10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended February 12, 2012

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 0-20355

Costco Wholesale Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Washington	91-1223280
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, WA 98027

(Address of principal executive office)

(Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (425) 313-8100

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    YES  ¨    NO  x

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock as of March 9, 2012 was 433,973,086

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

		Page
PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements		3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets		3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income		4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		5
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		6
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		20
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		30
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		30
PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		31
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		31
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		31
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		31
Item 4.	Removed and Reserved		31
Item 5.	Other Information		31
Item 6.	Exhibits		32
	Exhibit 31.1 Rule 13(a)—14(a) Certifications
	Exhibit 32.1 Section 1350 Certifications
Signatures			33

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1—Financial Statements

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions, except par value and share data)

(unaudited)

	February 12, 2012			August 28, 2011
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,389		$	4,009
Short-term investments		1,396			1,604
Receivables, net		1,092			965
Merchandise inventories		6,934			6,638
Deferred income taxes and other current assets		549			490
Total current assets		14,360			13,706
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land		3,893			3,819
Buildings and improvements		10,491			10,278
Equipment and fixtures		4,116			4,002
Construction in progress		287			269
		18,787			18,368
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(6,268	)		(5,936	)
Net property and equipment		12,519			12,432
OTHER ASSETS		632			623
TOTAL ASSETS	$	27,511		$	26,761
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	$	6,334		$	6,544
Current portion of long-term debt		900			900
Accrued salaries and benefits		1,891			1,758
Accrued sales and other taxes		373			335
Other current liabilities		1,824			1,540
Deferred membership fees		1,087			973
Total current liabilities		12,409			12,050
LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion		1,380			1,253
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES		903			885
Total liabilities		14,692			14,188
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY
Preferred stock $.005 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding		0			0
Common stock $.005 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 433,875,000 and 434,266,000 shares issued and outstanding		2			2
Additional paid-in capital		4,585			4,516
Accumulated other comprehensive income		306			373
Retained earnings		7,339			7,111
Total Costco stockholders’ equity		12,232			12,002
Noncontrolling interests		587			571
Total equity		12,819			12,573
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	27,511		$	26,761

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

(unaudited)

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
REVENUE
Net sales	$	22,508		$	20,449		$	43,689		$	39,272
Membership fees		459			426			906			842
Total revenue		22,967			20,875			44,595			40,114
OPERATING EXPENSES
Merchandise costs		20,139			18,235			39,070			34,992
Selling, general and administrative		2,176			2,038			4,321			3,979
Preopening expenses		6			4			16			16
Provision for impaired assets, closing costs and other, net		2			2			1			6
Operating income		644			596			1,187			1,121
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense		(27	)		(27	)		(54	)		(53	)
Interest income and other, net		10			4			47			9
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		627			573			1,180			1,077
Provision for income taxes		215			204			440			376
Net income including noncontrolling interests		412			369			740			701
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(18	)		(21	)		(26	)		(41	)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO	$	394		$	348		$	714		$	660
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:
Basic	$	0.91		$	0.80		$	1.64		$	1.52
Diluted	$	0.90		$	0.79		$	1.62		$	1.49
Shares used in calculation (000’s)
Basic		434,535			436,682			434,374			435,385
Diluted		439,468			443,186			440,036			442,283
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.240		$	0.205		$	0.480		$	0.410

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

(unaudited)

	24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	740		$	701
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		414			386
Stock-based compensation		134			109
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards		(40	)		(28	)
Other non-cash operating activities, net		19			9
Deferred income taxes		(7	)		(6	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in merchandise inventories		(327	)		(151	)
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable		(75	)		100
Other operating assets and liabilities, net		386			326
Net cash provided by operating activities		1,244			1,446
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of short-term investments		(869	)		(1,884	)
Maturities of short-term investments		867			981
Sales of investments		191			414
Additions to property and equipment		(632	)		(540	)
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment		8			8
Increase resulting from initial consolidation of Costco Mexico		0			165
Other investing activities, net		(17	)		(5	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(452	)		(861	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in bank checks outstanding		(77	)		(319	)
Repayments of short-term borrowings		(117	)		(33	)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings		117			8
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		129			0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		39			193
Minimum tax withholdings on stock-based awards		(104	)		(52	)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards		40			28
Repurchases of common stock		(312	)		(239	)
Cash dividend payments		(105	)		(89	)
Other financing activities, net		(2	)		0
Net cash used in financing activities		(392	)		(503	)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(20	)		59
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		380			141
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR		4,009			3,214
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD	$	4,389		$	3,355
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the first half of year for:
Interest (reduced by $4 and $4 interest capitalized in 2012 and 2011, respectively)	$	56		$	55
Income taxes	$	363		$	257
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Decrease in accrued property and equipment	$	66		$	50
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid	$	104		$	90
Unsettled repurchases of common stock	$	6		$	6

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in millions, except share data)

(unaudited)

Note 1—Summary of Significant Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q for interim financial reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While these statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of the interim period, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements. Therefore, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s annual report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco Wholesale Corporation, a Washington corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest, consolidated entities in which it has made equity investments or has other interests through which it has majority-voting control or exercises the right to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s performance (Costco or the Company). The Company reports its noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity. All material inter-company transactions between the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and other entities have been eliminated in consolidation. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco.

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance concerning whether a company’s variable interest(s) in an entity constitute a controlling financial interest. The Company adopted this guidance on August 30, 2010 (the beginning of its fiscal 2011). As a result, the Company determined that its 50%-owned joint venture, Costco Mexico (Mexico), would be consolidated on a prospective basis beginning August 30, 2010.

The Company operates membership warehouses that offer low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and select private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories in no-frills, self-service facilities. At February 12, 2012, Costco operated 598 warehouses worldwide, which included: 433 U.S. locations, 82 Canadian locations, 32 Mexico locations, 22 United Kingdom locations, 11 Japan locations, eight Taiwan locations, seven Korea locations, and three Australia locations.

Fiscal Year End

The Company operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year basis with the fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to August 31. Fiscal 2012 is a 53-week year ending on September 2, 2012. References to the second quarters of 2012 and 2011 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011, respectively. References to the first half of 2012 and 2011 relate to the 24-weeks ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011, respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

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Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation in the current fiscal year. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on the Company’s previously reported condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature or variable interest rates. See Notes 2, 3, and 4 for the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s investments, derivative instruments, and fixed-rate debt.

The Company follows the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements relating to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities, including presentation of required disclosures. This guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used are:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Our current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. Our long-term financial liabilities consist of long-term debt, which is recorded on the balance sheet at issuance price less unamortized discount. There have been no material changes to the valuation techniques utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities as disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, as determined primarily by the retail inventory method, and are stated using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for substantially all U.S. merchandise inventories. Merchandise inventories for all foreign operations are primarily valued by the retail inventory method and are stated using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The Company believes the LIFO method more fairly presents the results of operations by more closely matching current costs with current revenues. The Company records an adjustment each quarter, if necessary, for the projected annual effect of inflation or deflation, and these estimates are adjusted to actual results determined at year-end, when actual inflation rates and inventory levels have been determined. Due to net inflationary trends, merchandise inventories valued at LIFO were lower than FIFO resulting in a charge to merchandise costs of $3 in the second quarter and first half of 2012 and $6 in the second quarter and first half of 2011. At February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011, merchandise inventories valued at LIFO were lower than FIFO by $90 and $87, respectively.

Derivatives

The Company is exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business. The Company manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of forward foreign-exchange contracts, seeking to economically hedge the impact of fluctuations of foreign exchange on known future expenditures denominated in a non-functional foreign currency. The contracts are intended primarily to economically hedge exposure to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The Company seeks to mitigate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative

7

transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features. The aggregate notional amounts of forward foreign-exchange contracts were $238 and $247 at February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011, respectively.

The Company seeks to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which the Company has an established banking relationship. There can be no assurance, however, that this practice effectively mitigates counterparty risk. The contracts are limited to less than one year in duration. See Note 3 for information on the fair value of open, unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts as of February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011.

The following table summarizes the amount of unrealized gains or losses recognized in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income relating to the net changes in the fair value of open-unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts:

	12 Weeks Ended					24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Forward foreign-exchange contracts	$	(6	)	$	1	$	(3	)	$	(1	)

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in prices for the energy it consumes, particularly electricity and natural gas, which it seeks to partially mitigate through the use of fixed-price contracts for certain of its warehouses and other facilities, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company also enters into variable-priced contracts for some purchases of natural gas, in addition to fuel for its gas stations, on an index basis. These contracts meet the characteristics of derivative instruments but generally qualify for the “normal purchases or normal sales” exception under authoritative guidance and thus require no mark-to-market adjustment.

Foreign Currency

The Company recognizes foreign-currency transaction gains and losses related to revaluing all monetary assets and revaluing or settling monetary liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency (generally the U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalents and the U.S. dollar payables of consolidated subsidiaries to their functional currency) in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Also included are realized foreign-currency gains or losses from all settlements of forward foreign-exchange contracts. These items resulted in a net gain of $3 and $23 in the second quarter and first half of 2012, respectively, as compared to a net loss of $9 and $11 in the second quarter and first half of 2011.

Stock Repurchase Programs

Repurchased shares of common stock are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act. The par value of repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess of repurchase price over par value is deducted from additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. See Note 5 for additional information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance related to fair value measurement that changes the wording used to describe many requirements in GAAP for measuring and disclosing fair values. Additionally, the amendments clarify the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. The amended guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its third quarter of fiscal year 2012. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statement disclosure.

8

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. Instead, an entity will be required to present either a continuous statement of net income and other comprehensive income or to present the information in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2013. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and will impact the financial statements’ presentation only. A portion of the new comprehensive income guidance required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments.

In September 2011, the FASB amended its guidance related to the disclosure requirements for employers subject to multi-employer pension plans. The amended guidance requires additional separate disclosures for multi-employer pension plans and other multi-employer post-retirement benefit plans. The amended guidance is effective for public entities for annual periods ending after December 15, 2011. The Company plans to adopt this guidance for its annual report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year 2012. Because the guidance only affects the annual disclosures required for multi-employer pension plans, it is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend and simplify the rules related to testing goodwill for impairment. The revised guidance allows an initial qualitative evaluation, based on the entity’s events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of this qualitative assessment determine whether it is necessary to perform the currently required two-step impairment test. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 2—Investments

The Company’s major categories of investments have not changed from the annual reporting period ended August 28, 2011. The Company’s investments at February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011, were as follows:

February 12, 2012:	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency securities	$	1,047	$	6	$	1,053
Corporate notes and bonds		57		1		58
FDIC-insured corporate bonds		166		1		167
Asset and mortgage-backed securities		10		0		10
Total available-for-sale		1,280		8		1,288
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit		108				108
Total short-term investments	$	1,388	$	8	$	1,396

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August 28, 2011:	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency securities	$	1,096	$	8	$	1,104
Corporate notes and bonds		6		1		7
FDIC-insured corporate bonds		208		1		209
Asset and mortgage-backed securities		12		0		12
Total available-for-sale		1,322		10		1,332
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit		272				272
Total short-term investments	$	1,594	$	10	$	1,604

Unrealized losses on the Company’s available-for-sale investments were not material as of February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011.

Gross unrealized gains and losses on cash equivalents were not material at February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011, respectively.

The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities during the second quarter and the first half of 2012 and 2011 are provided in the following table:

	12 Weeks Ended				24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Proceeds	$	96	$	177	$	191	$	414

Gross realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale securities during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011 were not material. As of February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011, the Company’s available-for-sale securities that were in continuous unrealized-loss positions were not material.

The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at February 12, 2012, are as follows:

	Available-For-Sale				Held-To-Maturity
	Cost Basis		Fair Value		Cost Basis		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	956	$	958	$	108	$	108
Due after one year through five years		318		324		0		0
Due after five years		6		6		0		0
	$	1,280	$	1,288	$	108	$	108

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Note 3—Fair Value Measurement

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The tables below present information as of February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011, respectively, regarding the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicate the level within the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. As of these dates, the Company’s holdings of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities were immaterial.

February 12, 2012:	Level 1		Level 2
Money market mutual funds (1)	$	268	$	0
Investment in U.S. government and agency securities (2)		0		1,064
Investment in corporate notes and bonds		0		58
Investment in FDIC-insured corporate bonds		0		167
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities		0		10
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position (3)		0		1
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position (3)		0		(5	)
Total	$	268	$	1,295
August 28, 2011:	Level 1		Level 2
Money market mutual funds (1)	$	200	$	0
Investment in U.S. government and agency securities (4)		0		1,177
Investment in corporate notes and bonds		0		7
Investment in FDIC-insured corporate bonds		0		209
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities		0		12
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position (3)		0		1
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position (3)		0		(2	)
Total	$	200	$	1,404

⁽¹⁾ Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽²⁾  $11 and $1,053 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽³⁾  The asset and the liability values are included in deferred income taxes and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for additional information on derivative instruments.

⁽⁴⁾  $73 and $1,104 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in fair value, including net transfers, of all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011 were immaterial. The Company reports transfers in and out of Levels 1, 2, and 3, as applicable, using the fair value of the individual securities as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include held-to-maturity investments that are carried at amortized cost and are not remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis. There were no fair value adjustments to these financial assets measured during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011.

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Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as long-lived assets that are measured at fair value resulting from an impairment, if deemed necessary. Fair value adjustments to these nonfinancial assets and liabilities during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011 were immaterial.

Note 4—Debt

During the first half of fiscal 2012, the Company’s Japanese subsidiary issued 1.18% yen-denominated promissory notes through a private placement. These notes were issued in two series, with the first funding in October 2011 and the second funding occurring in December 2011. For both series, interest is payable semi-annually, and principal is due in October 2018. The Company guarantees these notes.

The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:

	February 12, 2012				August 28, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
5.5% Senior Notes due March 2017	$	1,097	$	1,319	$	1,097	$	1,314
5.3% Senior Notes due March 2012		900		903		900		924
2.695% Promissory Notes Due October 2017		84		93		85		94
1.18% Fixed-rate Note Due October 2018		129		132		0		0
Other long-term debt		70		110		71		103
Total long-term debt		2,280		2,557		2,153		2,435
Less current portion		900		903		900		924
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	1,380	$	1,654	$	1,253	$	1,511

The current portion of long-term debt is comprised of the $900 5.3% Senior Notes due March 15, 2012. Upon maturity, the Company intends to repay the outstanding principal balance and associated interest with its existing liquidity sources of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

Note 5—Equity and Comprehensive Income

Dividends

The Company’s current quarterly dividend rate is $0.24 per share, compared to $0.205 per share in the second quarter of 2011.

Stock Repurchase Programs

The Company’s stock repurchase activity during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011 is summarized in the following table:

	Shares Repurchased (000’s)		Average Price per  Share		Total Cost
Second quarter of 2012		1,759	$	82.20	$	145
First half of 2012		3,881		81.84		318
Second quarter of 2011		1,315	$	71.75	$	95
First half of 2011		3,751		65.23		245

These amounts differ from the stock repurchase balances in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows to the extent that repurchases had not settled at the end of the quarter. The remaining amount available for stock

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repurchases under the approved plans was $3,388 at February 12, 2012. Purchases are made from time-to-time, as conditions warrant, in the open market or in block purchases, and pursuant to plans under SEC Rule 10b5-1. Repurchased shares are retired.

Components of Equity and Comprehensive Income

The following tables show the changes in equity attributable to Costco and the noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest, but not a total ownership interest:

	Attributable to Costco			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Equity at August 28, 2011	$	12,002		$	571		$	12,573
Comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of $1 tax		(1	)		0			(1	)
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other		(66	)		(10	)		(76	)
Net income		714			26			740
Total comprehensive income		647			16			663
Stock-based compensation		134			0			134
Stock options exercised including tax effects		49			0			49
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) including tax effects		(74	)		0			(74	)
Conversion of convertible notes		1			0			1
Repurchases of common stock		(318	)		0			(318	)
Cash dividends		(209	)		0			(209	)
Equity at February 12, 2012	$	12,232		$	587		$	12,819

	Attributable to Costco			Noncontrolling Interests		Total Equity
Equity at August 29, 2010	$	10,829		$	101	$	10,930
Initial consolidation of noncontroling interest in Costco Mexico		0			357		357
Comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of $2 tax		(3	)		0		(3	)
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other		221			42		263
Net income		660			41		701
Total comprehensive income		878			83		961
Stock-based compensation		109			0		109
Stock options exercised including tax effects		236			0		236
Release of vested RSUs including tax effects		(45	)		0		(45	)
Repurchases of common stock		(245	)		0		(245	)
Cash dividends		(179	)		0		(179	)
Equity at February 13, 2011	$	11,583		$	541	$	12,124

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The following table shows components of comprehensive income for the second quarter of 2012 and 2011:

	12 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	412		$	369
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of $0 and $2 tax		0			(4	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other		132			86
Comprehensive income		544			451
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(49	)		(33	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Costco	$	495		$	418

Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Summary of Stock Option Activity

In the second quarter of 2012, the Fifth Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan was amended following shareholder approval and is now referred to as the Sixth Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (Sixth Restated 2002 Plan). The Sixth Restated 2002 Plan authorizes the issuance of an additional 16,000,000 shares (9,143,000 RSUs) of common stock for future grants in addition to shares authorized under the previous plan. Each RSU issued is counted as 1.75 shares toward the limit of shares available. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs.

The following table summarizes stock option transactions during the first half of 2012:

	Number Of Options (in 000’s)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
Outstanding and exercisable at August 28, 2011		5,917		$	40.07
Exercised		(963	)		39.77
Outstanding and exercisable at February 12, 2012		4,954		$	40.12		2.40	$	218

⁽¹⁾  The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock at February 12, 2012.

The tax benefits realized and intrinsic value related to total stock options exercised during the first half of 2012 and 2011 are provided in the following table:

	24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Actual tax benefit realized for stock options exercised	$	15	$	52
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised (1)	$	42	$	151

⁽¹⁾ The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock measured at each individual exercise date.

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Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity

At February 12, 2012, 14,297,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs to eligible employees and directors under the Sixth Restated 2002 Plan.

The following awards were outstanding at the end of the first half of 2012:

• 8,699,000 shares of time-based RSUs that vest upon continued employment over specified periods of time;

• 398,000 performance-based RSUs granted to certain executive officers of the Company for which the performance targets have been met. Further restrictions lapse upon achievement of continued employment over specified periods of time; and

• 304,000 performance-based RSUs to be granted to executive officers of the Company upon achievement of specified performance targets for fiscal 2012, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors after the end of the fiscal year. These awards are included in the table below and the Company recognized compensation expense for these awards as it is currently deemed probable that the performance targets will be achieved.

The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first half of 2012:

	Number of Units (in 000’s)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at August 28, 2011		9,727		$	57.56
Granted		3,543			81.35
Vested		(3,729	)		59.00
Forfeited		(140	)		66.08
Non-vested at February 12, 2012		9,401		$	65.88

Summary of Stock-Based Compensation

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefits under the Company’s plans:

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
RSUs	$	58		$	52		$	134		$	108
Stock options		0			0			0			1
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes		58			52			134			109
Less recognized income tax benefit		(19	)		(16	)		(44	)		(35	)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	39		$	36		$	90		$	74

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs at February 12, 2012, was $535 and the weighted-average period of time over which this cost will be recognized is 1.9 years.

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Note 7—Income Taxes

The Company’s reported effective tax rates for the 24 weeks ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011 were 37.3%, and 34.9%, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income, which includes the net impact of discrete items. The Company’s current year consolidated provision for income taxes was adversely impacted by a net discrete tax expense of $26 relating primarily to two items: the adverse impact of an audit of Costco Mexico by the Mexican tax authority and the tax effects of nondeductible expenses for the Company’s contribution to an initiative reforming alcohol beverage laws in Washington State.

The Company is currently evaluating options for seeking a refund of some or all of the taxes paid or payable to the Mexican tax authority relating to the tax audit. However, the Company’s ability to prevail in obtaining a refund of the amounts paid or payable to the Mexican tax authority is subject to significant uncertainty.

Note 8—Net Income Per Common and Common Equivalent Share

The following table shows the amounts used in computing net income per share and the effect on net income and the weighted average number of shares of dilutive potential common stock (shares in 000’s):

	12 Weeks Ended				24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Net income available to common stockholders used in basic and diluted net income per common share	$	394	$	348	$	714	$	660
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share		434,535		436,682		434,374		435,385
Stock options and RSUs		4,094		5,565		4,801		5,958
Conversion of convertible notes		839		939		861		940
Weighted number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share		439,468		443,186		440,036		442,283
Anti-dilutive RSUs		6		0		4		0

Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in a number of claims, proceedings and litigation arising from its business and property ownership. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes an accrual for legal proceedings if and when those matters reach a stage where they present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In such cases, there may be a possible exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. If the loss contingency at issue is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not establish an accrual, but will continue to monitor the matter for developments that will make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. As of the date of this report, the Company has not recorded an accrual related to any of the claims, proceedings or actions described herein, as the Company does not believe a material loss is probable. In each case, except where it is noted that a matter has been concluded in the Company’s favor, there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. At this time, however, based on the status of each matter, the possible loss or range of loss cannot in our view be reasonably estimated because, among other things, (i) the remedies or penalties sought are indeterminate or unspecified, (ii) the legal and/or factual theories are not well developed; and/or (iii) the matters involve complex or novel legal theories or a large number of parties.

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The Company is a defendant in the following matters, among others:

A case brought as a class action on behalf of certain present and former female managers, in which plaintiffs allege denial of promotion based on gender in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California state law. Shirley “Rae” Ellis v. Costco Wholesale Corp., United States District Court (San Francisco), Case No. C-04-3341-MHP. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, interest and attorneys’ fees. Class certification was granted by the district court on January 11, 2007. On September 16, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the order of class certification and remanded to the district court for further proceedings.

Numerous putative class actions have been brought around the United States against motor fuel retailers, including the Company, alleging that they have been overcharging consumers by selling gasoline or diesel that is warmer than 60 degrees without adjusting the volume sold to compensate for heat-related expansion or disclosing the effect of such expansion on the energy equivalent received by the consumer. The Company is named in the following actions: Raphael Sagalyn, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-430 (D. Md.); Phyllis Lerner, et al., v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, et al., Case No. 07-1216 (C.D. Cal.); Linda A. Williams, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-179 (M.D. Ala.); James Graham, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 07-193 (E.D. Va.); Betty A. Delgado, et al., v. Allsups, Convenience Stores, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-202 (D.N.M.); Gary Kohut, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-285 (D. Nev.); Mark Rushing, et al., v. Alon USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-7621 (N.D. Cal.); James Vanderbilt, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-1052 (W.D. Mo.); Zachary Wilson, et al., v. Ampride, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-2582 (D. Kan.); Diane Foster, et al., v. BP North America Petroleum, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-02059 (W.D. Tenn.); Mara Redstone, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-20751 (S.D. Fla.); Fred Aguirre, et al. v. BP West Coast Products LLC, et al., Case No. 07-1534 (N.D. Cal.); J.C. Wash, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 4:07cv37 (E.D. Mo.); Jonathan Charles Conlin, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 07 0317 (M.D. Tenn.); William Barker, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 07-cv-00293 (D.N.M.); Melissa J. Couch, et al. v. BP Products North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 07cv291 (E.D. Tex.); S. Garrett Cook, Jr., et al., v. Hess Corporation, et al., Case No. 07cv750 (M.D. Ala.); Jeff Jenkins, et al. v. Amoco Oil Company, et al., Case No. 07-cv-00661 (D. Utah); and Mark Wyatt, et al., v. B. P. America Corp., et al., Case No. 07-1754 (S.D. Cal.). On June 18, 2007, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation assigned the action, entitled In re Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices Litigation, MDL Docket No 1840, to Judge Kathryn Vratil in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. On April 12, 2009, the Company agreed to settle the actions in which it is named as a defendant. Under the settlement, which is subject to final approval by the court, the Company agreed, to the extent allowed by law, to install over five years from the effective date of the settlement temperature-correcting dispensers in the States of Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Other than payments to class representatives, the settlement does not provide for cash payments to class members. On September 22, 2011, the court preliminarily approved a revised settlement, which did not materially alter the terms. The court will hold a fairness hearing on final approval of the settlement on March 22, 2012. Plaintiffs have moved for an award of $10 million in attorneys’ fees, as well as an award of costs and payments to class representatives. The Company has opposed the motion.

On October 4, 2006, the Company received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, seeking records relating to the Company’s receipt and handling of hazardous merchandise returned by Costco members and other records. The Company has entered into a tolling agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office. On November 3, 2011, the Company was served with a subpoena for documents concerning the handling or disposal of any non-saleable hazardous products by or at any Company warehouse or distribution center. The subpoena is from the Office of the District Attorney of the County of San Joaquin in California and states that he has a “reasonable belief that [California] Business and Professions Code section 17200 may have been violated.” The Company has entered into a tolling agreement with the district attorneys.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an Information Request to the Company, dated November 1, 2007, regarding warehouses in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada and relating to compliance with regulations concerning air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. On March 4, 2009, the Company was advised by the Department of Justice that the Department was prepared to allege that the Company has committed at least nineteen violations of the leak-repair requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.156(i) and at least seventy-four violations of the recordkeeping requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.166(k), (m) at warehouses in these states. The Company has responded to these allegations, is engaged in communications with the Department about these and additional allegations, and has entered into tolling agreements. Substantial penalties may be levied for violations of the Clean Air Act. The Company is cooperating with this inquiry.

On October 7, 2009, the District Attorneys for San Diego, San Joaquin and Solano Counties filed a complaint, People of the State of California v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al, No. 37-2009-00099912 (Superior Court for the County of San Diego), alleging on information and belief that the Company has violated and continues to violate provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and the Business and Professions Code through the use of certain spill clean-up materials at its gasoline stations. Relief sought includes, among other things, requests for preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, civil penalties, costs and attorneys’ fees.

The Company has received notices from most states stating that they have appointed an agent to conduct an examination of the books and records of the Company to determine whether it has complied with state unclaimed property laws. In addition to seeking the turnover of unclaimed property subject to escheat laws, the states may seek interest, penalties, costs of examinations, and other relief. The State of Washington conducted such an examination on its own behalf and on February 4, 2011 issued an assessment. The Company filed suit on March 4, 2011, to contest the assessment.

The Company does not believe that any pending claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position; however, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome of some or all of the matters, however unlikely, could result in a charge that might be material to the results of an individual fiscal quarter.

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Note 10—Segment Reporting

The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, through majority-owned subsidiaries in Taiwan and Korea, and its Mexico joint venture. The Company’s reportable segments are largely based on management’s organization of the operating segments for operational decisions and assessments of financial performance, which considers geographic locations. The material accounting policies of the segments are the same as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011, after considering newly adopted accounting pronouncements described elsewhere herein. All material inter-segment net sales and expenses have been eliminated in computing total revenue and operating income. Certain home office operating expenses are incurred on behalf of the Company’s Canadian and Other International Operations, but are included in the United States Operations because those costs are not allocated internally and generally come under the responsibility of the Company’s United States management team.

	United States Operations		Canadian Operations		Other International Operations		Total
Twelve Weeks Ended February 12, 2012
Total revenue	$	16,611	$	3,562	$	2,794	$	22,967
Operating income		373		144		127		644
Depreciation and amortization		156		28		25		209
Additions to property and equipment		207		33		49		289
Twelve Weeks Ended February 13, 2011
Total revenue	$	15,241	$	3,220	$	2,414	$	20,875
Operating income		336		135		125		596
Depreciation and amortization		146		27		22		195
Additions to property and equipment		171		25		38		234
Twenty-Four Weeks Ended February 12, 2012
Total revenue	$	32,225	$	7,003	$	5,367	$	44,595
Operating income		690		279		218		1,187
Depreciation and amortization		310		54		50		414
Additions to property and equipment		432		87		113		632
Property and equipment, net		8,958		1,618		1,943		12,519
Total assets		19,110		3,832		4,569		27,511
Twenty-Four Weeks Ended February 13, 2011
Total revenue	$	29,252	$	6,257	$	4,605	$	40,114
Operating income		624		276		221		1,121
Depreciation and amortization		290		52		44		386
Additions to property and equipment		421		62		57		540
Property and equipment, net		8,778		1,588		1,736		12,102
Total assets		18,531		3,376		3,809		25,716
Year Ended August 28, 2011
Total revenue	$	64,904	$	14,020	$	9,991	$	88,915
Operating income		1,395		621		423		2,439
Depreciation and amortization		640		117		98		855
Additions to property and equipment		876		144		270		1,290
Property and equipment, net		8,870		1,608		1,954		12,432
Total assets		18,558		3,741		4,462		26,761

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (dollars in millions, except per share and membership fee data)

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this Report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. They include statements that address activities, events, conditions or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future and may relate to such matters as sales growth, increases in comparable store sales, cannibalization of existing locations by new openings, price or fee changes, earnings performance, earnings per share, stock-based compensation expense, warehouse openings and closures, the effect of adopting certain accounting standards, future financial reporting, financing, margins, return on invested capital, strategic direction, expense controls, membership renewal rates, shopping frequency, litigation impact and the demand for our products and services. Forward-looking statements may also be identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, domestic and international economic conditions, including exchange rates, the effects of competition and regulation, uncertainties in the financial markets, consumer and small business spending patterns and debt levels, conditions affecting the acquisition, development, ownership or use of real estate, actions of suppliers, rising costs associated with employees (including health care costs), energy and certain commodities, geopolitical conditions, and other risks identified from time to time in the Company’s public statements and reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. This management discussion should be read in conjunction with the management discussion included in our fiscal 2011 annual report on Form 10-K, previously filed with the SEC.

Overview

We operate membership warehouses based on the concept that offering our members low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and select private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. This turnover, when combined with the operating efficiencies achieved by volume purchasing, efficient distribution and reduced handling of merchandise in no-frills, self-service warehouse facilities, enables us to operate profitably at significantly lower gross margins (net sales less merchandise costs) than traditional wholesalers, mass merchandisers, supermarkets, and supercenters.

We believe that the most important driver of increasing our profitability is sales growth, particularly comparable sales growth (sales in warehouses open for at least one year). Comparable sales growth is achieved through increasing the frequency with which our members shop and the amounts they spend on each visit. Sales comparisons can also be particularly influenced by two factors that are beyond our control, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates (with respect to the consolidation of the results of our international operations) and changes in the cost of gasoline and associated competitive conditions (primarily impacting domestic operations). The higher our comparable sales exclusive of currency fluctuations, the more we can leverage certain of our selling, general and administrative expenses, reducing them as a percentage of sales and enhancing profitability. Generating comparable sales growth is foremost a question of making available to our members the right merchandise at the right prices, a skill that we believe we have repeatedly demonstrated over the long term. Another substantial factor in sales growth is the health of the economies in which we do business, especially the United States. Sales growth and gross margins are also impacted by our competition, which is vigorous and widespread, including a wide range of global, national and regional wholesalers and retailers, including supermarkets, supercenter stores, and department and specialty stores, gasoline stations, and internet-based retailers. While we cannot control or reliably predict general economic health or changes in competition, we

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believe that we have been successful historically in adapting our business to these changes, such as through adjustments to our pricing and to our merchandise mix, including increasing the penetration of our private label items. Our philosophy is not to focus in the short term on maximizing prices that our members can be charged, but to maintain what we believe is a perception among our members of our “pricing authority”—consistently providing the most competitive values. This may cause us, for example, to absorb increases in merchandise costs at certain times rather than immediately passing them along to our members, negatively impacting gross margin.

We also achieve sales growth by opening new warehouses and relocating existing warehouses to larger and better-located facilities. As our warehouse base grows, available and desirable potential sites become more difficult to secure, and square footage growth becomes a comparatively less substantial component of growth. However, the negative aspects of such growth, including lower initial operating profitability relative to existing warehouses and cannibalization of sales at existing warehouses when openings occur in existing markets, are lessened. Our rate of square footage growth is higher in foreign markets, due to the smaller base in those markets, and we expect that to continue.

Our financial performance also depends heavily on our ability to control costs. While we believe that we have achieved successes in this area historically, some significant costs are partially outside our control, most particularly health care and utility expenses. With respect to expenses relating to the compensation of our employees, our philosophy is not to seek to minimize the wages and benefits that they earn. Rather, we believe that achieving our longer-term objectives of reducing employee turnover and enhancing employee satisfaction requires maintaining compensation levels that are better than the industry average for much of our workforce. This may cause us, for example, to absorb costs that other employers might seek to pass through to their workforces. Because our business is operated on very low margins, modest changes in various items in the income statement, particularly gross margin and selling, general and administrative expenses, can have substantial impacts on net income.

Our operating model is generally the same across our U.S., Canada, and Other International segments (see definitions in Item 1, Note 10 of this Report). Certain countries in the Other International segment have relatively higher rates of square footage growth, lower wage and benefits as a percentage of country sales, and/or less direct membership warehouse competition. Additionally, we operate our lower margin gasoline business only in the United States and Canada.

In our discussions of the consolidated operating results, we refer to the impact of changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, which are references to the differences between the foreign-exchange rates we use to convert our international operations’ financial results from local currencies into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. This impact of foreign-exchange rate fluctuations is typically calculated as the difference between the current period’s currency exchange rates and the comparable prior-year period’s currency exchange rates.

Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to August 31. Fiscal 2012 is a 53-week year ending on September 2, 2012. References to the second quarters of 2012 and 2011 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011, respectively. References to the first half of 2012 and 2011 relate to the 24-weeks ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011, respectively. Certain percentages presented are calculated using actual results prior to rounding. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco.

Key items for the second quarter of 2012 as compared to the second quarter of 2011 include:

• Net sales increased 10.1% to $22,508, driven by an 8% increase in comparable sales and sales at the 17 net new warehouses opened since the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011. Net sales were favorably impacted by increases in the price of gasoline, partially offset by the weakening of certain foreign currencies against the U.S dollar;

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• Membership fees increased 7.8% to $459, primarily due to new membership sign-ups and the increased penetration of the higher-fee Executive Membership program;

• Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased 30 basis points;

• Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of net sales improved 29 basis points;

• Net income increased 13.3% to $394, or $0.90 per diluted share compared to $348, or $0.79 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2011;

• The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.24 per share, which was paid subsequent to the end of the second quarter; and

• We repurchased 1,759,000 shares of our common stock, at an average cost of $82.20 per share, totaling approximately $145.

Results of Operations

Net Sales

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Net sales	$	22,508		$	20,449		$	43,689		$	39,272
Increases in comparable warehouse sales:
U.S.		8	%		5	%		9	%		5	%
International		8	%		12	%		9	%		13	%
Total Company		8	%		7	%		9	%		7	%

Net Sales

Net sales increased $2,059 or 10.1%, and $4,417 or 11.2% in the second quarter and first half of 2012, respectively. These increases were attributable to an increase in comparable warehouse sales and sales at the 17 net new warehouses opened since the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

Gasoline price inflation positively impacted net sales during the second quarter and first half of 2012 by approximately $200 or 98 basis points, and $664, or 169 basis points, respectively, which resulted from an 11% and 18% increase in the average sales price per gallon, respectively. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted net sales during the second quarter and first half of 2012 by approximately $99, or 49 basis points, and $40, or 10 basis points, respectively.

Comparable Sales

Comparable sales increased 8% and 9% in the second quarter and first half of 2012, respectively, and were positively impacted by increases in shopping frequency and the average amount spent by our members. Gasoline price inflation positively impacted comparable sales results during the second quarter and first half of 2012 by approximately $199, or 97 basis points, and $655 or 167 basis points, respectively. The weakening of foreign currencies during the second quarter and first half of 2012 negatively impacted comparable sales by approximately $116, or 57 basis points, and $65, or 16 basis points, respectively. The increase in comparable sales includes the negative impact of cannibalization (established warehouses losing sales to our newly opened locations).

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Membership Fees

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Membership fees	$	459		$	426		$	906		$	842
Membership fees as a percent of net sales		2.04	%		2.08	%		2.07	%		2.14	%
Total cardholders (000’s)		65,700			62,000			65,700			62,000

Membership fees increased 7.8% and 7.7% in the second quarter and first half of 2012, respectively. The increase was due to new member sign-ups at existing warehouses, the higher penetration of our higher-fee Executive Membership program, and the additional membership sign-ups at new warehouses opened since the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011. Our member renewal rates are consistent with recent years, currently 89% in the U.S. and Canada, and 86% on a worldwide basis.

Effective November 1, 2011, for new members, and January 1, 2012, for renewal members, we increased our annual membership fee by $5 for U.S. Goldstar (individual), Business, Business add-on and Canada Business members to $55. Our U.S. and Canada Executive Membership annual fee increased from $100 to $110, and the maximum 2% reward associated with Executive Membership increased from $500 to $750 annually. We account for membership fee revenue on a deferred basis, whereby revenue is recognized ratably over the one-year membership period. Thus, these fee increases did not have a material impact on our membership fee revenue for the second quarter and first half of 2012, but will have an increasing impact in future quarters.

Gross Margin

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Net sales	$	22,508		$	20,449		$	43,689		$	39,272
Less merchandise costs		20,139			18,235			39,070			34,992
Gross margin	$	2,369		$	2,214		$	4,619		$	4,280
Gross margin as a percent of net sales		10.53	%		10.83	%		10.57	%		10.90	%

Gross margin as a percent of net sales decreased 30 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2011. Gross margin for core merchandise categories (food and sundries, hardlines, softlines, and fresh foods) decreased 25 basis points, primarily due to decreases in softlines and food and sundries margins. Excluding the effect of gasoline price inflation, gross margin for core merchandise categories decreased 16 basis points due to our investment in merchandise pricing. Warehouse ancillary and other businesses’ gross margins decreased five basis points as a percent of total net sales, primarily due to lower margin in our food court businesses. The gross margin comparison was positively impacted by two basis points due to a $3 LIFO inventory charge in the second quarter 2012 compared to a charge of $6 in the second quarter of 2011. Increased penetration of the Executive Membership 2% reward program negatively affected gross margin by two basis points due to increased spending by Executive Members. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted gross margin by approximately $10.

Gross margin as a percent of net sales for the first half of 2012 decreased 33 basis points compared to the first half of 2011. Gross margin for the core merchandise categories decreased 28 basis points, primarily due to decreases in food and sundries, hardlines, and softlines. Excluding the effect of gasoline price inflation, gross margin for core merchandise categories decreased 14 basis points due to our investment in merchandise pricing. Warehouse ancillary and other businesses’ gross margins decreased four basis points as a percent of total net sales. The gross margin comparison was positively impacted by one basis point due to a $3

23

LIFO inventory charge in the first half of 2012 compared to a charge of $6 in the first half of 2011. Increased penetration of the Executive Membership 2% reward program negatively affected gross margin by two basis points due to increased spending by Executive Members. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted gross margin by $4 for the first half of 2012.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses	$	2,176		$	2,038		$	4,321		$	3,979
SG&A expense as a percent of net sales		9.67	%		9.96	%		9.89	%		10.13	%

SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales decreased 29 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2011. Excluding the effect of gasoline price inflation, SG&A expenses decreased 21 basis points, primarily due to a 20 basis point decrease in our warehouse and central operating costs, largely payroll-related expenses. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted SG&A expenses by approximately $7 for the second quarter of 2012.

SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales decreased 24 basis points compared to the first half of 2011. Excluding the effect of gasoline price inflation, SG&A expenses decreased nine basis points, primarily due to a 16 basis point decrease in our warehouse and central operating costs, largely payroll-related expenses. These improvements were partially offset by contributions to an initiative reforming alcohol beverage laws in Washington State and higher stock-based compensation expense, which had negative impacts of four basis points each.

Preopening Expenses

	12 Weeks Ended				24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Preopening expenses	$	6	$	4	$	16	$	16
Warehouse openings, including relocations		2		2		6		10

Preopening expenses include costs incurred for startup operations related to new warehouses and the expansion of ancillary operations at existing warehouses. Preopening expenses vary due to the number of warehouse openings, the timing of the opening relative to our quarter end, whether the warehouse is owned or leased, and whether the opening is in an existing, new, or international market.

Provision for Impaired Assets and Closing Costs and Other, Net

	12 Weeks Ended				24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Warehouse closing expenses	$	2	$	2	$	2		$	5
Impairment of long-lived assets		—		—		—			1
Net gains on sale of real property		—		—		(1	)		—
Provision for impaired assets & closing costs and other, net	$	2	$	2	$	1		$	6

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This provision primarily includes costs related to: impairment of long-lived assets; future lease obligations, including contract termination costs, of warehouses that have been closed or relocated to new facilities; and accelerated depreciation, based on the shortened useful life through the expected closing date, on buildings to be demolished or sold and that are not otherwise impaired.

Interest Expense

	12 Weeks Ended				24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Interest expense	$	27	$	27	$	54	$	53

Interest expense primarily relates to our $900 of 5.3% and $1,100 of 5.5% Senior Notes issued in fiscal 2007. The 5.3% Senior Notes are due March 15, 2012. Repayment will be funded by cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

Interest Income and Other, Net

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Interest income	$	11		$	9		$	22	$	16
Foreign-currency transactions gains (losses), net		(3	)		(8	)		20		(12	)
Other, net		2			3			5		5
Interest income and other, net	$	10		$	4		$	47	$	9

The increase in interest income, both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year, was attributable to a net increase in our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments and slightly higher interest rates. The changes in foreign-currency transactions gains and losses, net in the first half of 2012 compared with the first half of 2011 were related to the revaluation or settlement of monetary assets and monetary liabilities, primarily our Canadian subsidiary’s U.S. dollar denominated payables. See Derivatives and Foreign Currency sections in Item 1, Note 1 of this Report.

Provision for Income Taxes

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Provision for income taxes	$	215		$	204		$	440		$	376
Effective tax rate		34.2	%		35.5	%		37.3	%		34.9	%

Our reported effective tax rates for the 24 weeks ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011 were 37.3%, and 34.9%, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income, which includes the net impact of discrete items. Our current year consolidated provision for income taxes was adversely impacted by a net discrete tax expense of $26 relating primarily to two items: the adverse impact of an audit of Costco Mexico by the Mexican tax authority and the tax effects of nondeductible expenses for the Company’s contribution to an initiative reforming alcohol beverage laws in Washington State.

We are currently evaluating options for seeking a refund of some or all of the taxes paid or payable to the Mexican tax authority relating to the tax audit. However, the Company’s ability to prevail in obtaining a refund of the amounts paid or payable to the Mexican tax authority is subject to significant uncertainty.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources (dollars in millions, except per share data)

Cash Flows

The following table itemizes components of our most liquid assets:

	February 12, 2012		August 28, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,389	$	4,009
Short-term investments		1,396		1,604
Total	$	5,785	$	5,613

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from warehouse operations and cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments balances. Of these balances, approximately $1,000 and $982 at February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011, respectively, represented debit and credit card receivables, primarily related to sales in the week prior to the end of our fiscal quarter or fiscal year, respectively.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $1,244 in the first half of 2012 compared to $1,446 in the first half of 2011, a decrease of $202. This decrease was primarily attributable to a $351 increase in our net investment in merchandise inventories (merchandise inventories less accounts payable). This use of cash was partially offset by an increase in the change in other current operating assets and liabilities of $60.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $452 in the first half of 2012 compared to $861 in the first half of 2011, a decrease of $409. This decrease was primarily attributable to net cash provided by purchases, maturities and sales of investments of $189 for the first half of 2012, compared to net cash used by these activities of $489 for the first half of 2011, a difference of $678. This was partially offset by an increase in cash in the first half of 2011 of $165 resulting from the initial consolidation of Costco Mexico. Additionally, cash used for property and equipment additions increased $92 in the first half of 2012.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $392 in the first half of 2012 compared to $503 in the first half of 2011, a decrease of $111. This was primarily attributable to a decrease in bank checks outstanding of $242 and proceeds of $129 in the first half of 2012 from the issuance of long-term debt by our Japanese subsidiary, partially offset by a decrease in proceeds of $154 from the exercise of stock options, and an increase in repurchases of common stock of $73.

The effect of changes in foreign-exchange rates decreased cash and cash equivalents by $20 in the first half of 2012, compared to an increase of $59 in the first half of 2011, a decrease of $79.

Management believes that our current cash position and operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our capital requirements for the foreseeable future. We have not provided for U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. consolidated subsidiaries and other entities, including our 50% owned investment in Mexico, as such earnings are deemed by us to be indefinitely reinvested. We have no current plans to repatriate the cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held by these subsidiaries. Given our belief that our current U.S. cash position is sufficient to meet our U.S. requirements, and our intention to use subsidiary funds to expand operations within the international jurisdictions where the cash is currently held, the repatriation of these funds should not occur in the foreseeable future. At February 12, 2012, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $1,874 were held by these non-U.S. consolidated subsidiaries and other entities.

Dividends

Our current quarterly cash dividend rate is $0.24 per share, or $0.96 per share on an annualized basis. On January 26, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share for shareholders of record on February 10, 2012. The dividend was paid on February 24, 2012.

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Expansion Plans

Our primary requirement for capital is the financing of land, building, and equipment costs for new and remodeled warehouses. To a lesser extent, capital is also required for initial warehouse operations and working capital. While there can be no assurance that current expectations will be realized and plans are subject to change upon further review, it is our current intention to spend approximately $1,400 during fiscal 2012 for real estate, construction, remodeling, and equipment for warehouses and related operations. Through the end of the first half of fiscal 2012, we have spent approximately $632.

We opened six new warehouses in the first half of 2012. Plans for the remainder of fiscal 2012 are to open up to 11 additional new warehouses, including one on-site relocation of an existing warehouse to a larger facility and the reopening of a Japan warehouse that was closed for repair following the March 2011 earthquake.

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Bank Credit Facilities

			Credit Line Activity at February 12, 2012
Entity	Credit Facility Description	Expiration Date	Total of all Credit Facilities		Stand-by Letter of Credit (LC) & Letter of Guaranty		Commercial LC		Available Credit		Applicable Interest Rate
U.S.	Uncommitted Standby LC	N/A	$	17	$	17	$	—	$	0		N/A
U.S.	Uncommitted Commercial LC	N/A		50		—		8		42		N/A
Australia (1)	Guarantee Line	N/A		11		2		—		9		N/A
Canada (1)(3)	Multi- Purpose Line	N/A		30		22		—		8		2.30	%
Japan (1)(4)	Revolving Credit	February-12		45		—		—		45		0.58	%
Japan (1)(5)	Bank Guaranty	March-12		19		19		—		0		N/A
Japan (1)(4)	Revolving Credit	February-12		45		—		—		45		0.58	%
Japan (2)	Commercial LC	N/A		1		—		—		1		N/A
Korea (1)(5)	Multi-Purpose Line	March-12		11		1		—		10		4.32	%
Mexico	Commercial LC	October-12		2		—		—		2		N/A
Mexico	Commercial LC	N/A		2		—		2		0		N/A
Taiwan	Multi-Purpose Line	January-13		24		8		—		16		2.88	%
Taiwan	Multi-Purpose Line	July-12		17		4		—		13		2.87	%
United Kingdom	Uncommitted Money Market Line	N/A		32		—		—		32		3.20	%
United Kingdom	Uncommitted Overdraft Line	N/A		47		—		—		47		1.50	%
United Kingdom (2)	Letter of Guarantee	N/A		5		5		—		0		N/A
United Kingdom	Commercial LC	N/A		3		1		—		2		N/A
		TOTAL	$	361	$	79	$	10	$	272

⁽¹⁾  The U.S. parent company, Costco Wholesale Corporation, guarantees this entity’s credit facility.

⁽²⁾ Obligations under this facility are fully cash-collateralized by the subsidiary.

⁽³⁾ The bank may cancel or restrict availability under this facility with 45-days written notice.

⁽⁴⁾ Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2012, these credit facilities have been renewed.

⁽⁵⁾ We intend to renew this credit facility upon expiration.

We had credit facilities (for commercial and standby letters of credit) totaling $138 as of February 12, 2012. The outstanding commitments under these facilities totaled $89 at February 12, 2012, including $79 in standby letters of credit. For those entities with multi-purpose lines, any issuance of either letters of credit or short-term borrowings will result in a corresponding decrease in available credit.

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Financing Activities

During the first half of 2012 our Japanese subsidiary issued 1.18% yen-denominated promissory notes through a private placement. These notes were issued in two series, with the first funding in October 2011 and the second funding occurring in December 2011. For both series, interest is payable semi-annually, and principal is due in October 2018. We guarantee the payment of these notes.

Our current portion of long-term debt is comprised of the $900 5.3% Senior Notes due March 15, 2012. Upon maturity, we intend to repay the outstanding principal balance and associated interest with our existing liquidity sources of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments balances.

Derivatives

We are exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business. We manage these fluctuations, in part, through the use of forward foreign-exchange contracts, seeking to economically hedge the impact of fluctuations of foreign exchange on known future expenditures denominated in a non-functional foreign currency. The contracts are intended primarily to economically hedge our exposure to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by our international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. We seek to mitigate risk with the use of these contracts and do not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features.

We seek to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which we have established banking relationships. There can be no assurance, however, that this practice effectively mitigates counterparty risk. These contracts are limited to less than one year in duration. See Note 1 and Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Report for additional information on the fair value of open, unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts as of February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011.

We are exposed to fluctuations in prices for energy that we consume, particularly electricity and natural gas, which we seek to partially mitigate through the use of fixed-price contracts for certain of our warehouses and other facilities, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. We also enter into variable-priced contracts for some purchases of natural gas, in addition to fuel for our gas stations, on an index basis. These contracts meet the characteristics of derivative instruments but generally qualify for the “normal purchases or normal sales” exception under authoritative guidance and thus require no mark-to-market adjustment.

Stock Repurchase Programs

In the second quarter of 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 1,759,000 shares and 1,315,000 shares of our common stock, at an average price of $82.20 and $71.75, totaling approximately $145 and $95, respectively. In the first half of 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 3,881,000 shares and 3,751,000 shares of our common stock, at an average price of $81.84 and $65.23, for a total expenditure of $318 and $245, respectively. The remaining amount available for stock repurchases under our approved plan was $3,388 at February 12, 2012. Purchases are made from time-to-time, as conditions warrant, in the open market or in block purchases, and pursuant to plans under SEC Rule 10b5-1. Repurchased shares are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Our critical accounting policies are discussed in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies previously disclosed in that report.

29

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See discussion of Recent Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Report.

Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our exposure to financial market risk results primarily from fluctuations in interest and foreign-currency exchange rates. There have been no material changes to our market risks as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August  28, 2011.

Item 4—Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

The certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed as Exhibit 31.1 to this report.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1—Legal Proceedings

See discussion of Legal Proceedings in Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Report.

Item 1A—Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth information on our common stock repurchase program activity for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 (dollars in millions, except per share data):

Period (1)	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of  Publicly Announced Programs (2)		Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (2)
November 21, 2011 – December 18, 2011		453,000	$	82.47		453,000	$	3,495
December 19, 2011 – January 15, 2012		600,000		81.96		600,000		3,446
January 16, 2012 – February 12 , 2012		706,000		82.24		706,000		3,388
Total second quarter		1,759,000	$	82.20		1,759,000

⁽¹⁾ Monthly information is presented by reference to our fiscal periods during the second quarter of fiscal 2012.

⁽²⁾ Our stock repurchase program is conducted under a $4,000 authorization of our Board of Directors, approved in April 2011, which expires in April 2015.

Item 3—Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4—Removed and Reserved

Item 5—Other Information

None.

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Item 6—Exhibits

(a) The following exhibits are included herein or incorporated by reference.

3.1	Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (1)
3.2	Bylaws of the Registrant (2)
4.1	Registrant will furnish upon request copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of its long-term debt instruments
10.1.14*	Sixth Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (3)
31.1	Rule 13(a)—14(a) Certifications
32.1	Section 1350 Certifications
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

⁽¹⁾  Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed as part of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Costco Wholesale Corporation on August 30, 1999.

⁽²⁾  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed as part of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Costco Wholesale Corporation on August 24, 2010.

⁽³⁾  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed as part of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Costco Wholesale Corporation on January 31, 2012.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
March 14, 2012	/S/    W. CRAIG JELINEK
Date	W. Craig Jelinek President and Chief Executive Officer
March 14, 2012	/S/    RICHARD A. GALANTI
Date	Richard A. Galanti Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

33

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, W. Craig Jelinek, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Costco Wholesale Corporation (“the registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 14, 2012

/s/ W. CRAIG JELINEK

W. Craig Jelinek

President and Chief Executive Officer

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Richard A. Galanti, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Costco Wholesale Corporation (“the registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 14, 2012

/s/ RICHARD A. GALANTI

Richard A. Galanti

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Costco Wholesale Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 12, 2012 (the “Report”), I, W. Craig Jelinek , President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ W. CRAIG JELINEK	Date: March 14, 2012
W. Craig Jelinek President and Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to and will be retained by Costco Wholesale Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

CERTIFICATION

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Costco Wholesale Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 12, 2012 (the “Report”), I, Richard A. Galanti, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/S/ RICHARD A. GALANTI	Date: March 14, 2012
Richard A. Galanti Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to and will be retained by Costco Wholesale Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012 years
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Outstanding and exercisable at August 28, 2011, Number Of Options	5,917
Exercised, Number Of Options	(963)
Outstanding and exercisable at February 12, 2012, Number Of Options	4,954
Outstanding and exercisable at August 28, 2011, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 40.07
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 39.77
Outstanding and exercisable at February 12, 2012, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 40.12
Outstanding and exercisable at February 12, 2012, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2.40
Outstanding and exercisable at February 12, 2012, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 218	[1]

[1] The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock at February 12, 2012.

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Segment Reporting (Segment Reporting Information, By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Aug. 28, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 22,967	$ 20,875	$ 44,595	$ 40,114	$ 88,915
Operating income	644	596	1,187	1,121	2,439
Depreciation and amortization	209	195	414	386	855
Additions to property and equipment	289	234	632	540	1,290
Property and equipment, net	12,519	12,102	12,519	12,102	12,432
Total assets	27,511	25,716	27,511	25,716	26,761
United States Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	16,611	15,241	32,225	29,252	64,904
Operating income	373	336	690	624	1,395
Depreciation and amortization	156	146	310	290	640
Additions to property and equipment	207	171	432	421	876
Property and equipment, net	8,958	8,778	8,958	8,778	8,870
Total assets	19,110	18,531	19,110	18,531	18,558
Canadian Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	3,562	3,220	7,003	6,257	14,020
Operating income	144	135	279	276	621
Depreciation and amortization	28	27	54	52	117
Additions to property and equipment	33	25	87	62	144
Property and equipment, net	1,618	1,588	1,618	1,588	1,608
Total assets	3,832	3,376	3,832	3,376	3,741
Other International Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	2,794	2,414	5,367	4,605	9,991
Operating income	127	125	218	221	423
Depreciation and amortization	25	22	50	44	98
Additions to property and equipment	49	38	113	57	270
Property and equipment, net	1,943	1,736	1,943	1,736	1,954
Total assets	$ 4,569	$ 3,809	$ 4,569	$ 3,809	$ 4,462

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Debt (Fair Value Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Aug. 28, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	$ 2,280	$ 2,153
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,557	2,435
Less current portion, Carrying Value	900	900
Less current portion, Fair Value	903	924
Long-term debt, excluding current portion, Carrying Value	1,380	1,253
Long-term debt, excluding current portion, Fair Value	1,654	1,511
5.5% Senior Notes Due March 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	1,097	1,097
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,319	1,314
Loan interest rate, fixed	5.50%
Debt instrument, principal due date	March 2017
5.3% Senior Notes Due March 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	900	900
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	903	924
Less current portion, Carrying Value	900
Loan interest rate, fixed	5.30%
Debt instrument, principal due date	March 2012
2.695% Promissory Notes Due October 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	84	85
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	93	94
Loan interest rate, fixed	2.695%
Debt instrument, principal due date	October 2017
1.18% Fixed-Rate Note Due October 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	129	0
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	132	0
Loan interest rate, fixed	1.18%
Debt instrument, principal due date	October 2018
Other Long-Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Value	70	71
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 110	$ 103

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Segment Reporting (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Information, By Segment

	United States Operations		Canadian Operations		Other International Operations		Total
Twelve Weeks Ended February 12, 2012
Total revenue	$	16,611	$	3,562	$	2,794	$	22,967
Operating income		373		144		127		644
Depreciation and amortization		156		28		25		209
Additions to property and equipment		207		33		49		289
Twelve Weeks Ended February 13, 2011
Total revenue	$	15,241	$	3,220	$	2,414	$	20,875
Operating income		336		135		125		596
Depreciation and amortization		146		27		22		195
Additions to property and equipment		171		25		38		234
Twenty-Four Weeks Ended February 12, 2012
Total revenue	$	32,225	$	7,003	$	5,367	$	44,595
Operating income		690		279		218		1,187
Depreciation and amortization		310		54		50		414
Additions to property and equipment		432		87		113		632
Property and equipment, net		8,958		1,618		1,943		12,519
Total assets		19,110		3,832		4,569		27,511
Twenty-Four Weeks Ended February 13, 2011
Total revenue	$	29,252	$	6,257	$	4,605	$	40,114
Operating income		624		276		221		1,121
Depreciation and amortization		290		52		44		386
Additions to property and equipment		421		62		57		540
Property and equipment, net		8,778		1,588		1,736		12,102
Total assets		18,531		3,376		3,809		25,716
Year Ended August 28, 2011
Total revenue	$	64,904	$	14,020	$	9,991	$	88,915
Operating income		1,395		621		423		2,439
Depreciation and amortization		640		117		98		855
Additions to property and equipment		876		144		270		1,290
Property and equipment, net		8,870		1,608		1,954		12,432
Total assets		18,558		3,741		4,462		26,761

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	$ 58	$ 52	$ 134	$ 109
Less recognized income tax benefit	(19)	(16)	(44)	(35)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	39	36	90	74
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	58	52	134	108
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1

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Equity And Comprehensive Income (Components Of Total Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
Equity And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 412	$ 369	$ 740	$ 701
Unrealized (loss) gain on short-term investments, net of tax	0	(4)	(1)	(3)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other	132	86	(76)	263
Total comprehensive income	544	451	663	961
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(49)	(33)
Comprehensive income attributable to Costco	495	418
Unrealized (loss) gain on short-term investments, tax	$ 0	$ 2	$ 1	$ 2

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Fair Value Measurement

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

Note 3—Fair Value Measurement

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The tables below present information as of February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011, respectively, regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicate the level within the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. As of these dates, the Company's holdings of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities were immaterial.

February 12, 2012:	Level 1		Level 2
Money market mutual funds (1)	$	268	$	0
Investment in U.S. government and agency securities (2)		0		1,064
Investment in corporate notes and bonds		0		58
Investment in FDIC-insured corporate bonds		0		167
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities		0		10
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position (3)		0		1
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position (3)		0		(5	)
Total	$	268	$	1,295

August 28, 2011:	Level 1		Level 2
Money market mutual funds (1)	$	200	$	0
Investment in U.S. government and agency securities (4)		0		1,177
Investment in corporate notes and bonds		0		7
Investment in FDIC-insured corporate bonds		0		209
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities		0		12
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position (3)		0		1
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position (3)		0		(2	)
Total	$	200	$	1,404

⁽¹⁾ Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽²⁾  $11 and $1,053 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽³⁾  The asset and the liability values are included in deferred income taxes and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for additional information on derivative instruments.

⁽⁴⁾  $73 and $1,104 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in fair value, including net transfers, of all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011 were immaterial. The Company reports transfers in and out of Levels 1, 2, and 3, as applicable, using the fair value of the individual securities as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include held-to-maturity investments that are carried at amortized cost and are not remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis. There were no fair value adjustments to these financial assets measured during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011.

Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as long-lived assets that are measured at fair value resulting from an impairment, if deemed necessary. Fair value adjustments to these nonfinancial assets and liabilities during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011 were immaterial.

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Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective tax rates	37.30%	34.90%
Discrete tax expense (benefit)	$ 26

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Investments (Proceeds From Sales Of Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
Investments [Abstract]
Proceeds	$ 96	$ 177	$ 191	$ 414

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Investments (Available-For-Sale And Held-To-Maturity Investments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 12, 2012	Aug. 28, 2011
Available-For-Sale and Held-To-Maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt maturities, Cost Basis	$ 1,280
Held-to-maturity, Cost Basis	108
Total short-term investments, Cost Basis	1,388	1,594
Unrealized Gains	8	10
Total available-for-sale, Recorded Basis	1,288
Held-to-maturity, Recorded Basis	108
Total short-term investments, Recorded Basis	1,396	1,604
U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Available-For-Sale and Held-To-Maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt maturities, Cost Basis	1,047	1,096
Unrealized Gains	6	8
Total available-for-sale, Recorded Basis	1,053	1,104
Total short-term investments, Recorded Basis	1,053	1,104
Corporate Notes And Bonds [Member]
Available-For-Sale and Held-To-Maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt maturities, Cost Basis	57	6
Unrealized Gains	1	1
Total available-for-sale, Recorded Basis	58	7
FDIC-Insured Corporate Bonds [Member]
Available-For-Sale and Held-To-Maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt maturities, Cost Basis	166	208
Unrealized Gains	1	1
Total available-for-sale, Recorded Basis	167	209
Asset And Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Available-For-Sale and Held-To-Maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt maturities, Cost Basis	10	12
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Total available-for-sale, Recorded Basis	10	12
Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Available-For-Sale and Held-To-Maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt maturities, Cost Basis	1,280	1,322
Unrealized Gains	8	10
Total available-for-sale, Recorded Basis	1,288	1,332
Held-To-Maturity Securities [Member] | Certificates Of Deposit [Member]
Available-For-Sale and Held-To-Maturity [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity, Cost Basis	108	272
Held-to-maturity, Recorded Basis	$ 108	$ 272

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Net Income Per Common And Common Equivalent Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Effect On Net Income And Weighted Average Number Of Dilutive Potential Common Stock) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
Net Income Per Common And Common Equivalent Share [Abstract]
Net income available to common stockholders used in basic and diluted net income per common share	$ 394	$ 348	$ 714	$ 660
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share	434,535	436,682	434,374	435,385
Stock options and RSUs	4,094	5,565	4,801	5,958
Conversion of convertible notes	839	939	861	940
Weighted number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share	439,468	443,186	440,036	442,283
Anti-dilutive RSUs	6	0	4	0

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Investments (Maturities Of Securities Excluding Trading Securities) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 12, 2012
Investments [Abstract]
Available-For-Sale, Cost Basis due in one year or less	$ 956
Available-For-Sale, Cost Basis due after one year through five years	318
Available-For-Sale, Cost Basis due after five years	6
Available-For-Sale, Cost Basis, total	1,280
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value due in one year or less	958
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value due after one year through five years	324
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value due after five years	6
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value, total	1,288
Held-To-Maturity, Cost Basis due in one year or less	108
Held-To-Maturity, Cost Basis due after one year through five years	0
Held-To-Maturity, Cost Basis due after five years	0
Held-To-Maturity, Cost Basis, total	108
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value due in one year or less	108
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value due after one year through five years	0
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value due after five years	0
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value, total	$ 108

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Fair Value Measurement (Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 12, 2012		Aug. 28, 2011		Feb. 13, 2011	Aug. 29, 2010
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,389		$ 4,009		$ 3,355	$ 3,214
Short-term investments	1,396		1,604
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	268		200
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	1,295		1,404
Money Market Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	268	[1]	200	[1]
Money Market Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	0	[1]	0	[1]
U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	11		73
Short-term investments	1,053		1,104
U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	0	[2]	0	[3]
U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	1,064	[2]	1,177	[3]
Corporate Notes And Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	0		0
Corporate Notes And Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	58		7
FDIC-Insured Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	0		0
FDIC-Insured Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	167		209
Asset And Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	0		0
Asset And Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	10		12
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	0	[4]	0	[4]
Fair value of liabilities measured on recurring basis	0	[4]	0	[4]
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	1	[4]	1	[4]
Fair value of liabilities measured on recurring basis	$ (5)	[4]	$ (2)	[4]

[1] Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

[2] $11 and $1,053 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

[3] $73 and $1,104 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

[4] The asset and the liability values are included in deferred income taxes and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for additional information on derivative instruments.

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Investments

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

Note 2—Investments

The Company's major categories of investments have not changed from the annual reporting period ended August 28, 2011. The Company's investments at February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011, were as follows:

February 12, 2012:	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency securities	$	1,047	$	6	$	1,053
Corporate notes and bonds		57		1		58
FDIC-insured corporate bonds		166		1		167
Asset and mortgage-backed securities		10		0		10
Total available-for-sale		1,280		8		1,288
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit		108				108
Total short-term investments	$	1,388	$	8	$	1,396
August 28, 2011:	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency securities	$	1,096	$	8	$	1,104
Corporate notes and bonds		6		1		7
FDIC-insured corporate bonds		208		1		209
Asset and mortgage-backed securities		12		0		12
Total available-for-sale		1,322		10		1,332
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit		272				272
Total short-term investments	$	1,594	$	10	$	1,604

Unrealized losses on the Company's available-for-sale investments were not material as of February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011.

Gross unrealized gains and losses on cash equivalents were not material at February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011, respectively.

The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities during the second quarter and the first half of 2012 and 2011 are provided in the following table:

	12 Weeks Ended				24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Proceeds	$	96	$	177	$	191	$	414

Gross realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale securities during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011 were not material. As of February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011, the Company's available-for-sale securities that were in continuous unrealized-loss positions were not material.

The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at February 12, 2012, are as follows:

	Available-For-Sale				Held-To-Maturity
	Cost Basis		Fair Value		Cost Basis		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	956	$	958	$	108	$	108
Due after one year through five years		318		324		0		0
Due after five years		6		6		0		0
	$	1,280	$	1,288	$	108	$	108

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Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Aug. 28, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012 1.18% Fixed-Rate Note Due October 2018 [Member]	Feb. 12, 2012 5.3% Senior Notes Due March 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan interest rate, fixed			1.18%	5.30%
Debt instrument, principal due date			October 2018	March 2012
Current portion of long-term debt	$ 900	$ 900		$ 900
Current portion of long-term debt, due date				Mar. 15, 2012

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tax Benefits Realized And Intrinsic Value Related To Total Stock Options Exercised) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012		Feb. 13, 2011
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Actual tax benefit realized for stock options exercised	$ 15		$ 52
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 42	[1]	$ 151	[1]

[1] The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock measured at each individual exercise date.

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 12, 2012	Aug. 28, 2011
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,389	$ 4,009
Short-term investments	1,396	1,604
Receivables, net	1,092	965
Merchandise inventories	6,934	6,638
Deferred income taxes and other current assets	549	490
Total current assets	14,360	13,706
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land	3,893	3,819
Buildings and improvements	10,491	10,278
Equipment and fixtures	4,116	4,002
Construction in progress	287	269
Gross property, plant and equipment	18,787	18,368
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(6,268)	(5,936)
Net property and equipment	12,519	12,432
OTHER ASSETS	632	623
TOTAL ASSETS	27,511	26,761
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	6,334	6,544
Current portion of long-term debt	900	900
Accrued salaries and benefits	1,891	1,758
Accrued sales and other taxes	373	335
Other current liabilities	1,824	1,540
Deferred membership fees	1,087	973
Total current liabilities	12,409	12,050
LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion	1,380	1,253
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	903	885
Total liabilities	14,692	14,188
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY
Preferred stock $.005 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock $.005 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 433,875,000 and 434,266,000 shares issued and outstanding	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	4,585	4,516
Accumulated other comprehensive income	306	373
Retained earnings	7,339	7,111
Total Costco stockholders' equity	12,232	12,002
Noncontrolling interests	587	571
Total equity	12,819	12,573
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 27,511	$ 26,761

XML

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Damages sought	$ 10

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest capitalized	$ 4	$ 4

XML

Equity And Comprehensive Income (Stock Repurchased During The Period) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
Equity And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Shares Repurchased	1,759	1,315	3,881	3,751
Average Price per Share	$ 82.20	$ 71.75	$ 81.84	$ 65.23
Total Cost	$ 145	$ 95	$ 318	$ 245

XML

Equity And Comprehensive Income (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Equity And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Stock Repurchased During The Period

	Shares Repurchased (000's)		Average Price per  Share		Total Cost
Second quarter of 2012		1,759	$	82.20	$	145
First half of 2012		3,881		81.84		318
Second quarter of 2011		1,315	$	71.75	$	95
First half of 2011		3,751		65.23		245

Components Of Equity And Comprehensive Income

	Attributable to Costco			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Equity at August 28, 2011	$	12,002		$	571		$	12,573
Comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of $1 tax		(1	)		0			(1	)
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other		(66	)		(10	)		(76	)
Net income		714			26			740
Total comprehensive income		647			16			663
Stock-based compensation		134			0			134
Stock options exercised including tax effects		49			0			49
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) including tax effects		(74	)		0			(74	)
Conversion of convertible notes		1			0			1
Repurchases of common stock		(318	)		0			(318	)
Cash dividends		(209	)		0			(209	)
Equity at February 12, 2012	$	12,232		$	587		$	12,819
	Attributable to Costco			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Equity at August 29, 2010	$	10,829		$	101		$	10,930
Initial consolidation of noncontroling interest in Costco Mexico		0			357			357
Comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of $2 tax		(3	)		0			(3	)
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other		221			42			263
Net income		660			41			701
Total comprehensive income		878			83			961
Stock-based compensation		109			0			109
Stock options exercised including tax effects		236			0			236
Release of vested RSUs including tax effects		(45	)		0			(45	)
Repurchases of common stock		(245	)		0			(245	)
Cash dividends		(179	)		0			(179	)
Equity at February 13, 2011	$	11,583		$	541		$	12,124

Components Of Total Comprehensive Income

	12 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	412		$	369
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of $0 and $2 tax		0			(4	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other		132			86
Comprehensive income		544			451
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(49	)		(33	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Costco	$	495		$	418

XML

Equity And Comprehensive Income (Components Of Equity And Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
Equity And Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Equity, Beginning			$ 12,573	$ 10,930
Initial consolidation of noncontrolling interest in Costco Mexico				357
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of tax	0	(4)	(1)	(3)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other	132	86	(76)	263
Net income	412	369	740	701
Total comprehensive income	544	451	663	961
Stock-based compensation	58	52	134	109
Stock options exercised including tax effects			49	236
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) including tax effects			(74)	(45)
Conversion of convertible notes			1
Repurchases of common stock	(145)	(95)	(318)	(245)
Cash dividends			(209)	(179)
Equity, Ending	12,819	12,124	12,819	12,124
Unrealized (loss) gain on short-term investments, tax	0	2	1	2
Attributable To Costco [Member]
Equity And Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Equity, Beginning			12,002	10,829
Initial consolidation of noncontrolling interest in Costco Mexico				0
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of tax			(1)	(3)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other			(66)	221
Net income			714	660
Total comprehensive income			647	878
Stock-based compensation			134	109
Stock options exercised including tax effects			49	236
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) including tax effects			(74)	(45)
Conversion of convertible notes			1
Repurchases of common stock			(318)	(245)
Cash dividends			(209)	(179)
Equity, Ending	12,232	11,583	12,232	11,583
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Equity And Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Equity, Beginning			571	101
Initial consolidation of noncontrolling interest in Costco Mexico				357
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of tax			0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other			(10)	42
Net income			26	41
Total comprehensive income			16	83
Stock-based compensation			0	0
Stock options exercised including tax effects			0	0
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) including tax effects			0	0
Conversion of convertible notes			0
Repurchases of common stock			0	0
Cash dividends			0	0
Equity, Ending	$ 587	$ 541	$ 587	$ 541

XML

Net Income Per Common And Common Equivalent Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Net Income Per Common And Common Equivalent Share [Abstract]

Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Effect On Net Income And Weighted Average Number Of Dilutive Potential Common Stock

	12 Weeks Ended				24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Net income available to common stockholders used in basic and diluted net income per common share	$	394	$	348	$	714	$	660
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share		434,535		436,682		434,374		435,385
Stock options and RSUs		4,094		5,565		4,801		5,958
Conversion of convertible notes		839		939		861		940
Weighted number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share		439,468		443,186		440,036		442,283
Anti-dilutive RSUs		6		0		4		0

XML

Summary Of Significant Policies

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Summary Of Significant Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Policies

Note 1—Summary of Significant Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q for interim financial reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While these statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of the interim period, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements. Therefore, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's annual report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco Wholesale Corporation, a Washington corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest, consolidated entities in which it has made equity investments or has other interests through which it has majority-voting control or exercises the right to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's performance (Costco or the Company). The Company reports its noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company's equity. All material inter-company transactions between the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and other entities have been eliminated in consolidation. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco.

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance concerning whether a company's variable interest(s) in an entity constitute a controlling financial interest. The Company adopted this guidance on August 30, 2010 (the beginning of its fiscal 2011). As a result, the Company determined that its 50%-owned joint venture, Costco Mexico (Mexico), would be consolidated on a prospective basis beginning August 30, 2010.

The Company operates membership warehouses that offer low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and select private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories in no-frills, self-service facilities. At February 12, 2012, Costco operated 598 warehouses worldwide, which included: 433 U.S. locations, 82 Canadian locations, 32 Mexico locations, 22 United Kingdom locations, 11 Japan locations, eight Taiwan locations, seven Korea locations, and three Australia locations.

Fiscal Year End

The Company operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year basis with the fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to August 31. Fiscal 2012 is a 53-week year ending on September 2, 2012. References to the second quarters of 2012 and 2011 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011, respectively. References to the first half of 2012 and 2011 relate to the 24-weeks ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011, respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation in the current fiscal year. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on the Company's previously reported condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature or variable interest rates. See Notes 2, 3, and 4 for the carrying value and fair value of the Company's investments, derivative instruments, and fixed-rate debt.

The Company follows the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements relating to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities, including presentation of required disclosures. This guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used are:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Our current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. Our long-term financial liabilities consist of long-term debt, which is recorded on the balance sheet at issuance price less unamortized discount. There have been no material changes to the valuation techniques utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities as disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, as determined primarily by the retail inventory method, and are stated using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for substantially all U.S. merchandise inventories. Merchandise inventories for all foreign operations are primarily valued by the retail inventory method and are stated using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The Company believes the LIFO method more fairly presents the results of operations by more closely matching current costs with current revenues. The Company records an adjustment each quarter, if necessary, for the projected annual effect of inflation or deflation, and these estimates are adjusted to actual results determined at year-end, when actual inflation rates and inventory levels have been determined. Due to net inflationary trends, merchandise inventories valued at LIFO were lower than FIFO resulting in a charge to merchandise costs of $ 3 in the second quarter and first half of 2012 and $6 in the second quarter and first half of 2011. At February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011, merchandise inventories valued at LIFO were lower than FIFO by $90 and $87, respectively.

Derivatives

The Company is exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business. The Company manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of forward foreign-exchange contracts, seeking to economically hedge the impact of fluctuations of foreign exchange on known future expenditures denominated in a non-functional foreign currency. The contracts are intended primarily to economically hedge exposure to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company's international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The Company seeks to mitigate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features. The aggregate notional amounts of forward foreign-exchange contracts were $238 and $247 at February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011, respectively.

The Company seeks to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which the Company has an established banking relationship. There can be no assurance, however, that this practice effectively mitigates counterparty risk. The contracts are limited to less than one year in duration. See Note 3 for information on the fair value of open, unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts as of February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011.

The following table summarizes the amount of unrealized gains or losses recognized in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income relating to the net changes in the fair value of open-unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts:

	12 Weeks Ended					24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Forward foreign-exchange contracts	$	(6	)	$	1	$	(3	)	$	(1	)

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in prices for the energy it consumes, particularly electricity and natural gas, which it seeks to partially mitigate through the use of fixed-price contracts for certain of its warehouses and other facilities, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company also enters into variable-priced contracts for some purchases of natural gas, in addition to fuel for its gas stations, on an index basis. These contracts meet the characteristics of derivative instruments but generally qualify for the "normal purchases or normal sales" exception under authoritative guidance and thus require no mark-to-market adjustment.

Foreign Currency

The Company recognizes foreign-currency transaction gains and losses related to revaluing all monetary assets and revaluing or settling monetary liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency (generally the U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalents and the U.S. dollar payables of consolidated subsidiaries to their functional currency) in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Also included are realized foreign-currency gains or losses from all settlements of forward foreign-exchange contracts. These items resulted in a net gain of $3 and $23 in the second quarter and first half of 2012, respectively, as compared to a net loss of $9 and $11 in the second quarter and first half of 2011.

Stock Repurchase Programs

Repurchased shares of common stock are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act. The par value of repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess of repurchase price over par value is deducted from additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. See Note 5 for additional information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance related to fair value measurement that changes the wording used to describe many requirements in GAAP for measuring and disclosing fair values. Additionally, the amendments clarify the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. The amended guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its third quarter of fiscal year 2012. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statement disclosure.

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. Instead, an entity will be required to present either a continuous statement of net income and other comprehensive income or to present the information in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2013. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and will impact the financial statements' presentation only. A portion of the new comprehensive income guidance required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments.

In September 2011, the FASB amended its guidance related to the disclosure requirements for employers subject to multi-employer pension plans. The amended guidance requires additional separate disclosures for multi-employer pension plans and other multi-employer post-retirement benefit plans. The amended guidance is effective for public entities for annual periods ending after December 15, 2011. The Company plans to adopt this guidance for its annual report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year 2012. Because the guidance only affects the annual disclosures required for multi-employer pension plans, it is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend and simplify the rules related to testing goodwill for impairment. The revised guidance allows an initial qualitative evaluation, based on the entity's events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of this qualitative assessment determine whether it is necessary to perform the currently required two-step impairment test. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 12, 2012	Aug. 28, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.005	$ 0.005
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.005	$ 0.005
Common stock, shares authorized	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	433,875,000	434,266,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	433,875,000	434,266,000

XML

Summary Of Significant Policies (Policy)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Summary Of Significant Policies [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q for interim financial reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While these statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of the interim period, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements. Therefore, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's annual report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco Wholesale Corporation, a Washington corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest, consolidated entities in which it has made equity investments or has other interests through which it has majority-voting control or exercises the right to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's performance (Costco or the Company). The Company reports its noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company's equity. All material inter-company transactions between the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and other entities have been eliminated in consolidation. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco.

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance concerning whether a company's variable interest(s) in an entity constitute a controlling financial interest. The Company adopted this guidance on August 30, 2010 (the beginning of its fiscal 2011). As a result, the Company determined that its 50%-owned joint venture, Costco Mexico (Mexico), would be consolidated on a prospective basis beginning August 30, 2010.

The Company operates membership warehouses that offer low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and select private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories in no-frills, self-service facilities. At February 12, 2012, Costco operated 598 warehouses worldwide, which included: 433 U.S. locations, 82 Canadian locations, 32 Mexico locations, 22 United Kingdom locations, 11 Japan locations, eight Taiwan locations, seven Korea locations, and three Australia locations.

Fiscal Year End

Fiscal Year End

The Company operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year basis with the fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to August 31. Fiscal 2012 is a 53-week year ending on September 2, 2012. References to the second quarters of 2012 and 2011 relate to the 12-week fiscal quarters ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011, respectively. References to the first half of 2012 and 2011 relate to the 24-weeks ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011, respectively.

Use Of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation in the current fiscal year. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on the Company's previously reported condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature or variable interest rates. See Notes 2, 3, and 4 for the carrying value and fair value of the Company's investments, derivative instruments, and fixed-rate debt.

The Company follows the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements relating to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities, including presentation of required disclosures. This guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used are:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Our current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. Our long-term financial liabilities consist of long-term debt, which is recorded on the balance sheet at issuance price less unamortized discount. There have been no material changes to the valuation techniques utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities as disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, as determined primarily by the retail inventory method, and are stated using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for substantially all U.S. merchandise inventories. Merchandise inventories for all foreign operations are primarily valued by the retail inventory method and are stated using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The Company believes the LIFO method more fairly presents the results of operations by more closely matching current costs with current revenues. The Company records an adjustment each quarter, if necessary, for the projected annual effect of inflation or deflation, and these estimates are adjusted to actual results determined at year-end, when actual inflation rates and inventory levels have been determined. Due to net inflationary trends, merchandise inventories valued at LIFO were lower than FIFO resulting in a charge to merchandise costs of $ 3 in the second quarter and first half of 2012 and $6 in the second quarter and first half of 2011. At February 12, 2012 and August 28, 2011, merchandise inventories valued at LIFO were lower than FIFO by $90 and $87, respectively.

Derivatives

Derivatives

The Company is exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business. The Company manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of forward foreign-exchange contracts, seeking to economically hedge the impact of fluctuations of foreign exchange on known future expenditures denominated in a non-functional foreign currency. The contracts are intended primarily to economically hedge exposure to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company's international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The Company seeks to mitigate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features. The aggregate notional amounts of forward foreign-exchange contracts were $238 and $247 at February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011, respectively.

The Company seeks to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which the Company has an established banking relationship. There can be no assurance, however, that this practice effectively mitigates counterparty risk. The contracts are limited to less than one year in duration. See Note 3 for information on the fair value of open, unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts as of February 12, 2012, and August 28, 2011.

The following table summarizes the amount of unrealized gains or losses recognized in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income relating to the net changes in the fair value of open-unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts:

	12 Weeks Ended					24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Forward foreign-exchange contracts	$	(6	)	$	1	$	(3	)	$	(1	)

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in prices for the energy it consumes, particularly electricity and natural gas, which it seeks to partially mitigate through the use of fixed-price contracts for certain of its warehouses and other facilities, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company also enters into variable-priced contracts for some purchases of natural gas, in addition to fuel for its gas stations, on an index basis. These contracts meet the characteristics of derivative instruments but generally qualify for the "normal purchases or normal sales" exception under authoritative guidance and thus require no mark-to-market adjustment.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency

The Company recognizes foreign-currency transaction gains and losses related to revaluing all monetary assets and revaluing or settling monetary liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency (generally the U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalents and the U.S. dollar payables of consolidated subsidiaries to their functional currency) in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Also included are realized foreign-currency gains or losses from all settlements of forward foreign-exchange contracts. These items resulted in a net gain of $3 and $23 in the second quarter and first half of 2012, respectively, as compared to a net loss of $9 and $11 in the second quarter and first half of 2011.

Stock Repurchase Programs

Stock Repurchase Programs

Repurchased shares of common stock are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act. The par value of repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess of repurchase price over par value is deducted from additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. See Note 5 for additional information.

XML

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Mar. 09, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Feb. 12, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW
Entity Central Index Key	0000909832
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-02
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		433,973,086

XML

Summary Of Significant Policies (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Summary Of Significant Policies [Abstract]

Amount Of Unrealized Gains Or Losses Recognized In Interest Income And Other, Net

	12 Weeks Ended					24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Forward foreign-exchange contracts	$	(6	)	$	1	$	(3	)	$	(1	)

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
REVENUE
Net sales	$ 22,508	$ 20,449	$ 43,689	$ 39,272
Membership fees	459	426	906	842
Total revenue	22,967	20,875	44,595	40,114
OPERATING EXPENSES
Merchandise costs	20,139	18,235	39,070	34,992
Selling, general and administrative	2,176	2,038	4,321	3,979
Preopening expenses	6	4	16	16
Provision for impaired assets, closing costs and other, net	2	2	1	6
Operating income	644	596	1,187	1,121
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(27)	(27)	(54)	(53)
Interest income and other, net	10	4	47	9
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	627	573	1,180	1,077
Provision for income taxes	215	204	440	376
Net income including noncontrolling interests	412	369	740	701
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(18)	(21)	(26)	(41)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO	$ 394	$ 348	$ 714	$ 660
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:
Basic	$ 0.91	$ 0.80	$ 1.64	$ 1.52
Diluted	$ 0.90	$ 0.79	$ 1.62	$ 1.49
Shares used in calculation (000's)
Basic	434,535	436,682	434,374	435,385
Diluted	439,468	443,186	440,036	442,283
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$ 0.240	$ 0.205	$ 0.480	$ 0.410

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Summary of Stock Option Activity

In the second quarter of 2012, the Fifth Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan was amended following shareholder approval and is now referred to as the Sixth Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (Sixth Restated 2002 Plan). The Sixth Restated 2002 Plan authorizes the issuance of an additional 16,000,000 shares (9,143,000 RSUs) of common stock for future grants in addition to shares authorized under the previous plan. Each RSU issued is counted as 1.75 shares toward the limit of shares available. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs.

The following table summarizes stock option transactions during the first half of 2012:

	Number Of Options (in 000's)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
Outstanding and exercisable at August 28, 2011		5,917		$	40.07
Exercised		(963	)		39.77
Outstanding and exercisable at February 12, 2012		4,954		$	40.12		2.40	$	218

⁽¹⁾  The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock at February 12, 2012.

The tax benefits realized and intrinsic value related to total stock options exercised during the first half of 2012 and 2011 are provided in the following table:

	24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Actual tax benefit realized for stock options exercised	$	15	$	52
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised (1)	$	42	$	151

⁽¹⁾ The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock measured at each individual exercise date.

Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity

At February 12, 2012, 14,297,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs to eligible employees and directors under the Sixth Restated 2002 Plan.

The following awards were outstanding at the end of the first half of 2012:

• 8,699,000 shares of time-based RSUs that vest upon continued employment over specified periods of time;

• 398,000 performance-based RSUs granted to certain executive officers of the Company for which the performance targets have been met. Further restrictions lapse upon achievement of continued employment over specified periods of time; and

• 304,000 performance-based RSUs to be granted to executive officers of the Company upon achievement of specified performance targets for fiscal 2012, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors after the end of the fiscal year. These awards are included in the table below and the Company recognized compensation expense for these awards as it is currently deemed probable that the performance targets will be achieved.

The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first half of 2012:

	Number of Units (in 000's)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at August 28, 2011		9,727		$	57.56
Granted		3,543			81.35
Vested		(3,729	)		59.00
Forfeited		(140	)		66.08
Non-vested at February 12, 2012		9,401		$	65.88

Summary of Stock-Based Compensation

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefits under the Company's plans:

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
RSUs	$	58		$	52		$	134		$	108
Stock options		0			0			0			1
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes		58			52			134			109
Less recognized income tax benefit		(19	)		(16	)		(44	)		(35	)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	39		$	36		$	90		$	74

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs at February 12, 2012, was $535 and the weighted-average period of time over which this cost will be recognized is 1.9 years.

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Equity And Comprehensive Income

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Equity And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Equity And Comprehensive Income

Note 5—Equity and Comprehensive Income

Dividends

The Company's current quarterly dividend rate is $0.24 per share, compared to $0.205 per share in the second quarter of 2011.

Stock Repurchase Programs

The Company's stock repurchase activity during the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011 is summarized in the following table:

	Shares Repurchased (000's)		Average Price per  Share		Total Cost
Second quarter of 2012		1,759	$	82.20	$	145
First half of 2012		3,881		81.84		318
Second quarter of 2011		1,315	$	71.75	$	95
First half of 2011		3,751		65.23		245

These amounts differ from the stock repurchase balances in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows to the extent that repurchases had not settled at the end of the quarter. The remaining amount available for stock repurchases under the approved plans was $3,388 at February 12, 2012. Purchases are made from time-to-time, as conditions warrant, in the open market or in block purchases, and pursuant to plans under SEC Rule 10b5-1. Repurchased shares are retired.

Components of Equity and Comprehensive Income

The following tables show the changes in equity attributable to Costco and the noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest, but not a total ownership interest:

	Attributable to Costco			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Equity at August 28, 2011	$	12,002		$	571		$	12,573
Comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of $1 tax		(1	)		0			(1	)
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other		(66	)		(10	)		(76	)
Net income		714			26			740
Total comprehensive income		647			16			663
Stock-based compensation		134			0			134
Stock options exercised including tax effects		49			0			49
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) including tax effects		(74	)		0			(74	)
Conversion of convertible notes		1			0			1
Repurchases of common stock		(318	)		0			(318	)
Cash dividends		(209	)		0			(209	)
Equity at February 12, 2012	$	12,232		$	587		$	12,819
	Attributable to Costco			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Equity at August 29, 2010	$	10,829		$	101		$	10,930
Initial consolidation of noncontroling interest in Costco Mexico		0			357			357
Comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of $2 tax		(3	)		0			(3	)
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other		221			42			263
Net income		660			41			701
Total comprehensive income		878			83			961
Stock-based compensation		109			0			109
Stock options exercised including tax effects		236			0			236
Release of vested RSUs including tax effects		(45	)		0			(45	)
Repurchases of common stock		(245	)		0			(245	)
Cash dividends		(179	)		0			(179	)
Equity at February 13, 2011	$	11,583		$	541		$	12,124

The following table shows components of comprehensive income for the second quarter of 2012 and 2011:

	12 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	412		$	369
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments, net of $0 and $2 tax		0			(4	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other		132			86
Comprehensive income		544			451
Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(49	)		(33	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Costco	$	495		$	418

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Summary Of Stock Option Activity

	Number Of Options (in 000's)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
Outstanding and exercisable at August 28, 2011		5,917		$	40.07
Exercised		(963	)		39.77
Outstanding and exercisable at February 12, 2012		4,954		$	40.12		2.40	$	218

⁽¹⁾  The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock at February 12, 2012.

Tax Benefits Realized And Intrinsic Value Related To Total Stock Options Exercised

	24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Actual tax benefit realized for stock options exercised	$	15	$	52
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised (1)	$	42	$	151

⁽¹⁾ The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock measured at each individual exercise date.

Summary Of RSU Transactions

	Number of Units (in 000's)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at August 28, 2011		9,727		$	57.56
Granted		3,543			81.35
Vested		(3,729	)		59.00
Forfeited		(140	)		66.08
Non-vested at February 12, 2012		9,401		$	65.88

Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011			February 12, 2012			February 13, 2011
RSUs	$	58		$	52		$	134		$	108
Stock options		0			0			0			1
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes		58			52			134			109
Less recognized income tax benefit		(19	)		(16	)		(44	)		(35	)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	39		$	36		$	90		$	74

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Investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Available-For-Sale And Held-To-Maturity Investments

February 12, 2012:	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency securities	$	1,047	$	6	$	1,053
Corporate notes and bonds		57		1		58
FDIC-insured corporate bonds		166		1		167
Asset and mortgage-backed securities		10		0		10
Total available-for-sale		1,280		8		1,288
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit		108				108
Total short-term investments	$	1,388	$	8	$	1,396
August 28, 2011:	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency securities	$	1,096	$	8	$	1,104
Corporate notes and bonds		6		1		7
FDIC-insured corporate bonds		208		1		209
Asset and mortgage-backed securities		12		0		12
Total available-for-sale		1,322		10		1,332
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit		272				272
Total short-term investments	$	1,594	$	10	$	1,604

Proceeds From Sales Of Available-For-Sale Securities

	12 Weeks Ended				24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Proceeds	$	96	$	177	$	191	$	414

Maturities Of Securities Excluding Trading Securities

	Available-For-Sale				Held-To-Maturity
	Cost Basis		Fair Value		Cost Basis		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	956	$	958	$	108	$	108
Due after one year through five years		318		324		0		0
Due after five years		6		6		0		0
	$	1,280	$	1,288	$	108	$	108

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Commitments And Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in a number of claims, proceedings and litigation arising from its business and property ownership. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes an accrual for legal proceedings if and when those matters reach a stage where they present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In such cases, there may be a possible exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. If the loss contingency at issue is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not establish an accrual, but will continue to monitor the matter for developments that will make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. As of the date of this report, the Company has not recorded an accrual related to any of the claims, proceedings or actions described herein, as the Company does not believe a material loss is probable. In each case, except where it is noted that a matter has been concluded in the Company's favor, there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. At this time, however, based on the status of each matter, the possible loss or range of loss cannot in our view be reasonably estimated because, among other things, (i) the remedies or penalties sought are indeterminate or unspecified, (ii) the legal and/or factual theories are not well developed; and/or (iii) the matters involve complex or novel legal theories or a large number of parties.

The Company is a defendant in the following matters, among others:

A case brought as a class action on behalf of certain present and former female managers, in which plaintiffs allege denial of promotion based on gender in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California state law. Shirley "Rae" Ellis v. Costco Wholesale Corp., United States District Court (San Francisco), Case No. C-04-3341-MHP. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, interest and attorneys' fees. Class certification was granted by the district court on January 11, 2007. On September 16, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the order of class certification and remanded to the district court for further proceedings.

Numerous putative class actions have been brought around the United States against motor fuel retailers, including the Company, alleging that they have been overcharging consumers by selling gasoline or diesel that is warmer than 60 degrees without adjusting the volume sold to compensate for heat-related expansion or disclosing the effect of such expansion on the energy equivalent received by the consumer. The Company is named in the following actions: Raphael Sagalyn, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-430 (D. Md.); Phyllis Lerner, et al., v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, et al., Case No. 07-1216 (C.D. Cal.); Linda A. Williams, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-179 (M.D. Ala.); James Graham, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 07-193 (E.D. Va.); Betty A. Delgado, et al., v. Allsups, Convenience Stores, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-202 (D.N.M.); Gary Kohut, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-285 (D. Nev.); Mark Rushing, et al., v. Alon USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-7621 (N.D. Cal.); James Vanderbilt, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-1052 (W.D. Mo.); Zachary Wilson, et al., v. Ampride, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-2582 (D. Kan.); Diane Foster, et al., v. BP North America Petroleum, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-02059 (W.D. Tenn.); Mara Redstone, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-20751 (S.D. Fla.); Fred Aguirre, et al. v. BP West Coast Products LLC, et al., Case No. 07-1534 (N.D. Cal.); J.C. Wash, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 4:07cv37 (E.D. Mo.); Jonathan Charles Conlin, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 07 0317 (M.D. Tenn.); William Barker, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 07-cv-00293 (D.N.M.); Melissa J. Couch, et al. v. BP Products North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 07cv291 (E.D. Tex.); S. Garrett Cook, Jr., et al., v. Hess Corporation, et al., Case No. 07cv750 (M.D. Ala.); Jeff Jenkins, et al. v. Amoco Oil Company, et al., Case No. 07-cv-00661 (D. Utah); and Mark Wyatt, et al., v. B. P. America Corp., et al., Case No. 07-1754 (S.D. Cal.). On June 18, 2007, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation assigned the action, entitled In re Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices Litigation, MDL Docket No 1840, to Judge Kathryn Vratil in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. On April 12, 2009, the Company agreed to settle the actions in which it is named as a defendant. Under the settlement, which is subject to final approval by the court, the Company agreed, to the extent allowed by law, to install over five years from the effective date of the settlement temperature-correcting dispensers in the States of Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Other than payments to class representatives, the settlement does not provide for cash payments to class members. On September 22, 2011, the court preliminarily approved a revised settlement, which did not materially alter the terms. The court will hold a fairness hearing on final approval of the settlement on March 22, 2012. Plaintiffs have moved for an award of $10 million in attorneys' fees, as well as an award of costs and payments to class representatives. The Company has opposed the motion.

On October 4, 2006, the Company received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, seeking records relating to the Company's receipt and handling of hazardous merchandise returned by Costco members and other records. The Company has entered into a tolling agreement with the United States Attorney's Office. On November 3, 2011, the Company was served with a subpoena for documents concerning the handling or disposal of any non-saleable hazardous products by or at any Company warehouse or distribution center. The subpoena is from the Office of the District Attorney of the County of San Joaquin in California and states that he has a "reasonable belief that [California] Business and Professions Code section 17200 may have been violated." The Company has entered into a tolling agreement with the district attorneys.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an Information Request to the Company, dated November 1, 2007, regarding warehouses in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada and relating to compliance with regulations concerning air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. On March 4, 2009, the Company was advised by the Department of Justice that the Department was prepared to allege that the Company has committed at least nineteen violations of the leak-repair requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.156(i) and at least seventy-four violations of the recordkeeping requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.166(k), (m) at warehouses in these states. The Company has responded to these allegations, is engaged in communications with the Department about these and additional allegations, and has entered into tolling agreements. Substantial penalties may be levied for violations of the Clean Air Act. The Company is cooperating with this inquiry.

On October 7, 2009, the District Attorneys for San Diego, San Joaquin and Solano Counties filed a complaint, People of the State of California v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al, No. 37-2009-00099912 (Superior Court for the County of San Diego), alleging on information and belief that the Company has violated and continues to violate provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and the Business and Professions Code through the use of certain spill clean-up materials at its gasoline stations. Relief sought includes, among other things, requests for preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, civil penalties, costs and attorneys' fees.

The Company has received notices from most states stating that they have appointed an agent to conduct an examination of the books and records of the Company to determine whether it has complied with state unclaimed property laws. In addition to seeking the turnover of unclaimed property subject to escheat laws, the states may seek interest, penalties, costs of examinations, and other relief. The State of Washington conducted such an examination on its own behalf and on February 4, 2011 issued an assessment. The Company filed suit on March 4, 2011, to contest the assessment.

The Company does not believe that any pending claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position; however, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome of some or all of the matters, however unlikely, could result in a charge that might be material to the results of an individual fiscal quarter.

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Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 7—Income Taxes

The Company's reported effective tax rates for the 24 weeks ended February 12, 2012 and February 13, 2011 were 37.3%, and 34.9%, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income, which includes the net impact of discrete items. The Company's current year consolidated provision for income taxes was adversely impacted by a net discrete tax expense of $26 relating primarily to two items: the adverse impact of an audit of Costco Mexico by the Mexican tax authority and the tax effects of nondeductible expenses for the Company's contribution to an initiative reforming alcohol beverage laws in Washington State.

The Company is currently evaluating options for seeking a refund of some or all of the taxes paid or payable to the Mexican tax authority relating to the tax audit. However, the Company's ability to prevail in obtaining a refund of the amounts paid or payable to the Mexican tax authority is subject to significant uncertainty.

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Net Income Per Common And Common Equivalent Share

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Net Income Per Common And Common Equivalent Share [Abstract]

Net Income Per Common And Common Equivalent Share

Note 8—Net Income Per Common and Common Equivalent Share

The following table shows the amounts used in computing net income per share and the effect on net income and the weighted average number of shares of dilutive potential common stock (shares in 000's):

	12 Weeks Ended				24 Weeks Ended
	February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011		February 12, 2012		February 13, 2011
Net income available to common stockholders used in basic and diluted net income per common share	$	394	$	348	$	714	$	660
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share		434,535		436,682		434,374		435,385
Stock options and RSUs		4,094		5,565		4,801		5,958
Conversion of convertible notes		839		939		861		940
Weighted number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share		439,468		443,186		440,036		442,283
Anti-dilutive RSUs		6		0		4		0

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Segment Reporting

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Note 10—Segment Reporting

The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, through majority-owned subsidiaries in Taiwan and Korea, and its Mexico joint venture. The Company's reportable segments are largely based on management's organization of the operating segments for operational decisions and assessments of financial performance, which considers geographic locations. The material accounting policies of the segments are the same as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2011, after considering newly adopted accounting pronouncements described elsewhere herein. All material inter-segment net sales and expenses have been eliminated in computing total revenue and operating income. Certain home office operating expenses are incurred on behalf of the Company's Canadian and Other International Operations, but are included in the United States Operations because those costs are not allocated internally and generally come under the responsibility of the Company's United States management team.

	United States Operations		Canadian Operations		Other International Operations		Total
Twelve Weeks Ended February 12, 2012
Total revenue	$	16,611	$	3,562	$	2,794	$	22,967
Operating income		373		144		127		644
Depreciation and amortization		156		28		25		209
Additions to property and equipment		207		33		49		289
Twelve Weeks Ended February 13, 2011
Total revenue	$	15,241	$	3,220	$	2,414	$	20,875
Operating income		336		135		125		596
Depreciation and amortization		146		27		22		195
Additions to property and equipment		171		25		38		234
Twenty-Four Weeks Ended February 12, 2012
Total revenue	$	32,225	$	7,003	$	5,367	$	44,595
Operating income		690		279		218		1,187
Depreciation and amortization		310		54		50		414
Additions to property and equipment		432		87		113		632
Property and equipment, net		8,958		1,618		1,943		12,519
Total assets		19,110		3,832		4,569		27,511
Twenty-Four Weeks Ended February 13, 2011
Total revenue	$	29,252	$	6,257	$	4,605	$	40,114
Operating income		624		276		221		1,121
Depreciation and amortization		290		52		44		386
Additions to property and equipment		421		62		57		540
Property and equipment, net		8,778		1,588		1,736		12,102
Total assets		18,531		3,376		3,809		25,716
Year Ended August 28, 2011
Total revenue	$	64,904	$	14,020	$	9,991	$	88,915
Operating income		1,395		621		423		2,439
Depreciation and amortization		640		117		98		855
Additions to property and equipment		876		144		270		1,290
Property and equipment, net		8,870		1,608		1,954		12,432
Total assets		18,558		3,741		4,462		26,761

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Equity And Comprehensive Income (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012
Equity And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Quarterly dividend rate	$ 0.24	$ 0.205
Stock repurchase authorization amount remaining			$ 3,388

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Debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Debt [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Long-Term Debt

	February 12, 2012				August 28, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
5.5% Senior Notes due March 2017	$	1,097	$	1,319	$	1,097	$	1,314
5.3% Senior Notes due March 2012		900		903		900		924
2.695% Promissory Notes Due October 2017		84		93		85		94
1.18% Fixed-rate Note Due October 2018		129		132		0		0
Other long-term debt		70		110		71		103
Total long-term debt		2,280		2,557		2,153		2,435
Less current portion		900		903		900		924
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	1,380	$	1,654	$	1,253	$	1,511

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Summary Of Significant Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Aug. 28, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Charge to merchandise costs	$ 3	$ 6	$ 3	$ 6
Inventory LIFO reserve	90		90		87
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transaction	3	(9)	23	(11)
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Notional amounts of foreign-exchange derivatives	$ 238		$ 238		$ 247
Consolidated [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			598
U.S.[Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			433
Canada [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			82
United Kingdom [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			22
Japan [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			11
Korea [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			7
Taiwan [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			8
Australia [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			3
Mexico [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			32

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Summary Of RSU Transactions) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested at August 28, 2011, Number of Units	9,727
Granted, Number of Units	3,543
Vested, Number of Units	(3,729)
Forfeited, Number of Units	(140)
Non-vested at February 12, 2012, Number of Units	9,401
Non-vested at August 28, 2011, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 57.56
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 81.35
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 59.00
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 66.08
Non-vested at February 12, 2012, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 65.88

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 740	$ 701
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	414	386
Stock-based compensation	134	109
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards	(40)	(28)
Other non-cash operating activities, net	19	9
Deferred income taxes	(7)	(6)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in merchandise inventories	(327)	(151)
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable	(75)	100
Other operating assets and liabilities, net	386	326
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,244	1,446
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of short-term investments	(869)	(1,884)
Maturities of short-term investments	867	981
Sales of investments	191	414
Additions to property and equipment	(632)	(540)
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	8	8
Increase resulting from initial consolidation of Costco Mexico	0	165
Other investing activities, net	(17)	(5)
Net cash used in investing activities	(452)	(861)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in bank checks outstanding	(77)	(319)
Repayments of short-term borrowings	(117)	(33)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	117	8
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	129	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	39	193
Minimum tax withholdings on stock-based awards	(104)	(52)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards	40	28
Repurchases of common stock	(312)	(239)
Cash dividend payments	(105)	(89)
Other financing activities, net	(2)	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(392)	(503)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(20)	59
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	380	141
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR	4,009	3,214
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD	4,389	3,355
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest (reduced by $4 and $4 interest capitalized in 2012 and 2011, respectively)	56	55
Income taxes	363	257
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Decrease in accrued property and equipment	66	50
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid	104	90
Unsettled repurchases of common stock	$ 6	$ 6

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Debt

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

Note 4—Debt

During the first half of fiscal 2012, the Company's Japanese subsidiary issued 1.18% yen-denominated promissory notes through a private placement. These notes were issued in two series, with the first funding in October 2011 and the second funding occurring in December 2011. For both series, interest is payable semi-annually, and principal is due in October 2018. The Company guarantees these notes.

The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:

	February 12, 2012				August 28, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
5.5% Senior Notes due March 2017	$	1,097	$	1,319	$	1,097	$	1,314
5.3% Senior Notes due March 2012		900		903		900		924
2.695% Promissory Notes Due October 2017		84		93		85		94
1.18% Fixed-rate Note Due October 2018		129		132		0		0
Other long-term debt		70		110		71		103
Total long-term debt		2,280		2,557		2,153		2,435
Less current portion		900		903		900		924
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	1,380	$	1,654	$	1,253	$	1,511

The current portion of long-term debt is comprised of the $900 5.3% Senior Notes due March 15, 2012. Upon maturity, the Company intends to repay the outstanding principal balance and associated interest with its existing liquidity sources of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

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Summary Of Significant Policies (Amount Of Unrealized Gains Or Losses Recognized In Interest Income And Other, Net) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 13, 2011
Summary Of Significant Policies [Abstract]
Forward foreign-exchange contracts	$ (6)	$ 1	$ (3)	$ (1)

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2012	Feb. 12, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional number of shares authorized	16,000,000
Portion of each share issued counted towards limit of shares available	1.75
Number of shares available to be granted as RSUs	14,297,000	14,297,000
Time-based RSUs awards outstanding		8,699,000
Performance-based RSUs awards outstanding		398,000
Outstanding performance-based RSUs awards to be granted		304,000
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional number of RSUs authorized	9,143,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	535	535
Weighted-average period of time (in years)		1.9

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Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 12, 2012

Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]

Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis

February 12, 2012:	Level 1		Level 2
Money market mutual funds (1)	$	268	$	0
Investment in U.S. government and agency securities (2)		0		1,064
Investment in corporate notes and bonds		0		58
Investment in FDIC-insured corporate bonds		0		167
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities		0		10
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position (3)		0		1
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position (3)		0		(5	)
Total	$	268	$	1,295

August 28, 2011:	Level 1		Level 2
Money market mutual funds (1)	$	200	$	0
Investment in U.S. government and agency securities (4)		0		1,177
Investment in corporate notes and bonds		0		7
Investment in FDIC-insured corporate bonds		0		209
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities		0		12
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position (3)		0		1
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position (3)		0		(2	)
Total	$	200	$	1,404

⁽¹⁾ Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽²⁾  $11 and $1,053 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽³⁾  The asset and the liability values are included in deferred income taxes and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for additional information on derivative instruments.

⁽⁴⁾  $73 and $1,104 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.