Segment Reporting - Segment Results (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 09, 2013	Feb. 11, 2012	Feb. 09, 2013	Feb. 11, 2012
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,855,198	$ 1,804,069	$ 3,846,238	$ 3,728,411
Gross profit	961,981	926,215	1,993,847	1,909,842
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses	(644,410)	(625,564)	(1,312,999)	(1,268,257)
Interest expense, net	(41,323)	(38,923)	(82,428)	(78,017)
Income before income taxes	276,248	261,728	598,420	563,568
Auto Parts Stores [Member]
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Net sales	1,796,280	1,762,903	3,745,003	3,647,041
Gross profit	924,704	894,493	1,924,039	1,846,850
Other [Member]
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Net sales	58,918	41,166	101,235	81,370
Gross profit	$ 37,277	$ 31,722	$ 69,808	$ 62,992