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