New Rite Aid (RADCQ) 10-Q 3 Oct 13 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 19, 2013
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	RITE AID CORP
Entity Central Index Key	84129
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Aug-13
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	2
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		916,175,148
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$144,167	$129,452
Accounts receivable, net	922,648	929,476
Inventories, net of LIFO reserve of $950,241 and $915,241	3,215,611	3,154,742
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	208,607	195,377
Total current assets	4,491,033	4,409,047
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,936,577	1,895,650
Other intangibles, net	438,776	464,404
Other assets	302,604	309,618
Total assets	7,168,990	7,078,719
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt and lease financing obligations	47,213	37,311
Accounts payable	1,415,880	1,384,644
Accrued salaries, wages and other current liabilities	1,084,312	1,156,315
Total current liabilities	2,547,405	2,578,270
Long-term debt, less current maturities	5,915,836	5,904,370
Lease financing obligations, less current maturities	88,510	91,850
Other noncurrent liabilities	935,105	963,663
Total liabilities	9,486,856	9,538,153
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficit:
Common stock, par value $1 per share; 1,500,000 authorized; shares issued and outstanding 916,081 and 904,268	916,081	904,268
Additional paid-in capital	4,280,068	4,280,831
Accumulated deficit	-7,642,773	-7,765,262
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-58,844	-61,369
Total stockholders' deficit	-2,317,866	-2,459,434
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	7,168,990	7,078,719
Preferred Stock-Series G
Stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock	1	1
Preferred Stock-Series H
Stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock	$187,601	$182,097

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Inventories, LIFO reserve (in dollars)	$950,241	$915,241
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	916,081,000	904,268,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	916,081,000	904,268,000
Preferred Stock-Series G
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, liquidation value (in dollars per share)	$100	$100
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	8	7
Preferred Stock-Series H
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, liquidation value (in dollars per share)	$100	$100
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	1,876,000	1,821,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues	$6,278,165	$6,230,884	$12,571,222	$12,699,171
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	4,461,804	4,520,463	8,933,870	9,239,979
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,602,931	1,618,169	3,212,192	3,306,235
Lease termination and impairment charges	11,390	7,783	22,362	19,926
Interest expense	106,716	129,054	219,780	259,642
Loss on debt retirements, net	62,172		62,172	17,842
Gain on sale of assets, net	-1,885	-2,954	-7,065	-13,005
Total costs and expenses	6,243,128	6,272,515	12,443,311	12,830,619
Income (loss) before income taxes	35,037	-41,631	127,911	-131,448
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,210	-2,866	5,422	-64,595
Net income (loss)	32,827	-38,765	122,489	-66,853
Computation of income (loss) attributable to common stockholders:
Net income (loss)	32,827	-38,765	122,489	-66,853
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock	-26	-26	-51	-51
Cumulative preferred stock dividends	-2,772	-2,612	-5,504	-5,186
Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders-basic	30,029	-41,403	116,934	-72,090
Add back-interest on convertible notes			2,728
Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders-diluted	$30,029	($41,403)	$119,662	($72,090)
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.03	($0.05)
Basic income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.03	($0.05)	$0.13	($0.08)
Diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.03	($0.05)	$0.12	($0.08)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income (loss)	$32,827	($38,765)	$122,489	($66,853)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Amortization of prior service cost, net transition obligation and net actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost	1,262	1,019	2,525	2,039
Total other comprehensive income	1,262	1,019	2,525	2,039
Comprehensive income (loss)	$34,089	($37,746)	$125,014	($64,814)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$122,489	($66,853)
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	200,493	208,370
Lease termination and impairment charges	22,362	19,926
LIFO charges	35,000	27,502
Gain on sale of assets, net	-7,065	-13,005
Stock-based compensation expense	8,077	8,653
Loss on debt retirements, net	62,172	17,842
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	6,743	86,389
Inventories	-95,926	87,779
Accounts payable	36,200	-117,116
Other assets and liabilities, net	-126,633	71,230
Net cash provided by operating activities	263,912	330,717
Investing activities:
Payments for property, plant and equipment	-170,850	-148,211
Intangible assets acquired	-35,651	-19,967
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	3,989	3,950
Proceeds from dispositions of assets and investments	9,698	15,900
Net cash used in investing activities	-192,814	-148,328
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,310,000	426,263
Net proceeds from (payments to) revolver	12,000	-136,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-1,321,971	-471,323
Change in zero balance cash accounts	-5,319	-48,481
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	12,263	1,004
Financing fees paid for early debt redemption	-45,636	-11,069
Deferred financing costs paid	-17,720	-10,743
Net cash used in financing activities	-56,383	-250,349
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	14,715	-67,960
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	129,452	162,285
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	144,167	94,325
Supplementary cash flow data:
Cash paid for interest (net of capitalized amounts of $106 and $218, respectively)	219,240	192,503
Cash payments of income taxes, net of refunds	401	2,241
Equipment financed under capital leases	13,117	5,234
Equipment received for noncash consideration		2,132
Preferred stock dividends paid in additional shares	5,504	5,186
Gross borrowings from revolver	1,542,000	293,000
Gross repayments to revolver	$1,530,000	$429,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash paid for interest, capitalized amounts	$106	$218

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete annual financial statements. The accompanying financial information reflects all adjustments which are of a recurring nature and, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. The results of operations for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Rite Aid Corporation and Subsidiaries (the "Company") Fiscal 2013 10-K.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU No. 2013-11 requires an entity to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. This pronouncement will have no effect on the financial statements as the Company has historically presented uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASU No. 2013-11.

Income_Loss_Per_Share

Income (Loss) Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Income (Loss) Per Share
Income (Loss) Per Share	2. Income (Loss) Per Share
	Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the income of the Company subject to anti-dilution limitations.
		Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		Ended						Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator for income (loss) per share:
	Net income (loss)	$	32,827		$	(38,765	)	$	122,489		$	(66,853	)
	Accretion of redeemable preferred stock		(26	)		(26	)		(51	)		(51	)
	Cumulative preferred stock dividends		(2,772	)		(2,612	)		(5,504	)		(5,186	)
	Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders—basic	$	30,029		$	(41,403	)	$	116,934		$	(72,090	)
	Add back—interest on convertible notes		—			—			2,728			—
	Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders—diluted	$	30,029		$	(41,403	)	$	119,662		$	(72,090	)
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares		901,992			889,645			897,993			888,573
	Outstanding options and restricted shares, net		44,726			—			40,143			—
	Convertible notes		—			—			24,800			—
	Diluted weighted average shares		946,718			889,645			962,936			888,573
	Basic income (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	(0.05	)	$	0.13		$	(0.08	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	(0.05	)	$	0.12		$	(0.08	)
	Due to their antidilutive effect, the following potential common shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share as of August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012:
		Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		Ended						Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock options		39,014			83,591			43,668			83,591
	Convertible notes		24,800			24,800			—			24,800
	Convertible preferred stock		34,109			32,137			34,109			32,137
			97,923			140,528			77,777			140,528
	Also excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share as of August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012 are restricted shares and restricted stock units of 0 and 12,856, respectively, which are included in shares outstanding.

Lease_Termination_and_Impairme

Lease Termination and Impairment Charges	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Lease Termination and Impairment Charges
Lease Termination and Impairment Charges	3. Lease Termination and Impairment Charges
	Lease termination and impairment charges consist of amounts as follows:
		Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		Ended						Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Impairment charges	$	265		$	47		$	4,866		$	543
	Lease termination charges		11,125			7,736			17,496			19,383
		$	11,390		$	7,783		$	22,362		$	19,926
	Impairment Charges
	These amounts include the write-down of long-lived assets at locations that were assessed for impairment because of management's intention to relocate or close the location or because of changes in circumstances that indicated the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
	Lease Termination Charges
	As part of the Company's ongoing business activities, the Company assesses stores and distribution centers for potential closure or relocation. Decisions to close or relocate stores or distribution centers in future periods would result in lease termination charges, lease exit costs and inventory liquidation charges, as well as impairment of assets at these locations. The following table reflects the closed store and distribution center charges that relate to new closures, changes in assumptions and interest accretion:
		Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		Ended						Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance—beginning of period	$	312,011		$	358,583		$	323,758		$	367,864
	Provision for present value of noncancellable lease payments of closed stores		5,981			678			6,374			4,252
	Changes in assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates		(308	)		1,269			213			3,326
	Interest accretion		5,452			5,871			10,909			11,927
	Cash payments, net of sublease income		(19,499	)		(21,130	)		(37,617	)		(42,098	)
	Balance—end of period	$	303,637		$	345,271		$	303,637		$	345,271

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements	4. Fair Value Measurements
	The Company utilizes the three-level valuation hierarchy for the recognition and disclosure of fair value measurements. The categorization of assets and liabilities within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement of fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy consist of the following:
	•
	Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
	•
	Level 2—Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument.
	•
	Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs based upon management's best estimate of inputs market participants could use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date, including assumptions about risk.
	Non-Financial Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis
	Long-lived non-financial assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for purposes of calculating impairment using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of long-lived assets using Level 2 inputs is determined by evaluating the current economic conditions in the geographic area for similar use assets. The fair value of long-lived assets using Level 3 inputs is determined by estimating the amount and timing of net future cash flows (which are unobservable inputs) and discounting them using a risk-adjusted rate of interest (which is Level 1). The Company estimates future cash flows based on its experience and knowledge of the market in which the store is located. Significant increases or decreases in actual cash flows may result in valuation changes. During the twenty-six week period ended August 31, 2013, long-lived assets from continuing operations with a carrying value of $18,162, primarily store assets, were written down to their fair value of $13,296, resulting in an impairment charge of $4,866 of which $265 relates to the thirteen-week period ended August 31, 2013. During the twenty-six week period ended September 1, 2012, long-lived assets from continuing operations with a carrying value of $1,144, primarily store assets, were written down to their fair value of $601, resulting in an impairment charge of $543 of which $47 relates to the thirteen-week period ended September 1, 2012. If our actual future cash flows differ from our projections materially, certain stores that are either not impaired or partially impaired in the current period may be further impaired in future periods.
	The following table presents fair values for those assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012:
		Fair Value Measurement Using
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total as of
								August 31,
								2013
	Long-lived assets held for use	$	—	$	—	$	865	$	865
	Long-lived assets held for sale		—		12,431		—		12,431
	Total	$	—	$	12,431	$	865	$	13,296
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total as of
								September 1,
								2012
	Long-lived assets held for use	$	—	$	—	$	601	$	601
	Long-lived assets held for sale		—		—		—		—
	Total	$	—	$	—	$	601	$	601
	As of August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012, the Company did not have any financial assets measured on a recurring basis.
	Other Financial Instruments
	Financial instruments other than long-term indebtedness include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable. These instruments are recorded at book value, which we believe approximate their fair values due to their short term nature.
	The fair value for LIBOR-based borrowings under the Company's senior secured credit facility and first and second lien term loans are estimated based on the quoted market price of the financial instrument which is considered Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of substantially all of the Company's other long-term indebtedness are estimated based on quoted market prices of the financial instruments which are considered Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's total long-term indebtedness was $5,932,715 and $6,158,284, respectively, as of August 31, 2013. There were no outstanding derivative financial instruments as of August 31, 2013 and March 2, 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	5. Income Taxes
	The Company recorded an income tax expense of $2,210 and an income tax benefit of $2,866 for the thirteen week periods ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012, respectively, and an income tax expense of $5,422 and an income tax benefit of $64,595 for the twenty-six week periods ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012, respectively. The income tax expense or benefit is recorded net of adjustments to maintain a full valuation allowance against the Company's net deferred tax assets.
	The income tax expense for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 31, 2013 is primarily attributable to the accrual of federal, state and local taxes and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits offset by adjustments to the valuation allowance of $2,197 and $(34,692), respectively.
	The income tax benefit for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 1, 2012 was primarily attributable to the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits resulting from the appellate settlements of the Brooks Eckerd Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Audit of fiscal years 2004 - 2007 as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Audit of fiscal years 2005 - 2007. These amounts were offset by a reversal of the related tax indemnification asset which was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses as these audits were related to pre-acquisition periods. The accrual of federal, state and local taxes for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 1, 2012 included adjustments to the valuation allowance of $15,058 and $42,845, respectively.
	The Company is indemnified by Jean Coutu Group for certain tax liabilities incurred for all years ended up to and including June 4, 2007, related to the June 2007 Brooks Eckerd acquisition. Although the Company is indemnified by Jean Coutu Group, the Company remains the primary obligor to the tax authorities with respect to any tax liability arising for the years prior to the acquisition. Accordingly, as of August 31, 2013 and March 2, 2013 the Company had recoverable indemnification assets of $31,937 and $30,710 from Jean Coutu Group, respectively, included in the 'Other Assets' line of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, to reflect the indemnification for such liabilities.
	The Company recognizes tax liabilities in accordance with the guidance for uncertain tax positions and management adjusts these liabilities with changes in judgment as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the current estimate of the tax liabilities.
	Over the next 12 months, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax positions including interest and penalties could decrease tax liabilities by approximately $32,025, which would impact the effective tax rate if the company's tax positions are sustained upon audit or the controlling statute of limitations expires. The primary driver of the decrease is contingent upon the statute of limitations expiring. The corresponding indemnification asset will reverse concurrently in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	The valuation allowances as of August 31, 2013 and March 2, 2013 apply to the net deferred tax assets of the Company. The Company continues to maintain a full valuation allowance of $2,188,983 and $2,223,675 against net deferred tax assets at August 31, 2013 and March 2, 2013, respectively.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	6. Intangible Assets
	The Company's intangible assets are finite-lived and amortized over their useful lives. Following is a summary of the Company's amortizable intangible assets as of August 31, 2013 and March 2, 2013.
		August 31, 2013							March 2, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Remaining		Gross		Accumulated			Remaining
		Carrying		Amortization			Weighted		Carrying		Amortization			Weighted
		Amount					Average		Amount					Average
							Amortization							Amortization
							Period							Period
	Favorable leases and other	$	629,870	$	(432,767	)		9 years	$	623,541	$	(413,556	)		10 years
	Prescription files		1,312,253		(1,070,580	)		4 years		1,286,087		(1,031,668	)		4 years
	Total	$	1,942,123	$	(1,503,347	)			$	1,909,628	$	(1,445,224	)
	Also included in other non-current liabilities as of August 31, 2013 and March 2, 2013 are unfavorable lease intangibles with a net carrying amount of $66,227 and $70,195 respectively. These intangible liabilities are amortized over their remaining lease terms.
	Amortization expense for these intangible assets and liabilities was $29,121 and $60,806 for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 31, 2013, respectively. Amortization expense for these intangible assets and liabilities was $30,753 and $64,829 for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 1, 2012, respectively. The anticipated annual amortization expense for these intangible assets and liabilities is 2014—$109,429; 2015—$94,365; 2016—$82,848; 2017—$69,664 and 2018—$31,864.

Indebtedness_and_Credit_Agreem

Indebtedness and Credit Agreements	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Indebtedness and Credit Agreements
Indebtedness and Credit Agreements	7. Indebtedness and Credit Agreements
	Following is a summary of indebtedness and lease financing obligations at August 31, 2013 and March 2, 2013:
		August 31,			March 2,
		2013			2013
	Secured Debt:
	Senior secured revolving credit facility due February 2018	$	677,000		$	665,000
	Tranche 6 Term Loan due February 2020		1,158,098			1,161,000
	7.5% senior secured notes (second lien) due March 2017		—			500,000
	10.25% senior secured notes (second lien) due October 2019 ($270,000 face value less unamortized discount of $1,262 and $1,364)		268,738			268,636
	8.00% senior secured notes (senior lien) due August 2020		650,000			650,000
	Tranche 1 Term Loan (second lien) due August 2020		470,000			470,000
	Tranche 2 Term Loan (second lien) due June 2021		500,000			—
	Other secured		5,268			5,298
			3,729,104			3,719,934
	Guaranteed Unsecured Debt:
	9.5% senior notes due June 2017 ($810,000 face value less unamortized discount of $5,529)		—			804,471
	9.25% senior notes due March 2020 ($902,000 face value plus unamortized premium of $4,423 and $4,759)		906,423			906,759
	6.75% senior notes due June 2021		810,000			—
			1,716,423			1,711,230
	Unguaranteed Unsecured Debt:
	8.5% convertible notes due May 2015		64,188			64,188
	7.7% notes due February 2027		295,000			295,000
	6.875% fixed-rate senior notes due December 2028		128,000			128,000
			487,188			487,188
	Lease financing obligations		118,844			115,179
	Total debt		6,051,559			6,033,531
	Current maturities of long-term debt and lease financing obligations		(47,213	)		(37,311	)
	Long-term debt and lease financing obligations, less current maturities	$	6,004,346		$	5,996,220
	Credit Facility
	The Company has a senior secured credit facility that consists of a $1,795,000 revolving credit facility and a $1,158,098 senior secured term loan (the "Tranche 6 Term Loan"). Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum between LIBOR plus 2.25% and LIBOR plus 2.75%, if the Company chooses to make LIBOR borrowings, or between Citibank's base rate plus 1.25% and Citibank's base rate plus 1.75% in each case based upon the amount of revolver availability as defined in the senior secured credit facility. The Company is required to pay fees between 0.375% and 0.50% per annum on the daily unused amount of the revolver, depending on the amount of revolver availability. Amounts drawn under the revolver become due and payable on February 21, 2018. The Tranche 6 Term Loan matures on February 21, 2020 and currently bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 3.00%, if the Company chooses to make LIBOR borrowings, or at Citibank's base rate plus 2.00%. The Tranche 6 Term Loan is subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor per annum.
	The Company's ability to borrow under the revolver is based upon a specified borrowing base consisting of accounts receivable, inventory and prescription files. At August 31, 2013, the Company had $677,000 of borrowings outstanding under the revolver and had letters of credit outstanding against the revolver of $90,319, which resulted in additional borrowing capacity of $1,027,681.
	The senior secured credit facility contains certain restrictions on the ability of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors to accumulate cash on hand, and under certain circumstances, requires the funds in the Company's deposit accounts to be applied first to the repayment of outstanding revolving loans under the senior secured credit facility and then to be held as collateral for the senior obligations.
	The senior credit facility restricts the amount of secured and unsecured debt the Company may have outstanding. The senior secured credit facility allows the Company to incur an unlimited amount of unsecured debt with a maturity beyond May 21, 2020. However, the Company's second priority secured term loan facilities and the indentures that govern the Company's secured and guaranteed unsecured notes contain restrictions on the amount of additional secured and unsecured debt that can be incurred by the Company. Pursuant to certain of the Company's existing indentures, the Company could not incur any additional secured debt assuming a fully drawn revolver and the outstanding letters of credit. The ability to issue additional unsecured debt under the second priority secured term loan facilities and the indentures is generally governed by an interest coverage ratio test. As of August 31, 2013, the Company had the ability to issue additional unsecured debt under the second lien credit facility and other indentures.
	The senior secured credit facility contains additional covenants which place restrictions on the incurrence of debt, the payments of dividends, sale of assets, mergers and acquisitions and the granting of liens. The credit facility has a financial covenant, which is the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio. The covenant requires that, if availability on the revolving credit facility is less than $150,000, the Company must maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00. As of August 31, 2013, availability under the revolving credit facility was in excess of $150,000 and, therefore, the financial covenant was not applicable. The senior secured credit facility also provides for customary events of default.
	The Company also has a second priority secured term loan facility, which includes a $470,000 second priority secured term loan (the "Tranche 1 Term Loan"). The Tranche 1 Term Loan matures on August 21, 2020 and currently bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 4.75%, if the Company chooses to make LIBOR borrowings, or at Citibank's base rate plus 3.75%. The Tranche 1 Term Loan is subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor per annum.
	On June 21, 2013, the Company entered into a new second priority secured term loan facility, which includes a $500,000 second priority secured term loan (the "Tranche 2 Term Loan"). The Tranche 2 Term Loan matures on June 21, 2021 and currently bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 3.875% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%, if the Company chooses to make LIBOR borrowings, or at Citibank's base rate plus 2.875%.
	Substantially all of Rite Aid Corporation's 100 percent owned subsidiaries guarantee the obligations under the senior secured credit facility, second priority secured term loan facilities, secured guaranteed notes and unsecured guaranteed notes. The senior secured credit facility, second priority secured term loan facilities and secured guaranteed notes are secured, on a senior or second priority basis, as applicable, by a lien on, among other things, accounts receivable, inventory and prescription files of the subsidiary guarantors. The subsidiary guarantees related to the Company's senior secured credit facility, second priority secured term loan facilities and secured guaranteed notes and, on an unsecured basis, the unsecured guaranteed notes are full and unconditional and joint and several, and there are no restrictions on the ability of the Company to obtain funds from its subsidiaries. Also, the Company has no independent assets or operations, and subsidiaries not guaranteeing the credit facility, second priority secured term loan facilities and applicable notes are minor. Accordingly, condensed consolidating financial information for the Company and subsidiaries is not presented.
	Other Transactions
	In June 2013, the Company completed a tender offer for its 7.5% senior secured notes due 2017 in which $419,237 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 7.5% notes were tendered and repurchased. In July 2013, the Company redeemed the remaining 7.5% notes for $85,154, which included the call premium and interest to the redemption date. The tender offer for, and redemption of, the 7.5% notes were funded using the proceeds from the Tranche 2 Term Loan, borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility and available cash.
	On July 2, 2013, the Company issued $810,000 of its 6.75% senior notes due 2021. The Company's obligations under the notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsubordinated basis, by all of its subsidiaries that guarantee the Company's obligations under the senior secured credit facility, the second priority secured term loan facilities and the outstanding 8.00% senior secured notes due 2020, 10.25% senior secured notes due 2019 and 9.25% senior notes due 2020. The Company used the net proceeds of the 6.75% notes, borrowings under its revolving credit facility and available cash to repurchase and repay all of the Company's outstanding $810,000 aggregate principal of 9.5% senior notes due 2017.
	In July 2013, the Company completed a tender offer for its 9.5% notes in which $739,642 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 9.5% notes were tendered and repurchased. In August 2013, the Company redeemed the remaining 9.5% notes for $73,440, which included the call premium and interest to the redemption date.
	In connection with these refinancing transactions, the Company recorded a loss on debt retirement, including tender and call premium and interest, unamortized debt issue costs and unamortized discount of $62,172.
	Maturities
	The aggregate annual principal payments of long-term debt for the remainder of fiscal 2014 and thereafter are as follows: 2014—$11,073; 2015—$11,610; 2016—$75,798; 2017—$11,610; 2018—$688,610 and $5,130,853 thereafter.

Stock_Options_and_Stock_Awards

Stock Options and Stock Awards	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Stock Options and Stock Awards
Stock Options and Stock Awards	8. Stock Options and Stock Awards
	The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of the award, net of an estimate for the impact of forfeitures. Operating results for the twenty-six week periods ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012 include $8,077 and $8,653, respectively, of compensation costs related to the Company's stock-based compensation arrangements.
	The total number and type of newly awarded grants and the related weighted average fair value for the thirteen week periods ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012 are as follows:
		August 31, 2013						September 1, 2012
		Shares			Weighted			Shares		Weighted
					Average					Average
					Fair Value					Fair Value
	Stock options granted		4,828		$	1.91			12,020	$	0.91
	Stock awards granted		2,721		$	2.77			5,450	$	1.31
	Total awards		7,549						17,470
	Typically, stock options granted vest, and are subsequently exercisable in equal annual installments over a four-year period for employees. Stock awards granted to non-employee directors vest 80% in year one, 10% in year two and 10% in year three.
	The Company calculates the fair value of stock options using the Black- Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The following assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model:
		Twenty-Six Week
		Period Ended
		August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012
	Expected stock price volatility		85	%		85	%
	Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.4	%		0.7	%
	Expected option life		5.5 years			5.5 years
	As of August 31, 2013, the total unrecognized pre-tax compensation costs related to unvested stock options and restricted stock grants, net of estimated forfeitures and the weighted average period of cost amortization are as follows:
		August 31, 2013
		Unvested stock			Unvested
		options			restricted
					stock
	Unrecognized pre-tax costs	$	20,204		$	12,508
	Weighted average amortization period		2.6 years			2.1 years

Reclassifications_from_Accumul

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9. Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the changes in balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable, for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012:
		Thirteen week period						Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		ended August 31, 2013						Ended September 1,2012						Ended August 31, 2013						Ended September 1,2012
		Defined			Accumulated			Defined			Accumulated			Defined			Accumulated			Defined			Accumulated
		benefit			other			benefit			other			benefit			other			benefit			other
		pension			comprehensive			pension			comprehensive			pension			comprehensive			pension			comprehensive
		plans			loss			plans			loss			plans			loss			plans			loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Balance-beginning of period	$	(60,106	)	$	(60,106	)	$	(51,614	)	$	(51,614	)	$	(61,369	)	$	(61,369	)	$	(52,634	)	$	(52,634	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss)		1,262			1,262			1,019			1,019			2,525			2,525			2,039			2,039
	Balance-end of period	$	(58,844	)	$	(58,844	)	$	(50,595	)	$	(50,595	)	$	(58,844	)	$	(58,844	)	$	(50,595	)	$	(50,595	)
	The following table summarizes the effects on net income (loss) of significant amounts classified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012:
		Thirteen Week Periods Ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012
		Amount reclassified from
		accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Details about accumulated	August 31, 2013			September 1, 2012			Affected line item in the condensed
	other comprehensive loss							consolidated statements of operations
	components
	Defined benefit pension plans
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost(a)	$	(60	)	$	(60	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss(a)		(1,202	)		(959	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
			(1,262	)		(1,019	)	Total before income tax expense
			—			—		Income tax expense(b)
		$	(1,262	)	$	(1,019	)	Net of income tax expense
		Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012
		Amount reclassified from
		accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Details about accumulated	August 31, 2013			September 1, 2012			Affected line item in the condensed
	other comprehensive loss							consolidated statements of operations
	components
	Defined benefit pension plans
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost(a)	$	(120	)	$	(120	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss(a)		(2,405	)		(1,919	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
			(2,525	)		(2,039	)	Total before income tax expense
			—			—		Income tax expense(b)
		$	(2,525	)	$	(2,039	)	Net of income tax expense
	(a)
	—See Note 10, Retirement Plans for additional details.
	(b)
	—Income tax expense is $0 due to the valuation allowance. See Note 5, Income Taxes for additional details.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans
Retirement Plans	10. Retirement Plans
	Net periodic pension expense recorded in the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012, for the Company's defined benefit plans includes the following components:
		Defined Benefit						Nonqualified				Defined Benefit						Nonqualified
		Pension Plan						Executive				Pension Plan						Executive
								Retirement Plans										Retirement Plans
		Thirteen Week Period Ended										Twenty-Six Week Period Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,		September 1,		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,		September 1,
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Service cost	$	830		$	867		$	—	$	—	$	1,660		$	1,735		$	—	$	—
	Interest cost		1,551			1,565			135		154		3,102			3,131			271		308
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,779	)		(1,749	)		—		—		(3,558	)		(3,498	)		—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost		60			60			—		—		120			120			—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss		1,202			959			—		—		2,405			1,919			—		—
	Net pension expense	$	1,864		$	1,702		$	135	$	154	$	3,729		$	3,407		$	271	$	308
	During the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 31, 2013 the Company contributed $414 and $818 respectively, to the Nonqualified Executive Retirement Plans. During the remainder of fiscal 2014, the Company expects to contribute $844 to the Nonqualified Executive Retirement Plans and $0 to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies	11. Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Matters
	The Company is a party to legal proceedings, investigations and claims in the ordinary course of its business, including the matters described below. The Company records accruals for outstanding legal matters when it believes it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal matters that could affect the amount of any accrual and developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. If a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, the Company does not establish an accrued liability.
	The Company's contingencies are subject to significant uncertainties, including, among other factors: (i) proceedings are in early stages; (ii) whether class or collective action status is sought and the likelihood of a class being certified; (iii) the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (iv) the extent of potential damages, fines or penalties, which are often unspecified or indeterminate; (v) the impact of discovery on the matter; (vi) whether novel or unsettled legal theories are at issue; (vii) there are significant factual issues to be resolved; and/or (viii) in the case of certain government agency investigations, whether a sealed qui tam lawsuit ("whistleblower" action) has been filed and whether the government agency makes a decision to intervene in the lawsuit following investigation.
	The Company has been named in a collective and class action lawsuit, Indergit v. Rite Aid Corporation et al pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, filed purportedly on behalf of current and former store managers working in the Company's stores at various locations around the country. The lawsuit alleges that the Company failed to pay overtime to store managers as required under the FLSA and under certain New York state statutes. The lawsuit also seeks other relief, including liquidated damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees, costs and injunctive relief arising out of state and federal claims for overtime pay. On April 2, 2010, the Court conditionally certified a nationwide collective group of individuals who worked for the Company as store managers since March 31, 2007. The Court ordered that Notice of the Indergit action be sent to the purported members of the collective group (approximately 7,000 current and former store managers) and approximately 1,550 joined the Indergit action. Discovery as to certification issues has been completed. The parties have fully briefed the issues of Rule 23 class certification of the New York store manager claims and decertification of the nationwide collective action claims and are awaiting a ruling from the Court. At this time, the Company is not able to either predict the outcome of this lawsuit or estimate a potential range of loss with respect to the lawsuit. The Company's management believes, however, that this lawsuit is without merit and not appropriate for collective or class action treatment and is vigorously defending this lawsuit.
	The Company is currently a defendant in several putative class action lawsuits filed in state courts in California alleging violations of California wage and hour laws, rules and regulations pertaining primarily to failure to pay overtime, pay for missed meals and rest periods and failure to provide employee seating. These suits purport to be class actions and seek substantial damages. At this time, the Company is not able to either predict the outcome of these lawsuits or estimate a potential range of loss with respect to the lawsuits. The Company's management believes, however, that the plaintiffs' allegations are without merit and that their claims are not appropriate for class action treatment. The Company is vigorously defending all of these claims.
	The Company was served with a United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General ("OIG") subpoena dated March 5, 2010 in connection with an investigation being conducted by the OIG and the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. The subpoena requests records related to any gift card inducement programs for customers who transferred prescriptions for drugs or medicines to the Company's pharmacies, and whether any customers who receive federally funded prescription benefits (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) may have benefited from those programs. The Company has substantially completed its production of records in response to the subpoena. In June 2013, the government contacted the Company, and the Company is involved in ongoing discussions with the government regarding the matter.
	The Company received a subpoena dated May 9, 2011 from certain California counties seeking information regarding compliance with environmental regulations governing the management of hazardous waste. The Company cooperated fully in this matter with California regulators and has reached a settlement resolving potential claims on a statewide basis. A proposed final judgment negotiated by the parties was filed in the Superior Court of San Joaquin County and approved by the Court on September 24, 2013. As part of this settlement, the Company has agreed to pay civil penalties, supplemental environmental project payments and costs aggregating $12.3 million, and has consented to injunctive provisions regarding future compliance with California hazardous materials laws. The aggregate payment with respect to the civil penalties, supplemental environmental projects and cost reimbursement had been previously accrued, will not impact the Company's current fiscal year results of operations and will not be material to the Company's financial condition.
	The Company was served with a Civil Investigative Demand Subpoena Duces Tecum dated August 26, 2011 by the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. The subpoena requests records regarding Rite Aid's Rx Savings Program and the reporting of usual and customary charges to publicly funded health programs. In connection with the same investigation, the Company was served with a Civil Subpoena Duces Tecum dated February 22, 2013 by the State of Indiana Office of the Attorney General. The Company has substantially completed its response to both of the subpoenas and is unable to predict the timing or outcome of any review by the government of such information.
	In April 2012, the Company received an administrative subpoena from the Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA"), Albany, New York District Office, requesting information regarding the Company's sale of products containing pseudoephedrine ("PSE"). In April 2012, it also received a communication from the United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York ("USAO") concerning an investigation of possible civil violations of the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 ("CMEA"). In April 2013, the Company received additional administrative subpoenas from DEA concerning certain retail PSE transactions at New York stores and the USAO commenced discussions with the Company regarding whether, from 2009 (upon implementation of an electronic PSE transaction logbook system) through the present, the Company sold products containing PSE in violation of the CMEA. Violations of the CMEA could result in the imposition of administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties against the Company. The Company is cooperating with the government and has provided information responsive to the subpoenas. The Company cannot predict the timing or outcome of any review by the DEA or USAO of such information.
	The Company was served with a Civil Investigative Demand dated June 21, 2013 by the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. The CID requests records and responses to interrogatories regarding Rite Aid's Drug Utilization Review and prescription dispensing protocol and the dispensing of drugs designated "Code 1" by the State of California. The Company is in the process of producing responsive documents and interrogatory responses and is unable to predict the timing or outcome of any review by the government of such information.
	In addition to the above described matters, the Company is subject from time to time to various claims and lawsuits and governmental investigations arising in the ordinary course of our business. While the Company's management cannot predict the outcome of any of the claims, the Company's management does not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will be material to the Company's consolidated financial position. It is possible, however, that the Company's results of operations or cash flows in a particular fiscal period could be materially affected by an unfavorable resolution of pending litigation or contingencies.
	Contingencies
	The California Department of Health Care Services ("DHCS"), the agency responsible for administering the State of California Medicaid program, implemented retroactive reimbursement rate reductions effective June 1, 2011, impacting the medical provider community in California, including pharmacies. Numerous medical providers, including representatives of both chain and independent pharmacies, filed suits against DHCS in federal district court in California and obtained preliminary injunctions against the rate cuts, subject to a trial on the merits. DHCS appealed the preliminary injunctions to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which Court vacated the injunctions. Based upon the actions of DHCS and the decision of the appeals court, the Company has recorded an appropriate accrual. As pertinent facts and circumstances develop, this accrual may be adjusted.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions	12. Related Party Transactions
	On July 22, 2013, the Jean Coutu Group announced that it had sold all of its 65,401,162 shares of Rite Aid's common stock. As a result of this sale, the Jean Coutu Group was required to cause its designee to resign from Rite Aid's board of directors and accordingly, Francois J. Coutu has notified the Company that he will resign from Rite Aid's board of directors effective October 31, 2013.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event	13. Subsequent Event
	On September 26, 2013, the Company agreed to exchange all of its outstanding Series G and Series H preferred stock, that had been held by Green Equity Investors III, L.P., for 40,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to an individually negotiated exchange agreement. The transaction closed on September 30, 2013 and the shares of common stock were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. Following the settlement date of the transaction, no shares of the Series G and Series H preferred stock remain outstanding and the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been further amended to eliminate all references to the Series G and Series H preferred stock.
	On the settlement date of the transaction, John M. Baumer, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company elected by the holders of the Series G and Series H preferred stock, resigned from the Company's Board of Directors effective as of the settlement date, in accordance with the terms of the exchange agreement. Mr. Baumer is a limited partner of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., an affiliate of the holder of the Series G and Series H preferred stock.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU No. 2013-11 requires an entity to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. This pronouncement will have no effect on the financial statements as the Company has historically presented uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASU No. 2013-11.

Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Income (Loss) Per Share
Schedule of calculation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share
		Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		Ended						Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator for income (loss) per share:
	Net income (loss)	$	32,827		$	(38,765	)	$	122,489		$	(66,853	)
	Accretion of redeemable preferred stock		(26	)		(26	)		(51	)		(51	)
	Cumulative preferred stock dividends		(2,772	)		(2,612	)		(5,504	)		(5,186	)
	Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders—basic	$	30,029		$	(41,403	)	$	116,934		$	(72,090	)
	Add back—interest on convertible notes		—			—			2,728			—
	Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders—diluted	$	30,029		$	(41,403	)	$	119,662		$	(72,090	)
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares		901,992			889,645			897,993			888,573
	Outstanding options and restricted shares, net		44,726			—			40,143			—
	Convertible notes		—			—			24,800			—
	Diluted weighted average shares		946,718			889,645			962,936			888,573
	Basic income (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	(0.05	)	$	0.13		$	(0.08	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	(0.05	)	$	0.12		$	(0.08	)
Schedule of antidilutive effect of potential common shares, excluded from computation of diluted income (loss) per share
		Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		Ended						Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock options		39,014			83,591			43,668			83,591
	Convertible notes		24,800			24,800			—			24,800
	Convertible preferred stock		34,109			32,137			34,109			32,137
			97,923			140,528			77,777			140,528

Lease_Termination_and_Impairme1

Lease Termination and Impairment Charges (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Lease Termination and Impairment Charges
Schedule of amounts relating to lease termination and impairment charges
		Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		Ended						Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Impairment charges	$	265		$	47		$	4,866		$	543
	Lease termination charges		11,125			7,736			17,496			19,383
		$	11,390		$	7,783		$	22,362		$	19,926
Schedule of closed store and distribution center charges related to new closures, changes in assumptions and interest accretion
		Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		Ended						Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance—beginning of period	$	312,011		$	358,583		$	323,758		$	367,864
	Provision for present value of noncancellable lease payments of closed stores		5,981			678			6,374			4,252
	Changes in assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates		(308	)		1,269			213			3,326
	Interest accretion		5,452			5,871			10,909			11,927
	Cash payments, net of sublease income		(19,499	)		(21,130	)		(37,617	)		(42,098	)
	Balance—end of period	$	303,637		$	345,271		$	303,637		$	345,271

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements
Schedule of fair value of assets measured on non-recurring basis
		Fair Value Measurement Using
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total as of
								August 31,
								2013
	Long-lived assets held for use	$	—	$	—	$	865	$	865
	Long-lived assets held for sale		—		12,431		—		12,431
	Total	$	—	$	12,431	$	865	$	13,296
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total as of
								September 1,
								2012
	Long-lived assets held for use	$	—	$	—	$	601	$	601
	Long-lived assets held for sale		—		—		—		—
	Total	$	—	$	—	$	601	$	601

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets
Summary of the Company's amortizable intangible assets
		August 31, 2013							March 2, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Remaining		Gross		Accumulated			Remaining
		Carrying		Amortization			Weighted		Carrying		Amortization			Weighted
		Amount					Average		Amount					Average
							Amortization							Amortization
							Period							Period
	Favorable leases and other	$	629,870	$	(432,767	)		9 years	$	623,541	$	(413,556	)		10 years
	Prescription files		1,312,253		(1,070,580	)		4 years		1,286,087		(1,031,668	)		4 years
	Total	$	1,942,123	$	(1,503,347	)			$	1,909,628	$	(1,445,224	)

Indebtedness_and_Credit_Agreem1

Indebtedness and Credit Agreements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Indebtedness and Credit Agreements
Summary of indebtedness and lease financing obligations
		August 31,			March 2,
		2013			2013
	Secured Debt:
	Senior secured revolving credit facility due February 2018	$	677,000		$	665,000
	Tranche 6 Term Loan due February 2020		1,158,098			1,161,000
	7.5% senior secured notes (second lien) due March 2017		—			500,000
	10.25% senior secured notes (second lien) due October 2019 ($270,000 face value less unamortized discount of $1,262 and $1,364)		268,738			268,636
	8.00% senior secured notes (senior lien) due August 2020		650,000			650,000
	Tranche 1 Term Loan (second lien) due August 2020		470,000			470,000
	Tranche 2 Term Loan (second lien) due June 2021		500,000			—
	Other secured		5,268			5,298
			3,729,104			3,719,934
	Guaranteed Unsecured Debt:
	9.5% senior notes due June 2017 ($810,000 face value less unamortized discount of $5,529)		—			804,471
	9.25% senior notes due March 2020 ($902,000 face value plus unamortized premium of $4,423 and $4,759)		906,423			906,759
	6.75% senior notes due June 2021		810,000			—
			1,716,423			1,711,230
	Unguaranteed Unsecured Debt:
	8.5% convertible notes due May 2015		64,188			64,188
	7.7% notes due February 2027		295,000			295,000
	6.875% fixed-rate senior notes due December 2028		128,000			128,000
			487,188			487,188
	Lease financing obligations		118,844			115,179
	Total debt		6,051,559			6,033,531
	Current maturities of long-term debt and lease financing obligations		(47,213	)		(37,311	)
	Long-term debt and lease financing obligations, less current maturities	$	6,004,346		$	5,996,220

Stock_Options_and_Stock_Awards1

Stock Options and Stock Awards (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Stock Options and Stock Awards
Schedule of total number and type of newly awarded grants and the related weighted average fair value
		August 31, 2013						September 1, 2012
		Shares			Weighted			Shares		Weighted
					Average					Average
					Fair Value					Fair Value
	Stock options granted		4,828		$	1.91			12,020	$	0.91
	Stock awards granted		2,721		$	2.77			5,450	$	1.31
	Total awards		7,549						17,470
Schedule of assumptions used for options granted
		Twenty-Six Week
		Period Ended
		August 31,			September 1,
		2013			2012
	Expected stock price volatility		85	%		85	%
	Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.4	%		0.7	%
	Expected option life		5.5 years			5.5 years
Schedule of unrecognized pre-tax compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures and the weighted average period of cost amortization
		August 31, 2013
		Unvested stock			Unvested
		options			restricted
					stock
	Unrecognized pre-tax costs	$	20,204		$	12,508
	Weighted average amortization period		2.6 years			2.1 years

Reclassifications_from_Accumul1

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Summary of components of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the changes in balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
		Thirteen week period						Thirteen Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period						Twenty-Six Week Period
		ended August 31, 2013						Ended September 1,2012						Ended August 31, 2013						Ended September 1,2012
		Defined			Accumulated			Defined			Accumulated			Defined			Accumulated			Defined			Accumulated
		benefit			other			benefit			other			benefit			other			benefit			other
		pension			comprehensive			pension			comprehensive			pension			comprehensive			pension			comprehensive
		plans			loss			plans			loss			plans			loss			plans			loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Balance-beginning of period	$	(60,106	)	$	(60,106	)	$	(51,614	)	$	(51,614	)	$	(61,369	)	$	(61,369	)	$	(52,634	)	$	(52,634	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss)		1,262			1,262			1,019			1,019			2,525			2,525			2,039			2,039
	Balance-end of period	$	(58,844	)	$	(58,844	)	$	(50,595	)	$	(50,595	)	$	(58,844	)	$	(58,844	)	$	(50,595	)	$	(50,595	)
Summary of effects on net income (loss) of significant amounts classified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss
		Thirteen Week Periods Ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012
		Amount reclassified from
		accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Details about accumulated	August 31, 2013			September 1, 2012			Affected line item in the condensed
	other comprehensive loss							consolidated statements of operations
	components
	Defined benefit pension plans
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost(a)	$	(60	)	$	(60	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss(a)		(1,202	)		(959	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
			(1,262	)		(1,019	)	Total before income tax expense
			—			—		Income tax expense(b)
		$	(1,262	)	$	(1,019	)	Net of income tax expense
		Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended August 31, 2013 and September 1, 2012
		Amount reclassified from
		accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Details about accumulated	August 31, 2013			September 1, 2012			Affected line item in the condensed
	other comprehensive loss							consolidated statements of operations
	components
	Defined benefit pension plans
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost(a)	$	(120	)	$	(120	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss(a)		(2,405	)		(1,919	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
			(2,525	)		(2,039	)	Total before income tax expense
			—			—		Income tax expense(b)
		$	(2,525	)	$	(2,039	)	Net of income tax expense
	(a)
	—See Note 10, Retirement Plans for additional details.
	(b)
	—Income tax expense is $0 due to the valuation allowance. See Note 5, Income Taxes for additional details.

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans
Summary of net periodic pension expense for the defined benefit plans
		Defined Benefit						Nonqualified				Defined Benefit						Nonqualified
		Pension Plan						Executive				Pension Plan						Executive
								Retirement Plans										Retirement Plans
		Thirteen Week Period Ended										Twenty-Six Week Period Ended
		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,		September 1,		August 31,			September 1,			August 31,		September 1,
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Service cost	$	830		$	867		$	—	$	—	$	1,660		$	1,735		$	—	$	—
	Interest cost		1,551			1,565			135		154		3,102			3,131			271		308
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,779	)		(1,749	)		—		—		(3,558	)		(3,498	)		—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost		60			60			—		—		120			120			—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss		1,202			959			—		—		2,405			1,919			—		—
	Net pension expense	$	1,864		$	1,702		$	135	$	154	$	3,729		$	3,407		$	271	$	308

Income_Loss_Per_Share_Details

Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
Numerator for income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss)	$32,827	($38,765)	$122,489	($66,853)
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock	-26	-26	-51	-51
Cumulative preferred stock dividends	-2,772	-2,612	-5,504	-5,186
Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders-basic	30,029	-41,403	116,934	-72,090
Add back-Interest on convertible notes			2,728
Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders-diluted	$30,029	($41,403)	$119,662	($72,090)
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares	901,992	889,645	897,993	888,573
Outstanding options and restricted shares, net (in shares)	44,726		40,143
Convertible notes (in shares)			24,800
Diluted weighted average shares	946,718	889,645	962,936	888,573
Basic income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.03	($0.05)	$0.13	($0.08)
Diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.03	($0.05)	$0.12	($0.08)
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share	97,923	140,528	77,777	140,528
Stock options
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share	39,014	83,591	43,668	83,591
Convertible notes
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share	24,800	24,800		24,800
Convertible preferred stock
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share	34,109	32,137	34,109	32,137
Restricted shares and restricted stock units
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share			0	12,856

Lease_Termination_and_Impairme2

Lease Termination and Impairment Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
Lease termination and impairment charges
Lease termination and impairment charges	$11,390	$7,783	$22,362	$19,926
Impairment charges
Lease termination and impairment charges
Lease termination and impairment charges	265	47	4,866	543
Lease termination charges
Lease termination and impairment charges
Lease termination and impairment charges	11,125	7,736	17,496	19,383
Closed store and distribution center charges
Balance-beginning of period	312,011	358,583	323,758	367,864
Provision for present value of noncancellable lease payments of closed stores	5,981	678	6,374	4,252
Changes in assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates	-308	1,269	213	3,326
Interest accretion	5,452	5,871	10,909	11,927
Cash payments, net of sublease income	-19,499	-21,130	-37,617	-42,098
Balance-end of period	$303,637	$345,271	$303,637	$345,271

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Mar. 02, 2013
Fair Value Measurements
Carrying value of long-lived assets	$18,162	$1,144	$18,162	$1,144
Fair value of long-lived assets	13,296	601	13,296	601
Impairment charges	265	47	4,866	543
Non-financial assets measured on a non-recurring basis
Outstanding derivative financial instruments	0		0		0
Nonrecurring basis | Level 1
Non-financial assets measured on a non-recurring basis
Carrying value of total long-term indebtedness	5,932,715		5,932,715
Estimated fair value of total long-term indebtedness	6,158,284		6,158,284
Nonrecurring basis | Level 2
Non-financial assets measured on a non-recurring basis
Fair value of Long-lived assets held for sale	12,431		12,431
Fair value of Total	12,431		12,431
Nonrecurring basis | Level 3
Non-financial assets measured on a non-recurring basis
Fair value of long-lived assets held for use	865	601	865	601
Fair value of Total	865	601	865	601
Nonrecurring basis | Total
Non-financial assets measured on a non-recurring basis
Fair value of long-lived assets held for use	865	601	865	601
Fair value of Long-lived assets held for sale	12,431		12,431
Fair value of Total	$13,296	$601	$13,296	$601

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Mar. 02, 2013
Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)	$2,210	($2,866)	$5,422	($64,595)
Adjustments to valuation allowance	2,197	15,058	-34,692	42,845
Recoverable indemnification asset from Jean Coutu Group	31,937		31,937		30,710
Portion of unrecognized tax benefits which would impact the effective tax rate	32,025		32,025
Valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets	$2,188,983		$2,188,983		$2,223,675

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013
						Favorable leases and other	Favorable leases and other	Prescription files	Prescription files	Unfavorable lease intangibles	Unfavorable lease intangibles
Finite-lived intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	$1,942,123		$1,942,123		$1,909,628	$629,870	$623,541	$1,312,253	$1,286,087
Accumulated amortization	-1,503,347		-1,503,347		-1,445,224	-432,767	-413,556	-1,070,580	-1,031,668
Remaining weighted average amortization period						9 years	10 years	4 years	4 years
Net carrying amount										66,227	70,195
Amortization expense for intangible assets and liabilities	29,121	30,753	60,806	64,829
Anticipated annual amortization expense for intangible assets and liabilities
2014	109,429		109,429
2015	94,365		94,365
2016	82,848		82,848
2017	69,664		69,664
2018	$31,864		$31,864

Indebtedness_and_Credit_Agreem2

Indebtedness and Credit Agreements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended					6 Months Ended							6 Months Ended												6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jun. 21, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jun. 21, 2013	Jun. 21, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 02, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jul. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013
	item	item			Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured credit facility	Senior secured revolving credit facility due February 2018	Senior secured revolving credit facility due February 2018	Tranche 6 Term Loan due February 2020	Tranche 6 Term Loan due February 2020	Tranche 6 Term Loan due February 2020	Tranche 6 Term Loan due February 2020	7.5% senior secured notes (second lien) due March 2017	7.5% senior secured notes (second lien) due March 2017	7.5% senior secured notes (second lien) due March 2017	7.5% senior secured notes (second lien) due March 2017	10.25% senior secured notes (second lien) due October 2019 ($270,000 face value less unamortized discount of $1,262 and $1,364)	10.25% senior secured notes (second lien) due October 2019 ($270,000 face value less unamortized discount of $1,262 and $1,364)	8.00% senior secured notes (senior lien) due August 2020	8.00% senior secured notes (senior lien) due August 2020	Tranche 1 Term Loan (second lien) due August 2020	Tranche 1 Term Loan (second lien) due August 2020	Tranche 1 Term Loan (second lien) due August 2020	Tranche 1 Term Loan (second lien) due August 2020	Tranche 2 Term Loan (second lien) due June 2021	Tranche 2 Term Loan (second lien) due June 2021	Tranche 2 Term Loan (second lien) due June 2021	Tranche 2 Term Loan (second lien) due June 2021	Other secured	Other secured	Guaranteed Unsecured Debt	Guaranteed Unsecured Debt	9.5% senior notes due June 2017	9.5% senior notes due June 2017	9.5% senior notes due June 2017	9.5% senior notes due June 2017	9.25% senior notes due March 2020	9.25% senior notes due March 2020	6.75% senior notes due June 2021	6.75% senior notes due June 2021	Unguaranteed Unsecured Debt	Unguaranteed Unsecured Debt	8.5% convertible notes due May 2015	8.5% convertible notes due May 2015	7.7% notes due February 2027	7.7% notes due February 2027	6.875% fixed-rate senior notes due December 2028	6.875% fixed-rate senior notes due December 2028
							Minimum	Maximum	LIBOR	LIBOR	LIBOR	Citibank's base rate	Citibank's base rate	Citibank's base rate					LIBOR	Citibank's base rate											LIBOR	Citibank's base rate			LIBOR	Citibank's base rate
										Minimum	Maximum		Minimum	Maximum
Indebtedness and credit agreements
Long-term debt					$3,729,104	$3,719,934									$677,000	$665,000	$1,158,098	$1,161,000						$500,000	$268,738	$268,636	$650,000	$650,000	$470,000	$470,000				$500,000			$5,268	$5,298	$1,716,423	$1,711,230				$804,471	$906,423	$906,759	$810,000		$487,188	$487,188	$64,188	$64,188	$295,000	$295,000	$128,000	$128,000
Lease financing obligations	118,844	118,844		115,179
Total debt	6,051,559	6,051,559		6,033,531
Current maturities of long-term debt and lease financing obligations	-47,213	-47,213		-37,311
Long-term debt and lease financing obligations, less current maturities	6,004,346	6,004,346		5,996,220
Face value																									270,000	270,000																		810,000	902,000	902,000		810,000
Unamortized discount																									1,262	1,364																		5,529
Unamortized premium																																													4,423	4,759
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (as a percent)																					7.50%			7.50%	10.25%	10.25%	8.00%	8.00%																9.50%	9.25%	9.25%	6.75%	6.75%			8.50%	8.50%	7.70%	7.70%	6.88%	6.88%
Credit facility
Revolving credit facility					1,795,000
Reference rate for variable interest rate									LIBOR			Citibank's base rate							LIBOR	Citibank's base rate											LIBOR	Citibank's base rate			LIBOR	Citibank's base rate
Percentage points added to the reference rate										2.25%	2.75%		1.25%	1.75%					3.00%	2.00%											4.75%	3.75%			3.88%	2.88%
Percentage of fee payable on daily unused revolver availability							0.38%	0.50%
LIBOR floor (as a percent)																			1.00%												1.00%				1.00%
Outstanding borrowings															677,000
Letters of credit outstanding															90,319
Additional borrowing capacity															1,027,681
Threshold availability on revolving credit facility to trigger fixed charge coverage requirements					150,000
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (as a percent)					1
Available revolving credit facility							150,000
Ownership interest (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Number of independent assets or operations	0	0
Issuance of debt																																	500,000
Face amount of debt repurchased																						85,154	419,237																		73,440	739,642	810,000
Loss on debt retirement	62,172	62,172	17,842
Maturities
Remainder of fiscal 2014	11,073	11,073
2015	11,610	11,610
2016	75,798	75,798
2017	11,610	11,610
2018	688,610	688,610
Thereafter	$5,130,853	$5,130,853

Stock_Options_and_Stock_Awards2

Stock Options and Stock Awards (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
Stock options and stock award Plans
Stock-based compensation costs			$8,077	$8,653
Total awards (in shares)	7,549	17,470
Stock options
Stock options and stock award Plans
Options granted (in shares)	4,828	12,020
Options granted, Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share)	1.91	0.91
Fair value assumptions
Expected stock price volatility (as a percent)			85.00%	85.00%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)			0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)			1.40%	0.70%
Expected option life			5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months
Additional General Disclosures
Unrecognized pre-tax costs	20,204		20,204
Weighted average amortization period			2 years 7 months 6 days
Stock options | Employee
Stock options and stock award Plans
Vesting period			4 years
Stock awards
Stock options and stock award Plans
Awards granted (in shares)	2,721	5,450
Awards granted, Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share)	2.77	1.31
Stock awards | Non-employee director
Additional Disclosures
Portion of non-employee director award vesting in year one (as a percent)			80.00%
Portion of non-employee director award vesting in year two (as a percent)			10.00%
Portion of non-employee director award vesting in year three (as a percent)			10.00%
Restricted stock
Additional General Disclosures
Unrecognized pre-tax costs	12,508		$12,508
Weighted average amortization period			2 years 1 month 6 days

Reclassifications_from_Accumul2

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance - beginning of period	($60,106)	($51,614)	($61,369)	($52,634)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss)	1,262	1,019	2,525	2,039
Balance - end of period	-58,844	-50,595	-58,844	-50,595
Defined benefit pension plans
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance - beginning of period	-60,106	-51,614	-61,369	-52,634
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss)	1,262	1,019	2,525	2,039
Balance - end of period	($58,844)	($50,595)	($58,844)	($50,595)

Reclassifications_from_Accumul3

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Income (loss) before income taxes	($35,037)	$41,631	($127,911)	$131,448
Net of income tax expense	-32,827	38,765	-122,489	66,853
Defined benefit pension plans | Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,262	-1,019	-2,525	-2,039
Net of income tax expense	-1,262	-1,019	-2,525	-2,039
Defined benefit pension plans | Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	-60	-60	-120	-120
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	($1,202)	($959)	($2,405)	($1,919)

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Net periodic pension expense
Service cost	$830	$867	$1,660	$1,735
Interest cost	1,551	1,565	3,102	3,131
Expected return on plan assets	-1,779	-1,749	-3,558	-3,498
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	60	60	120	120
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	1,202	959	2,405	1,919
Net pension expense	1,864	1,702	3,729	3,407
Change in plan assets:
Expected employer contribution during the remainder of fiscal 2014	0		0
Nonqualified Executive Retirement Plan
Net periodic pension expense
Interest cost	135	154	271	308
Net pension expense	135	154	271	308
Change in plan assets:
Employer contributions	414		818
Expected employer contribution during the remainder of fiscal 2014	$844		$844

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Management of hazardous waste
Commitments and contingencies
Amount agreed to pay under settlement	$12.30
Indergit
Commitments and contingencies
Number of current and former store managers to whom notice has been sent	7,000
Number of current and former store managers who joined the action	1,550

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (Jean Coutu Group)	Jul. 22, 2013
Jean Coutu Group
Related Party Transactions
Number of shares sold	65,401,162

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent event, Series G and Series H preferred stock)	Oct. 01, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Leonard Green & Partners, L. P.
Subsequent Event
Common stock issued upon redemption of preferred stock (in shares)		40,000,000
Preferred shares outstanding	0