Document - Entity Information Document - Entity Information - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015
Entity [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PRICESMART INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001041803
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,670,793,360
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,371,982
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Nov. 30, 2015