Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (A) Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CarMax and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Amounts and percentages may not total due to rounding. In fiscal 2016, we reclassified New Vehicle Sales to Other Sales and Revenues and no longer separately present New Vehicle Sales. New Vehicle Sales represented approximately 1% of total sales in fiscal 2016. All periods presented have been revised for this new presentation. (B) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents of approximately $109,000 as of February 29, 2016 , and $48,000 as of February 28, 2015 , consisted of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less . (C) Restricted Cash from Collections on Auto Loan Receivables Cash equivalents totaling $343.8 million as of February 29, 2016 , and $294.1 million as of February 28, 2015 , consisted of collections of principal, interest and fee payments on securitized auto loan receivables that are restricted for payment to the securitization investors pursuant to the applicable securitization agreements. (D) Marketable Securities The Company classifies its marketable securities as trading. These securities consisted primarily of mutual funds reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reflected as a component of other expense. Marketable securities as of February 29, 2016 and February 28, 2015 pertain to the Company’s restricted investments held in a rabbi trust and are reported in other assets. (E) Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, includes certain amounts due from third-party finance providers and customers and other miscellaneous receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical experience and trends. (F) Securitizations We maintain a revolving securitization program composed of two warehouse facilities (“warehouse facilities”) that we use to fund auto loan receivables originated by CAF until we elect to fund them through a term securitization or alternative funding arrangement. We sell the auto loan receivables to one of two wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities that transfer an undivided percentage ownership interest in the receivables, but not the receivables themselves, to entities formed by third-party investors. These entities issue asset-backed commercial paper or utilize other funding sources supported by the transferred receivables, and the proceeds are used to finance the securitized receivables. We typically use term securitizations to provide long-term funding for most of the auto loan receivables initially securitized through the warehouse facilities. In these transactions, a pool of auto loan receivables is sold to a bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity that, in turn, transfers the receivables to a special purpose securitization trust. The securitization trust issues asset-backed securities, secured or otherwise supported by the transferred receivables, and the proceeds from the sale of the asset-backed securities are used to finance the securitized receivables. We are required to evaluate term securitization trusts for consolidation. In our capacity as servicer, we have the power to direct the activities of the trusts that most significantly impact the economic performance of the trusts. In addition, we have the obligation to absorb losses (subject to limitations) and the rights to receive any returns of the trusts, which could be significant. Accordingly, we are the primary beneficiary of the trusts and are required to consolidate them. We recognize transfers of auto loan receivables into the warehouse facilities and term securitizations (“securitization vehicles”) as secured borrowings, which result in recording the auto loan receivables and the related non-recourse notes payable on our consolidated balance sheets. The securitized receivables can only be used as collateral to settle obligations of the securitization vehicles. The securitization vehicles and investors have no recourse to our assets beyond the securitized receivables, the amounts on deposit in reserve accounts and the restricted cash from collections on auto loan receivables. We have not provided financial or other support to the securitization vehicles that was not previously contractually required, and there are no additional arrangements, guarantees or other commitments that could require us to provide financial support to the securitization vehicles. See Notes 4 and 11 for additional information on auto loan receivables and non-recourse notes payable. (G) Fair Value of Financial Instruments Due to the short-term nature and/or variable rates associated with these financial instruments, the carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, money market securities, accounts payable, short-term debt and long-term debt approximates fair value. Our derivative instruments and mutual funds are recorded at fair value. Auto loan receivables are presented net of an allowance for estimated loan losses. See Note 6 for additional information on fair value measurements. (H) Inventory Inventory is primarily comprised of vehicles held for sale or currently undergoing reconditioning and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Vehicle inventory cost is determined by specific identification. Parts, labor and overhead costs associated with reconditioning vehicles, as well as transportation and other incremental expenses associated with acquiring and reconditioning vehicles, are included in inventory. (I) Auto Loan Receivables, Net Auto loan receivables include amounts due from customers related to retail vehicle sales financed through CAF. The receivables are presented net of an allowance for estimated loan losses. The allowance for loan losses represents an estimate of the amount of net losses inherent in our portfolio of managed receivables as of the applicable reporting date and anticipated to occur during the following 12 months. The allowance is primarily based on the credit quality of the underlying receivables, historical loss trends and forecasted forward loss curves. We also take into account recent trends in delinquencies and losses, recovery rates and the economic environment. The provision for loan losses is the periodic expense of maintaining an adequate allowance. An account is considered delinquent when the related customer fails to make a substantial portion of a scheduled payment on or before the due date. In general, accounts are charged-off on the last business day of the month during which the earliest of the following occurs: the receivable is 120 days or more delinquent as of the last business day of the month, the related vehicle is repossessed and liquidated, or the receivable is otherwise deemed uncollectible. For purposes of determining impairment, auto loans are evaluated collectively, as they represent a large group of smaller-balance homogeneous loans, and therefore, are not individually evaluated for impairment. See Note 4 for additional information on auto loan receivables. Interest income and expenses related to auto loans are included in CAF income. Interest income on auto loan receivables is recognized when earned based on contractual loan terms. All loans continue to accrue interest until repayment or charge-off. Direct costs associated with loan originations are not considered material, and thus, are expensed as incurred. See Note 3 for additional information on CAF income. (J) Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if applicable. Costs incurred during new store construction are capitalized as construction-in-progress and reclassified to the appropriate fixed asset categories when the store is completed. Estimated Useful Lives Life Buildings 25 years Leasehold improvements 15 years Furniture, fixtures and equipment 3 – 15 years We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We recognize impairment when the sum of undiscounted estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value of the asset. See Note 7 for additional information on property and equipment. (K) Other Assets Restricted Cash on Deposit in Reserve Accounts. The restricted cash on deposit in reserve accounts is for the benefit of holders of non-recourse notes payable, and these funds are not expected to be available to the company or its creditors. In the event that the cash generated by the securitized receivables in a given period was insufficient to pay the interest, principal and other required payments, the balances on deposit in the reserve accounts would be used to pay those amounts. Restricted cash on deposit in reserve accounts is invested in money market securities and was $46.6 million as of February 29, 2016 and $42.7 million as of February 28, 2015 . Restricted Investments. Restricted investments includes money market securities primarily held to satisfy certain insurance program requirements, as well as mutual funds held in a rabbi trust established to fund informally our executive deferred compensation plan. Restricted investments totaled $63.0 million as of February 29, 2016 and $52.4 million as of February 28, 2015 . (L) Finance Lease Obligations We generally account for sale-leaseback transactions as financings. Accordingly, we record certain of the assets subject to these transactions on our consolidated balance sheets in property and equipment and the related sales proceeds as finance lease obligations. Depreciation is recognized on the assets over their estimated useful lives, generally 25 years . A portion of the periodic lease payments is recognized as interest expense and the remainder reduces the obligation. In the event the leases are modified or extended beyond their original lease term, the related finance lease obligation is increased based on the present value of the revised future minimum lease payments on the date of the modification, with a corresponding increase to the net carrying amount of the assets subject to these transactions. See Notes 11 and 15 for additional information on finance lease obligations. (M) Accrued Expenses As of February 29, 2016 and February 28, 2015 , accrued expenses and other current liabilities included accrued compensation and benefits of $128.9 million and $148.4 million , respectively; loss reserves for general liability and workers’ compensation insurance of $39.6 million and $36.7 million , respectively; and the current portion of cancellation reserves. See Note 8 for additional information on cancellation reserves. (N) Defined Benefit Plan Obligations The recognized funded status of defined benefit retirement plan obligations is included both in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and in other liabilities. The current portion represents benefits expected to be paid from our benefit restoration plan over the next 12 months. The defined benefit retirement plan obligations are determined by independent actuaries using a number of assumptions provided by CarMax. Key assumptions used in measuring the plan obligations include the discount rate, rate of return on plan assets and mortality rate. See Note 10 for additional information on our benefit plans. (O) Insurance Liabilities Insurance liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks including workers’ compensation, general liability and employee-related health care costs, a portion of which is paid by associates. Estimated insurance liabilities are determined by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions. (P) Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when the earnings process is complete, generally either at the time of sale to a customer or upon delivery to a customer. As part of our customer service strategy, we guarantee the retail vehicles we sell with a 5 -day, money-back guarantee. We record a reserve for estimated returns based on historical experience and trends. We also sell ESP and GAP products on behalf of unrelated third parties, who are the primary obligors, to customers who purchase a vehicle. The ESPs we currently offer on all used vehicles provide coverage up to 60 months (subject to mileage limitations), while GAP covers the customer for the term of their finance contract. We recognize revenue at the time of sale, net of a reserve for estimated contract cancellations. Periodically, we may receive additional revenue based upon the level of underwriting profits of the third parties who administer the products. These additional amounts are recognized as revenue when received. The reserve for cancellations is evaluated for each product, and is based on forecasted forward cancellation curves utilizing historical experience, recent trends and credit mix of the customer base. Our risk related to contract cancellations is limited to the revenue that we receive. Cancellations fluctuate depending on the volume of EPP sales, customer financing default or prepayment rates, and shifts in customer behavior, including those related to changes in the coverage or term of the product. The current portion of estimated cancellation reserves is recognized as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities with the remaining amount recognized in other liabilities. See Note 8 for additional information on cancellation reserves. Customers applying for financing who are not approved or are conditionally approved by CAF are generally evaluated by other third-party finance providers. These providers generally either pay us or are paid a fixed, pre-negotiated fee per contract. We recognize these fees at the time of sale. We collect sales taxes and other taxes from customers on behalf of governmental authorities at the time of sale. These taxes are accounted for on a net basis and are not included in net sales and operating revenues or cost of sales. (Q) Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes the cost to acquire vehicles and the reconditioning and transportation costs associated with preparing the vehicles for resale. It also includes payroll, fringe benefits and parts, labor and overhead costs associated with reconditioning and vehicle repair services. The gross profit earned by our service department for used vehicle reconditioning service is a reduction of cost of sales. We maintain a reserve to eliminate the internal profit on vehicles that have not been sold. (R) Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses primarily include compensation and benefits, other than payroll related to reconditioning and vehicle repair services; depreciation, rent and other occupancy costs; advertising; and IT expenses, insurance, bad debt, travel, preopening and relocation costs, charitable contributions and other administrative expenses. (S) Advertising Expenses Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and substantially all are included in SG&A expenses. Total advertising expenses were $142.2 million in fiscal 2016 , $124.3 million in fiscal 2015 and $114.6 million in fiscal 2014 . (T) Store Opening Expenses Costs related to store openings, including preopening costs, are expensed as incurred and are included in SG&A expenses. (U) Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation represents the cost related to share-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors. We measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and we recognize the cost on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the grantee’s requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award. We estimate the fair value of stock options using a binomial valuation model. Key assumptions used in estimating the fair value of options are dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected term. The fair values of restricted stock and stock-settled performance stock units are based on the volume-weighted average market value on the date of the grant. The fair value of stock-settled restricted stock units is determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation based on the expected market price of our common stock on the vesting date and the expected number of converted common shares. Cash-settled restricted stock units are liability awards with fair value measurement based on the market price of CarMax common stock as of the end of each reporting period. Share-based compensation expense is recorded in either cost of sales, CAF income or SG&A expenses based on the recipients’ respective function. We record deferred tax assets for awards that result in deductions on our income tax returns, based on the amount of compensation expense recognized and the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which we will receive a deduction. Differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported on the income tax return are recorded in capital in excess of par value (if the tax deduction exceeds the deferred tax asset) or in the consolidated statements of earnings (if the deferred tax asset exceeds the tax deduction and no capital in excess of par value exists from previous awards). See Note 12 for additional information on stock-based compensation. (V) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We enter into derivative instruments to manage certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions that result in the future known receipt or payment of uncertain cash amounts, the values of which are impacted by interest rates. We recognize the derivatives at fair value as either current assets or current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, and where applicable, such contracts covered by master netting agreements are reported net. Gross positive fair values are netted with gross negative fair values by counterparty. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risks, even though hedge accounting may not apply or we do not elect to apply hedge accounting. See Note 5 for additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities. (W) Income Taxes We file a consolidated federal income tax return for a majority of our subsidiaries. Certain subsidiaries are required to file separate partnership or corporate federal income tax returns. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for income tax purposes, measured by applying currently enacted tax laws. A deferred tax asset is recognized if it is more likely than not that a benefit will be realized. Changes in tax laws and tax rates are reflected in the income tax provision in the period in which the changes are enacted. We evaluate the need to record valuation allowances that would reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. When assessing the need for valuation allowances, we consider available loss carrybacks, tax planning strategies, future reversals of existing temporary differences and future taxable income. We recognize tax liabilities when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are supportable, we believe that certain positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities. Benefits from tax positions are measured at the highest tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The current portion of these tax liabilities is included in accrued income taxes and any noncurrent portion is included in other liabilities. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, the differences impact income tax expense in the period in which the determination is made. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are included in SG&A expenses. See Note 9 for additional information on income taxes. (X) Net Earnings Per Share Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available for basic common shares by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available for diluted common shares by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive potential common stock. Diluted net earnings per share is calculated using the “if-converted” treasury stock method. See Note 13 for additional information on net earnings per share. (Y) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2014-8) related to discontinued operations (FASB ASC Topic 205). The standard raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as a discontinued operation by focusing on strategic shifts that have or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The standard also requires additional disclosures for discontinued operations and new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. We adopted this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2015 and there was no effect on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2015-17), which simplifies the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. This pronouncement requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent in the classified balance sheet, rather than separating such deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts, as is required under current guidance. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We early adopted this pronouncement, on a retrospective basis, for our fiscal year ending February 29, 2016. As a result, we have reclassified $8.1 million of deferred taxes from current assets to noncurrent assets for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2015 to conform to the current year presentation. In February 2015, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2015-2) related to the elimination of guidance which has allowed entities with interests in certain investment funds to follow earlier consolidation guidance and makes changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model (FASB ASC 810). This standard will require all entities to re-evaluate consolidation conclusions regarding variable interest entities. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We will adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2016. We do not expect this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2015, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2015-7), which eliminates the requirement for entities to categorize within the fair value hierarchy investments for which fair values are measured at net asset value (“NAV”) per share (FASB ASC Subtopic 820-10). This standard also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient, instead limiting disclosures to investments for which the entity has elected the expedient. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and retrospective adoption is required. We will adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2016. We do not expect this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2015-11), which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory by replacing the lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost or net realizable value (“NRV”) test. NRV is calculated as the estimated selling price less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and prospective adoption is required. We will adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2017. We do not expect this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2015, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2015-14), which deferred the effective date of FASB ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , for all entities by one year. As a result, that accounting standard is now effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Based on this amendment, we will adopt FASB ASU 2014-09 for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018. We do not expect this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2015, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2015-15) related to the presentation of debt issuance costs. This standard clarifies the guidance set forth in FASB ASU 2015-03, which required that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability rather than as an asset. The new pronouncement clarifies that debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements could continue to be presented as an asset and be subsequently amortized over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the arrangement. We will consider this clarification in conjunction with our adoption of FASB ASU 2015-03, which will occur for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2016 and do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-01) related to financial instruments (FASB ASC Subtopic 825-10). This pronouncement requires that most equity investments be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. The pronouncement also impacts financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We will adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018 and are currently evaluating the effect on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-02) related to the accounting for leases. This pronouncement requires lessees to record most leases on their balance sheet, while expense recognition on the income statement remains similar to current lease accounting guidance. The guidance also eliminates real estate-specific provisions and modifies certain aspects of lessor accounting. Under the new guidance, lease classification as either a finance lease or an operating lease will determine how lease-related revenue and expense are recognized. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. We will adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2019 and are currently evaluating the effect on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-06) related to the embedded derivative analysis for debt instruments with contingent call or put options. This pronouncement clarifies that an exercise contingency does not need to be evaluated to determine whether it relates only to interest rates or credit risk. Instead, the contingent put or call option should be evaluated for possible bifurcation as a derivative in accordance with the four-step decision sequence detailed in FASB ASC 815-15, without regard to the nature of the exercise contingency. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently in the process of evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on our consolidated financial statements, including potential early adoption. In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-08) related to reporting revenue gross versus net, or principal versus agent considerations. This pronouncement is meant to clarify the guidance in FASB ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , as it pertains to principal versus agent considerations. Specifically, the guidance addresses how entities should identify goods and services being provided to a customer, the unit of account for a principal versus agent assessment, how to evaluate whether a good or service is controlled before being transferred to a customer, and how to assess whether an entity controls services performed by another party. The pronouncement has the same effective date as the new revenue standard, which is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We will adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018 and are currently evaluating the effect on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-09) related to simplifications of employee share-based payment accounting. This pronouncement eliminates the APIC pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement when awards are settled. The pronouncement also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We will adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2017 and are currently evaluating the effect on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-10) related to identifying performance obligations and licensing. This pronouncement is meant to clarify the guidance in FASB ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . Specifically, the guidance addresses an entity’s identification of its performance obligations in a contract, as well as an entity’s evaluation of the nature of its promise to grant a license of intellectual property and whether or not that revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time. The pronouncement has the same effective date as the new revenue standard, which is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We will adopt this pronouncement for our fiscal year beginning March 1, 2018 and do not expect it to have a material impa |