CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 26, 2011	Feb. 26, 2011
Inventories, LIFO reserve (in dollars)	$ 942,515	$ 875,012
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	898,400,000	890,297,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	898,400,000	890,297,000
Preferred Stock-Series G
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, liquidation value (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	6	6
Preferred Stock-Series H
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, liquidation value (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	1,690,000	1,616,000