Costco Wholesale (COST) 10-Q 13 Mar 19 2019 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Mar. 06, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Feb. 17, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	COST
Entity Registrant Name	COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW
Entity Central Index Key	0000909832
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-01
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		439,880,257

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Feb. 17, 2019	Sep. 02, 2018
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,080,000,000	$ 6,055,000,000
Short-term investments	1,042,000,000	1,204,000,000
Receivables, net	1,995,000,000	1,669,000,000
Merchandise inventories	11,356,000,000	11,040,000,000
Other current assets	1,175,000,000	321,000,000
Total current assets	21,648,000,000	20,289,000,000
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land	6,300,000,000	6,193,000,000
Buildings and improvements	16,533,000,000	16,107,000,000
Equipment and fixtures	7,704,000,000	7,274,000,000
Construction in progress	1,165,000,000	1,140,000,000
Gross property and equipment	31,702,000,000	30,714,000,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(11,557,000,000)	(11,033,000,000)
Net property and equipment	20,145,000,000	19,681,000,000
OTHER ASSETS	1,006,000,000	860,000,000
TOTAL ASSETS	42,799,000,000	40,830,000,000
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	10,711,000,000	11,237,000,000
Accrued salaries and benefits	3,173,000,000	2,994,000,000
Accrued member rewards	1,130,000,000	1,057,000,000
Deferred membership fees	1,735,000,000	1,624,000,000
Current portion of long-term debt	1,698,000,000	90,000,000
Other current liabilities	4,003,000,000	2,924,000,000
Total current liabilities	22,450,000,000	19,926,000,000
LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion	4,794,000,000	6,487,000,000
OTHER LIABILITIES	1,372,000,000	1,314,000,000
Total liabilities	28,616,000,000	27,727,000,000
EQUITY
Preferred stock $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock $0.01 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 439,989,000 and 438,189,000 shares issued and outstanding	4,000,000	4,000,000
Additional paid-in capital	6,218,000,000	6,107,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,280,000,000)	(1,199,000,000)
Retained earnings	8,916,000,000	7,887,000,000
Total Costco stockholders' equity	13,858,000,000	12,799,000,000
Noncontrolling interests	325,000,000	304,000,000
Total equity	14,183,000,000	13,103,000,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 42,799,000,000	$ 40,830,000,000

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Feb. 17, 2019	Sep. 02, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	439,989,000	438,189,000
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	900,000,000	900,000,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018
REVENUE
Total Revenue	$ 35,396	$ 32,995	$ 70,465	$ 64,804
OPERATING EXPENSES
Merchandise costs	30,720	28,733	61,343	56,350
Selling, general and administrative	3,464	3,234	6,939	6,458
Preopening expenses	9	12	31	29
Operating income	1,203	1,016	2,152	1,967
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(34)	(37)	(70)	(74)
Interest income and other, net	46	7	68	29
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	1,215	986	2,150	1,922
Provision for income taxes	314	273	472	558
Net income including noncontrolling interests	901	713	1,678	1,364
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12)	(12)	(22)	(23)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO	$ 889	$ 701	$ 1,656	$ 1,341
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.02	$ 1.60	$ 3.77	$ 3.06
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.01	$ 1.59	$ 3.74	$ 3.04
Shares used in calculation (000's)
Basic (shares)	440,284	439,022	439,721	438,494
Diluted (shares)	442,337	441,568	442,535	441,201
Net sales
REVENUE
Total Revenue	$ 34,628	$ 32,279	$ 68,939	$ 63,396
Membership fees
REVENUE
Total Revenue	$ 768	$ 716	$ 1,526	$ 1,408

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	$ 901	$ 713	$ 1,678	$ 1,364
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net	52	150	(82)	127
Comprehensive income	953	863	1,596	1,491
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	13	22	21	33
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO	$ 940	$ 841	$ 1,575	$ 1,458

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity Statement - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Common Stock at beginning of period (shares) at Sep. 03, 2017		437,204
Equity at beginning of period at Sep. 03, 2017	$ 11,079	$ 4	$ 5,800	$ (1,014)	$ 5,988	$ 10,778	$ 301
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,364				1,341	1,341	23
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	127			117		117	10
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	348		348			348
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		2,726
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised	(216)		(216)			(216)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares		(1,047)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	(178)		(14)		(164)	(178)
Dividends, Cash and other	(471)		2		(438)	(436)	(35)
Common Stock at end of period (shares) at Feb. 18, 2018		438,883
Equity at end of period at Feb. 18, 2018	12,053	$ 4	5,920	(897)	6,727	11,754	299
Common Stock at beginning of period (shares) at Nov. 26, 2017		439,185
Equity at beginning of period at Nov. 26, 2017	11,356	$ 4	5,811	(1,037)	6,300	11,078	278
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	713				701	701	12
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	150			140		140	10
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	113		113			113
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		11
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares		(313)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	(59)		(4)		(55)	(59)
Dividends, Cash and other	(220)				(219)	(219)	(1)
Common Stock at end of period (shares) at Feb. 18, 2018		438,883
Equity at end of period at Feb. 18, 2018	12,053	$ 4	5,920	(897)	6,727	11,754	299
Common Stock at beginning of period (shares) at Sep. 02, 2018		438,189
Equity at beginning of period at Sep. 02, 2018	13,103	$ 4	6,107	(1,199)	7,887	12,799	304
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,678				1,656	1,656	22
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(82)			(81)		(81)	(1)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	391		391			391
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		2,511
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised	(270)		(270)			(270)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares		(711)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	(151)		(10)		(141)	(151)
Dividends, Cash and other	(486)				(486)	(486)
Common Stock at end of period (shares) at Feb. 17, 2019		439,989
Equity at end of period at Feb. 17, 2019	14,183	$ 4	6,218	(1,280)	8,916	13,858	325
Common Stock at beginning of period (shares) at Nov. 25, 2018		440,546
Equity at beginning of period at Nov. 25, 2018	13,479	$ 4	6,107	(1,331)	8,387	13,167	312
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	901				889	889	12
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	52			51		51	1
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	119		119			119
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		4
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares		(561)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	(117)		(8)		(109)	(117)
Dividends, Cash and other	(251)				(251)	(251)
Common Stock at end of period (shares) at Feb. 17, 2019		439,989
Equity at end of period at Feb. 17, 2019	$ 14,183	$ 4	$ 6,218	$ (1,280)	$ 8,916	$ 13,858	$ 325

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 1,678	$ 1,364
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	683	679
Stock-based compensation	389	346
Other non-cash operating activities, net	6	10
Deferred income taxes	(27)	(64)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories	(449)	(802)
Accounts payable	(684)	486
Other operating assets and liabilities, net	362	96
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,958	2,115
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of short-term investments	(457)	(407)
Maturities and sales of short-term investments	621	588
Additions to property and equipment	(1,317)	(1,328)
Other investing activities, net	(18)	(11)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,171)	(1,158)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in bank checks outstanding	262	(33)
Repayments of long-term debt	(89)	(58)
Tax withholdings on stock-based awards	(270)	(216)
Repurchases of common stock	(149)	(184)
Cash dividend payments	(501)	(220)
Other financing activities, net	(2)	(37)
Net cash used in financing activities	(749)	(748)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(13)	26
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	25	235
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR	6,055	4,546
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD	6,080	4,781
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest (reduced by $12 and $7, interest capitalized in 2019 and 2018, respectively)	68	78
Income taxes, net	677	661
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid	$ 251	$ 219

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest capitalized	$ 12	$ 7

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Policies	Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco or the Company), a Washington corporation, and its subsidiaries operate membership warehouses based on the concept that offering members low prices on a limited selection of nationally-branded and private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. For the period ended February 17, 2019 , Costco operated 769 warehouses worldwide: 534 in the United States (U.S.) located in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, 100 in Canada, 39 in Mexico, 28 in the United Kingdom (U.K.), 26 in Japan, 15 in Korea, 13 in Taiwan, 10 in Australia, two in Spain, and one each in Iceland and France. The Company operates e-commerce websites in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Korea, and Taiwan. Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. The Company reports noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity. All material inter-company transactions between and among the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s net income excludes income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Taiwan. During the first quarter of 2018 , the Company purchased its former joint venture partner's remaining equity interest in its Korean operations. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q for interim financial reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While these statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of the interim period, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for complete financial statements. Therefore, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 2018 . Fiscal Year End The Company operates on a 52/53 week fiscal year basis, with the fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to August 31. Fiscal 2019 is a 52 week year ending on September 1, 2019 . References to the second quarter of 2019 and 2018 relate to the 12 week fiscal quarters ended February 17, 2019 , and February 18, 2018 , respectively. References to the first half of 2019 and 2018 relate to the 24 weeks ended February 17, 2019, and February 18, 2018, respectively. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes sales for the amount of consideration collected from the member, which includes gross shipping fees where applicable, and is net of sales taxes collected and remitted to government agencies and merchandise returns. The Company reserves for estimated sales returns based on historical trends in merchandise returns and reduces sales and merchandise costs accordingly. The Company records, on a gross basis, a refund liability and an asset for recovery, which are included in other current liabilities and other current assets, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Merchandise Sales - The Company offers merchandise in the following core merchandise categories: food and sundries, hardlines, softlines, and fresh foods. The Company also provides expanded products and services through warehouse ancillary and other businesses. The majority of revenue from merchandise sales is recognized at the point of sale. Revenue generated through e-commerce or special orders is recognized upon shipment to the member to the extent there is no installation provided as a part of the contract. For merchandise shipped directly to the member, shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred as fulfillment costs and included in merchandise costs in the condensed consolidated statements of income. In certain ancillary businesses, revenue is deferred until the member picks up merchandise at the warehouse. Deferred sales are included in other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Principal Versus Agent - The Company is the principal for the majority of its transactions and recognizes revenue on a gross basis. The Company is the principal when it has control of the merchandise or service before it is transferred to the member, which generally is established when Costco is primarily responsible for merchandising decisions, maintains the relationship with the member, including assurance of member service and satisfaction, and has pricing discretion. Membership Fees - The Company accounts for membership fee revenue, net of refunds, on a deferred basis, ratably over the one-year membership period. For the first half of 2019 , the Company recognized $1,526 of membership fees, of which $1,144 was included in deferred membership at the end of 2018 . In certain countries, the Company's Executive members qualify for a 2% reward on qualified purchases (up to a maximum reward of approximately $1,000 per year), which does not expire and can be redeemed only at Costco warehouses. The Company accounts for this reward as a reduction in sales, net of the estimated impact of non-redemptions (breakage), with the corresponding liability classified as accrued member rewards in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Estimated breakage is computed based on redemption data. In the second quarter of 2019 and 2018 the net reduction in sales was $364 and $329 , respectively. In the first half of 2019 and 2018 the net reduction in sales was $714 and $646 , respectively. Cash Cards - The Company sells and otherwise provides proprietary cash cards that do not expire and are redeemable at the warehouse or online for merchandise or membership. Revenue from cash cards is recognized upon redemption, and estimated breakage is recognized based on redemption data. The Company accounts for outstanding cash card balances as a cash card liability, net of estimated breakage and as of February 17, 2019 , and September 2, 2018, the cash card liability was not material. Co-Brand Credit Card Program - Citibank, N.A. (“Citi”) became the exclusive issuer of co-branded credit cards to U.S. members in June 2016. The Company receives various forms of consideration, including a royalty on purchases made on the card outside of Costco, a portion of which is used to fund the rebate that cardholders receive after giving rise to estimated breakage. The rebates are issued in February and expire on December 31 of each year. Breakage is estimated based on redemption data. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, providing for changes in the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance requires disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows. The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2019, using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $16 as an increase to retained earnings, which is included in cash dividend declared and other in the condensed consolidated statements of equity. The standard impacted the presentation and timing of certain revenue transactions. Specifically, the changes included gross presentation of the Company’s estimate of merchandise returns reserve and related recoverable assets, recognizing cash card breakage over the period of redemption, and accelerating the recognition of certain e-commerce and special order sales. Additionally, the Company’s evaluation under the standard of its status as a principal in certain vendor arrangements resulted in the recognition of additional sales on a gross basis. The effect of the standard on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet was an increase to other current liabilities and other current assets of $649 and $731 at adoption and at the end of the second quarter of 2019, respectively, related to the estimate of merchandise returns reserve and the related recoverable assets. The effect of the adoption of this standard on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of income is as follows: As Reported ASU 2014-09 Effect Excluding ASU 2014-09 Effect 12 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Net Sales $ 34,628 $ 179 $ 34,449 Merchandise Costs 30,720 183 30,537 Gross Margin (1) 3,908 (4 ) 3,912 24 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Net Sales $ 68,939 $ 519 $ 68,420 Merchandise Costs 61,343 514 60,829 Gross Margin (1) 7,596 5 7,591 _______________ (1) Net sales less merchandise costs. For related disaggregated revenue disclosures, see Note 10 . Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which requires recognition on the balance sheet of rights and obligations created by leases with terms greater than twelve months. The standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2020 and utilize the transition option, which allows for a cumulative-effect adjustment in the period of adoption and does not require application of the guidance to comparative periods. The primary effect of adoption will be recording right-of-use assets and corresponding lease obligations for current operating leases. The adoption is expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but not on the consolidated statements of income or cash flows. The Company is reviewing current accounting policies and related disclosures, and evaluating changes to business processes, systems and controls to support adoption of the new standard, which includes implementing a new lease accounting system.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Note 2—Investments The Company's investments were as follows: February 17, 2019: Cost Unrealized Recorded Available-for-sale: Government and agency securities $ 892 $ (8 ) $ 884 Held-to-maturity: Certificates of deposit 158 158 Total short-term investments $ 1,050 $ (8 ) $ 1,042 September 2, 2018: Cost Unrealized Recorded Available-for-sale: Government and agency securities $ 912 $ (14 ) $ 898 Held-to-maturity: Certificates of deposit 306 306 Total short-term investments $ 1,218 $ (14 ) $ 1,204 Gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were not material for the second quarter and first half of 2019 and 2018 . At February 17, 2019 , and September 2, 2018 , available-for-sale securities that were in a continuous unrealized-loss position were not material. There were no sales of available-for-sale securities during the first half of 2019 . Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were immaterial and $39 during the second quarter and first half of 2018 , respectively. Gross realized gains and losses for these sales were immaterial . The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at February 17, 2019 , were as follows: Available-For-Sale Held-To-Maturity Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 403 $ 401 $ 158 Due after one year through five years 458 452 0 Due after five years 31 31 0 Total $ 892 $ 884 $ 158

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Note 3—Fair Value Measurement Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The tables below present information regarding financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the level within the hierarchy reflecting the valuation techniques utilized to determine fair value. February 17, 2019: Level 1 Level 2 Investment in government and agency securities (1) $ 0 $ 1,030 Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position (2) 0 7 Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position (2) 0 (2 ) Total $ 0 $ 1,035 September 2, 2018: Level 1 Level 2 Money market mutual funds (3) $ 9 $ 0 Investment in government and agency securities (1) 0 903 Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position (2) 0 16 Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position (2) 0 (2 ) Total $ 9 $ 917 _______________ (1) At February 17, 2019 , $ 146 cash and cash equivalents and $884 short-term investments are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. At September 2, 2018 , immaterial cash and cash equivalents and $898 short-term investments are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. (2) The asset and the liability values are included in other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. (3) Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. During and at the periods ended February 17, 2019 , and September 2, 2018 , the Company did not hold any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1 or 2 during the second quarter or the first half of 2019 or 2018 . Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis Assets and liabilities recognized and disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as financial assets recorded at amortized cost and long-lived nonfinancial assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. There were no fair value adjustments to these items during the second quarter or first half of 2019 and 2018 .

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Note 4—Debt The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following: February 17, 2019 September 2, 2018 1.70% Senior Notes due December 2019 $ 1,200 $ 1,200 1.75% Senior Notes due February 2020 500 500 2.15% Senior Notes due May 2021 1,000 1,000 2.25% Senior Notes due February 2022 500 500 2.30% Senior Notes due May 2022 800 800 2.75% Senior Notes due May 2024 1,000 1,000 3.00% Senior Notes due May 2027 1,000 1,000 Other long-term debt 525 613 Total long-term debt 6,525 6,613 Less unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs 33 36 Less current portion 1,698 90 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 4,794 $ 6,487 The estimated fair value of Senior Notes is valued using Level 2 inputs. Other long-term debt consists of Guaranteed Senior Notes issued by the Company's Japan subsidiary and are valued using Level 3 inputs. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $6,476 and $6,492 at February 17, 2019 , and September 2, 2018 , respectively.

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Equity and Comprehensive Income	Note 5—Equity Dividends The Company’s current quarterly dividend rate is $0.57 per share, compared to $0.50 per share in the second quarter of 2018 . On January 24, 2019 , the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.57 per share, which was paid on February 22, 2019 . Stock Repurchase Programs Stock repurchase activity during the second quarter and first half of 2019 and 2018 is summarized below: Shares Repurchased (000's) Average Price per Share Total Cost Second quarter of 2019 561 $ 208.72 $ 117 First half of 2019 711 $ 213.08 $ 151 Second quarter of 2018 313 $ 187.70 $ 59 First half of 2018 1,047 $ 170.06 $ 178 These amounts may differ from the stock repurchase balances in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to changes in unsettled stock repurchases at the end of a quarter. The remaining amount available for stock repurchases under our approved plan, which expires in April 2019, was $2,276 at February 17, 2019 . Purchases are made from time-to-time, as conditions warrant, in the open market or in block purchases and pursuant to plans under SEC Rule 10b5-1.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation On January 24, 2019, our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2019 Incentive Plan, which replaced the Seventh Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (Seventh Plan). The 2019 Incentive Plan authorized the issuance of 17,500,000 shares ( 10,000,000 RSUs) of common stock for future grants, plus the remaining shares that were available for grant under the Seventh Plan on January 24, 2019 and future forfeited shares from grants under the Seventh Plan up to a maximum aggregate of 27,800,000 ( 15,885,000 RSUs). The Company issues new shares of common stock upon vesting of RSUs. Shares for vested RSUs are generally delivered to participants annually, net of shares withheld for taxes. Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity At February 17, 2019 , 15,577,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs and the following awards were outstanding: • 6,385,000 time-based RSUs that vest upon continued employment over specified periods of time; • 91,000 performance-based RSUs, granted to executive officers of the Company, for which the performance targets have been met. The awards vest upon continued employment over specified periods of time; and • 150,000 performance-based RSUs, granted to executive officers of the Company, subject to achievement of performance targets for fiscal 2019 , as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors after the end of the fiscal year. These awards are included in the table below and the Company recognized compensation expense for these awards as it is currently deemed probable that the targets will be achieved. The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first half of 2019 : Number of Units (in 000’s) Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at September 2, 2018 7,578 $ 140.85 Granted 2,792 224.00 Vested and delivered (3,688 ) 155.67 Forfeited (56 ) 160.93 Outstanding at February 17, 2019 6,626 $ 167.48 The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs at February 17, 2019 , was $ 919 , and the weighted-average period over which this cost will be recognized is 1.7 years. Summary of Stock-Based Compensation The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefits under the Company’s plans: 12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended February 17, February 18, February 17, February 18, Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes $ 119 $ 112 $ 389 $ 346 Less recognized income tax benefit (23 ) (2 ) (84 ) (79 ) Stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes $ 96 $ 110 $ 305 $ 267

Income Taxes Income Taxes

Income Taxes Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 7—Income Taxes In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was signed into law. The Company is a fiscal-year taxpayer, so most provisions became effective for fiscal 2019, including the repeal of the domestic manufacturing deduction and limitations on certain business deductions. During the quarter ended February 17, 2019, the measurement period related to the 2017 Tax Act concluded and the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the final determinations on its accounting implications based on the Company's interpretations.

Net Income per Common and Commo

Net Income per Common and Common Equivalent Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Common and Common Equivalent Share	Note 8—Net Income per Common and Common Equivalent Share The following table shows the amounts used in computing net income per share and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding (shares in 000’s): 12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended February 17, February 18, February 17, February 18, Net income attributable to Costco $ 889 $ 701 $ 1,656 $ 1,341 Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share 440,284 439,022 439,721 438,494 RSUs 2,053 2,546 2,814 2,707 Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share 442,337 441,568 442,535 441,201 Anti-dilutive RSUs 1,667 — — —

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings The Company is involved in a number of claims, proceedings and litigation arising from its business and property ownership. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes an accrual for legal proceedings if and when those matters reach a stage where they present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. There may be exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss (taking into account where applicable indemnification arrangements concerning suppliers and insurers) and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. As of the date of this Report, the Company has recorded an immaterial accrual with respect to one matter described below, in addition to other immaterial accruals for matters not described below. If the loss contingency at issue is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not establish an accrual, but will continue to monitor the matter for developments that will make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. In each case, there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred, including a loss in excess of the applicable accrual. For matters where no accrual has been recorded, the possible loss or range of loss (including any loss in excess of the accrual) cannot, in the Company's view, be reasonably estimated because, among other things: (i) the remedies or penalties sought are indeterminate or unspecified; (ii) the legal and/or factual theories are not well developed; and/or (iii) the matters involve complex or novel legal theories or a large number of parties. The Company is a defendant in a class action alleging violation of California Wage Order 7-2001 for failing to provide seating to member service assistants who act as greeters in the Company’s California warehouses. Canela v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al. (Case No. 5:13-cv-03598, N.D. Cal. filed July 1, 2013). The complaint seeks relief under the California Labor Code, including civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. The Company filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint. The action in the district court has been stayed pending review by the Ninth Circuit of the order certifying a class. In January 2019, an employee brought similar claims for relief concerning Costco employees engaged at member services counters in California. Rodriguez v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. RG19001310, Alameda Superior Court filed Jan. 4, 2019). In December 2018, a depot employee raised similar claims, alleging that employees in California did not receive suitable seating or appropriate workplace temperature conditions. Lane v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Dec. 6, 2018 Notice to California Labor and Workforce Development Agency). In January 2019, a former seasonal employee filed a class action, alleging failure to provide California seasonal employees meal and rest breaks, proper wage statements, and appropriate wages. Jordan v. Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 19-CV-340438 Santa Clara Superior Court filed Jan. 3, 2019). The complaint seeks relief under the California Labor Code, including civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. On November 23, 2016, the Company’s Canadian subsidiary received from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care a request for an inspection and information concerning compliance with the anti-rebate provisions in the Ontario Drug Benefit Act and the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act. On February 1, 2019, with the consent of the Company’s subsidiary the Ministry entered an order requiring CWC Pharmacies (Ontario) Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, to pay five million in satisfaction of the issues raised in the investigation, which was paid during the quarter. The Company had accrued for this liability in a prior period. In December 2017, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated numerous cases filed against various defendants by counties, cities, hospitals, Native American tribes, and third-party payors concerning the impacts of opioid abuse. In re National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL No. 2804) (N.D. Ohio). Included are federal cases that name the Company, including actions filed by a number of counties and cities in Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio, and a third-party payor in Ohio. Similar claims against the Company in state courts in New Jersey and Oklahoma have been dismissed. The Company is defending all of these matters. The Company and its CEO and CFO are defendants in putative class actions brought on behalf of shareholders who acquired Company stock between June 6 and October 25, 2018. Johnson v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al. (W.D. Wash. filed Nov. 5, 2018); Chen v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al. (W.D. Wash. filed Dec. 11, 2018). The complaints allege violations of the federal securities laws stemming from the Company’s disclosures concerning internal control over financial reporting. They seek unspecified damages, equitable relief, interest, and costs and attorneys’ fees. On January 30, 2019, an order was entered consolidating the actions. The Company expects the consolidated action to be vigorously defended. Members of the Board of Directors, one other individual, and the Company are defendants in a shareholder derivative action related to the internal controls and related disclosures identified in the putative class actions, alleging that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties. Wedekind v. Hamilton James, Susan Decker, Kenneth Denman, Richard Galanti, Craig Jelinek, Richard Libenson, John Meisenbach, Charles Munger, Jeffrey Raikes, John Stanton, Mary Agnes Wilderotter, and Costco Wholesale Corp. (W.D. Wash. filed Dec. 11, 2018). The complaint seeks unspecified damages, disgorgement of compensation, corporate governance changes, and costs and attorneys' fees. Because the complaint is derivative in nature, it does not seek monetary damages from the Company, which is a nominal defendant. By agreement among the parties the action has been stayed pending further proceedings in the class actions. A similar action was filed in King County Superior Court on February 20, 2019. Elliott v. Hamilton James, Susan Decker, Kenneth Denman, Richard Galanti, Craig Jelinek, Richard Libenson, John Meisenbach, Charles Munger, Jeffrey Raikes, John Stanton, Mary Agnes Wilderotter, and Costco Wholesale Corp. (Case No. 19-2-04824-7). In November 2016 and September 2017, the Company received notices of violation from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection regarding hazardous waste practices at its Connecticut warehouses, primarily concerning unsalable pharmaceuticals. On February 13, 2019, the Company's affiliate in Spain received notice from the General Directorate on Environment and Sustainability of the Regional Government of Madrid that the Directorate is investigating issues concerning rain, sewage and hydrocarbon drainage related to the Company's warehouse in Getafe. The relief to be sought is not known at this time. The Company is seeking to cooperate concerning the resolution of these notices. The Company does not believe that any pending claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome of some or all of the matters, however unlikely, could result in a charge that might be material to the results of an individual fiscal quarter.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Note 10—Segment Reporting The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of membership warehouses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Japan, Korea, Australia, Spain, Iceland and France and through a majority-owned subsidiary in Taiwan. Reportable segments are largely based on management’s organization of the operating segments for operational decisions and assessments of financial performance, which consider geographic locations. The material accounting policies of the segments are as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 2018 , and Note 1 above. Inter-segment net sales and expenses have been eliminated in computing total revenue and operating income. Certain operating expenses, predominantly stock-based compensation, are incurred on behalf of the Company's Canadian and Other International Operations, but are included in the U.S. Operations because those costs generally come under the responsibility of the Company's U.S. management team. The following table provides information for the Company's reportable segments: United States Canadian Other Total 12 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Total revenue $ 25,872 $ 4,792 $ 4,732 $ 35,396 Operating income 812 198 193 1,203 Depreciation and amortization 256 37 59 352 Additions to property and equipment 404 77 106 587 12 Weeks Ended February 18, 2018 Total revenue $ 23,687 $ 4,745 $ 4,563 $ 32,995 Operating income 603 206 207 1,016 Depreciation and amortization 262 31 51 344 Additions to property and equipment 375 39 94 508 24 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Total revenue $ 51,422 $ 9,769 $ 9,274 $ 70,465 Operating income 1,372 412 368 2,152 Depreciation and amortization 504 68 111 683 Additions to property and equipment 928 171 218 1,317 Net property and equipment 13,725 1,937 4,483 20,145 Total assets 30,033 4,250 8,516 42,799 24 Weeks Ended February 18, 2018 Total revenue $ 46,500 $ 9,516 $ 8,788 $ 64,804 Operating income 1,136 442 389 1,967 Depreciation and amortization 514 63 102 679 Additions to property and equipment 855 114 359 1,328 Net property and equipment 12,690 1,852 4,507 19,049 Total assets 26,417 3,825 8,461 38,703 52 Weeks Ended September 2, 2018 Total revenue $ 102,286 $ 20,689 $ 18,601 $ 141,576 Operating income 2,787 939 754 4,480 Depreciation and amortization 1,078 135 224 1,437 Additions to property and equipment 2,046 268 655 2,969 Net property and equipment 13,353 1,900 4,428 19,681 Total assets 28,207 4,303 8,320 40,830 Disaggregated Revenue The following table summarizes net sales by merchandise category: 12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 February 17, 2019 Foods and Sundries $ 13,966 $ 27,607 Hardlines 5,770 11,610 Fresh Foods 4,690 8,983 Softlines 4,224 8,347 Ancillary 5,978 12,392 Total Net Sales $ 34,628 $ 68,939

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy	Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. The Company reports noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity. All material inter-company transactions between and among the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s net income excludes income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Taiwan. During the first quarter of 2018 , the Company purchased its former joint venture partner's remaining equity interest in its Korean operations. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q for interim financial reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While these statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of the interim period, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for complete financial statements. Therefore, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 2018 .
Fiscal Period, Policy	Fiscal Year End The Company operates on a 52/53 week fiscal year basis, with the fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to August 31. Fiscal 2019 is a 52 week year ending on September 1, 2019 . References to the second quarter of 2019 and 2018 relate to the 12 week fiscal quarters ended February 17, 2019 , and February 18, 2018 , respectively. References to the first half of 2019 and 2018 relate to the 24 weeks ended February 17, 2019, and February 18, 2018, respectively.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes sales for the amount of consideration collected from the member, which includes gross shipping fees where applicable, and is net of sales taxes collected and remitted to government agencies and merchandise returns. The Company reserves for estimated sales returns based on historical trends in merchandise returns and reduces sales and merchandise costs accordingly. The Company records, on a gross basis, a refund liability and an asset for recovery, which are included in other current liabilities and other current assets, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Merchandise Sales - The Company offers merchandise in the following core merchandise categories: food and sundries, hardlines, softlines, and fresh foods. The Company also provides expanded products and services through warehouse ancillary and other businesses. The majority of revenue from merchandise sales is recognized at the point of sale. Revenue generated through e-commerce or special orders is recognized upon shipment to the member to the extent there is no installation provided as a part of the contract. For merchandise shipped directly to the member, shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred as fulfillment costs and included in merchandise costs in the condensed consolidated statements of income. In certain ancillary businesses, revenue is deferred until the member picks up merchandise at the warehouse. Deferred sales are included in other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Principal Versus Agent - The Company is the principal for the majority of its transactions and recognizes revenue on a gross basis. The Company is the principal when it has control of the merchandise or service before it is transferred to the member, which generally is established when Costco is primarily responsible for merchandising decisions, maintains the relationship with the member, including assurance of member service and satisfaction, and has pricing discretion. Membership Fees - The Company accounts for membership fee revenue, net of refunds, on a deferred basis, ratably over the one-year membership period. For the first half of 2019 , the Company recognized $1,526 of membership fees, of which $1,144 was included in deferred membership at the end of 2018 . In certain countries, the Company's Executive members qualify for a 2% reward on qualified purchases (up to a maximum reward of approximately $1,000 per year), which does not expire and can be redeemed only at Costco warehouses. The Company accounts for this reward as a reduction in sales, net of the estimated impact of non-redemptions (breakage), with the corresponding liability classified as accrued member rewards in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Estimated breakage is computed based on redemption data. In the second quarter of 2019 and 2018 the net reduction in sales was $364 and $329 , respectively. In the first half of 2019 and 2018 the net reduction in sales was $714 and $646 , respectively. Cash Cards - The Company sells and otherwise provides proprietary cash cards that do not expire and are redeemable at the warehouse or online for merchandise or membership. Revenue from cash cards is recognized upon redemption, and estimated breakage is recognized based on redemption data. The Company accounts for outstanding cash card balances as a cash card liability, net of estimated breakage and as of February 17, 2019 , and September 2, 2018, the cash card liability was not material. Co-Brand Credit Card Program - Citibank, N.A. (“Citi”) became the exclusive issuer of co-branded credit cards to U.S. members in June 2016. The Company receives various forms of consideration, including a royalty on purchases made on the card outside of Costco, a portion of which is used to fund the rebate that cardholders receive after giving rise to estimated breakage. The rebates are issued in February and expire on December 31 of each year. Breakage is estimated based on redemption data.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, providing for changes in the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance requires disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows. The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2019, using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $16 as an increase to retained earnings, which is included in cash dividend declared and other in the condensed consolidated statements of equity. The standard impacted the presentation and timing of certain revenue transactions. Specifically, the changes included gross presentation of the Company’s estimate of merchandise returns reserve and related recoverable assets, recognizing cash card breakage over the period of redemption, and accelerating the recognition of certain e-commerce and special order sales. Additionally, the Company’s evaluation under the standard of its status as a principal in certain vendor arrangements resulted in the recognition of additional sales on a gross basis. The effect of the standard on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet was an increase to other current liabilities and other current assets of $649 and $731 at adoption and at the end of the second quarter of 2019, respectively, related to the estimate of merchandise returns reserve and the related recoverable assets. The effect of the adoption of this standard on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of income is as follows: As Reported ASU 2014-09 Effect Excluding ASU 2014-09 Effect 12 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Net Sales $ 34,628 $ 179 $ 34,449 Merchandise Costs 30,720 183 30,537 Gross Margin (1) 3,908 (4 ) 3,912 24 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Net Sales $ 68,939 $ 519 $ 68,420 Merchandise Costs 61,343 514 60,829 Gross Margin (1) 7,596 5 7,591 _______________ (1) Net sales less merchandise costs. For related disaggregated revenue disclosures, see Note 10 .
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which requires recognition on the balance sheet of rights and obligations created by leases with terms greater than twelve months. The standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2020 and utilize the transition option, which allows for a cumulative-effect adjustment in the period of adoption and does not require application of the guidance to comparative periods. The primary effect of adoption will be recording right-of-use assets and corresponding lease obligations for current operating leases. The adoption is expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but not on the consolidated statements of income or cash flows. The Company is reviewing current accounting policies and related disclosures, and evaluating changes to business processes, systems and controls to support adoption of the new standard, which includes implementing a new lease accounting system.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	The effect of the adoption of this standard on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of income is as follows: As Reported ASU 2014-09 Effect Excluding ASU 2014-09 Effect 12 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Net Sales $ 34,628 $ 179 $ 34,449 Merchandise Costs 30,720 183 30,537 Gross Margin (1) 3,908 (4 ) 3,912 24 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Net Sales $ 68,939 $ 519 $ 68,420 Merchandise Costs 61,343 514 60,829 Gross Margin (1) 7,596 5 7,591 _______________ (1) Net sales less merchandise costs.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Investments	The Company's investments were as follows: February 17, 2019: Cost Unrealized Recorded Available-for-sale: Government and agency securities $ 892 $ (8 ) $ 884 Held-to-maturity: Certificates of deposit 158 158 Total short-term investments $ 1,050 $ (8 ) $ 1,042 September 2, 2018: Cost Unrealized Recorded Available-for-sale: Government and agency securities $ 912 $ (14 ) $ 898 Held-to-maturity: Certificates of deposit 306 306 Total short-term investments $ 1,218 $ (14 ) $ 1,204
Maturities of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities	The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at February 17, 2019 , were as follows: Available-For-Sale Held-To-Maturity Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 403 $ 401 $ 158 Due after one year through five years 458 452 0 Due after five years 31 31 0 Total $ 892 $ 884 $ 158

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The tables below present information regarding financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the level within the hierarchy reflecting the valuation techniques utilized to determine fair value. February 17, 2019: Level 1 Level 2 Investment in government and agency securities (1) $ 0 $ 1,030 Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position (2) 0 7 Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position (2) 0 (2 ) Total $ 0 $ 1,035 September 2, 2018: Level 1 Level 2 Money market mutual funds (3) $ 9 $ 0 Investment in government and agency securities (1) 0 903 Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in asset position (2) 0 16 Forward foreign-exchange contracts, in (liability) position (2) 0 (2 ) Total $ 9 $ 917 _______________ (1) At February 17, 2019 , $ 146 cash and cash equivalents and $884 short-term investments are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. At September 2, 2018 , immaterial cash and cash equivalents and $898 short-term investments are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. (2) The asset and the liability values are included in other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. (3) Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Company's Long-term Debt	The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following: February 17, 2019 September 2, 2018 1.70% Senior Notes due December 2019 $ 1,200 $ 1,200 1.75% Senior Notes due February 2020 500 500 2.15% Senior Notes due May 2021 1,000 1,000 2.25% Senior Notes due February 2022 500 500 2.30% Senior Notes due May 2022 800 800 2.75% Senior Notes due May 2024 1,000 1,000 3.00% Senior Notes due May 2027 1,000 1,000 Other long-term debt 525 613 Total long-term debt 6,525 6,613 Less unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs 33 36 Less current portion 1,698 90 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 4,794 $ 6,487

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Repurchased During Period	Stock repurchase activity during the second quarter and first half of 2019 and 2018 is summarized below: Shares Repurchased (000's) Average Price per Share Total Cost Second quarter of 2019 561 $ 208.72 $ 117 First half of 2019 711 $ 213.08 $ 151 Second quarter of 2018 313 $ 187.70 $ 59 First half of 2018 1,047 $ 170.06 $ 178

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of RSU Transactions	The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first half of 2019 : Number of Units (in 000’s) Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at September 2, 2018 7,578 $ 140.85 Granted 2,792 224.00 Vested and delivered (3,688 ) 155.67 Forfeited (56 ) 160.93 Outstanding at February 17, 2019 6,626 $ 167.48
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense and Related Tax Benefits	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefits under the Company’s plans: 12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended February 17, February 18, February 17, February 18, Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes $ 119 $ 112 $ 389 $ 346 Less recognized income tax benefit (23 ) (2 ) (84 ) (79 ) Stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes $ 96 $ 110 $ 305 $ 267

Net Income per Common and Com_2

Net Income per Common and Common Equivalent Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table shows the amounts used in computing net income per share and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding (shares in 000’s): 12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended February 17, February 18, February 17, February 18, Net income attributable to Costco $ 889 $ 701 $ 1,656 $ 1,341 Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share 440,284 439,022 439,721 438,494 RSUs 2,053 2,546 2,814 2,707 Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share 442,337 441,568 442,535 441,201 Anti-dilutive RSUs 1,667 — — —

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Certain operating expenses, predominantly stock-based compensation, are incurred on behalf of the Company's Canadian and Other International Operations, but are included in the U.S. Operations because those costs generally come under the responsibility of the Company's U.S. management team. The following table provides information for the Company's reportable segments: United States Canadian Other Total 12 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Total revenue $ 25,872 $ 4,792 $ 4,732 $ 35,396 Operating income 812 198 193 1,203 Depreciation and amortization 256 37 59 352 Additions to property and equipment 404 77 106 587 12 Weeks Ended February 18, 2018 Total revenue $ 23,687 $ 4,745 $ 4,563 $ 32,995 Operating income 603 206 207 1,016 Depreciation and amortization 262 31 51 344 Additions to property and equipment 375 39 94 508 24 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 Total revenue $ 51,422 $ 9,769 $ 9,274 $ 70,465 Operating income 1,372 412 368 2,152 Depreciation and amortization 504 68 111 683 Additions to property and equipment 928 171 218 1,317 Net property and equipment 13,725 1,937 4,483 20,145 Total assets 30,033 4,250 8,516 42,799 24 Weeks Ended February 18, 2018 Total revenue $ 46,500 $ 9,516 $ 8,788 $ 64,804 Operating income 1,136 442 389 1,967 Depreciation and amortization 514 63 102 679 Additions to property and equipment 855 114 359 1,328 Net property and equipment 12,690 1,852 4,507 19,049 Total assets 26,417 3,825 8,461 38,703 52 Weeks Ended September 2, 2018 Total revenue $ 102,286 $ 20,689 $ 18,601 $ 141,576 Operating income 2,787 939 754 4,480 Depreciation and amortization 1,078 135 224 1,437 Additions to property and equipment 2,046 268 655 2,969 Net property and equipment 13,353 1,900 4,428 19,681 Total assets 28,207 4,303 8,320 40,830
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	Disaggregated Revenue The following table summarizes net sales by merchandise category: 12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended February 17, 2019 February 17, 2019 Foods and Sundries $ 13,966 $ 27,607 Hardlines 5,770 11,610 Fresh Foods 4,690 8,983 Softlines 4,224 8,347 Ancillary 5,978 12,392 Total Net Sales $ 34,628 $ 68,939

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019USD ($)warehousestates	Feb. 18, 2018USD ($)	Feb. 17, 2019USD ($)warehousestates	Feb. 18, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 02, 2018USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	769		769
Number of states in country | states	44		44
Total Revenue	$ 35,396	$ 32,995	$ 70,465	$ 64,804
Reduction In Sales	364	329	714	646
Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns, Reserve for Sales Returns	731		731		$ 649
Merchandise costs	30,720	28,733	61,343	56,350
Gross Margin (1)	3,908		7,596
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	16		16
Membership fees
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total Revenue	768	716	1,526	1,408
Deferred Revenue, Current			1,144
Net Sales
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total Revenue	34,628	$ 32,279	68,939	$ 63,396
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Merchandise costs	183		514
Gross Margin (1)	(4)		5
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] | Net Sales
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total Revenue	179		519
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Merchandise costs	30,537		60,829
Gross Margin (1)	3,912		7,591
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] | Net Sales
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total Revenue	$ 34,449		$ 68,420
UNITED STATES
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	534		534
CANADA
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	100		100
MEXICO
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	39		39
UNITED KINGDOM
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	28		28
JAPAN
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	26		26
KOREA
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	15		15
TAIWAN
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	13		13
AUSTRALIA
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	10		10
SPAIN
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	2		2
ICELAND
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	1		1
FRANCE
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated | warehouse	1		1

Investments - Available-for-sal

Investments - Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Investments (Detail) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 18, 2018USD ($)	Feb. 17, 2019USD ($)warehouse	Sep. 02, 2018USD ($)
Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, recorded basis		$ 884
Available-for-sale, cost basis, total		892
Held-to-maturity, cost basis		158
Total investments, recorded basis		$ 1,042	$ 1,204
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	$ 39
Number of Stores | warehouse		769
Short-term Investments
Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity [Line Items]
Unrealized gains/(loss), net		$ (8)	(14)
Total investments, recorded basis		1,042	1,204
Total investments, cost basis, total		1,050	1,218
Short-term Investments | Government and Agency Securities
Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, recorded basis		884	898
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Short-term Investments
Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, recorded basis		884
Unrealized gains/(loss), net		(8)
Available-for-sale, cost basis, total		892
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Short-term Investments | Government and Agency Securities
Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, recorded basis		884	898
Unrealized gains/(loss), net		(8)	(14)
Available-for-sale, cost basis, total		892	912
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Short-term Investments
Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity, recorded basis		158
Held-to-maturity, cost basis		158
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Short-term Investments | Certificates of deposit
Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity, recorded basis		158	306
Held-to-maturity, cost basis		$ 158	$ 306

Investments - Maturities of Ava

Investments - Maturities of Available-for-sale and Held-to-maturity Securities (Details) $ in Millions	Feb. 17, 2019USD ($)
Available-for-sale, Cost Basis
Due in one year or less	$ 403
Due after one year through five years	458
Due after five years	31
Available-for-sale, cost basis, total	892
Available-for-sale, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	401
Due after one year through five years	452
Due after five years	31
Available-for-sale, recorded basis, total	884
Held-to-maturity
Due in one year or less	158
Due after one year through five years	0
Due after five years	0
Held-to-maturity, cost basis, total	$ 158

Fair Value Measurement - Fair V

Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 17, 2019	Sep. 02, 2018	Feb. 18, 2018	Sep. 03, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 6,080	$ 6,055	$ 4,781	$ 4,546
Short-term Investments	884
Short-term Investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	146
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	0	9
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	1,035	917
Money Market Funds | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis		9
Money Market Funds | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis		0
Government and Agency Securities | Short-term Investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term Investments	884	898
Government and Agency Securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	0	0
Government and Agency Securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	1,030	903
Forward Foreign-exchange Contracts | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	0	0
Fair value of liabilities measured on recurring basis	0	0
Forward Foreign-exchange Contracts | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis	7	16
Fair value of liabilities measured on recurring basis	$ (2)	$ (2)

Debt (Carrying Value and Estima

Debt (Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Company's Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Sep. 02, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Face value	$ 6,525	$ 6,613
Less unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs, Net	33	36
Current portion of long-term debt	1,698	90
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	4,794	6,487
Total long-term debt, fair value	$ 6,476	6,492
1.7% Senior Notes Due December 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	1.70%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Dec. 15, 2019
Total long-term debt, Face value	$ 1,200	1,200
1.75% Senior Notes Due February 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	1.75%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Feb. 15, 2020
Total long-term debt, Face value	$ 500	500
2.15% Senior Notes Due May 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.15%
Debt instrument, maturity date	May 18, 2021
Total long-term debt, Face value	$ 1,000	1,000
2.25% Senior Notes Due February 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Feb. 15, 2022
Total long-term debt, Face value	$ 500	500
2.30% Senior Notes Due May 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.30%
Debt instrument, maturity date	May 18, 2022
Total long-term debt, Face value	$ 800	800
2.75% Senior Notes Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.75%
Debt instrument, maturity date	May 18, 2024
Total long-term debt, Face value	$ 1,000	1,000
3.00% Senior Notes Due May 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date	May 18, 2027
Total long-term debt, Face value	$ 1,000	1,000
Other Long-term Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Face value	$ 525	$ 613

Equity - Additional Information

Equity - Additional Information - Dividends (Detail) - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018
Dividend Rate
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends declared	$ 0.57	$ 0.50

Equity (Stock Repurchased Durin

Equity (Stock Repurchased During Period) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Shares repurchased (000's)	561	313	711	1,047
Average price per share	$ 208.72	$ 187.70	$ 213.08	$ 170.06
Total Cost	$ 117	$ 59	$ 151	$ 178

Equity - Additional Informati_2

Equity - Additional Information - Stock Repurchase Programs (Details) $ in Millions	Feb. 17, 2019USD ($)
Equity [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 2,276

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Jan. 24, 2019
2019 Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional number of shares authorized	17,500,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional number of shares authorized	10,000,000
Number of shares available to be granted	15,577,000
Time-based RSUs awards outstanding	6,385,000
Performance-based RSUs awards outstanding	91,000
Outstanding performance-based RSUs awards granted, subject to achievement of performance targets	150,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 919
Weighted-average recognition period	1 year 8 months 12 days
Maximum [Member] | 2019 Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available to be granted		27,800,000
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available to be granted		15,885,000

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_3

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of RSU Transactions (Details) shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019$ / sharesshares
Number of units
Outstanding at September 2, 2018 | shares	7,578
Granted | shares	2,792
Vested and delivered | shares	(3,688)
Forfeited | shares	(56)
Outstanding at November 25, 2018 | shares	6,626
Weighted average grant date fair value
Outstanding at September 2, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 140.85
Granted | $ / shares	224
Vested and delivered | $ / shares	155.67
Forfeited | $ / shares	160.93
Outstanding at November 25, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 167.48

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_4

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	$ 119	$ 112	$ 389	$ 346
Less recognized income tax benefit	(23)	(2)	(84)	(79)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$ 96	$ 110	$ 305	$ 267
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			1 year 8 months 12 days

Net Income per Common and Com_3

Net Income per Common and Common Equivalent Share - Schedule of Earnings per Share Effect on Net Income and Weighted Average Number of Dilutive Potential Common Stock (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income available to common stockholders used in basic and diluted net income per common share	$ 889	$ 701	$ 1,656	$ 1,341
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share	440,284	439,022	439,721	438,494
RSUs	2,053	2,546	2,814	2,707
Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share	442,337	441,568	442,535	441,201
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,667

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party	$ 5

Segment Reporting Information b

Segment Reporting Information by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018	Sep. 02, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	$ 35,396	$ 32,995	$ 70,465	$ 64,804	$ 141,576
Operating Income	1,203	1,016	2,152	1,967	4,480
Depreciation and amortization	352	344	683	679	1,437
Additions to property and equipment	587	508	1,317	1,328	2,969
Net property and equipment	20,145	19,049	20,145	19,049	19,681
Total Assets	42,799	38,703	42,799	38,703	40,830
Operating Segments [Member] | United States Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	25,872	23,687	51,422	46,500	102,286
Operating Income	812	603	1,372	1,136	2,787
Depreciation and amortization	256	262	504	514	1,078
Additions to property and equipment	404	375	928	855	2,046
Net property and equipment	13,725	12,690	13,725	12,690	13,353
Total Assets	30,033	26,417	30,033	26,417	28,207
Operating Segments [Member] | Canada Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	4,792	4,745	9,769	9,516	20,689
Operating Income	198	206	412	442	939
Depreciation and amortization	37	31	68	63	135
Additions to property and equipment	77	39	171	114	268
Net property and equipment	1,937	1,852	1,937	1,852	1,900
Total Assets	4,250	3,825	4,250	3,825	4,303
Operating Segments [Member] | Other International Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	4,732	4,563	9,274	8,788	18,601
Operating Income	193	207	368	389	754
Depreciation and amortization	59	51	111	102	224
Additions to property and equipment	106	94	218	359	655
Net property and equipment	4,483	4,507	4,483	4,507	4,428
Total Assets	$ 8,516	$ 8,461	$ 8,516	$ 8,461	$ 8,320

Segment Reporting Segment Repor

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information by Item Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018	Feb. 17, 2019	Feb. 18, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	$ 35,396	$ 32,995	$ 70,465	$ 64,804
Food and Sundries [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	13,966		27,607
Hardlines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	5,770		11,610
Fresh Food [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	4,690		8,983
Softlines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	4,224		8,347
Ancillary
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	5,978		12,392
Net sales
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	$ 34,628	$ 32,279	$ 68,939	$ 63,396