Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 15, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 139,755	$ 142,191
Accounts receivable	191,115	171,638
Merchandise inventories	3,089,245	2,861,014
Other current assets	112,452	101,443
Deferred income taxes	5,931	1,727
Total current assets	3,538,498	3,278,013
Property and equipment:
Property and equipment	5,225,310	5,058,525
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,090,055)	(1,987,164)
Property and equipment, net	3,135,255	3,071,361
Goodwill	367,829	367,829
Deferred income taxes	15,651	4,069
Other long-term assets	205,659	170,817
Other long-term assets, total	589,139	542,715
Assets	7,262,892	6,892,089
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	3,477,697	3,307,535
Accrued expenses and other	459,227	467,831
Income taxes payable	104,628	17,129
Deferred income taxes	199,318	202,922
Short-term borrowings	158,440	173,733
Total current liabilities	4,399,310	4,169,150
Long-term debt	4,163,244	4,013,267
Other long-term liabilities	410,600	396,991
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock, authorized 1,000 shares; no shares issued
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 200,000 shares; 33,759 shares issued and 33,355 shares outstanding as of February 15, 2014; 36,768 shares issued and 34,293 shares outstanding as of August 31, 2013	338	368
Additional paid-in capital	797,696	814,457
Retained deficit	(2,187,950)	(1,378,936)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(120,346)	(120,788)
Treasury stock, at cost	(200,000)	(1,002,420)
Total stockholders' deficit	(1,710,262)	(1,687,319)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit	$ 7,262,892	$ 6,892,089