CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 01, 2012	Mar. 03, 2012
Inventories, LIFO reserve (in dollars)	$ 1,090,625	$ 1,063,123
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	903,827,000	898,687,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	903,827,000	898,687,000
Preferred Stock-Series G
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, liquidation value (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	7	6
Preferred Stock-Series H
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, liquidation value (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	1,794,000	1,715,000