Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 19, 2011	Nov. 20, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 191,125	$ 172,076
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	48,647	44,291
Amortization of debt origination fees	1,738	1,725
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(11,157)	(8,994)
Deferred income taxes	6,241	5,454
Share-based compensation expense	7,562	5,071
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	4,856	9,622
Merchandise inventories	(75,122)	(49,303)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	87,317	78,929
Income taxes payable	70,891	88,961
Other, net	10,196	9,521
Net cash provided by operating activities	342,294	357,353
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(61,924)	(45,811)
Purchase of marketable securities	(11,091)	(9,923)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	10,069	7,337
Disposal of capital assets	1,057	526
Net cash used in investing activities	(61,889)	(47,871)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds (payments) of commercial paper	1,300	(337,300)
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings	4,496	5,738
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	500,000
Repayment of debt	0	(199,300)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock	18,561	21,952
Purchase of treasury stock	(309,765)	(299,655)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	11,157	8,994
Payments of capital lease obligations	(6,448)	(5,131)
Other, net	0	(5,450)
Net cash used in financing activities	(280,699)	(310,152)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(636)	403
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(930)	(267)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	97,606	98,280
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 96,676	$ 98,013