Significant Components of Company's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	$ 36,605	$ 31,772
Insurance reserves	18,185	17,542
Accrued benefits	63,320	61,436
Pension	43,904	30,967
Other	41,658	39,878
Total deferred tax assets	203,672	181,595
Less: Valuation allowances	(9,532)	(7,973)
Net deferred tax assets	194,140	173,622
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(67,480)	(64,873)
Inventory	(244,414)	(220,234)
Other	(31,437)	(44,303)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(343,331)	(329,410)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (149,191)	$ (155,788)