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Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)
6 Months Ended
Aug. 27, 2011
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:
 
Money Market Funds.  Our money market fund investments that are traded in an active market were measured at fair value using quoted market prices and, therefore, were classified as Level 1. Our money market fund investments not traded on a regular basis or in an active market, and for which we have been unable to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis, were measured using inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the investments and, therefore, were classified as Level 2.
 
U.S. Treasury Bills.  Our U.S. Treasury notes were classified as Level 1 as they trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.
 
Commercial Paper.  Our investments in commercial paper were measured using inputs based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets and, therefore, were classified as Level 2.
 
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments.  Comprised primarily of foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency swap contracts, our foreign currency derivative instruments were measured at fair value using readily observable market inputs, such as quotations on forward foreign exchange points and foreign interest rates. Our foreign currency derivative instruments were classified as Level 2 as these instruments are custom, over-the-counter contracts with various bank counterparties that are not traded in an active market.
 
Auction Rate Securities.  Our investments in ARS were classified as Level 3 as quoted prices were unavailable due to events described in Note 2, Investments. Due to limited market information, we utilized a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to derive an estimate of fair value. The assumptions we used in preparing the DCF model included estimates with respect to the amount and timing of future interest and principal payments, forward projections of the interest rate benchmarks, the probability of full repayment of the principal considering the credit quality and guarantees in place, and the rate of return required by investors to own such securities given the current liquidity risk associated with ARS.
 
Marketable Equity Securities.  Our marketable equity securities were measured at fair value using quoted market prices. They were classified as Level 1 as they trade in an active market for which closing stock prices are readily available.
 
Deferred Compensation.  Our deferred compensation liabilities and the assets that fund our deferred compensation consist of investments in mutual funds. These investments were classified as Level 1 as the shares of these mutual funds trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.


Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
 
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis relate primarily to our tangible fixed assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, which are remeasured when the derived fair value is below carrying value on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. For these assets, we do not periodically adjust carrying value to fair value except in the event of impairment. When we determine that impairment has occurred, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to fair value and the difference is recorded within operating income in our consolidated statements of earnings. During the six months ended August 27, 2011, and August 28, 2010, we had no significant remeasurements of such assets or liabilities to fair value.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Our financial instruments, other than those presented in the disclosures above, include cash, receivables, other investments, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short- and long-term debt. The fair values of cash, receivables, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term debt approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Fair values for other investments held at cost are not readily available, but we estimate that the carrying values for these investments approximate fair value. See Note 6, Debt, for information about the fair value of our long-term debt.