20230930-DK-Butterfly-1 (BBBYQ) 10-K 28 Apr 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Aug. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BED BATH & BEYOND INC
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-26
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		173,182,037
Entity Public Float			$11,352,301,919
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	886158
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$875,574	$366,516
Short term investment securities	109,992	489,331
Merchandise inventories	2,731,881	2,578,956
Other current assets	366,156	354,184
Total current assets	4,083,603	3,788,987
Long term investment securities	97,160	87,393
Property and equipment, net	1,676,700	1,579,804
Goodwill	486,279	486,279
Other assets	415,251	413,570
Total assets	6,758,993	6,356,033
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,156,368	1,104,668
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	403,547	385,954
Merchandise credit and gift card liabilities	306,160	284,216
Current income taxes payable	76,606	60,298
Total current liabilities	1,942,681	1,835,136
Deferred rent and other liabilities	493,137	486,996
Income taxes payable	79,985	92,614
Long term debt	1,500,000
Total liabilities	4,015,803	2,414,746
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value; authorized - 1,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock - $0.01 par value; authorized - 900,000 shares; issued 336,667 and 334,941 shares, respectively; outstanding 174,178 and 205,405 shares, respectively	3,367	3,350
Additional paid-in capital	1,796,692	1,673,217
Retained earnings	9,553,376	8,595,902
Treasury stock, at cost	-8,567,932	-6,317,335
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-42,313	-13,847
Total shareholders' equity	2,743,190	3,941,287
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$6,758,993	$6,356,033

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	900,000	900,000
Common stock, shares issued	336,667	334,941
Common stock, shares outstanding	174,178	205,405

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Net sales	$11,881,176	$11,503,963	$10,914,585
Cost of sales	7,261,397	6,938,381	6,525,830
Gross profit	4,619,779	4,565,582	4,388,755
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3,065,486	2,950,995	2,750,537
Operating profit	1,554,293	1,614,587	1,638,218
Interest expense, net	50,458	1,140	4,159
Earnings before provision for income taxes	1,503,835	1,613,447	1,634,059
Provision for income taxes	546,361	591,157	596,271
Net earnings	$957,474	$1,022,290	$1,037,788
Net earnings per share - Basic (in Dollars per share)	$5.13	$4.85	$4.62
Net earnings per share - Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$5.07	$4.79	$4.56
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic (in Shares)	186,659	210,710	224,623
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted (in Shares)	188,880	213,363	227,723

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Net earnings	$957,474	$1,022,290	$1,037,788
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in temporary valuation adjustment of auction rate securities, net of taxes	143	-792	1,017
Pension adjustment, net of taxes	-5,552	3,249	146
Currency translation adjustment	-23,057	-11,984	-3,604
Other comprehensive loss	-28,466	-9,527	-2,441
Comprehensive income	$929,008	$1,012,763	$1,035,347

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Parent [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Feb. 25, 2012	$3,306	$1,417,337	$6,535,824	($4,032,060)	($1,879)	$3,922,528
Balance (in Shares) at Feb. 25, 2012	330,576			-95,061
Net earnings			1,037,788			1,037,788	1,037,788
Other comprehensive loss					-2,441	-2,441	-2,441
Shares sold under employee stock option plans, net of taxes	15	74,323				74,338
Shares sold under employee stock option plans, net of taxes (in Shares)	1,489
Issuance of restricted shares, net	6	-6
Issuance of restricted shares, net (in Shares)	626
Stock-based compensation expense, net		48,520				48,520
Director fees paid in stock		277				277
Director fees paid in stock (in Shares)	5
Repurchase of common stock, including fees				-1,001,280		-1,001,280
Repurchase of common stock, including fees (in Shares)				-16,146			-16,146
Balance at Mar. 02, 2013	3,327	1,540,451	7,573,612	-5,033,340	-4,320	4,079,730
Balance (in Shares) at Mar. 02, 2013	332,696			-111,207
Net earnings			1,022,290			1,022,290	1,022,290
Other comprehensive loss					-9,527	-9,527	-9,527
Shares sold under employee stock option plans, net of taxes	14	74,766				74,780
Shares sold under employee stock option plans, net of taxes (in Shares)	1,375
Issuance of restricted shares, net	9	-9
Issuance of restricted shares, net (in Shares)	868
Stock-based compensation expense, net		57,842				57,842
Director fees paid in stock		167				167
Director fees paid in stock (in Shares)	2
Repurchase of common stock, including fees				-1,283,995		-1,283,995
Repurchase of common stock, including fees (in Shares)				-18,329			-18,329
Balance at Mar. 01, 2014	3,350	1,673,217	8,595,902	-6,317,335	-13,847	3,941,287	3,941,287
Balance (in Shares) at Mar. 01, 2014	334,941			-129,536
Net earnings			957,474			957,474	957,474
Other comprehensive loss					-28,466	-28,466	-28,466
Shares sold under employee stock option plans, net of taxes	10	54,907				54,917
Shares sold under employee stock option plans, net of taxes (in Shares)	1,033
Issuance of restricted shares, net	7	-7
Issuance of restricted shares, net (in Shares)	691
Stock-based compensation expense, net		68,408				68,408
Director fees paid in stock		167				167
Director fees paid in stock (in Shares)	2
Repurchase of common stock, including fees				-2,250,597		-2,250,597
Repurchase of common stock, including fees (in Shares)				-32,953			-32,953
Balance at Feb. 28, 2015	$3,367	$1,796,692	$9,553,376	($8,567,932)	($42,313)	$2,743,190	$2,743,190
Balance (in Shares) at Feb. 28, 2015	336,667			-162,489

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$957,474	$1,022,290	$1,037,788
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	239,193	220,116	195,117
Stock-based compensation	66,539	56,244	47,163
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	6,686	12,846	13,217
Deferred income taxes	-22,295	11,729	17,567
Other	-2,244	-1,784	702
(Increase) decrease in assets, net of effect of acquisitions:
Merchandise inventories	-161,506	-117,926	-200,197
Trading investment securities	-9,530	-11,382	-6,206
Other current assets	19,012	-5,287	-43,703
Other assets	-254	-3,812	-9,690
Increase (decrease) in liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts payable	44,563	179,522	105,434
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	18,494	-1,336	-22,167
Merchandise credit and gift card liabilities	22,520	33,014	36,972
Income taxes payable	3,768	-4,406	6,588
Deferred rent and other liabilities	3,428	3,735	17,640
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,185,848	1,393,563	1,196,225
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of held-to-maturity investment securities	-298,094	-1,156,634	-730,976
Redemption of held-to-maturity investment securities	677,500	1,117,500	1,031,249
Redemption of available-for-sale investment securities			31,715
Capital expenditures	-330,637	-320,812	-315,937
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture		-3,436
Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired			-643,098
Payment for acquisition of trademarks			-40,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	48,769	-363,382	-667,047
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	41,197	54,815	56,377
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	1,500,000
Payment of deferred financing costs	-10,092
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	7,202	7,289	5,021
Payment for credit facility assumed in acquisition			-25,511
Repurchase of common stock, including fees	-2,250,597	-1,283,995	-1,001,280
Net cash used in financing activities	-712,290	-1,221,891	-965,393
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-13,269	-6,745	-1,980
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	509,058	-198,455	-438,195
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	366,516	564,971	1,003,166
End of period	$875,574	$366,516	$564,971

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RELATED MATTERS
	A.	Nature of Operations
	Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a retailer which operates under the names Bed Bath & Beyond (“BBB”), Christmas Tree Shops, Christmas Tree Shops andThat! or andThat! (collectively, “CTS”), Harmon or Harmon Face Values (collectively, “Harmon”), buybuy BABY and World Market, Cost Plus World Market or Cost Plus (collectively, “Cost Plus World Market”). Customers can purchase products from the Company either in-store, online or through a mobile device. The Company has the developing ability to have customer purchases picked up in-store or shipped direct to the customer from the Company’s distribution facilities, stores or vendors. The Company also operates Linen Holdings, a provider of a variety of textile products, amenities and other goods to institutional customers in the hospitality, cruise line, healthcare and other industries. Additionally, the Company is a partner in a joint venture which operates five retail stores in Mexico under the name Bed Bath & Beyond. The Company sells a wide assortment of domestics merchandise and home furnishings. Domestics merchandise includes categories such as bed linens and related items, bath items and kitchen textiles. Home furnishings include categories such as kitchen and tabletop items, fine tabletop, basic housewares, general home furnishings, consumables and certain juvenile products. As the Company operates in the retail industry, its results of operations are affected by general economic conditions and consumer spending habits.
	The Company accounts for its operations as two operating segments: North American Retail and Institutional Sales. The Institutional Sales operating segment, which is comprised of Linen Holdings, does not meet the quantitative thresholds under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and therefore is not a reportable segment.
	B.	Fiscal Year
	The Company’s fiscal year is comprised of the 52 or 53 week period ending on the Saturday nearest February 28. Accordingly, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 represented 52 weeks and ended on February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively. Fiscal 2012 represented 53 weeks and ended on March 2, 2013.
	C.	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company accounts for its investment in the joint venture under the equity method.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 2013 consolidated balance sheet and the fiscal 2013 and 2012 consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the fiscal 2014 consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flows presentation.
	All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	D.	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to establish accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that it believes to be relevant under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. In particular, judgment is used in areas such as inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets, impairment of auction rate securities, goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets, accruals for self insurance, litigation, store opening, expansion, relocation and closing costs, the provision for sales returns, vendor allowances, stock-based compensation and income and certain other taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	E.	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Included in cash and cash equivalents are credit and debit card receivables from banks, which typically settle within 5 business days, of $90.3 million and $87.4 million as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively.
	F.	Investment Securities
	Investment securities consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Bills with remaining maturities of less than one year and auction rate securities, which are securities with interest rates that reset periodically through an auction process. The U.S. Treasury Bills are classified as short term held-to-maturity securities and are stated at their amortized cost which approximates fair value. Auction rate securities are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, which had historically been consistent with cost or par value due to interest rates which reset periodically, typically every 7, 28 or 35 days. As a result, there generally were no cumulative gross unrealized holding gains or losses relating to these auction rate securities. However, beginning in mid-February 2008 due to market conditions, the auction process for the Company’s auction rate securities failed and continues to fail. These failed auctions result in a lack of liquidity in the securities, and affect their estimated fair values at February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, but do not affect the underlying collateral of the securities. (See “Fair Value Measurements,” Note 3 and “Investment Securities,” Note 4). All income from these investments is recorded as interest income.
	Those investment securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity are classified as held-to-maturity investments and are stated at amortized cost. Those investment securities which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair market value.
	Premiums are amortized and discounts are accreted over the life of the security as adjustments to interest income using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.
	G.	Inventory Valuation
	Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are primarily calculated using the weighted average retail inventory method.
	Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the retail values of inventories. The cost associated with determining the cost-to-retail ratio includes: merchandise purchases, net of returns to vendors, discounts and volume and incentive rebates; inbound freight expenses; duty, insurance and commissions.
	At any one time, inventories include items that have been written down to the Company’s best estimate of their realizable value. Judgment is required in estimating realizable value and factors considered are the age of merchandise and anticipated demand. Actual realizable value could differ materially from this estimate based upon future customer demand or economic conditions.
	The Company estimates its reserve for shrinkage throughout the year based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable. Actual shrinkage is recorded at year end based upon the results of the Company’s physical inventory counts for locations at which counts were conducted. For locations where physical inventory counts were not conducted in the fiscal year, an estimated shrink reserve is recorded based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable. Historically, the Company’s shrinkage has not been volatile.
	The Company accrues for merchandise in transit once it takes legal ownership and title to the merchandise; as such, an estimate for merchandise in transit is included in the Company’s merchandise inventories.
	H.	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (forty years for buildings; five to twenty years for furniture, fixtures and equipment; and three to seven years for computer equipment and software). Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of their estimated useful life or the life of the lease. Depreciation expense is primarily included within selling, general and administrative expenses.
	The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to earnings as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs amounted to $120.3 million, $111.9 million and $106.1 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	I.	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may exceed their current fair values. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet. The Company has not historically recorded any material impairment to its long-lived assets. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that a long-lived asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these long-lived assets in the period in which the impairment occurs.
	J.	Goodwill and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
	The Company reviews goodwill and other intangibles that have indefinite lives for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets might exceed their current fair values. Impairment testing is based upon the best information available, including estimates of fair value which incorporate assumptions marketplace participants would use in making their estimates of fair value. The Company has not historically recorded an impairment to its goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets. As of February 28, 2015, for goodwill related to the North American Retail operating segment and the Institutional Sales operating segment and certain other indefinite lived intangible assets, the Company assessed qualitative factors in order to determine whether any events and circumstances existed which indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of these indefinite lived intangible assets did not exceed its carrying value and concluded no such events or circumstances existed which would require an impairment test being performed. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that an asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these assets in the period in which the impairment occurs.
	Included within other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively, are $291.4 million for indefinite lived tradenames and trademarks.
	K.	Self Insurance
	The Company utilizes a combination of insurance and self insurance for a number of risks including workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile liability and employee related health care benefits (a portion of which is paid by its employees). Liabilities associated with the risks that the Company retains are estimated by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. Although the Company’s claims experience has not displayed substantial volatility in the past, actual experience could materially vary from its historical experience in the future. Factors that affect these estimates include but are not limited to: inflation, the number and severity of claims and regulatory changes. In the future, if the Company concludes an adjustment to self insurance accruals is required, the liability will be adjusted accordingly.
	L.	Deferred Rent
	The Company accounts for scheduled rent increases contained in its leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease beginning as of the date the Company obtained possession of the leased premises. Deferred rent amounted to $77.8 million and $79.0 million as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively.
	Cash or lease incentives (“tenant allowances”) received pursuant to certain store leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent over the lease term. The unamortized portion of tenant allowances is included in deferred rent and other liabilities. The unamortized portion of tenant allowances amounted to $121.0 million and $124.1 million as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively.
	M.	Treasury Stock
	The Company has authorization to make repurchases from time to time in the open market or through other parameters approved by the Board of Directors pursuant to existing rules and regulations.
	Between December 2004 and July 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized, through share repurchase programs, the repurchase of $9.450 billion of the Company’s common stock. On July 17, 2014, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR”) with an investment bank to repurchase an aggregate $1.1 billion of the Company’s common stock. The ASR was completed in December 2014. The total number of shares repurchased under the ASR was 16.8 million shares at a weighted average share price of $65.41. Since 2004 through the end of fiscal 2014, the Company has repurchased approximately $8.6 billion of its common stock through share repurchase programs, which include the shares repurchased under the ASR.
	During fiscal 2014, including the shares repurchased under the ASR, the Company repurchased approximately 33.0 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $2.251 billion. During fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased approximately 18.3 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $1.284 billion. During fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased approximately 16.1 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $1.001 billion. The Company has approximately $0.9 billion remaining of authorized share repurchases as of February 28, 2015.
	N.	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts payable, long term debt and certain other liabilities. The Company’s investment securities consist primarily of U.S. Treasury securities, which are stated at amortized cost, and auction rate securities, which are stated at their approximate fair value. The book value of the financial instruments, excluding the Company’s long term debt, is representative of their fair values (See “Fair Value Measurements,” Note 3). The fair value of the Company’s long term debt is approximately $1.616 billion, which is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments (i.e., Level 1 valuation), compared to the carrying value of approximately $1.500 billion.
	O.	Revenue Recognition
	Sales are recognized upon purchase by customers at the Company’s retail stores or upon delivery for products purchased from its websites. The value of point-of-sale coupons and point-of-sale rebates that result in a reduction of the price paid by the customer are recorded as a reduction of sales. Shipping and handling fees that are billed to a customer in a sale transaction are recorded in sales. Taxes, such as sales tax, use tax and value added tax, are not included in sales.
	Revenues from gift cards, gift certificates and merchandise credits are recognized when redeemed. Gift cards have no provisions for reduction in the value of unused card balances over defined time periods and have no expiration dates.
	Sales returns are provided for in the period that the related sales are recorded based on historical experience. Although the estimate for sales returns has not varied materially from historical provisions, actual experience could vary from historical experience in the future if the level of sales return activity changes materially. In the future, if the Company concludes that an adjustment to the sales return accrual is required due to material changes in the returns activity, the reserve will be adjusted accordingly.
	P.	Cost of Sales
	Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise, buying costs and costs of the Company’s distribution network including inbound freight charges, distribution facility costs, receiving costs, internal transfer costs and shipping and handling costs.
	Q.	Vendor Allowances
	The Company receives allowances from vendors in the normal course of business for various reasons including direct cooperative advertising, purchase volume and reimbursement for other expenses. Annual terms for each allowance include the basis for earning the allowance and payment terms, which vary by agreement. All vendor allowances are recorded as a reduction of inventory cost, except for direct cooperative advertising allowances which are specific, incremental and identifiable. The Company recognizes purchase volume allowances as a reduction of the cost of inventory in the quarter in which milestones are achieved. Advertising costs were reduced by direct cooperative allowances of $25.6 million, $24.0 million and $19.8 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	R.	Store Opening, Expansion, Relocation and Closing Costs
	Store opening, expansion, relocation and closing costs, including markdowns, asset residual values and projected occupancy costs, are charged to earnings as incurred.
	S.	Advertising Costs
	Expenses associated with direct response advertising are expensed over the period during which the sales are expected to occur, generally four to seven weeks, and all other expenses associated with store advertising are charged to earnings as incurred. Net advertising costs amounted to $308.4 million, $280.5 million and $250.6 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	T.	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and records such expense in its consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted the accounting guidance related to stock compensation on August 28, 2005 (the “date of adoption”) under the modified prospective application. Under this application, the Company records stock-based compensation expense for all awards granted on or after the date of adoption and for the portion of previously granted awards that remained unvested at the date of adoption. Currently, the Company’s stock-based compensation relates to restricted stock awards, stock options and performance share units. The Company’s restricted stock awards are considered nonvested share awards.
	U.      Income Taxes
	The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return. Income tax returns are also filed with each taxable jurisdiction in which the Company conducts business.
	The Company accounts for its income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company intends to reinvest the unremitted earnings of its Canadian subsidiary. Accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. or additional non-U.S. taxes with respect to these earnings. In the event of repatriation to the U.S., in most cases such earnings would be subject to U.S. income taxes.
	The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is at least more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities.
	Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and related accruals, deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Additionally, the Company’s tax returns are subject to audit by various tax authorities. Although the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.
	V.	Earnings per Share
The Company presents earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis. Basic earnings per share has been computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share has been computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding including the dilutive effect of stock-based awards as calculated under the treasury stock method.
Stock-based awards of approximately 1.7 million, 1.2 million and 1.2 million shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
W.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier adoption not permitted. ASU 2014-09 can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note_2_Acquisitions

Note 2 - Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	2.  ACQUISITIONS
	On June 1, 2012, the Company acquired Linen Holdings, LLC (“Linen Holdings”), a provider of a variety of textile products, amenities and other goods to institutional customers in the hospitality, cruise line, healthcare and other industries, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $108.1 million. The purchase price includes approximately $24.0 million for tradenames and approximately $40.2 million for goodwill. Linen Holdings is included within the Institutional Sales operating segment. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company finalized the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
	Since the date of acquisition, the results of Linen Holdings’ operations, which are not material, have been included in the Company’s results of operations.
	On June 29, 2012, the Company acquired Cost Plus, Inc. (“Cost Plus World Market”), a retailer selling a wide range of home decorating items, furniture, gifts, holiday and other seasonal items, and specialty food and beverages, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $560.5 million, including the payment of assumed borrowings of $25.5 million under a credit facility. The acquisition was consummated by a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company through a tender offer and merger, pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Cost Plus World Market. Cost Plus World Market is included within the North American Retail operating segment. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company finalized the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
	Since the date of acquisition, the results of Cost Plus World Market’s operations, which are not material, have been included in the Company’s results of operations and no proforma disclosure of financial information has been presented.

Note_3_Fair_Value_Measurements

Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	3.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., “the exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches, including quoted market prices and discounted cash flows. The hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect a company’s judgment concerning the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available under the circumstances. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an asset or liability must be classified in its entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement of fair value. The fair value hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:
	• Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that the Company is able to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
	• Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for instruments that are similar, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar instruments, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
	• Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
	As of February 28, 2015, the Company’s financial assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include long term trading investment securities traded on active securities exchanges. The Company did not have any financial assets utilizing Level 2 inputs. Financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs included long term investments in auction rate securities consisting of preferred shares of closed end municipal bond funds (See “Investment Securities,” Note 4).

Note_4_Investment_Securities

Note 4 - Investment Securities	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	4.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES
	The Company’s investment securities as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014 are as follows:
	(in millions)	February 28,		March 1,
		2015		2014
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Long term	$	47.9	$	47.7
	Trading securities:
	Long term		49.2		39.7
	Held-to-maturity securities:
	Short term		110		489.3
	Total investment securities	$	207.1	$	576.7
	Auction Rate Securities
	As of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities represented approximately $51.0 million par value of auction rate securities, consisting of preferred shares of closed end municipal bond funds, less temporary valuation adjustments of approximately $3.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Since these valuation adjustments are deemed to be temporary, they are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of a related tax benefit, and did not affect the Company’s net earnings.
	U.S. Treasury Securities
	As of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, the Company’s short term held-to-maturity securities included approximately $110.0 million and approximately $489.3 million, respectively, of U.S. Treasury Bills with remaining maturities of less than one year. These securities are stated at their amortized cost which approximates fair value, which is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments (i.e., Level 1 valuation).
	Long Term Trading Investment Securities
	The Company’s long term trading investment securities, which are provided as investment options to the participants of the nonqualified deferred compensation plan, are stated at fair market value. The values of these trading investment securities included in the table above are approximately $49.2 million and $39.7 million as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively.

Note_5_Property_and_Equipment

Note 5 - Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	5.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	February 28,			March 1,
		2015			2014
	Land and buildings	$	557,538		$	538,422
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment		1,179,073			1,120,330
	Leasehold improvements		1,258,916			1,187,793
	Computer equipment and software		940,754			755,867
			3,936,281			3,602,412
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(2,259,581	)		(2,022,608	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,676,700		$	1,579,804

Note_6_Long_Term_Debt

Note 6 - Long Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	6.  LONG TERM DEBT
	Senior Unsecured Notes
	On July 17, 2014, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.749% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2024 (the “2024 Notes”), $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.915% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2034 (the “2034 Notes”) and $900 million aggregate principal amount of 5.165% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2044 (the “2044 Notes” and, together with the 2024 Notes and the 2034 Notes, the “Notes”). The aggregate net proceeds from the Notes were approximately $1.5 billion, which was used for share repurchases of the Company’s common stock and for general corporate purposes. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2015.
	The Notes were issued under an indenture (the “Base Indenture”), as supplemented by a first supplemental indenture (together, with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), which contains various restrictive covenants, which are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the Indenture. The Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the Notes as of February 28, 2015.
	The Notes are unsecured, senior obligations and rank equal in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Company may redeem the Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices described in the Indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. If a change in control triggering event, as defined by the Indenture governing the Notes, occurs unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem the Notes, the Company will be required to make an offer to the holders of the Notes to purchase the Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	Revolving Credit Agreement
	On August 6, 2014, the Company entered into a $250 million five year senior unsecured revolving credit facility agreement (“Revolver”) with various lenders. During the period from August 6, 2014 through February 28, 2015, the Company did not have any borrowings under the Revolver.
	Borrowings under the Revolver accrue interest at either (1) a fluctuating rate equal to the greater of the prime rate, as defined in the Revolver, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, or one-month LIBOR plus 1.0% and, in each case, plus an applicable margin based upon the Company’s leverage ratio which is calculated quarterly, (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon the Company’s leverage ratio which is calculated quarterly or (3) an agreed upon fixed rate. In addition, a commitment fee is assessed, which is included in interest expense, net in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The Revolver contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and also requires the Company to maintain a minimum leverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the Revolver as of February 28, 2015.
	Deferred financing costs associated with the Notes and the Revolver of approximately $10.1 million were capitalized and are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. These deferred financing costs are being amortized over the term of each of the Notes and the term of the Revolver and such amortization is included in interest expense, net in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Interest expense related to the Notes and the Revolver, including the commitment fee and the amortization of the deferred financing costs, was approximately $44.9 million for the period from July 17, 2014 through February 28, 2015.
	Lines of Credit
	At February 28, 2015, the Company maintained two uncommitted lines of credit of $100 million each, with expiration dates of September 1, 2015 and February 28, 2016, respectively. These uncommitted lines of credit are currently and are expected to be used for letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Company did not have any direct borrowings under the uncommitted lines of credit. As of February 28, 2015, there was approximately $11.1 million of outstanding letters of credit. Although no assurances can be provided, the Company intends to renew both uncommitted lines of credit before the respective expiration dates. In addition, as of February 28, 2015, the Company maintained unsecured standby letters of credit of $71.7 million, primarily for certain insurance programs. As of March 1, 2014, there was approximately $4.5 million of outstanding letters of credit and approximately $74.3 million of outstanding unsecured standby letters of credit, primarily for certain insurance programs.

Note_7_Provision_for_Income_Ta

Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	7.  PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
	The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
		FISCAL YEAR ENDED
	(in thousands)	February 28,			March 1,			March 2,
		2015			2014			2013
	Current:
	Federal	$	504,154		$	514,818		$	522,812
	State and local		64,486			64,581			55,889
			568,640			579,399			578,701
	Deferred:
	Federal		(18,245	)		11,221			15,710
	State and local		(4,034	)		537			1,860
			(22,279	)		11,758			17,570
		$	546,361		$	591,157		$	596,271
	At February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, included in other current assets is a net current deferred income tax asset of $207.3 million and $175.6 million, respectively, and included in other assets is a net noncurrent deferred income tax asset of $49.7 million and $55.8 million, respectively. These amounts represent the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	February 28,			March 1,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Inventories	$	35,169		$	28,947
	Deferred rent and other rent credits		77,878			79,681
	Insurance		62,668			58,860
	Stock-based compensation		35,591			33,780
	Merchandise credits and gift card liabilities		65,055			42,413
	Accrued expenses		42,328			42,643
	Obligations on distribution centers		41,175			41,454
	Net operating loss carryforwards and other tax credits		30,453			32,389
	Other		89,933			84,610
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation		(74,051	)		(73,106	)
	Goodwill		(55,888	)		(49,278	)
	Intangibles		(80,515	)		(79,471	)
	Other		(12,780	)		(11,480	)
		$	257,016		$	231,442
	At February 28, 2015, as a result of the Cost Plus World Market acquisition (See “Acquisitions,” Note 2), the Company has federal net operating loss carryforwards of $13.7 million (tax effected), which will begin expiring in 2025, state net operating loss carryforwards of $9.1 million (tax effected), which will expire between 2014 and 2031, California state enterprise zone credit carryforwards of $6.6 million (tax effected), which will expire in 2023, but require taxable income in the enterprise zone to be realizable and other tax credits of $1.0 million (tax effected).
	The Company has not established a valuation allowance for the net deferred tax asset as it is considered more likely than not that it is realizable through a combination of future taxable income and the deductibility of future net deferred tax liabilities.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the gross unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions:
	(in thousands)	February 28,			March 1,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of year	$	92,614		$	97,892
	Increase related to current year positions		17,333			19,844
	Increase related to prior year positions		6,549			2,292
	Decrease related to prior year positions		(20,082	)		(9,316	)
	Settlements		(11,762	)		(782	)
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(4,667	)		(17,316	)
	Balance at end of year	$	79,985		$	92,614
	At February 28, 2015, the Company has recorded approximately $80.0 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits in non-current income taxes payable on the consolidated balance sheet of which approximately $79.9 million would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. At March 1, 2014, the Company has recorded approximately $92.6 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits in non-current income taxes payable on the consolidated balance sheet of which approximately $92.5 million would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. As of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, the liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits included approximately $13.0 million and $16.9 million, respectively, of accrued interest. The Company recorded a decrease of interest of approximately $3.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for the years ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014 for gross unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated statement of earnings.
	The Company anticipates that any adjustments to gross unrecognized tax benefits which will impact income tax expense, due to the expiration of statutes of limitations, could be approximately $5.0 to $6.0 million in the next twelve months. However, actual results could differ from those currently anticipated.
	As of February 28, 2015, the Company operated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and several other international countries and files income tax returns in the United States and various state, local and international jurisdictions. The Company is open to examination for state and local jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations, generally ranging from three to five years.
	For fiscal 2014, the effective tax rate is comprised of the Federal statutory income tax rate of 35.00%, the State income tax rate, net of Federal benefit, of 3.01%, provision for uncertain tax positions of 0.04% and other income tax benefits of 1.72%. For fiscal 2013, the effective tax rate is comprised of the Federal statutory income tax rate of 35.00%, the State income tax rate, net of Federal benefit, of 3.07%, benefit for uncertain tax positions of 0.05% and other income tax benefits of 1.42%. For fiscal 2012, the effective tax rate is comprised of the Federal statutory income tax rate of 35.00%, the State income tax rate, net of Federal benefit, of 2.93%, provision for uncertain tax positions of 0.07% and other income tax benefits of 1.50%.

Note_8_Transactions_and_Balanc

Note 8 - Transactions and Balances with Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	8.  TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES
	In fiscal 2002, the Company had an interest in certain life insurance policies on the lives of its Co-Chairmen and their spouses. The Company’s interest in these policies was equivalent to the net premiums paid by the Company. The agreements relating to the Company’s interest in the life insurance policies on the lives of its Co-Chairmen and their spouses were terminated in fiscal 2003. Upon termination in fiscal 2003, the Co-Chairmen paid to the Company $5.4 million, representing the total amount of premiums paid by the Company under the agreements and the Company was released from its contractual obligation to make substantial future premium payments. In order to confer a benefit to its Co-Chairmen in substitution for the aforementioned terminated agreements, the Company has agreed to pay to the Co-Chairmen, at a future date, an aggregate amount of $4.2 million, which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014.

Note_9_Leases

Note 9 - Leases	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	9.  LEASES
	The Company leases retail stores, as well as distribution facilities, offices and equipment, under agreements expiring at various dates through 2042. Certain leases provide for contingent rents (which are based upon store sales exceeding stipulated amounts and are immaterial in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012), scheduled rent increases and renewal options. The Company is obligated under a majority of the leases to pay for taxes, insurance and common area maintenance charges.
	As of February 28, 2015, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Operating
		Leases
	Fiscal Year:
	2015	$	573,802
	2016		530,107
	2017		466,517
	2018		399,947
	2019		333,617
	Thereafter		956,177
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	3,260,167
	Expenses for all operating leases were $566.0 million, $559.8 million and $536.1 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	As a result of the Cost Plus World Market acquisition on June 29, 2012 and in addition to the amounts disclosed above, the Company assumed various capital lease obligations. As of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, the capital lease obligations were approximately $3.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively, for which the current and long-term portions are included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and deferred rent and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. Monthly minimum lease payments are accounted for as principal and interest payments. Interest expense for all capital leases was $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The minimum capital lease payments, including interest, by fiscal year are: $0.8 million in fiscal 2015, $0.8 million in fiscal 2016, $0.7 million in fiscal 2017, $0.6 million in fiscal 2018, $0.6 million in fiscal 2019 and $2.0 million thereafter.
	As a result of the Cost Plus World Market acquisition on June 29, 2012 and in addition to the amounts disclosed above, the Company assumed two sale/leaseback agreements and recorded financing obligations, which approximated the discounted fair value of the minimum lease payments, had a residual fair value at the end of the lease term and are being amortized over the term of the respective agreements, including option periods, of 32 and 35 years. As of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, the sale/leaseback financing obligations were approximately $104.6 million and $105.3 million, respectively, for which the current and long-term portions are included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and deferred rent and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. Monthly lease payments are accounted for as principal and interest payments (at approximate annual interest rates of 7.2% and 10.6%). These sale/leaseback financing obligations, excluding the residual fair value at the end of the lease term, mature as follows: $0.7 million in fiscal 2015, $0.7 million in fiscal 2016, $0.8 million in fiscal 2017, $0.8 million in fiscal 2018, $0.8 million in fiscal 2019 and $77.2 million thereafter.

Note_10_Employee_Benefit_Plans

Note 10 - Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	10.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Defined Contribution Plans
	The Company has five defined contribution savings plans covering all eligible employees of the Company (“the Plans”). Participants of the Plans may defer annual pre-tax compensation subject to statutory and Plan limitations. In addition, a certain percentage of an employee’s contributions are matched by the Company and vest over a specified period of time, subject to certain statutory and Plan limitations. The Company’s match was approximately $13.2 million, $12.5 million and $10.9 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was expensed as incurred.
	Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
	The Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan (“NQDC”) for the benefit of employees who are defined by the Internal Revenue Service as highly compensated. Participants of the NQDC may defer annual pre-tax compensation subject to statutory and plan limitations. In addition, a certain percentage of an employee’s contributions may be matched by the Company and vest over a specified period of time, subject to certain plan limitations. The Company’s match was approximately $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was expensed as incurred.
	Changes in the fair value of the trading securities related to the NQDC and the corresponding change in the associated liability are included within interest income and selling, general and administrative expenses respectively, in the consolidated statements of earnings. Historically, these changes have resulted in no net impact to the consolidated statements of earnings.
	Defined Benefit Plan
	The Company has a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for the CTS employees, hired on or before July 31, 2003, who meet specified age and length-of-service requirements. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation up until retirement. The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of the pension plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur. For the years ended February 28, 2015, March 1, 2014 and March 2, 2013, the net periodic pension cost was not material to the Company’s results of operations. The Company has a $18.4 million and $9.2 million liability, which is included in deferred rent and other liabilities as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively. In addition, as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, the Company recognized a loss of $6.1 million, net of taxes of $4.0 million, and a loss of $0.5 million, net of taxes of $0.4 million, respectively, within accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Note_11_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	11.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	The Company maintains employment agreements with its Co-Chairmen, which extend through February 25, 2017. The agreements provide for a base salary (which may be increased by the Board of Directors), termination payments, postretirement benefits and other terms and conditions of employment. In addition, the Company maintains employment agreements with other executives which provide for severance pay and, in some instances, certain other supplemental retirement benefits.
	The Company records an estimated liability related to its various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business when and to the extent that it concludes a liability is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Such estimated loss is based on available information and advice from outside counsel, where appropriate. As additional information becomes available, the Company reassesses the potential liability related to claims and legal actions and revises its estimated liabilities, as appropriate. The Company expects the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. The Company also cannot predict the nature and validity of claims which could be asserted in the future, and future claims could have a material impact on its earnings.

Note_12_Supplemental_Cash_Flow

Note 12 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	12.  SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	The Company paid income taxes of $554.4 million, $562.4 million and $550.6 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, the Company had interest payments of approximately $48.2 million, $9.2 million and $6.0 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company recorded an accrual for capital expenditures of $57.8 million, $50.2 million and $37.0 million as of February 28, 2015, March 1, 2014 and March 2, 2013, respectively.

Note_13_StockBased_Compensatio

Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	13.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and records such expense, net of estimated forfeitures, in its consolidated financial statements. Currently, the Company’s stock-based compensation relates to restricted stock awards, stock options and performance share units. The Company’s restricted stock awards are considered nonvested share awards.
	Stock-based compensation expense for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2015, March 1, 2014 and March 2, 2013 was approximately $66.5 million ($42.4 million after tax or $0.22 per diluted share), $56.2 million ($35.6 million after tax or $0.17 per diluted share) and approximately $47.2 million ($30.0 million after tax or $0.13 per diluted share), respectively. In addition, the amount of stock-based compensation cost capitalized for the years ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014 was approximately $1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
	Incentive Compensation Plans
	The Company currently grants awards under the Bed Bath & Beyond 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2012 Plan”), which amended and restated the Bed Bath & Beyond 2004 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2004 Plan”). The 2012 Plan includes an aggregate of 43.2 million common shares authorized for issuance and the ability to grant incentive stock options. Outstanding awards that were covered by the 2004 Plan continue to be in effect under the 2012 Plan.
	The 2012 Plan is a flexible compensation plan that enables the Company to offer incentive compensation through stock options (whether nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options), restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, performance awards and other stock based awards, including cash awards. Under the 2012 Plan, grants are determined by the Compensation Committee for those awards granted to executive officers and by an appropriate committee for all other awards granted. Awards of stock options and restricted stock generally vest in five equal annual installments beginning one to three years from the date of grant. Awards of performance share units generally vest over a period of four years from the date of grant dependent on the Company’s achievement of performance-based tests and subject, in general, to the executive remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates.
	The Company generally issues new shares for stock option exercises, restricted stock awards and vesting of performance share units. As of February 28, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s stock options, restricted stock awards and performance share units was $24.8 million, $127.3 million and $15.1 million, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years, 3.5 years and 2.5 years, respectively.
	Stock Options
	Stock option grants are issued at fair market value on the date of grant and generally become exercisable in either three or five equal annual installments beginning one year from the date of grant for options issued since May 10, 2010, and beginning one to three years from the date of grant for options issued prior to May 10, 2010, in each case, subject, in general to the recipient remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. Option grants expire eight years after the date of grant for stock options issued since May 10, 2004, and expire ten years after the date of grant for stock options issued prior to May 10, 2004. All option grants are nonqualified.
	The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated on the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table.
		FISCAL YEAR ENDED
	Black-Scholes Valuation Assumptions (1)	28-Feb-15			March 1,			March 2,
					2014			2013
	Weighted Average Expected Life (in years) (2)		6.6			6.6			6.5
	Weighted Average Expected Volatility (3)		28.31	%		29.27	%		31.07	%
	Weighted Average Risk Free Interest Rates (4)		2.11	%		1.11	%		1.14	%
	Expected Dividend Yield		-			-			-
	(1) Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience.
	(2) The expected life of stock options is estimated based on historical experience.
	(3) Expected volatility is based on the average of historical and implied volatility. The historical volatility is determined by observing actual prices of the Company’s stock over a period commensurate with the expected life of the awards. The implied volatility represents the implied volatility of the Company’s call options, which are actively traded on multiple exchanges, had remaining maturities in excess of twelve months, had market prices close to the exercise prices of the employee stock options and were measured on the stock option grant date.
	(4) Based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options.
	Changes in the Company’s stock options for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2015 were as follows:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of Stock			Weighted Average
		Options			Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of period		4,192		$	46.85
	Granted		523			62.34
	Exercised		(1,033	)		39.73
	Forfeited or expired		-			-
	Options outstanding, end of period		3,682		$	51.05
	Options exercisable, end of period		1,989		$	42.69
	The weighted average fair value for the stock options granted in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $20.96, $22.28 and $22.95, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual term and the aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding as of February 28, 2015 was 4.1 years and $87.2 million, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual term and the aggregate intrinsic value for options exercisable as of February 28, 2015 was 2.9 years and $63.6 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value for stock options exercised during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $33.5 million, $44.6 million and $38.8 million, respectively.
	Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options for fiscal 2014 were $41.2 million and the net associated income tax benefit was $13.9 million.
	Restricted Stock
	Restricted stock awards are issued and measured at fair market value on the date of grant and generally become vested in five equal annual installments beginning one to three years from the date of grant, subject, in general, to the recipient remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. Vesting of restricted stock awarded to certain of the Company’s executives is dependent on the Company’s achievement of a performance-based test for the fiscal year of grant and, assuming achievement of the performance-based test, time vesting, subject, in general, to the executive remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to these awards based on the assumption that the performance-based test will be achieved. Vesting of restricted stock awarded to the Company’s other employees is based solely on time vesting.
	Changes in the Company’s restricted stock for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2015 were as follows:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of Restricted			Weighted Average
		Shares			Grant-Date Fair
					Value
	Unvested restricted stock, beginning of period		3,943		$	53.66
	Granted		852			62.72
	Vested		(1,042	)		45.36
	Forfeited		(161	)		60.68
	Unvested restricted stock, end of period		3,592		$	57.9
	Performance Share Units
	Performance share units (“PSUs”) are issued and measured at fair market value on the date of grant. Vesting of PSUs awarded to certain of the Company’s executives is dependent on the Company’s achievement of a performance-based test during a one-year period from the date of grant and during a three-year period from the date of grant and, assuming achievement of the performance-based test, time vesting, subject, in general, to the executive remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. Performance during the one-year period will be based on Earnings Before Income Tax (“EBIT”) margin relative to a peer group of the Company comprising 50 companies selected within the first 90 days of the performance period. Upon achievement of the one-year performance-based test, the corresponding PSUs will vest annually in substantially equal installments over a three year period starting one year from the date of grant. Performance during the three-year period will be based on Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) relative to such peer group. Upon achievement of the three-year performance-based test, the corresponding PSUs will vest on the fourth anniversary date of grant. The awards based on EBIT margin and ROIC are capped at 150% of target achievement, with a floor of zero. PSUs are converted into shares of common stock upon payment following vesting. Upon grant of the PSUs, the Company recognizes compensation expense related to these awards based on the assumption that 100% of the target award will be achieved. The Company evaluates the target assumption on a quarterly basis and adjusts compensation expense related to these awards, as appropriate. Prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company had not granted any PSUs. For fiscal 2014, the Company granted 390,803 PSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $62.34.

Note_14_Summary_of_Quarterly_R

Note 14 - Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	14.  SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
		FISCAL 2014 QUARTER ENDED								FISCAL 2013 QUARTER ENDED
	(in thousands, except per share data)	31-May-14		30-Aug-14		29-Nov-14		28-Feb-15		1-Jun-13		31-Aug-13		30-Nov-13		1-Mar-14
	Net sales	$	2,656,698	$	2,944,905	$	2,942,980	$	3,336,593	$	2,612,140	$	2,823,672	$	2,864,837	$	3,203,314
	Gross profit		1,030,885		1,134,045		1,128,974		1,325,875		1,032,971		1,113,484		1,121,690		1,297,437
	Operating profit		300,701		368,741		352,683		532,168		323,101		389,766		374,647		527,073
	Earnings before provision for income taxes		298,607		359,213		333,114		512,901		322,876		388,091		375,961		526,519
	Provision for income taxes		111,555		135,260		107,706		191,840		120,386		138,787		138,764		193,220
	Net earnings	$	187,052	$	223,953	$	225,408	$	321,061	$	202,490	$	249,304	$	237,197	$	333,299
	EPS-Basic (1)	$	0.94	$	1.18	$	1.24	$	1.83	$	0.94	$	1.18	$	1.13	$	1.62
	EPS-Diluted (1)	$	0.93	$	1.17	$	1.23	$	1.8	$	0.93	$	1.16	$	1.12	$	1.6
	(1) Net earnings per share ("EPS") amounts for each quarter are required to be computed independently and may not equal the amount computed for the total year.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Fiscal Years Ended February 28, 2015, March 1, 2014 and March 2, 2013
	(amounts in millions)
	Column A	Column B		Column C		Column C		Column D		Column E
	Description	Balance at		Additions		Additions		Adjustments		Balance at
		Beginning of		Charged to		Charged to		and/or		End of
		Period		Income		Other Accounts		Deductions		Period
	Sales Returns and Allowance
	Year Ended:
	28-Feb-15	$	45	$	715.7	$	-	$	715.7	$	45
	1-Mar-14		40		706.6		-		701.6		45
	2-Mar-13		37.6		625.1		-		622.7		40

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	B.	Fiscal Year
	The Company’s fiscal year is comprised of the 52 or 53 week period ending on the Saturday nearest February 28. Accordingly, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 represented 52 weeks and ended on February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively. Fiscal 2012 represented 53 weeks and ended on March 2, 2013.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	C.	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company accounts for its investment in the joint venture under the equity method.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 2013 consolidated balance sheet and the fiscal 2013 and 2012 consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the fiscal 2014 consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flows presentation.
	All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	D.	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to establish accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that it believes to be relevant under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. In particular, judgment is used in areas such as inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets, impairment of auction rate securities, goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets, accruals for self insurance, litigation, store opening, expansion, relocation and closing costs, the provision for sales returns, vendor allowances, stock-based compensation and income and certain other taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	E.	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Included in cash and cash equivalents are credit and debit card receivables from banks, which typically settle within 5 business days, of $90.3 million and $87.4 million as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	F.	Investment Securities
	Investment securities consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Bills with remaining maturities of less than one year and auction rate securities, which are securities with interest rates that reset periodically through an auction process. The U.S. Treasury Bills are classified as short term held-to-maturity securities and are stated at their amortized cost which approximates fair value. Auction rate securities are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, which had historically been consistent with cost or par value due to interest rates which reset periodically, typically every 7, 28 or 35 days. As a result, there generally were no cumulative gross unrealized holding gains or losses relating to these auction rate securities. However, beginning in mid-February 2008 due to market conditions, the auction process for the Company’s auction rate securities failed and continues to fail. These failed auctions result in a lack of liquidity in the securities, and affect their estimated fair values at February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, but do not affect the underlying collateral of the securities. (See “Fair Value Measurements,” Note 3 and “Investment Securities,” Note 4). All income from these investments is recorded as interest income.
	Those investment securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity are classified as held-to-maturity investments and are stated at amortized cost. Those investment securities which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair market value.
	Premiums are amortized and discounts are accreted over the life of the security as adjustments to interest income using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	G.	Inventory Valuation
	Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are primarily calculated using the weighted average retail inventory method.
	Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the retail values of inventories. The cost associated with determining the cost-to-retail ratio includes: merchandise purchases, net of returns to vendors, discounts and volume and incentive rebates; inbound freight expenses; duty, insurance and commissions.
	At any one time, inventories include items that have been written down to the Company’s best estimate of their realizable value. Judgment is required in estimating realizable value and factors considered are the age of merchandise and anticipated demand. Actual realizable value could differ materially from this estimate based upon future customer demand or economic conditions.
	The Company estimates its reserve for shrinkage throughout the year based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable. Actual shrinkage is recorded at year end based upon the results of the Company’s physical inventory counts for locations at which counts were conducted. For locations where physical inventory counts were not conducted in the fiscal year, an estimated shrink reserve is recorded based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable. Historically, the Company’s shrinkage has not been volatile.
	The Company accrues for merchandise in transit once it takes legal ownership and title to the merchandise; as such, an estimate for merchandise in transit is included in the Company’s merchandise inventories.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	H.	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (forty years for buildings; five to twenty years for furniture, fixtures and equipment; and three to seven years for computer equipment and software). Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of their estimated useful life or the life of the lease. Depreciation expense is primarily included within selling, general and administrative expenses.
	The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to earnings as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs amounted to $120.3 million, $111.9 million and $106.1 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	I.	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may exceed their current fair values. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet. The Company has not historically recorded any material impairment to its long-lived assets. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that a long-lived asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these long-lived assets in the period in which the impairment occurs.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	J.	Goodwill and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
	The Company reviews goodwill and other intangibles that have indefinite lives for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets might exceed their current fair values. Impairment testing is based upon the best information available, including estimates of fair value which incorporate assumptions marketplace participants would use in making their estimates of fair value. The Company has not historically recorded an impairment to its goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets. As of February 28, 2015, for goodwill related to the North American Retail operating segment and the Institutional Sales operating segment and certain other indefinite lived intangible assets, the Company assessed qualitative factors in order to determine whether any events and circumstances existed which indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of these indefinite lived intangible assets did not exceed its carrying value and concluded no such events or circumstances existed which would require an impairment test being performed. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that an asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these assets in the period in which the impairment occurs.
	Included within other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively, are $291.4 million for indefinite lived tradenames and trademarks.
Self Insurance [Policy Text Block]	K.	Self Insurance
	The Company utilizes a combination of insurance and self insurance for a number of risks including workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile liability and employee related health care benefits (a portion of which is paid by its employees). Liabilities associated with the risks that the Company retains are estimated by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. Although the Company’s claims experience has not displayed substantial volatility in the past, actual experience could materially vary from its historical experience in the future. Factors that affect these estimates include but are not limited to: inflation, the number and severity of claims and regulatory changes. In the future, if the Company concludes an adjustment to self insurance accruals is required, the liability will be adjusted accordingly.
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]	L.	Deferred Rent
	The Company accounts for scheduled rent increases contained in its leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease beginning as of the date the Company obtained possession of the leased premises. Deferred rent amounted to $77.8 million and $79.0 million as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively.
	Cash or lease incentives (“tenant allowances”) received pursuant to certain store leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent over the lease term. The unamortized portion of tenant allowances is included in deferred rent and other liabilities. The unamortized portion of tenant allowances amounted to $121.0 million and $124.1 million as of February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively.
Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]	M.	Treasury Stock
	The Company has authorization to make repurchases from time to time in the open market or through other parameters approved by the Board of Directors pursuant to existing rules and regulations.
	Between December 2004 and July 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized, through share repurchase programs, the repurchase of $9.450 billion of the Company’s common stock. On July 17, 2014, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR”) with an investment bank to repurchase an aggregate $1.1 billion of the Company’s common stock. The ASR was completed in December 2014. The total number of shares repurchased under the ASR was 16.8 million shares at a weighted average share price of $65.41. Since 2004 through the end of fiscal 2014, the Company has repurchased approximately $8.6 billion of its common stock through share repurchase programs, which include the shares repurchased under the ASR.
	During fiscal 2014, including the shares repurchased under the ASR, the Company repurchased approximately 33.0 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $2.251 billion. During fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased approximately 18.3 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $1.284 billion. During fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased approximately 16.1 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $1.001 billion. The Company has approximately $0.9 billion remaining of authorized share repurchases as of February 28, 2015.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	N.	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts payable, long term debt and certain other liabilities. The Company’s investment securities consist primarily of U.S. Treasury securities, which are stated at amortized cost, and auction rate securities, which are stated at their approximate fair value. The book value of the financial instruments, excluding the Company’s long term debt, is representative of their fair values (See “Fair Value Measurements,” Note 3). The fair value of the Company’s long term debt is approximately $1.616 billion, which is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments (i.e., Level 1 valuation), compared to the carrying value of approximately $1.500 billion.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	O.	Revenue Recognition
	Sales are recognized upon purchase by customers at the Company’s retail stores or upon delivery for products purchased from its websites. The value of point-of-sale coupons and point-of-sale rebates that result in a reduction of the price paid by the customer are recorded as a reduction of sales. Shipping and handling fees that are billed to a customer in a sale transaction are recorded in sales. Taxes, such as sales tax, use tax and value added tax, are not included in sales.
	Revenues from gift cards, gift certificates and merchandise credits are recognized when redeemed. Gift cards have no provisions for reduction in the value of unused card balances over defined time periods and have no expiration dates.
	Sales returns are provided for in the period that the related sales are recorded based on historical experience. Although the estimate for sales returns has not varied materially from historical provisions, actual experience could vary from historical experience in the future if the level of sales return activity changes materially. In the future, if the Company concludes that an adjustment to the sales return accrual is required due to material changes in the returns activity, the reserve will be adjusted accordingly.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	P.	Cost of Sales
	Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise, buying costs and costs of the Company’s distribution network including inbound freight charges, distribution facility costs, receiving costs, internal transfer costs and shipping and handling costs.
Cost of Sales, Vendor Allowances, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Q.	Vendor Allowances
	The Company receives allowances from vendors in the normal course of business for various reasons including direct cooperative advertising, purchase volume and reimbursement for other expenses. Annual terms for each allowance include the basis for earning the allowance and payment terms, which vary by agreement. All vendor allowances are recorded as a reduction of inventory cost, except for direct cooperative advertising allowances which are specific, incremental and identifiable. The Company recognizes purchase volume allowances as a reduction of the cost of inventory in the quarter in which milestones are achieved. Advertising costs were reduced by direct cooperative allowances of $25.6 million, $24.0 million and $19.8 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Store Opening Expansion Relocation and Closing Costs [Policy Text Block]	R.	Store Opening, Expansion, Relocation and Closing Costs
	Store opening, expansion, relocation and closing costs, including markdowns, asset residual values and projected occupancy costs, are charged to earnings as incurred.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	S.	Advertising Costs
	Expenses associated with direct response advertising are expensed over the period during which the sales are expected to occur, generally four to seven weeks, and all other expenses associated with store advertising are charged to earnings as incurred. Net advertising costs amounted to $308.4 million, $280.5 million and $250.6 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	T.	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and records such expense in its consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted the accounting guidance related to stock compensation on August 28, 2005 (the “date of adoption”) under the modified prospective application. Under this application, the Company records stock-based compensation expense for all awards granted on or after the date of adoption and for the portion of previously granted awards that remained unvested at the date of adoption. Currently, the Company’s stock-based compensation relates to restricted stock awards, stock options and performance share units. The Company’s restricted stock awards are considered nonvested share awards.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	U.      Income Taxes
	The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return. Income tax returns are also filed with each taxable jurisdiction in which the Company conducts business.
	The Company accounts for its income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company intends to reinvest the unremitted earnings of its Canadian subsidiary. Accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. or additional non-U.S. taxes with respect to these earnings. In the event of repatriation to the U.S., in most cases such earnings would be subject to U.S. income taxes.
	The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is at least more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities.
	Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and related accruals, deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Additionally, the Company’s tax returns are subject to audit by various tax authorities. Although the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	V.	Earnings per Share
	The Company presents earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis. Basic earnings per share has been computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share has been computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding including the dilutive effect of stock-based awards as calculated under the treasury stock method.
	Stock-based awards of approximately 1.7 million, 1.2 million and 1.2 million shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	W.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier adoption not permitted. ASU 2014-09 can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note_4_Investment_Securities_T

Note 4 - Investment Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	(in millions)	February 28,		March 1,
		2015		2014
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Long term	$	47.9	$	47.7
	Trading securities:
	Long term		49.2		39.7
	Held-to-maturity securities:
	Short term		110		489.3
	Total investment securities	$	207.1	$	576.7

Note_5_Property_and_Equipment_

Note 5 - Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	(in thousands)	February 28,			March 1,
		2015			2014
	Land and buildings	$	557,538		$	538,422
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment		1,179,073			1,120,330
	Leasehold improvements		1,258,916			1,187,793
	Computer equipment and software		940,754			755,867
			3,936,281			3,602,412
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(2,259,581	)		(2,022,608	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,676,700		$	1,579,804

Note_7_Provision_for_Income_Ta1

Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		FISCAL YEAR ENDED
	(in thousands)	February 28,			March 1,			March 2,
		2015			2014			2013
	Current:
	Federal	$	504,154		$	514,818		$	522,812
	State and local		64,486			64,581			55,889
			568,640			579,399			578,701
	Deferred:
	Federal		(18,245	)		11,221			15,710
	State and local		(4,034	)		537			1,860
			(22,279	)		11,758			17,570
		$	546,361		$	591,157		$	596,271
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	(in thousands)	February 28,			March 1,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Inventories	$	35,169		$	28,947
	Deferred rent and other rent credits		77,878			79,681
	Insurance		62,668			58,860
	Stock-based compensation		35,591			33,780
	Merchandise credits and gift card liabilities		65,055			42,413
	Accrued expenses		42,328			42,643
	Obligations on distribution centers		41,175			41,454
	Net operating loss carryforwards and other tax credits		30,453			32,389
	Other		89,933			84,610
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation		(74,051	)		(73,106	)
	Goodwill		(55,888	)		(49,278	)
	Intangibles		(80,515	)		(79,471	)
	Other		(12,780	)		(11,480	)
		$	257,016		$	231,442
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	(in thousands)	February 28,			March 1,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of year	$	92,614		$	97,892
	Increase related to current year positions		17,333			19,844
	Increase related to prior year positions		6,549			2,292
	Decrease related to prior year positions		(20,082	)		(9,316	)
	Settlements		(11,762	)		(782	)
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(4,667	)		(17,316	)
	Balance at end of year	$	79,985		$	92,614

Note_9_Leases_Tables

Note 9 - Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	(in thousands)	Operating
		Leases
	Fiscal Year:
	2015	$	573,802
	2016		530,107
	2017		466,517
	2018		399,947
	2019		333,617
	Thereafter		956,177
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	3,260,167

Note_13_StockBased_Compensatio1

Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]		FISCAL YEAR ENDED
	Black-Scholes Valuation Assumptions (1)	28-Feb-15			March 1,			March 2,
					2014			2013
	Weighted Average Expected Life (in years) (2)		6.6			6.6			6.5
	Weighted Average Expected Volatility (3)		28.31	%		29.27	%		31.07	%
	Weighted Average Risk Free Interest Rates (4)		2.11	%		1.11	%		1.14	%
	Expected Dividend Yield		-			-			-
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	(Shares in thousands)	Number of Stock			Weighted Average
		Options			Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of period		4,192		$	46.85
	Granted		523			62.34
	Exercised		(1,033	)		39.73
	Forfeited or expired		-			-
	Options outstanding, end of period		3,682		$	51.05
	Options exercisable, end of period		1,989		$	42.69
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	(Shares in thousands)	Number of Restricted			Weighted Average
		Shares			Grant-Date Fair
					Value
	Unvested restricted stock, beginning of period		3,943		$	53.66
	Granted		852			62.72
	Vested		(1,042	)		45.36
	Forfeited		(161	)		60.68
	Unvested restricted stock, end of period		3,592		$	57.9

Note_14_Summary_of_Quarterly_R1

Note 14 - Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]		FISCAL 2014 QUARTER ENDED								FISCAL 2013 QUARTER ENDED
	(in thousands, except per share data)	31-May-14		30-Aug-14		29-Nov-14		28-Feb-15		1-Jun-13		31-Aug-13		30-Nov-13		1-Mar-14
	Net sales	$	2,656,698	$	2,944,905	$	2,942,980	$	3,336,593	$	2,612,140	$	2,823,672	$	2,864,837	$	3,203,314
	Gross profit		1,030,885		1,134,045		1,128,974		1,325,875		1,032,971		1,113,484		1,121,690		1,297,437
	Operating profit		300,701		368,741		352,683		532,168		323,101		389,766		374,647		527,073
	Earnings before provision for income taxes		298,607		359,213		333,114		512,901		322,876		388,091		375,961		526,519
	Provision for income taxes		111,555		135,260		107,706		191,840		120,386		138,787		138,764		193,220
	Net earnings	$	187,052	$	223,953	$	225,408	$	321,061	$	202,490	$	249,304	$	237,197	$	333,299
	EPS-Basic (1)	$	0.94	$	1.18	$	1.24	$	1.83	$	0.94	$	1.18	$	1.13	$	1.62
	EPS-Diluted (1)	$	0.93	$	1.17	$	1.23	$	1.8	$	0.93	$	1.16	$	1.12	$	1.6

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_1

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			123 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	Jul. 17, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Stores Joint Venture Foreign Market	5			5
Number of Operating Segments	2
Number of Weeks in Each Period	364 days	364 days	371 days
Number of Business Days for Settlement of Credit and Debit Card Receivables	5 days
Credit and Debit Card Receivables, at Carrying Value	$90,300,000	$87,400,000		$90,300,000
US Treasury Bills Maximum Remaining Maturity Period	1 year
Auction Market Securities Series Rate Setting Interval Period One	7 days
Auction Market Securities Series Rate Setting Interval Period Two	28 days
Auction Market Securities Series Rate Setting Interval Period Three	35 days
Cost of Property Repairs and Maintenance	120,300,000	111,900,000	106,100,000
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	291,400,000	291,400,000		291,400,000
Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent	77,800,000	79,000,000		77,800,000
Incentive from Lessor	121,000,000	124,100,000		121,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	9,450,000,000
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	2,250,597,000	1,283,995,000	1,001,280,000	8,600,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired (in Shares)	32,953,000	18,329,000	16,146,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	900,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	1,616,000,000			1,616,000,000
Long-term Debt	1,500,000,000			1,500,000,000
Cooperative Advertising Amount	25,600,000	24,000,000	19,800,000
Advertising Expense	308,400,000	280,500,000	250,600,000
Income Tax Examination Likelihood of Tax Benefits Realization Upon Settlement Minimum Percent	50.00%
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in Shares)	1,700,000	1,200,000	1,200,000
Building [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
ASR [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock					$1,100,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired (in Shares)						16,800,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)						$65.41
Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Weeks in Each Period	364 days
Direct Response Advertising Expenses Recognized Over Expected Sales Period	28 days
Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Weeks in Each Period	371 days
Direct Response Advertising Expenses Recognized Over Expected Sales Period	49 days

Note_2_Acquisitions_Details

Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jun. 01, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill			$486,279,000	$486,279,000
Trade Names [Member] | Linen Holdings, LLC [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	24,000,000
Linen Holdings, LLC [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	108,100,000
Goodwill	40,200,000
Cost Plus [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		560,500,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities		$25,500,000

Note_4_Investment_Securities_D

Note 4 - Investment Securities (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Note 4 - Investment Securities (Details) [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Current	$110	$489.30
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	49.2	39.7
Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Note 4 - Investment Securities (Details) [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Equity Securities At Par Value	51	51
Available-for-Sale Securities, Temporary Impairment Adjustment, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3.1	3.3
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Note 4 - Investment Securities (Details) [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Current	110	489.3
Other Trading Investment Securities [Member]
Note 4 - Investment Securities (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	$49.20	$39.70

Note_4_Investment_Securities_D1

Note 4 - Investment Securities (Details) - Investment Securities (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale securities:
Long term	$47.90	$47.70
Trading securities:
Long term	49.2	39.7
Held-to-maturity securities:
Short term	110	489.3
Total investment securities	$207.10	$576.70

Note_5_Property_and_Equipment_1

Note 5 - Property and Equipment (Details) - Property and Equipment (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$3,936,281	$3,602,412
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-2,259,581	-2,022,608
Property and equipment, net	1,676,700	1,579,804
Land and Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	557,538	538,422
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,179,073	1,120,330
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,258,916	1,187,793
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$940,754	$755,867

Note_6_Long_Term_Debt_Details

Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		7 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 06, 2014	Jul. 17, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$1,500,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Number Maintained	2			2
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	11,100,000			11,100,000	4,500,000
Unsecured Standby Letters of Credit Amount	71,700,000			71,700,000	74,300,000
Other Assets [Member] | Senior Unsecured Notes and Revolver [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Gross		10,100,000
Federal Funds Rate [Member] | Revolver [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolver [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | The 2024 Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			1-Aug-24
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | The 2034 Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.92%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			1-Aug-34
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | The 2044 Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			900,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			5.17%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			1-Aug-44
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			1,500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Change in Control, Offer to Purchase, Principal Amount, Percentage			101.00%
Revolver [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Term		5 years
Senior Unsecured Notes and Revolver [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Interest Expense				44,900,000
Uncommitted Line of Credit Expiration Date of February 28, 2016 [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	100,000,000			100,000,000
Uncommitted Line of Credit Expiration Date of September 1, 2015 [Member]
Note 6 - Long Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$100,000,000			$100,000,000

Note_7_Provision_for_Income_Ta2

Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	$207,300,000	$175,600,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	49,700,000	55,800,000
Tax Credit Carryforward Amount Net of Tax	6,600,000
Other Tax Carryforward Gross Amount Net of Tax	1,000,000
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent	79,985,000	92,614,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	79,900,000	92,500,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	13,000,000	16,900,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense	-3,900,000	-2,000,000
Number of States in which Entity Operates	50
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent	3.01%	3.07%	2.93%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Percent	0.04%	0.05%	0.07%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent	1.72%	1.42%	1.50%
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards Net of Tax	13,700,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards Net of Tax	9,100,000
Minimum [Member]
Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination Number of Years Under Examination	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination Number of Years Under Examination	5 years
Expiration Of Statutes Of Limitations [Member]
Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Lower Bound	5,000,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound	$6,000,000

Note_7_Provision_for_Income_Ta3

Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - Components of Provision for Income Taxes (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 29, 2014	Aug. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Mar. 01, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jun. 01, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Current:
Federal									$504,154	$514,818	$522,812
State and local									64,486	64,581	55,889
									568,640	579,399	578,701
Deferred:
Federal									-18,245	11,221	15,710
State and local									-4,034	537	1,860
									-22,279	11,758	17,570
	$191,840	$107,706	$135,260	$111,555	$193,220	$138,764	$138,787	$120,386	$546,361	$591,157	$596,271

Note_7_Provision_for_Income_Ta4

Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Inventories	$35,169	$28,947
Deferred rent and other rent credits	77,878	79,681
Insurance	62,668	58,860
Stock-based compensation	35,591	33,780
Merchandise credits and gift card liabilities	65,055	42,413
Accrued expenses	42,328	42,643
Obligations on distribution centers	41,175	41,454
Net operating loss carryforwards and other tax credits	30,453	32,389
Other	89,933	84,610
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	-74,051	-73,106
Goodwill	-55,888	-49,278
Intangibles	-80,515	-79,471
Other	-12,780	-11,480
	$257,016	$231,442

Note_7_Provision_for_Income_Ta5

Note 7 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - Unrecognized Tax Benefit Roll Forward (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Unrecognized Tax Benefit Roll Forward [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$92,614	$97,892
Balance at end of year	79,985	92,614
Increase related to current year positions	17,333	19,844
Increase related to prior year positions	6,549	2,292
Decrease related to prior year positions	-20,082	-9,316
Settlements	-11,762	-782
Lapse of statute of limitations	($4,667)	($17,316)

Note_8_Transactions_and_Balanc1

Note 8 - Transactions and Balances with Related Parties (Details) (Co Chairmen [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2004	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Co Chairmen [Member]
Note 8 - Transactions and Balances with Related Parties (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds Received on Termination of LifeInsurance Policy Agreement	$5.40
Benefits Payable on Termination of Life Insurance Policy Agreement		$4.20	$4.20

Note_9_Leases_Details

Note 9 - Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Note 9 - Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$566	$559.80	$536.10
Capital Lease Obligations	3.5	3.9
Capital Leases, Income Statement, Interest Expense	0.5	0.5	0.4
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	0.8
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years	0.8
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years	0.7
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years	0.6
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years	0.6
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	2
Number of Sale Lease Back Agreements	2
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Amount Due under Financing Arrangement	104.6	105.3
Sale Leaseback Principal Payments Within One Year	0.7
Sale Leaseback Principal Payments Within Two Years	0.7
Sale Leaseback Principal Payments Within Three Years	0.8
Sale Leaseback Principal Payments Within Four Years	0.8
Sale Leaseback Principal Payments Within Five Years	0.8
Sale Leaseback Principal Payments Thereafter	$77.20
Sales Leaseback Agreement One [Member]
Note 9 - Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Sale Leaseback Transaction Lease Amortization Period	32 years
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Imputed Interest Rate	7.20%
Sales Leaseback Agreement Two [Member]
Note 9 - Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Sale Leaseback Transaction Lease Amortization Period	35 years
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Imputed Interest Rate	10.60%

Note_9_Leases_Details_Future_M

Note 9 - Leases (Details) - Future Minimum Payments (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Minimum Payments [Abstract]
2015	$573,802
2016	530,107
2017	466,517
2018	399,947
2019	333,617
Thereafter	956,177
Total future minimum lease payments	$3,260,167

Note_10_Employee_Benefit_Plans1

Note 10 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of Defined Contribution Plans	5
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$13.20	$12.50	$10.90
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Cost Recognized	0.7	0.5	0.5
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent	18.4	9.2
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	6.1	0.5
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$4	$0.40

Note_12_Supplemental_Cash_Flow1

Note 12 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Income Taxes Paid	$554.40	$562.40	$550.60
Interest Paid	48.2	9.2	6
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$57.80	$50.20	$37

Note_13_StockBased_Compensatio2

Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	$66,500,000	$56,200,000	$47,200,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax (in Dollars)	42,400,000	35,600,000	30,000,000
Stock Based Compensation Expense Impact On Diluted Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.17	$0.13
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount (in Dollars)	1,900,000	1,600,000
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised (in Dollars)	41,197,000	54,815,000	56,377,000
Scenario, Assumption [Member] | Performance Share Unit (PSUs) [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Target Award, Percentage	100.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | The 2012 Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Minimum	1 year
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Maximum	3 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Minimum	1 year
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Maximum	3 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	127,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)	852,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$62.72
Employee Stock Option [Member] | The 2012 Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Minimum	1 year
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Maximum	3 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	24,800,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 219 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$20.96	$22.28	$22.95
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 36 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	87,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 328 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	63,600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	33,500,000	44,600,000	38,800,000
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised (in Dollars)	41,200,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options (in Dollars)	13,900,000
Performance Share Unit (PSUs) [Member] | The 2012 Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years
Performance Share Unit (PSUs) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Target Award, Percentage	0.00%
Performance Share Unit (PSUs) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Target Award, Percentage	150.00%
Performance Share Unit (PSUs) [Member] | One-Year Performance Period Awards [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Minimum	1 year
Performance Share Unit (PSUs) [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	$15,100,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)	390,803
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$62.34
Employee Stock Option Issued Since May 10, 2010 [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Requisite Service Period	1 year
Employee Stock Option Issued Prior to May 10, 2010 [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Minimum	1 year
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Maximum	3 years
Employee Stock Option Issued Since May 10, 2004 [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	8 years
Employee Stock Option Issued Prior to May 10, 2004 [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
The 2012 Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)	43,200,000

Note_13_StockBased_Compensatio3

Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Assumptions Used to Estimate the Black-Scholes Fair Value of Stock Options Granted	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015		Mar. 01, 2014		Mar. 02, 2013
Assumptions Used to Estimate the Black-Scholes Fair Value of Stock Options Granted [Abstract]
Weighted Average Expected Life (in years) (2)	6 years 219 days	[1],[2]	6 years 219 days	[1],[2]	6 years 6 months	[1],[2]
Weighted Average Expected Volatility (3)	28.31%	[1],[3]	29.27%	[1],[3]	31.07%	[1],[3]
Weighted Average Risk Free Interest Rates (4)	2.11%	[1],[4]	1.11%	[1],[4]	1.14%	[1],[4]
Expected Dividend Yield		[1]		[1]		[1]
[1]	Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience.
[2]	The expected life of stock options is estimated based on historical experience.
[3]	Expected volatility is based on the average of historical and implied volatility. The historical volatility is determined by observing actual prices of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected life of the awards. The implied volatility represents the implied volatility of the Company's call options, which are actively traded on multiple exchanges, had remaining maturities in excess of twelve months, had market prices close to the exercise prices of the employee stock options and were measured on the stock option grant date.
[4]	Based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options.

Note_13_StockBased_Compensatio4

Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Changes in the Companybs Stock Options (Employee Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Changes in the Companybs Stock Options [Line Items]
Options outstanding, beginning of period	4,192
Options outstanding, beginning of period	$46.85
Granted	523
Granted	$62.34
Exercised	-1,033
Exercised	$39.73
Forfeited or expired	0
Forfeited or expired
Options outstanding, end of period	3,682
Options outstanding, end of period	$51.05
Options exercisable, end of period	1,989
Options exercisable, end of period	$42.69

Note_13_StockBased_Compensatio5

Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Changes in the Companybs Restricted Stock (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Changes in the Companybs Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Unvested restricted stock, beginning of period	3,943,000
Unvested restricted stock, beginning of period	$53.66
Granted	852,000
Granted	$62.72
Vested	-1,042,000
Vested	$45.36
Forfeited	-161,000
Forfeited	$60.68
Unvested restricted stock, end of period	3,592,000
Unvested restricted stock, end of period	$57.90

Note_14_Summary_of_Quarterly_R2

Note 14 - Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) - Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Nov. 29, 2014		Aug. 30, 2014		31-May-14		Mar. 01, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2013		Jun. 01, 2013		Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$3,336,593		$2,942,980		$2,944,905		$2,656,698		$3,203,314		$2,864,837		$2,823,672		$2,612,140		$11,881,176	$11,503,963	$10,914,585
Gross profit	1,325,875		1,128,974		1,134,045		1,030,885		1,297,437		1,121,690		1,113,484		1,032,971		4,619,779	4,565,582	4,388,755
Operating profit	532,168		352,683		368,741		300,701		527,073		374,647		389,766		323,101		1,554,293	1,614,587	1,638,218
Earnings before provision for income taxes	512,901		333,114		359,213		298,607		526,519		375,961		388,091		322,876		1,503,835	1,613,447	1,634,059
Provision for income taxes	191,840		107,706		135,260		111,555		193,220		138,764		138,787		120,386		546,361	591,157	596,271
Net earnings	$321,061		$225,408		$223,953		$187,052		$333,299		$237,197		$249,304		$202,490		$957,474	$1,022,290	$1,037,788
EPS-Basic (1) (in Dollars per share)	$1.83	[1]	$1.24	[1]	$1.18	[1]	$0.94	[1]	$1.62	[1]	$1.13	[1]	$1.18	[1]	$0.94	[1]	$5.13	$4.85	$4.62
EPS-Diluted (1) (in Dollars per share)	$1.80	[1]	$1.23	[1]	$1.17	[1]	$0.93	[1]	$1.60	[1]	$1.12	[1]	$1.16	[1]	$0.93	[1]	$5.07	$4.79	$4.56
[1]	Net earnings per share ("EPS") amounts for each quarter are required to be computed independently and may not equal the amount computed for the total year.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Allowance for Sales Returns [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Mar. 02, 2013
Allowance for Sales Returns [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$45	$40	$37.60
Additions charged to income	715.7	706.6	625.1
Additions charged to other accounts	715.7	701.6	622.7
Ending balance	$45	$45	$40