Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2013	Mar. 03, 2012	Mar. 02, 2013	Mar. 03, 2012	Feb. 26, 2011
Inventories
Inventories, last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost flow assumption	$ 915,241	$ 1,063,123	$ 915,241	$ 1,063,123
LIFO (credits) charges	175,384	121,219	(147,882)	188,722	44,905
Amount of decrease in the cost of sales due to the effect of LIFO inventory liquidation			$ 4,316	$ 11,004	$ 2,647