Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 11, 2012 Store	Feb. 12, 2011	Feb. 11, 2012 ReportableSegment OperatingSegment Store	Feb. 12, 2011
Net Sales
Net sales	$ 1,804,069	$ 1,660,946	$ 3,728,411	$ 3,452,608
Segment Profit
Gross profit	926,215	845,611	1,909,842	1,753,359
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses	(625,564)	(573,863)	(1,268,257)	(1,175,491)
Interest expense, net	(38,923)	(39,576)	(78,017)	(76,829)
Income before income taxes	261,728	232,172	563,568	501,039
Segment Reporting (Textual) [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	4,867		4,867
Auto Parts Stores [Member]
Net Sales
Net sales	1,762,903	1,623,949	3,647,041	3,378,936
Segment Profit
Gross profit	894,493	816,692	1,846,850	1,695,558
Other [Member]
Net Sales
Net sales	41,166	36,997	81,370	73,672
Segment Profit
Gross profit	$ 31,722	$ 28,919	$ 62,992	$ 57,801