Represents the accumulated number of points required in a calendar year for achieving the "Gold" tier.

No definition available.

Name:	rad_AccumulatedNumberOfPointsInCalendarYearForAchievingGoldTier
Namespace Prefix:	rad_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations and payables pertaining to claims incurred in general liability occurrences.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rad_GeneralLiability
Namespace Prefix:	rad_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the number of points awarded for each dollar spent towards front end merchandise under wellness+ loyalty card program.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rad_NumberOfPointsAwardedForEachDollarSpentTowardsFrontEndMerchandise
Namespace Prefix:	rad_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the number of points awarded for each qualifying prescription under wellness+ loyalty card program.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rad_NumberOfPointsAwardedForEachQualifyingPrescription
Namespace Prefix:	rad_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the percentage discount on qualifying purchases of front end merchandise on achieving "Gold" tier.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rad_PercentageDiscountOnQualifyingPurchasesGoldTier
Namespace Prefix:	rad_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period for expiration of earned points by customer based on qualifying purchases at participating retailers if not redeemed, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rad_PeriodForExpirationOfEarnedPointsByCustomerBasedOnQualifyingPurchasesAtParticipatingRetailersIfNotRedeemed
Namespace Prefix:	rad_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents rebates are dispensed to manufacturers end of the each completed quarter, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rad_RebatesDispensedToManufacturersPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	rad_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the value of each point earned by customer based on qualifying purchases at participating retailers.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rad_ValueOfEachPointEarnedByCustomerBasedOnQualifyingPurchasesAtParticipatingRetailers
Namespace Prefix:	rad_
Data Type:	us-types:perUnitItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

n/a

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rad_VendorRebatesAndAllowancesAndPurchaseDiscountsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	rad_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average amortization period of finite-lived intangible assets acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16265-109275

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount charged to advertising expense for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for a specified brand, product or product line.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 35
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420018&loc=d3e36677-107848

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of noncash expense included in interest expense to issue debt and obtain financing associated with the related debt instruments. Alternate captions include noncash interest expense.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.8)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 8
-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of deferred revenue as of balance sheet date. Deferred revenue represents collections of cash or other assets related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized. Generally, an entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration from a customer before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 605
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 13.A.4(a).Q1 Response)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012821&loc=d3e214044-122780

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 13
-Section A

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6935-107765

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 605
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 13.A.4(a).Q1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012821&loc=d3e214044-122780

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 13
-Section A

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The noncurrent portion of deferred revenue amount as of balance sheet date. Deferred revenue is a liability related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized, and is not expected to be recognized in the next twelve months. Generally, an entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration from a customer before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Remaining amortization period of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InsuranceAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpenseAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of acquisition of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations and payables pertaining to claims incurred of a workers compensation nature.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.15(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.15(5))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph 5
-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_WorkersCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis=rad_AmericanExpressTravelRelatedServicesCompanyInc.Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_TradeNamesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=rad_TPGEnvisionrxMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_BuildingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_EquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=rad_RetailPharmacyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=rad_PharmacyServicesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2015	Mar. 04, 2017 USD ($) Point	Feb. 27, 2016 USD ($) $ / Point	Feb. 28, 2015 USD ($)
Intangible Assets
Estimated Useful Life		10 years
Estimated useful life of purchased prescription files acquired in other than business combinations		5 years
Deferred Financing Costs
Amortization expenses of deferred financing costs		$ 19,565	$ 19,545	$ 15,301
Advertising
Advertising expenses, net of vendor advertising allowances		289,871	307,817	318,157
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Revenue Recognition
Deferred revenue		$ 35,642	$ 39,253
Value of each point earned by customer based on qualifying purchases at participating retailers under the program Plenti \| $ / Point			0.01
Trade names
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets amortization period		10 years
Customer relationships
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets amortization period		16 years	17 years
Customer relationships \| EnvisionRx
Intangible Assets
Estimated Useful Life	17 years
CMS license
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets amortization period		24 years	25 years
CMS license \| EnvisionRx
Intangible Assets
Estimated Useful Life	25 years
Minimum
Insurance
Workers compensation occurrences		$ 1,000
General liability occurrences		$ 3,000
Minimum \| American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Revenue Recognition
Period for expiration of earned points by customer based on qualifying purchases at participating retailers if not redeemed under the program Plenti (in years)			2 years
Minimum \| Customer relationships \| EnvisionRx
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets amortization period		10 years
Maximum \| Customer relationships \| EnvisionRx
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets amortization period		20 years
Buildings \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life		30 years
Buildings \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life		45 years
Equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life		3 years
Equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life		15 years
Internal-use software
Property, Plant and Equipment
Capitalized costs		$ 6,189	$ 7,680	$ 7,550
Retail Pharmacy
Revenue Recognition
Number of points awarded for each dollar spent towards front end merchandise \| Point		1
Number of points awarded for each qualifying prescription \| Point		25
Accumulated number of points in a calendar year to achieve the "Gold" tier \| Point		1,000
Percentage discount on qualifying purchases of front end merchandise on achieving "Gold" tier		20.00%
Deferred revenue		$ 97,501	110,208
Deferred revenue included in other current liabilities		75,833	88,470
Deferred revenue included in noncurrent liabilities		$ 21,668	$ 21,738
Pharmacy Services
Vendor Rebates and Allowances and Purchase Discounts
Period for rebates are dispensed to manufacturers		30 days