Income Taxes - Significant Components of Company's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	$ 41,785	$ 36,605
Insurance reserves	16,237	18,185
Accrued benefits	67,350	63,320
Pension	18,004	43,904
Other	45,597	41,658
Total deferred tax assets	188,973	203,672
Less: Valuation allowances	(11,593)	(9,532)
Net deferred tax assets	177,380	194,140
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(84,512)	(67,480)
Inventory	(262,653)	(244,414)
Other	(27,341)	(31,437)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(374,506)	(343,331)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (197,126)	$ (149,191)