v2.4.0.6
Equity And Comprehensive Income (Components Of Equity And Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Nov. 20, 2011
Nov. 21, 2010
Equity, Beginning $ 12,573 $ 10,930
Initial consolidation of noncontrolling interest in Costco Mexico   357
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of tax (1) 1
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other (208) 177
Net income 328 332
Total comprehensive income 119 510
Stock-based compensation 76 57
Stock options exercised including tax effects 60 144
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) including tax effects (104) (52)
Conversion of convertible notes 1  
Repurchases of common stock (173) (150)
Cash dividends (105) (89)
Equity, Ending 12,447 11,707
Unrealized loss on short-term investments, tax 1  
Attributable To Costco [Member]
   
Equity, Beginning 12,002 10,829
Initial consolidation of noncontrolling interest in Costco Mexico   0
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of tax (1) 1
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other (167) 147
Net income 320 312
Total comprehensive income 152 460
Stock-based compensation 76 57
Stock options exercised including tax effects 60 144
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) including tax effects (104) (52)
Conversion of convertible notes 1  
Repurchases of common stock (173) (150)
Cash dividends (105) (89)
Equity, Ending 11,909 11,199
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
   
Equity, Beginning 571 101
Initial consolidation of noncontrolling interest in Costco Mexico   357
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of tax 0 0
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other (41) 30
Net income 8 20
Total comprehensive income (33) 50
Stock-based compensation 0 0
Stock options exercised including tax effects 0 0
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs) including tax effects 0 0
Conversion of convertible notes 0  
Repurchases of common stock 0 0
Cash dividends 0 0
Equity, Ending $ 538 $ 508