Leases (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2014 store	Mar. 02, 2013 store	Mar. 03, 2012 store
Leases
Total rental expense, net of sublease income	$ 952,777	$ 951,239	$ 976,892
Sublease income	8,369	8,536	8,866
Contingent rental	18,679	21,026	22,659
Number of operating stores sold	1	2	2
Proceeds from sale of owned properties	3,989	6,355	6,038
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	$ 269	$ 1,818	$ (3,896)
Minimum
Leases
Initial lease terms under noncancellable operating and capital leases	5 years
Initial terms of noncancellable operating lease	3 years
Sale leaseback lease terms	20 years	12 years	7 years
Maximum
Leases
Initial lease terms under noncancellable operating and capital leases	22 years
Initial terms of noncancellable operating lease	10 years
Sale leaseback lease terms		20 years	10 years