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