Segment Results (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Nov. 17, 2012	Nov. 19, 2011
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,991,040	$ 1,924,341
Gross profit	1,031,866	983,627
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses	(668,590)	(642,693)
Interest expense, net	(41,104)	(39,094)
Income before income taxes	322,172	301,840
Auto Parts Stores [Member]
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Net sales	1,948,724	1,884,138
Gross profit	999,335	952,357
Other [Member]
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Net sales	42,316	40,203
Gross profit	$ 32,531	$ 31,270

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Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest.

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The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

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