Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 02, 2012	Aug. 28, 2011
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,528	$ 4,009
Short-term investments	1,326	1,604
Receivables, net	1,026	965
Merchandise inventories	7,096	6,638
Deferred income taxes and other current assets	550	490
Total current assets	13,526	13,706
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land	4,032	3,819
Buildings and improvements	10,879	10,278
Equipment and fixtures	4,261	4,002
Construction in progress	374	269
Gross property, plant and equipment	19,546	18,368
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(6,585)	(5,936)
Net property and equipment	12,961	12,432
OTHER ASSETS	653	623
TOTAL ASSETS	27,140	26,761
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	7,303	6,544
Current portion of long-term debt	1	900
Accrued salaries and benefits	1,832	1,758
Accrued member rewards	661	602
Accrued sales and other taxes	397	335
Other current liabilities	965	938
Deferred membership fees	1,101	973
Total current liabilities	12,260	12,050
LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion	1,381	1,253
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	981	885
Total liabilities	14,622	14,188
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY
Preferred stock $.005 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock $.005 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 432,350,000 and 434,266,000 shares issued and outstanding	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	4,369	4,516
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	156	373
Retained earnings	7,834	7,111
Total Costco stockholders' equity	12,361	12,002
Noncontrolling interests	157	571
Total equity	12,518	12,573
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 27,140	$ 26,761