Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 19, 2011 OperatingSegment ReportableSegment Store	Nov. 20, 2010
Net Sales
Net sales	$ 1,924,341	$ 1,791,662
Segment Profit
Gross profit	983,627	907,748
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses	(642,693)	(601,627)
Interest expense, net	(39,094)	(37,253)
Income before income taxes	301,840	268,868
Segment Reporting (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2
Number of reportable segments	1
Number of automotive parts and accessories stores in the United States, including Puerto Rico and Mexico	4,832
Auto Parts Stores [Member]
Net Sales
Net sales	1,884,138	1,754,987
Segment Profit
Gross profit	952,357	878,865
Other [Member]
Net Sales
Net sales	40,203	36,675
Segment Profit
Gross profit	$ 31,270	$ 28,883