Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2012	Nov. 19, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 203,452	$ 191,125
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	50,700	48,647
Amortization of debt origination fees	1,941	1,738
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(23,910)	(11,157)
Deferred income taxes	(2,455)	6,241
Share-based compensation expense	8,131	7,562
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(12,362)	4,856
Merchandise inventories	(74,808)	(75,122)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	72,594	87,317
Income taxes payable	86,914	70,891
Other, net	8,056	10,196
Net cash provided by operating activities	318,253	342,294
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(80,430)	(61,924)
Purchase of marketable securities	(11,802)	(11,091)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	6,179	10,069
Disposal of capital assets and other, net	462	1,057
Net cash used in investing activities	(85,591)	(61,889)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from commercial paper	39,300	1,300
Net (payments) proceeds from short-term borrowings	(4,852)	4,496
Proceeds from issuance of debt	300,000
Repayment of debt	(300,000)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock	39,226	18,561
Purchase of treasury stock	(317,332)	(309,765)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	23,910	11,157
Payments of capital lease obligations	(7,474)	(6,448)
Other, net	(8,637)
Net cash used in financing activities	(235,859)	(280,699)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(32)	(636)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(3,229)	(930)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	103,093	97,606
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 99,864	$ 96,676