Debt Securities.”

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

Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in certain circumstances, including in the event of impairment. These non-financial assets and liabilities could include assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition as well as goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment that are determined to be impaired. As of November 17, 2018 and August 25, 2018, the Company did not have any other significant non-financial assets or liabilities that had been measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis 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 G – 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 + Details

Marketable Debt Securities

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Debt Securities

Note D – Marketable Debt Securities

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


	November 17, 2018
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost Basis			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value

Corporate debt securities		$	46,378		$	–		$	(751	)		$	45,627
Government bonds			30,376			4			(219	)			30,161
Mortgage-backed securities			2,902			–			(81	)			2,821
Asset-backed securities and other			50,484			–			(151	)			50,333

		$	130,140		$	4		$	(1,202	)		$	128,942


	August 25, 2018
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost Basis			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value

Corporate debt securities		$	50,306		$	–		$	(684	)		$	49,622
Government bonds			28,777			–			(173	)			28,604
Mortgage-backed securities			3,248			–			(90	)			3,158
Asset-backed securities and other			53,445			–			(153	)			53,292

		$	135,776		$	–		$	(1,100	)		$	134,676

The debt securities held at November 17, 2018, had effective maturities ranging from less than one year to approximately three years. The Company did not realize any material gains or losses on its marketable debt securities during the twelve week period ended November 17, 2018.

The Company holds 111 securities that are in an unrealized loss position of approximately $1.2 million at November 17, 2018. 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.

Included above in total marketable debt securities are $85.9 million of marketable debt securities transferred by the Company’s insurance captive to a trust account to secure its obligations to an insurance company related to future workers’ compensation and casualty losses.

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
Derivative Financial Instruments	Nov. 17, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Note E – Derivative Financial Instruments At November 17, 2018, the Company had $7.3 million recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to 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 twelve week period ended November 17, 2018 and the comparable prior year period, the Company reclassified $509 thousand of net losses from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense. The Company expects to reclassify $2.2 million of net losses from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense over the next 12 months.

Merchandise Inventories	3 Months Ended
Merchandise Inventories	Nov. 17, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Merchandise Inventories	Note F – Merchandise Inventories Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Merchandise inventories include related purchasing, storage and handling costs. Inventory cost has been determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for domestic inventories and the weighted average cost method for Mexico and Brazil inventories. Due to price deflation on the Company’s merchandise purchases, the Company has exhausted its LIFO reserve balance. The Company’s policy is not to write up inventory in excess of replacement cost, which is based on average cost. The difference between LIFO cost and replacement cost, which will be reduced upon experiencing price inflation on the Company’s merchandise purchases, was $458.4 million at November 17, 2018 and $452.4 million at August 25, 2018.

Financing

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Financing

Note G – Financing

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


(in thousands)	November 17, 2018			August 25, 2018

1.625% Senior Notes due April 2019, effective interest rate of 1.77%		$	250,000		$	250,000
4.000% Senior Notes due November 2020, effective interest rate of 4.43%			500,000			500,000
2.500% Senior Notes due April 2021, effective interest rate of 2.62%			250,000			250,000
3.700% Senior Notes due April 2022, effective interest rate of 3.85%			500,000			500,000
2.875% Senior Notes due January 2023, effective interest rate of 3.21%			300,000			300,000
3.125% Senior Notes due July 2023, effective interest rate of 3.26%			500,000			500,000
3.250% Senior Notes due April 2025, effective interest rate 3.36%			400,000			400,000
3.125% Senior Notes due April 2026, effective interest rate of 3.28%			400,000			400,000
3.750% Senior Notes due June 2027, effective interest rate of 3.83%			600,000			600,000
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 2.55% and 2.29% at November 17, 2018 and August 25, 2018, respectively			1,474,678			1,325,300

Total debt before discounts and debt issuance costs			5,174,678			5,025,300
Less: Discounts and debt issuance costs			18,641			19,370

Long-term debt		$	5,156,037		$	5,005,930

As of November 17, 2018, the commercial paper borrowings and the $250 million 1.625% Senior Notes due April 2019 are classified as long-term in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as the Company has the ability and intent to refinance them on a long-term basis through available capacity in its revolving credit facilities. As of November 17, 2018, the Company had $1.997 billion of availability under its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, which would allow it to replace these short-term obligations with long-term financing facilities.

The Company entered into a Master Extension, New Commitment and Amendment Agreement dated as of November 18, 2017 (the “Extension Amendment”) to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 18, 2016, as amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”). Under the Extension Amendment: (i) the Company’s borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement was increased from $1.6 billion to $2.0 billion; (ii) the Company’s option to increase its borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement was “refreshed” and the amount of such option remained at $400 million; the maximum borrowing under the Revolving Credit Agreement may, at the Company’s option, subject to lenders approval, be increased from $2.0 billion to $2.4 billion; (iii) the termination date of the Revolving Credit Agreement was extended from November 18, 2021 until November 18, 2022; and (iv) the Company has the option to make one additional written request of the lenders to extend the termination date then in effect for an additional year.

Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow funds consisting of Eurodollar loans, base rate loans or a combination of both. Interest accrues on Eurodollar loans at a defined Eurodollar rate, defined as LIBOR plus the applicable percentage, as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement, depending upon the Company’s senior, unsecured, (non-credit enhanced) long-term debt ratings. Interest accrues on base rate loans as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement. As of November 17, 2018, the Company had $3.3 million of outstanding letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

The fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated at $5.065 billion as of November 17, 2018, and $4.948 billion as of August 25, 2018, 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 less than the the carrying value of debt by $90.6 million at November 17, 2018, which reflects their face amount, adjusted for any unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts. At August 25, 2018, the fair value was less than the carrying value of debt by $57.5 million.

All senior notes are subject to an interest rate adjustment if the debt ratings assigned to the senior notes are downgraded (as defined in the agreements). Further, the senior notes contain a provision that repayment of the senior notes may be accelerated if the Company experiences a change in control (as defined in the agreements). The Company’s borrowings under its senior notes contain minimal covenants, primarily restrictions on liens. Under its revolving credit facilities, covenants include restrictions on liens, a maximum debt to earnings ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a change of control provision that may require acceleration of the repayment obligations under certain circumstances. All of the repayment obligations under its borrowing arrangements may be accelerated and come due prior to the applicable scheduled payment date if covenants are breached or an event of default occurs. As of November 17, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and expect to remain in compliance with all covenants under its borrowing arrangements.

Stock Repurchase Program	3 Months Ended
Stock Repurchase Program	Nov. 17, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program	Note H – Stock Repurchase Program From January 1, 1998 to November 17, 2018, the Company has repurchased a total of 145.3 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $19.915 billion, including 654,070 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $497.1 million during the twelve week period ended November 17, 2018. On September 26, 2018, the Board voted to increase the authorization by $1.25 billion. This raised the total value of shares authorized to be repurchased to $20.9 billion. Considering the cumulative repurchases as of November 17, 2018, the Company had $984.6 million remaining under the Board’s authorization to repurchase its common stock. Subsequent to November 17, 2018, the Company has repurchased 97,113 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $79.8 million.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Note I – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes certain adjustments to pension liabilities, foreign currency translation adjustments, certain activity for interest rate swaps and treasury rate locks that qualify as cash flow hedges and unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities. Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the twelve week periods ended November 17, 2018 and November 18, 2017 consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	Pension Liability⁽⁶⁾				Foreign Currency and Other⁽³⁾				Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities				Derivatives				Total

Balance at August 25, 2018		$	–			$	(228,899	)		$	(873	)		$	(6,033	)		$	(235,805	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications⁽¹⁾			–				(40,573	)			(77	)			–				(40,650	)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss⁽¹⁾			–				–				–				389	⁽⁵⁾			389

Balance at November 17, 2018		$	–			$	(269,472	)		$	(950	)		$	(5,644	)		$	(276,066	)


(in thousands)	Pension Liability				Foreign Currency and Other⁽³⁾				Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities				Derivatives				Total

Balance at August 26, 2017		$	(72,376	)		$	(175,814	)		$	(11	)		$	(6,356	)		$	(254,557	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications⁽¹⁾			–				(43,217	)			(314	)			–				(43,531	)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss⁽¹⁾			1,316	⁽²⁾			–				(2	)⁽⁴⁾			323	⁽⁵⁾			1,637

Balance at November 18, 2017		$	(71,060	)		$	(219,031	)		$	(327	)		$	(6,033	)		$	(296,451	)

(1)

Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

(2)

Represents amortization of pension liability adjustments, net of taxes of $1,161 in fiscal 2018, which is recorded in Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(3)

Foreign currency is shown net of U.S. tax to account for foreign currency impacts of certain undistributed non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings. Other foreign currency is not shown net of additional U.S. tax as other basis differences of non-U.S. subsidiaries are intended to be permanently reinvested.

(4)

Represents realized losses on marketable debt securities, net of taxes of $1 in fiscal 2018, which is recorded in Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See “Note D – Marketable Debt Securities” for further discussion.

(5)

Represents losses on derivatives, net of taxes of $120 in fiscal 2019 and $186 in fiscal 2018, which is recorded in Interest expense, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See “Note E – Derivative Financial Instruments” for further discussion.

(6)

On December 19, 2017, the Board of Directors approved a resolution to terminate both of the Company’s pension plans, effective March 15, 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company completed the termination and no longer has any remaining defined pension benefit obligation.

Goodwill and Intangibles

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangibles

Note J – Goodwill and Intangibles

As of November 17, 2018, there were no changes to the carrying amount of goodwill as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 25, 2018.

The carrying amounts of intangible assets are included in Other long-term assets as follows:


(in thousands)	Estimated Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization				Net Carrying Amount

Amortizing intangible assets:
Technology		3-5 years		$	870		$	(870	)		$	–
Customer relationships		3-10 years			29,376			(20,549	)			8,827

				$	30,246		$	(21,419	)			8,827


Total intangible assets other than goodwill											$	8,827

Amortization expense of intangible assets for the twelve week periods ended November 17, 2018 and November 18, 2017 was $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Litigation	3 Months Ended
Litigation	Nov. 17, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation	Note K – Litigation In July 2014, the Company received a subpoena from the District Attorney of the County of Alameda, along with other environmental prosecutorial offices in the state of California, seeking documents and information related to the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. The Company received notice that the District Attorney will seek injunctive and monetary relief. The Company is cooperating fully with the request and cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these efforts, although the Company has accrued all amounts it believes to be probable and reasonably estimable. The Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of its business, including, but not limited to, 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 its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
Revenue Recognition	Nov. 17, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Note L – Revenue Recognition The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the modified retrospective method beginning with our first quarter ending November 17, 2018. The cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09 resulted in an increase to the opening retained deficit balance of $6.8 million, net of taxes at August 26, 2018, and a related adjustment to accounts receivable, other current assets, other long-term assets, other current liabilities and deferred income taxes as of that date. Revenue for periods prior to August 26, 2018 were not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior periods. The Company’s primary source of revenue is derived from the sale of automotive aftermarket parts and merchandise to its retail and commercial customers. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied, in an amount representing the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for selling products to its customers. Sales are recorded net of variable consideration in the period incurred, including discounts, sales incentives and rebates, sales taxes and estimated sales returns. Sales returns are based on historical return rates. The Company may enter into contracts that include multiple combinations of products and services, which are accounted for as separate performance obligations and do not require significant judgment. The Company’s performance obligations are typically satisfied when the customer takes possession of the merchandise. Revenue from retail customers is recognized when the customer leaves our store with the purchased products, typically at the point of sale or for E-commerce orders when the product is shipped. Revenue from commercial customers is recognized upon delivery, typically same-day. Payment from retail customers is at the point of sale and payment terms for commercial customers are based on the Company’s pre-established credit requirements and generally range from 1 to 30 days. Discounts, sales incentives and rebates are treated as separate performance obligations, and revenue allocated to these performance obligations is recognized as the obligations to the customer are satisfied. Additionally, the Company estimates and records gift card breakage as redemptions occur. The Company offers diagnostic and repair information software used in the automotive repair industry through ALLDATA. This revenue is recognized as services are provided. Revenue from these services are recognized over the life of the contract. The Company or the vendors supplying its products provides the Company’s customers limited warranties on certain products that range from 30 days to lifetime. In most cases, the Company’s vendors are primarily responsible for warranty claims. Warranty costs for merchandise sold under warranty not covered by vendors are estimated and recorded at the time of sale based on the historical return rate for each individual product line. Differences between vendor allowances received, in lieu of warranty obligations and estimated warranty expense for the vendor’s products, are recorded as an adjustment to cost of sales. There were no material contract assets, contract liabilities or deferred contract costs recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of November 17, 2018. Revenue related to unfulfilled performance obligations as of November 17, 2018 is not significant. Refer to “Note M – Segment Reporting” in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to revenue recognized during the period.

Segment Reporting

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Note M – Segment Reporting

The Company’s operating segments (Domestic Auto Parts, Mexico and Brazil; and IMC through April 4, 2018) are aggregated as one reportable segment: Auto Parts Locations. 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 25, 2018.

The Auto Parts Locations segment is a retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories through the Company’s 6,218 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Brazil. 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 of three operating segments that are not separately reportable due to the materiality of these operating segments. The operating segments include ALLDATA, which produces, sells and maintains diagnostic and repair information software used in the automotive repair industry; sales through www.autozone.com that are not fulfilled by an AutoZone store; and AutoAnything, which includes direct sales to customers through www.autoanything.com, prior to the Company’s sale of substantially all of AutoAnything’s assets on February 26, 2018.

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
(in thousands)	November 17, 2018				November 18, 2017

Net Sales
Auto Parts Locations		$	2,593,440			$	2,510,128
Other			48,293				79,003

Total		$	2,641,733			$	2,589,131


Segment Profit
Auto Parts Locations		$	1,383,564			$	1,322,444
Other			33,910				43,404

Gross profit			1,417,474				1,365,848
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses			(929,656	)			(897,094	)
Interest expense, net			(39,006	)			(38,889	)

Income before income taxes		$	448,812			$	429,865

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Nov. 17, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note N – Income Taxes The Company’s effective income tax rate on pretax income for the twelve weeks ended November 17, 2018, was 21.7% compared to 34.6% for the prior year period. The decrease in the tax rate was primarily due to the reduction in the Company’s Federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% upon enactment of Tax Reform, which resulted in a tax benefit of $52.6 million in addition to $9.0 million excess tax benefits from option exercises versus the prior year period. The Company’s effective tax rate for the twelve weeks ended November 17, 2018 of 21.7% was slightly higher than the U.S. statutory federal rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes offset by $11.2 million of tax benefits associated with stock option accounting, compared to $2.2 million in the prior year period. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of GAAP in situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of Tax Reform. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of Tax Reform is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of Tax Reform. The ultimate impact may differ from provisional amounts recorded, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, and additional regulatory guidance that may be issued. The accounting is expected to be completed within one year from the enactment date of Tax Reform. For the twelve weeks ended November 17, 2018, the Company has not recorded additional provisional adjustments in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. During the preceding year ended August 25, 2018, the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate for the mandatory one-time transition tax as an increase to tax expense of $25.8 million, and for the re-measurement of its net U.S. federal deferred tax liability at the lower rate, a reduction to tax expense of $157.3 million. Additional provisions from Tax Reform are effective for FY19 and while immaterial, the Company’s analysis of these items is incomplete at this time. The Company will complete the accounting for these items during the measurement period, which will end during the Company’s twenty-four week period ending February 9, 2019.

General (Policies)	3 Months Ended
General (Policies)	Nov. 17, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fiscal Period	Operating results for the twelve weeks ended November 17, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending August 31, 2019. 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 quarter of fiscal 2019 has 17 weeks and fiscal 2018 had 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.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU, along with subsequent ASUs issued to clarify certain provisions of ASU 2014-09, is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that expands disclosure requirements and requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Companies that transition to this new standard may either retrospectively restate each prior reporting period or follow the modified retrospective method, which reflects the cumulative effect of initially applying the updates with an adjustment to retained earnings at the date of adoption. The Company adopted this standard using the modified retrospective approach with its first quarter ended November 17, 2018. Results for the quarter ended November 17, 2018 were presented under ASU 2014-09, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior periods. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, business processes, controls or systems. Refer to “Note L – Revenue Recognition”. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. ASU 2016-16 requires that an entity recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The guidance must be applied using the modified retrospective approach. The Company adopted this standard with its first quarter ended November 17, 2018 and evaluated the effects from this adoption. The Company determined the provision of ASU 2016-16 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. On August 17, 2018, the SEC adopted a final rule that eliminates or amends certain disclosure requirements that were deemed redundant and outdated in light of changes in SEC requirements, U.S. GAAP or changes in technology or the business environment. The rule also requires registrants to include in their interim financial statements a reconciliation of changes in stockholders’ equity in the notes or as a separate statement. The analysis should reconcile the beginning balance to the ending balance of each caption in shareholders’ equity for each period for which an income statement is required to be filed. The final rule became effective November 5, 2018. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we have provided a reconciliation for the quarterly period as well as the comparable prior period in this Form 10-Q. The eliminated or amended disclosures did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements: In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires a two-fold approach for lessee accounting, under which a lessee will account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. For all leases with terms greater than 12 months, both lease classifications will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on its balance sheet, with differing methodology for income statement recognition. This guidance also requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. The amendment will be effective for the Company at the beginning of its fiscal 2020 year, and early adoption is permitted. As originally issued, this guidance required a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the consolidated financial statements. In July 2018, the FASB issued additional guidance, which allows companies to record the cumulative effect of applying the new standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption, which the Company intends to apply, as an alternative to the modified retrospective approach. The Company intends to elect transition practical expedients under which the Company will not be required to reassess (i) whether expired or existing contracts are or contain leases as defined by the new standard, (ii) the classification of such leases, and (iii) whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under the new standard. The Company established a cross-functional implementation team to evaluate and identify the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Based on the preliminary work completed, the Company has concluded its assessment on its leasing arrangements, evaluated the impact of applying the practical expedients and accounting policy elections and is working on implementing software to meet the reporting requirements of this standard. The Company is currently in the process of identifying changes to its business processes and controls to support the adoption of the new standard. The team is continuing to understand the full analysis of the adoption, but is unable to quantify the impact at this time. The Company anticipates the adoption of this new standard to result in a significant increase in lease-related assets and liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income is currently being evaluated. As the impact of this standard is non-cash in nature, the Company does not anticipate its adoption to have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 aims to simplify the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees, with certain exceptions. The amendment will be effective for the Company at the beginning of its fiscal 2020 year, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2018-07 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Weighted Average for Key Assumptions Used in Determining Fair Value of Options Granted and Related Share-Based Compensation Expense

The weighted average fair value of the stock option awards granted during the twelve week periods ended November 17, 2018 and November 18, 2017, using the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model, was $208.31 and $128.93 per share, respectively, using the following weighted average key assumptions:


	Twelve Weeks Ended
	November 17, 2018		November 18, 2017

Expected price volatility		21%		20%
Risk-free interest rate		3.1%		1.9%
Weighted average expected lives (in years)		5.6		5.1
Forfeiture rate		10%		10%
Dividend yield		0%		0%

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Company's Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

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


	November 17, 2018
(in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value

Other current assets		$	53,889		$	3,308		$	–		$	57,197
Other long-term assets			57,214			14,531			–			71,745

		$	111,103		$	17,839		$	–		$	128,942


	August 25, 2018
(in thousands)	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value

Other current assets		$	55,711		$	3,733		$	–		$	59,444
Other long-term assets			58,973			16,259			–			75,232

		$	114,684		$	19,992		$	–		$	134,676

Marketable Debt Securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities

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


	November 17, 2018
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost Basis			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value

Corporate debt securities		$	46,378		$	–		$	(751	)		$	45,627
Government bonds			30,376			4			(219	)			30,161
Mortgage-backed securities			2,902			–			(81	)			2,821
Asset-backed securities and other			50,484			–			(151	)			50,333

		$	130,140		$	4		$	(1,202	)		$	128,942


	August 25, 2018
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost Basis			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value

Corporate debt securities		$	50,306		$	–		$	(684	)		$	49,622
Government bonds			28,777			–			(173	)			28,604
Mortgage-backed securities			3,248			–			(90	)			3,158
Asset-backed securities and other			53,445			–			(153	)			53,292

		$	135,776		$	–		$	(1,100	)		$	134,676

Financing (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Debt

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


(in thousands)	November 17, 2018			August 25, 2018

1.625% Senior Notes due April 2019, effective interest rate of 1.77%		$	250,000		$	250,000
4.000% Senior Notes due November 2020, effective interest rate of 4.43%			500,000			500,000
2.500% Senior Notes due April 2021, effective interest rate of 2.62%			250,000			250,000
3.700% Senior Notes due April 2022, effective interest rate of 3.85%			500,000			500,000
2.875% Senior Notes due January 2023, effective interest rate of 3.21%			300,000			300,000
3.125% Senior Notes due July 2023, effective interest rate of 3.26%			500,000			500,000
3.250% Senior Notes due April 2025, effective interest rate 3.36%			400,000			400,000
3.125% Senior Notes due April 2026, effective interest rate of 3.28%			400,000			400,000
3.750% Senior Notes due June 2027, effective interest rate of 3.83%			600,000			600,000
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 2.55% and 2.29% at November 17, 2018 and August 25, 2018, respectively			1,474,678			1,325,300

Total debt before discounts and debt issuance costs			5,174,678			5,025,300
Less: Discounts and debt issuance costs			18,641			19,370

Long-term debt		$	5,156,037		$	5,005,930

- 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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-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

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-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=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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+ Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the twelve week periods ended November 17, 2018 and November 18, 2017 consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	Pension Liability⁽⁶⁾				Foreign Currency and Other⁽³⁾				Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities				Derivatives				Total

Balance at August 25, 2018		$	–			$	(228,899	)		$	(873	)		$	(6,033	)		$	(235,805	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications⁽¹⁾			–				(40,573	)			(77	)			–				(40,650	)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss⁽¹⁾			–				–				–				389	⁽⁵⁾			389

Balance at November 17, 2018		$	–			$	(269,472	)		$	(950	)		$	(5,644	)		$	(276,066	)


(in thousands)	Pension Liability				Foreign Currency and Other⁽³⁾				Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities				Derivatives				Total

Balance at August 26, 2017		$	(72,376	)		$	(175,814	)		$	(11	)		$	(6,356	)		$	(254,557	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications⁽¹⁾			–				(43,217	)			(314	)			–				(43,531	)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss⁽¹⁾			1,316	⁽²⁾			–				(2	)⁽⁴⁾			323	⁽⁵⁾			1,637

Balance at November 18, 2017		$	(71,060	)		$	(219,031	)		$	(327	)		$	(6,033	)		$	(296,451	)

(1)

Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Goodwill and Intangibles (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Intangible Assets

The carrying amounts of intangible assets are included in Other long-term assets as follows:


(in thousands)	Estimated Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization				Net Carrying Amount

Amortizing intangible assets:
Technology		3-5 years		$	870		$	(870	)		$	–
Customer relationships		3-10 years			29,376			(20,549	)			8,827

				$	30,246		$	(21,419	)			8,827


Total intangible assets other than goodwill											$	8,827

Segment Reporting (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 17, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Results

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
(in thousands)	November 17, 2018				November 18, 2017

Net Sales
Auto Parts Locations		$	2,593,440			$	2,510,128
Other			48,293				79,003

Total		$	2,641,733			$	2,589,131


Segment Profit
Auto Parts Locations		$	1,383,564			$	1,322,444
Other			33,910				43,404

Gross profit			1,417,474				1,365,848
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses			(929,656	)			(897,094	)
Interest expense, net			(39,006	)			(38,889	)

Income before income taxes		$	448,812			$	429,865

General - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
General - Additional Information (Detail)	Nov. 17, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of reporting periods	Operating results for the twelve weeks ended November 17, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending August 31, 2019. 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 quarter of fiscal 2019 has 17 weeks and fiscal 2018 had 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.

Share-Based Payments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017	Nov. 17, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$ 208.31	$ 128.93
Stock options granted	171,293	282,820
Stock options exercised - Shares	129,559		24,761
Stock options exercised - Weighted average exercise price	$ 359.94		$ 284.04
share-based compensation expense	$ 10.5		$ 11.1
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$ 772.80
Restricted stock units granted	10,474
Non vested restricted stock unit award	$ 7.0
Estimated weighted average period	4 years
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of earnings per share	427,407	802,195

Share-Based Payments - Weighted Average for Key Assumptions Used in Determining Fair Value of Options Granted and Related Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected price volatility	21.00%	20.00%
Risk-free interest rate	3.10%	1.90%
Weighted average expected lives (in years)	5 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 1 month 6 days
Forfeiture rate	10.00%	10.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%

Fair Value Measurements - Company's Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	$ 128,942	$ 134,676
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other current assets	57,197	59,444
Other long-term assets	71,745	75,232
Total	128,942	134,676
Level 1 [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other current assets	53,889	55,711
Other long-term assets	57,214	58,973
Total	111,103	114,684
Level 2 [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other current assets	3,308	3,733
Other long-term assets	14,531	16,259
Total	$ 17,839	$ 19,992

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term marketable debt securities	$ 57,197	$ 59,444
Long-term marketable debt securities	$ 71,745	$ 75,232

Marketable Debt Securities - Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 130,140	$ 135,776
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	4
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,202)	(1,100)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	128,942	134,676
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	46,378	50,306
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(751)	(684)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	45,627	49,622
Government Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	30,376	28,777
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	4
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(219)	(173)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	30,161	28,604
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,902	3,248
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(81)	(90)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	2,821	3,158
Asset-Backed Securities and Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	50,484	53,445
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(151)	(153)
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Fair Value	$ 50,333	$ 53,292

Marketable Debt Securities - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018 USD ($) Securities	Aug. 25, 2018 USD ($)
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available for sale securities debt maturity period range	Less than one year to approximately three years
Number of securities available for sale loss position \| Securities	111
Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	$ 1,202	$ 1,100
Marketable securities transferred	$ 85,900

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 17, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative losses recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 7,300
Net derivative losses amortized into Interest expense	509	$ 509
Net derivative loss expected to be reclassified over next 12 months	$ 2,200

Merchandise Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecorded adjustment for LIFO value in excess of replacement value	$ 458.4	$ 452.4

Financing - Schedule of Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper	$ 1,474,678	$ 1,325,300
Total debt before discounts and debt issuance costs	5,174,678	5,025,300
Less: Discounts and debt issuance costs	18,641	19,370
Long-term debt	5,156,037	5,005,930
1.625% Senior Notes due April 2019, effective interest rate of 1.77% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	250,000	250,000
4.000% Senior Notes due November 2020, effective interest rate of 4.43% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	500,000	500,000
2.500% Senior Notes due April 2021, effective interest rate of 2.62% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	250,000	250,000
3.700% Senior Notes due April 2022, effective interest rate of 3.85% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	500,000	500,000
2.875% Senior Notes due January 2023, effective interest rate of 3.21% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	300,000	300,000
3.125% Senior Notes due July 2023, effective interest rate of 3.26% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	500,000	500,000
3.250% Senior Notes due April 2025, effective interest rate 3.36% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	400,000	400,000
3.125% Senior Notes due April 2026, effective interest rate of 3.28% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	400,000	400,000
3.750% Senior Notes due June 2027, effective interest rate of 3.83% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	$ 600,000	$ 600,000

Financing - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Financing - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate of 0% and 2.29% at November 17, 2018 and August 25, 2018, respectively [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate of commercial paper	2.55%	2.29%
1.625% Senior Notes due April 2019, effective interest rate of 1.77% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage	1.625%	1.625%
Effective interest rate	1.77%	1.77%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2019-04	2019-04
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%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2020-11	2020-11
2.500% Senior Notes due April 2021, effective interest rate of 2.62% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage	2.50%	2.50%
Effective interest rate	2.62%	2.62%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2021-04	2021-04
3.700% Senior Notes due April 2022, effective interest rate of 3.85% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage	3.70%	3.70%
Effective interest rate	3.85%	3.85%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2022-04	2022-04
2.875% Senior Notes due January 2023, effective interest rate of 3.21% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage	2.875%	2.875%
Effective interest rate	3.21%	3.21%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2023-01	2023-01
3.125% Senior Notes due July 2023, effective interest rate of 3.26% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage	3.125%	3.125%
Effective interest rate	3.26%	3.26%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2023-07	2023-07
3.250% Senior Notes due April 2025, effective interest rate 3.36% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage	3.25%	3.25%
Effective interest rate	3.36%	3.36%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2025-04	2025-04
3.125% Senior Notes due April 2026, effective interest rate of 3.28% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage	3.125%	3.125%
Effective interest rate	3.28%	3.28%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2026-04	2026-04
3.750% Senior Notes due June 2027, effective interest rate of 3.83% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate percentage	3.75%	3.75%
Effective interest rate	3.83%	3.83%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2027-06	2027-06

Financing - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Financing - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 1,997,000,000
Amount available under credit facility	2,000,000,000
Fair value of the Company's debt	5,065,000,000	$ 4,948,000,000
Excess (shortfall) of fair value of debt over (from) carrying value	90,600,000	57,500,000
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount available under credit facility	1,600,000,000
Master Extension Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount available under credit facility	2,000,000,000
Revolving credit agreement, available additional borrowing capacity	400,000,000
Maximum amount available under credit facility	$ 2,400,000,000
Credit facility expiration date	Nov. 18, 2022
Credit Agreement description	Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow funds consisting of Eurodollar loans, base rate loans or a combination of both. Interest accrues on Eurodollar loans at a defined Eurodollar rate, defined as LIBOR plus the applicable percentage, as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement, depending upon the Company’s senior, unsecured, (non-credit enhanced) long-term debt ratings. Interest accrues on base rate loans as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement.
Extended expiration of credit facility	1 year
Letters of credit, outstanding	$ 3,300,000
1.625% Senior Notes due April 2019, effective interest rate of 1.77% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Stated interest rate percentage	1.625%	1.625%
Debt instrument maturity, month and year	2019-04	2019-04

Stock Repurchase Program - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Thousands			3 Months Ended		251 Months Ended
	Nov. 18, 2018	Sep. 26, 2018	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017	Nov. 17, 2018
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased cumulative, shares			654	597	145,300
Purchase of treasury stock			$ 497,060,000	$ 352,572,000	$ 19,915,000,000
Increase in authorization of stock repurchase, value		$ 1,250,000,000
Stock repurchase authorized amended value		$ 20,900,000,000
Remaining value authorized for share repurchases			$ 984,600,000		$ 984,600,000
Subsequent Events [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased cumulative, shares	97,113
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 79,800,000

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	$ (1,520,355)	$ (1,428,377)
Balance	(1,658,616)	(1,525,099)
Pension Liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance		(72,376)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss		1,316
Balance		(71,060)
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(873)	(11)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(77)	(314)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2)
Balance	(950)	(327)
Derivatives [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(6,033)	(6,356)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	389	323
Balance	(5,644)	(6,033)
Foreign Currency and Other [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(228,899)	(175,814)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(40,573)	(43,217)
Balance	(269,472)	(219,031)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(235,805)	(254,557)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(40,650)	(43,531)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	389	1,637
Balance	$ (276,066)	$ (296,451)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Pension liability adjustments, taxes		$ 1,161
Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Pension Liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Pension liability adjustments, taxes		1,161
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, taxes	$ 1
Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Derivatives [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivative activities, taxes	$ 120	$ 186

Goodwill and Intangibles - Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018 USD ($)
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 30,246
Finite Lived, Accumulated Amortization	(21,419)
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	8,827
Total intangible assets other than goodwill, Net Carrying Amount	8,827
Technology [Member]
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	870
Finite Lived, Accumulated Amortization	$ (870)
Technology [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Technology [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	5 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 29,376
Finite Lived, Accumulated Amortization	(20,549)
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	$ 8,827
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years

Goodwill and Intangibles - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense of intangible assets	$ 1.0	$ 1.4

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 17, 2018	Aug. 26, 2018
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Line Items]
An increase of retained deficit	$ (6,773)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Line Items]
An increase of retained deficit		$ (6,800)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] \| Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Line Items]
An increase of retained deficit		$ (6,800)

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	Nov. 17, 2018 Item Location
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments \| Item	1
Number of automotive parts and accessories locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Brazil \| Location	6,218

Segment Reporting - Segment Results (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 2,641,733	$ 2,589,131
Gross profit	1,417,474	1,365,848
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses	(929,656)	(897,094)
Interest expense, net	(39,006)	(38,889)
Income before income taxes	448,812	429,865
Auto Parts Locations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,593,440	2,510,128
Gross profit	1,383,564	1,322,444
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	48,293	79,003
Gross profit	$ 33,910	$ 43,404

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 17, 2018	Nov. 18, 2017	Jul. 25, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate		21.70%	34.60%
U.S. corporate income tax rate	35.00%	21.00%
Tax benefit from reduction of U.S. statutory rate		$ 52.6
Additional Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises compared to prior year		9.0
Tax benefit resulting from stock option accounting		$ 11.2	$ 2.2
One-time mandatory transition tax				$ 25.8
Tax expense due to remeasurement of net U.S. federal deferred tax liability				$ 157.3