Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Feb. 26, 2011
Carrying amount
Financial instruments
Variable rate indebtedness	$ 1,449,189	$ 1,425,020
Fixed rate indebtedness	4,608,399	4,654,548
Fair value
Financial instruments
Variable rate indebtedness	1,300,647	1,386,861
Fixed rate indebtedness	$ 4,209,493	$ 4,544,974