Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 28, 2010
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	$ 31,772	$ 25,781
Insurance reserves	17,542	20,400
Accrued benefits	61,436	50,991
Pension	30,967	34,965
Other	39,878	34,764
Total deferred tax assets	181,595	166,901
Less: Valuation allowances	(7,973)	(7,085)
Deferred tax assets	173,622	159,816
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(64,873)	(35,714)
Inventory	(220,234)	(205,000)
Other	(44,303)	(19,850)
Deferred tax liabilities	(329,410)	(260,564)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (155,788)	$ (100,748)