v2.4.0.8
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 01, 2013
Sep. 02, 2012
Aug. 28, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 2,061 $ 1,767 $ 1,542
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 946 908 855
Stock-based compensation 285 241 207
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards (61) (64) (45)
Other non-cash operating activities, net (7) 28 23
Deferred income taxes 7 (3) 84
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the initial consolidation of Costco Mexico at the beginning of fiscal 2011:      
Increase in merchandise inventories (898) (490) (642)
Increase in accounts payable 718 338 804
Other operating assets and liabilities, net 386 332 370
Net cash provided by operating activities 3,437 3,057 3,198
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Purchases of short-term investments (2,572) (2,048) (3,276)
Maturities of short-term investments 2,141 1,821 2,614
Sales of investments 244 482 602
Additions to property and equipment (2,083) (1,480) (1,290)
Increase resulting from initial consolidation of Costco Mexico 0 0 165
Other investing activities, net 19 (11) 5
Net cash used in investing activities (2,251) (1,236) (1,180)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Change in bank checks outstanding (70) 457 (514)
Repayments of short-term borrowings (287) (114) (105)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 326 114 79
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 3,717 130 0
Repayments of long-term debt 0 (900) 0
(Distribution to) investment by noncontrolling interests (22) (161) 9
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 52 109 285
Minimum tax withholdings on stock-based awards (121) (107) (61)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards 61 64 45
Repurchases of common stock (36) (632) (624)
Cash dividend payments (3,560) (446) (389)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest in Costco Mexico 0 (789) 0
Other financing activities, net (16) (6) (2)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 44 (2,281) (1,277)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (114) (21) 54
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,116 (481) 795
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR 3,528 4,009 3,214
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD 4,644 3,528 4,009
Cash paid during the first thirty-six weeks of year for:      
Interest (reduced by $12, $10 and $9 interest capitalized in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively) 86 112 111
Income taxes 1,001 956 742
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Increase in accrued property and equipment 40 0 0
Property acquired under capital lease 11 18 0
Unsettled repurchases of common stock 0 2 17
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid 0 22 0
Common stock issued upon conversion of 3.5% Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes $ 30 $ 2 $ 2