CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013
Inventories, LIFO reserve (in dollars)	$ 950,241	$ 915,241
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	916,081,000	904,268,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	916,081,000	904,268,000
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	8	7
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	1,876,000	1,821,000