Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013	Mar. 03, 2012
Inventory
Inventories, last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost flow assumption	$ 1,018,581	$ 915,241	$ 1,018,581	$ 915,241
LIFO charge (credit)	44,142	(175,384)	104,142	(147,882)	188,722
Amount of decrease in the cost of sales due to the effect of LIFO inventory liquidation			$ 13,894	$ 4,316	$ 11,004