COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW Form 10-Q Quarterly Report Filed 2013-06-11

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



ý	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended May 12, 2013



¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 0-20355

Costco Wholesale Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Washington		91-1223280
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, WA 98027

(Address of principal executive office)

(Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (425) 313-8100

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES ý NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES ý NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer ý		Accelerated filer ¨

Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller company)		Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) YES ¨ NO ý

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock as of June 4, 2013 was 436,684,233

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q




		Page
PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	19
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	27
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	27

PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	28
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	28
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	28
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	28
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	28
Item 5.	Other Information	28
Item 6.	Exhibits	29
	Exhibit 31.1 Rule 13(a) - 14(a) Certifications
	Exhibit 32.1 Section 1350 Certifications
Signatures		30

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1—Financial Statements

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(amounts in millions, except par value and share data)

(unaudited)



	May 12, 2013			September 2, 2012
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,448		$	3,528
Short-term investments	1,062			1,326
Receivables, net	1,134			1,026
Merchandise inventories	7,635			7,096
Deferred income taxes and other current assets	584			550
Total current assets	15,863			13,526
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land	4,343			4,032
Buildings and improvements	11,377			10,879
Equipment and fixtures	4,517			4,261
Construction in progress	400			374
	20,637			19,546
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(7,091		)	(6,585		)
Net property and equipment	13,546			12,961
OTHER ASSETS	597			653
TOTAL ASSETS	$	30,006		$	27,140
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	7,788			7,303
Accrued salaries and benefits	1,911			1,832
Accrued member rewards	714			661
Accrued sales and other taxes	432			397
Deferred membership fees	1,212			1,101
Other current liabilities	1,452			966
Total current liabilities	13,509			12,260
LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion	4,887			1,381
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	963			981
Total liabilities	19,359			14,622
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY
Preferred stock $.005 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0			0
Common stock $.005 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 436,682,983 and 432,350,000 shares issued and outstanding	2			2
Additional paid-in capital	4,587			4,369
Accumulated other comprehensive income	81			156
Retained earnings	5,802			7,834
Total Costco stockholders’ equity	10,472			12,361
Noncontrolling interests	175			157
Total equity	10,647			12,518
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	30,006		$	27,140

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(amounts in millions, except per share data)

(unaudited)



	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012			May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012
REVENUE
Net sales	$	23,552		$	21,849		$	71,099		$	65,538
Membership fees	531			475			1,570			1,381
Total revenue	24,083			22,324			72,669			66,919
OPERATING EXPENSES
Merchandise costs	21,038			19,543			63,530			58,613
Selling, general and administrative	2,313			2,152			7,006			6,474
Preopening expenses	10			6			34			22
Operating income	722			623			2,099			1,810
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(25		)	(19		)	(63		)	(73		)
Interest income and other, net	15			18			61			65
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	712			622			2,097			1,802
Provision for income taxes	248			217			658			657
Net income including noncontrolling interests	464			405			1,439			1,145
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5		)	(19		)	(17		)	(45		)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO	$	459		$	386		$	1,422		$	1,100
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:
Basic	$	1.05		$	0.89		$	3.27		$	2.53
Diluted	$	1.04		$	0.88		$	3.23		$	2.50
Shares used in calculation (000’s)
Basic	436,488			433,791			435,293			434,180
Diluted	440,780			439,166			439,738			439,748
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.31		$	0.00		$	7.86		$	0.48

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(amounts in millions)

(unaudited)



	12 Weeks Ended					36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012		May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012
NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	$	464		$	405	$	1,439		$	1,145
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net	(31		)	5		(74		)	(72		)
Comprehensive income	433			410		1,365			1,073
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4			11		18			27
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO	$	429		$	399	$	1,347		$	1,046

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(amounts in millions)

(unaudited)



	36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	1,439		$	1,145
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	651			616
Stock-based compensation	210			179
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards	(58		)	(50		)
Other non-cash operating activities, net	(7		)	31
Deferred income taxes	15			(7		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in merchandise inventories	(595		)	(434		)
Increase in accounts payable	638			394
Other operating assets and liabilities, net	581			453
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,874			2,327
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of short-term investments	(1,637		)	(1,324		)
Maturities of short-term investments	1,689			1,414
Sales of investments	201			303
Additions to property and equipment	(1,379		)	(900		)
Other investing activities, net	10			(10		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,116		)	(517		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in bank checks outstanding	(81		)	412
Repayments of short-term borrowings	(230		)	(114		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	293			114
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	3,610			127
Repayments of long-term debt	0			(900		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(22		)	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	47			71
Minimum tax withholdings on stock-based awards	(120		)	(107		)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards	58			50
Repurchases of common stock	(36		)	(452		)
Cash dividend payments	(3,289		)	(209		)
Other financing activities, net	(14		)	(3		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	216			(1,011		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(54		)	(17		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,920			782
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR	3,528			4,009
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD	$	5,448		$	4,791
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the first thirty-six weeks of year for:
Interest (reduced by $10 and $6 interest capitalized in 2013 and 2012, respectively)	$	64		$	111
Income taxes	$	491		$	495
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Unsettled repurchases of common stock	$	0		$	13
Property acquired under capital lease	$	11		$	0
Common stock issued upon conversion of 3.5% Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes	$	30		$	1
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid	$	135		$	0

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(amounts in millions, except share data and warehouse number data)

(unaudited)

Note 1—Summary of Significant Policies

Description of Business

Costco Wholesale Corporation and its subsidiaries operate membership warehouses based on the concept that offering members low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and select private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. At May 12, 2013, Costco operated 627 warehouses worldwide: 449 United States (U.S.) locations (in 41 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico), 85 Canada locations, 33 Mexico locations, 24 United Kingdom (U.K.) locations, 15 Japan locations, 9 Taiwan locations, 9 Korea locations, and 3 Australia locations. The Company also operates online businesses at costco.com in the U.S., costco.ca in Canada, and costco.co.uk in the U.K.

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco Wholesale Corporation, a Washington corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest, consolidated entities in which it has made equity investments, or has other interests through which it has majority-voting control or it exercises the right to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s performance (Costco or the Company). 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 and other consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation. In July 2012, Costco purchased its former joint venture partner’s 50% equity interest in Costco Mexico. The Company’s net income excludes income attributable to noncontrolling interests in its operations in Mexico prior to the July 2012 acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest, Taiwan, and Korea. After the acquisition date, 100% of Mexico’s operations are included in “net income attributable to Costco.” 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, 2012.

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. References to the third quarters of 2013 and 2012 relate to the twelve-week fiscal quarters ended May 12, 2013, and May 6, 2012, respectively. References to the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 relate to the thirty-six weeks ended May 12, 2013, and May 6, 2012, 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.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation in the current fiscal year. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on the Company’s previously reported condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Note 1—Summary of Significant Policies (Continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature or variable interest rates. See Notes 2, 3, and 4 for the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s investments, derivative instruments, and fixed-rate debt, respectively.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying a fair value hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs are:



Level 1:		Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:		Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3:		Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The Company’s current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. The Company’s long-term financial liabilities consist of long-term debt, which is recorded on the balance sheet at issuance price and adjusted for any applicable unamortized discounts or premiums. There have been no material changes to the valuation techniques utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities as disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 2012.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, as determined primarily by the retail inventory method, and are stated using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for substantially all U.S. merchandise inventories. Merchandise inventories for all foreign operations are primarily valued by the retail inventory method and are stated using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The Company believes the LIFO method more fairly presents the results of operations by more closely matching current costs with current revenues. The Company records an adjustment each quarter, if necessary, for the projected annual effect of inflation or deflation, and these estimates are adjusted to actual results determined at year-end, when actual inflation rates and inventory levels have been determined.

Due to overall deflationary trends in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, benefits of $8 and $19 were recorded to merchandise costs, respectively, to reduce the cumulative LIFO valuation on merchandise inventories. Due to overall net inflationary trends, charges to merchandise costs of $6 and $9 were recorded in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2012, respectively. At May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, the cumulative impact of the LIFO valuation on merchandise inventories was $89 and $108, respectively.

Derivatives

The Company is exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business. It manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of forward foreign-exchange contracts, seeking to economically hedge the impact of fluctuations of foreign exchange on known future expenditures denominated in a non-functional foreign-currency. The contracts relate primarily to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The Company seeks to mitigate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features. The aggregate notional amounts of open, unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were $281 and $284 at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, respectively. The Company seeks to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which the Company has an established banking relationship. There can be no assurance, however, that this practice effectively mitigates counterparty risk. The contracts are limited to less than one year in duration. See Note 3 for information on the fair value of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts as of May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012.

The unrealized gains or losses recognized in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income relating to the net changes in the fair value of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were immaterial in the third quarter and the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012.

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Note 1—Summary of Significant Policies (Continued)

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in prices for the energy it consumes, particularly electricity and natural gas, which it seeks to partially mitigate through the use of fixed-price contracts for certain of its warehouses and other facilities, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company also enters into variable-priced contracts for some purchases of natural gas, in addition to fuel for its gas stations, on an index basis. These contracts meet the characteristics of derivative instruments, but generally qualify for the “normal purchases or normal sales” exception under authoritative guidance and thus require no mark-to-market adjustment.

Foreign Currency

The Company recognizes foreign-currency transaction gains and losses related to revaluing all monetary assets and revaluing or settling monetary liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Generally, this includes the U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalents and the U.S. dollar payables of consolidated subsidiaries to their functional currency. Also included are realized foreign-currency gains or losses from all settlements of forward foreign-exchange contracts. These items resulted in a net gain of $5 and $20 in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, respectively, as compared to a net gain of $2 and $25 in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2012, respectively.

Stock Repurchase Programs

Repurchased shares of common stock are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act. The par value of repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess of repurchase price over par value is deducted from additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. See Note 5 for additional information.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that eliminated the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. Instead, an entity is required to present either a continuous statement of net income and other comprehensive income or to present the information in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of 2013.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend the rules related to testing goodwill for impairment. The revised guidance allows an initial qualitative evaluation, based on the entity’s events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of this qualitative assessment determine whether it is necessary to perform further impairment tests. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of 2013. Adoption of this guidance had no impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance related to reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. An entity will be required to disclose the net income line items impacted by significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income if the item is reclassified in its entirety. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income cross-references to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP are required to provide additional detail about those amounts. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal year 2014. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

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Note 2—Investments

The Company's major categories of investments have not materially changed from the annual reporting period ended September 2, 2012. The Company's investments at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, were as follows:



May 12, 2013:	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency securities	$	774	$	4	$	778
Corporate notes and bonds	9		0		9
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	5		0		5
Total available-for-sale	788		4		792
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit	270				270
Total short-term investments	$	1,058	$	4	$	1,062

September 2, 2012:	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Recorded Basis
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency securities	$	776	$	6	$	782
Corporate notes and bonds	54		0		54
FDIC-insured corporate bonds	35		0		35
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	8		0		8
Total available-for-sale	873		6		879
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit	447				447
Total short-term investments	$	1,320	$	6	$	1,326

At May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, the Company's available-for-sale securities that were in continuous unrealized-loss positions and gross unrealized gains and losses on cash equivalents were not material.

The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities during the third quarter and the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 are provided in the following table:



	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012		May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012
Proceeds	$	81	$	112	$	201	$	303

Gross realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale securities during the third quarter and the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 were not material.

The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at May 12, 2013, were as follows:



	Available-For-Sale				Held-To- Maturity
	Cost Basis		Fair Value		Held-To- Maturity
Due in one year or less	$	364	$	364	$	270
Due after one year through five years	410		413		0
Due after five years	14		15		0
	$	788	$	792	$	270

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Note 3—Fair Value Measurement

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The tables below present information at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, respectively, regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the level within the fair value hierarchy reflecting the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. At May 12, 2013, the Company did not hold any Level 3 financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At September 2, 2012, the Company's holdings of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities were immaterial.



May 12, 2013:	Level 1		Level 2
Money market mutual funds ⁽¹⁾	$	195	$	0
Investment in U.S. government and agency securities ⁽²⁾	0		780
Investment in corporate notes and bonds	0		9
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities	0		5
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position ⁽³⁾	0		2
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position ⁽³⁾	0		(3		)
Total	$	195	$	793

September 2, 2012:	Level 1		Level 2
Money market mutual funds ⁽¹⁾	$	77	$	0
Investment in U.S. government and agency securities ⁽²⁾	0		794
Investment in corporate notes and bonds	0		54
Investment in FDIC-insured corporate bonds	0		35
Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities	0		8
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position ⁽³⁾	0		1
Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position ⁽³⁾	0		(3		)
Total	$	77	$	889


⁽¹⁾	^{Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.}


⁽²⁾	^On^{May 12, 2013}^,^$2^and^$778^{included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated}

^{balance sheets. On}^{September 2, 2012}^,^$12^and^$782^{included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.}


⁽³⁾	^{The asset and the liability values are included in deferred income taxes and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for additional information on derivative instruments.}

There were no financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, and they were immaterial during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2012. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include held-to-maturity investments that are carried at amortized cost and are not remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis. There were no fair value adjustments to these financial assets during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012.

Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as long-lived assets that are measured at fair value resulting from an impairment, if deemed necessary. Fair value adjustments to these nonfinancial assets and liabilities during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 were immaterial.

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Note 4—Debt

In December 2012, the Company issued $3,500 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes as follows:


•	$1,200 of 0.65% Senior Notes is due December 7, 2015. Interest is due semi-annually on June 7 and December 7, with the first payment due on June 7, 2013;


•	$1,100 of 1.125% Senior Notes is due December 15, 2017. Interest is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, with the first payment due on June 15, 2013; and


•	$1,200 of 1.7% Senior Notes is due December 15, 2019. Interest is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, with the first payment due on June 15, 2013.

In May 2013, the Company’s Japanese subsidiary issued approximately $98 of 1.05% promissory notes through a private placement. Interest is payable semiannually, and principal is due in May 2023. These notes are included in other long-term debt in the table below and are classified as a Level 3 measurement.

The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:



	May 12, 2013				September 2, 2012
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
5.5% Senior Notes due March 2017	$	1,098	$	1,289	$	1,097	$	1,325
0.65% Senior Notes due December 2015	1,199		1,203		0		0
1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017	1,100		1,103		0		0
1.7% Senior Notes due December 2019	1,197		1,208		0		0
Other long-term debt	293		303		285		338
Total long-term debt	4,887		5,106		1,382		1,663
Less current portion	0		0		1		1
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	4,887	$	5,106	$	1,381	$	1,662

The estimated fair value of the Company's debt was based primarily on reported market values, recently completed market transactions, and estimates based upon interest rates, maturities, and credit. Substantially all of the Company's long-term debt is classified as Level 2.

Note 5—Equity and Comprehensive Income

Dividends

The Company’s current quarterly dividend rate is $0.31 per share, compared to the $0.275 per share rate declared subsequent to the end of the third quarter of 2012. On November 28, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $7.00 per share, which was paid on December 18, 2012.

Stock Repurchase Programs

There was no stock repurchase activity in the third quarter of 2013. In the third quarter of 2012, we repurchased 1,488,000 shares, at an average price of $87.41, totaling $130. In the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012, we repurchased 357,000 shares and 5,369,000 shares, at an average price of $96.41 and $83.38, for a total expenditure of $34 and $448, respectively. The remaining amount available for stock repurchases under our approved plan was $3,055 at May 12, 2013. These amounts differ from the stock repurchase balances in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to changes in unsettled stock repurchases at the end of the quarter. 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. Repurchased shares are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act.

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Note 5—Equity and Comprehensive Income (Continued)

Components of Equity and Comprehensive Income

The following tables show the changes in equity attributable to Costco and the noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries and other entities in which the Company has a controlling interest, but less than total ownership:



	Attributable to Costco			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Equity at September 2, 2012	$	12,361		$	157		$	12,518
Comprehensive income:
Net income	1,422			17			1,439
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net	(75		)	1			(74		)
Comprehensive income	1,347			18			1,365
Stock-based compensation	210			0			210
Stock options exercised, including tax effects	67			0			67
Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects	(85		)	0			(85		)
Conversion of convertible notes	30			0			30
Repurchases of common stock	(34		)	0			(34		)
Cash dividends declared	(3,424		)	0			(3,424		)
Equity at May 12, 2013	$	10,472		$	175		$	10,647
	Attributable to Costco			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Equity at August 28, 2011	$	12,002		$	571		$	12,573
Comprehensive income:
Net income	1,100			45			1,145
Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net	(54		)	(18		)	(72		)
Comprehensive income	1,046			27			1,073
Stock-based compensation	179			0			179
Stock options exercised, including tax effects	89			0			89
Release of vested RSUs, including tax effects	(75		)	0			(75		)
Conversion of convertible notes	1			0			1
Repurchases of common stock	(448		)	0			(448		)
Cash dividends declared	(209		)	0			(209		)
Equity at May 6, 2012	$	12,585		$	598		$	13,183

Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation Plans

In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Fifth Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan was amended following shareholder approval and is now referred to as the Sixth Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (Sixth Plan). The Sixth Plan initially authorized the issuance of 16,000,000 shares (9,143,000 RSUs) of common stock for future grants in addition to shares authorized under the previous plan. Each RSU issued is counted as 1.75 shares toward the limit of shares available. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs. RSUs are settled in shares, and delivered to participants annually, net of minimum statutory withholding taxes.

As required by the Company’s Sixth Plan, in conjunction with the special cash dividend discussed in Note 5, adjustments were made to awards outstanding on the dividend record date to preserve their value following the special cash dividend, as follows: (i) the number of shares subject to outstanding RSUs was increased; and (ii) the exercise prices of outstanding stock options were reduced and the number of shares subject to such options was increased. Approximately 2,905,000 stock options were adjusted, and approximately 9,676,000 RSUs were adjusted. These adjustments did not result in additional share-based compensation expense, as the fair value of the outstanding awards immediately following the payment of the special cash dividend was equal to the fair value immediately prior to such distribution.

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Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Continued)

As further required by the Sixth Plan, the maximum number of shares issuable under the Sixth Plan was proportionally adjusted, which resulted in an additional 778,000 shares available to be granted.

Summary of Stock Option Activity

All outstanding stock options were fully vested and exercisable at May 12, 2013 and September 2, 2012. The following table summarizes stock option transactions during the first thirty-six weeks of 2013:



	Number Of Options (in 000’s)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value⁽¹⁾
Outstanding at September 2, 2012	3,161		$	40.90
Exercised	(1,302	)	35.97
Special cash dividend	221		N/A
Outstanding at May 12, 2013	2,080		$	39.63	1.68	$	146


(1)	The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock at May 12, 2013.

The tax benefits realized, derived from the compensation deductions resulting from option exercises, and intrinsic value related to total stock options exercised during the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 are provided in the following table:



	36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012
Actual tax benefit realized for stock options exercised	$	30	$	29
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised ⁽¹⁾	$	84	$	82


(1)	The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock measured at each individual exercise date.

Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity

At May 12, 2013, 11,116,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs.

The following awards were outstanding at the end of the first thirty-six weeks of 2013:


•	9,443,000 time-based RSUs that vest upon continued employment over specified periods of time;


•	376,000 performance-based RSUs granted to certain executive officers of the Company for which the performance targets have been met. Further restrictions lapse upon achievement of continued employment over specified periods of time; and

•

350,000 performance-based RSUs to be granted to executive officers of the Company upon achievement of performance targets for fiscal 2013, 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.

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Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Continued)

The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first thirty-six weeks of 2013:



	Number of Units (in 000’s)		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at September 2, 2012	9,260		$	66.14
Granted	4,192		90.99
Vested and delivered	(3,842	)	67.15
Forfeited	(173	)	76.47
Special cash dividend	732		N/A
Non-vested at May 12, 2013	10,169		$	73.40

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs at May 12, 2013, was $582 and the weighted-average period of time over which this cost will be recognized is 1.76 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						36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012			May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	$	51		$	45		$	210		$	179
Less recognized income tax benefit	(16		)	(15		)	(69		)	(59		)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	35		$	30		$	141		$	120

Note 7—Income Taxes

The Company’s reported effective income tax rates for the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended May 12, 2013, were 34.8% and 31.4%, respectively, compared to 34.8% and 36.4% for the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended May 6, 2012, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income, which includes the net impact of discrete tax items. The current year effective tax rate was favorably impacted by discrete tax benefits of $72, primarily due to a $62 tax deduction recorded in the second quarter in connection with the special cash dividend paid by the Company to employees through the Company’s 401(k) Retirement Plan.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first thirty-six weeks of 2012 was adversely impacted by a net discrete expense of $23 relating primarily to the adverse impact of an audit of Costco Mexico by the Mexican tax authority and the tax effects of nondeductible expenses for the Company’s contributions to an initiative reforming alcohol beverage laws in Washington State.

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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 effect on net income and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding (shares in 000’s):



	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012		May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012
Net income available to common stockholders after assumed conversions of dilutive securities	$	459	$	386	$	1,422	$	1,101
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share	436,488		433,791		435,293		434,180
RSUs and stock options	4,260		4,532		4,142		4,713
Conversion of convertible notes	32		843		303		855
Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share	440,780		439,166		439,738		439,748
Anti-dilutive RSUs	0		0		0		0

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. In such cases, there may be a possible exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. 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. As of the date of this report, the Company has not recorded an accrual with respect to any matter described below. In each case, there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. The possible loss or range of loss cannot in our view, however, 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 the following matters, among others:

A case brought as a class action on behalf of certain present and former female managers, in which plaintiffs allege denial of promotion based on gender in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California state law. Shirley “Rae” Ellis v. Costco Wholesale Corp., United States District Court (San Francisco), Case No. C-4-3341-MHP. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, interest, and attorneys’ fees. Class certification was granted by the district court on January 11, 2007. On September 16, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the order of class certification and remanded to the district court for further proceedings. On September 25, 2012, the district court certified a class of women in the United States denied promotion to warehouse general manager or assistant general manager since January 3, 2002. Currently the class is believed to be approximately 1,150 people. A trial has been set for January 2014.

Numerous putative class actions have been brought around the United States against motor fuel retailers, including the Company, alleging that they have been overcharging consumers by selling gasoline or diesel that is warmer than 60 degrees without adjusting the volume sold to compensate for heat-related expansion or disclosing the effect of such expansion on the energy equivalent received by the consumer. The Company is named in the following actions: Raphael Sagalyn, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-430 (D. Md.); Phyllis Lerner, et al., v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, et al., Case No. 7-1216 (C.D. Cal.); Linda A. Williams, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-179 (M.D. Ala.); James Graham, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 7-193 (E.D. Va.); Betty A. Delgado, et al., v. Allsups, Convenience Stores, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-202 (D.N.M.); Gary Kohut, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-285 (D. Nev.); Mark Rushing, et al., v. Alon USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 6-7621 (N.D. Cal.);

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Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

James Vanderbilt, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 6-1052 (W.D. Mo.); Zachary Wilson, et al., v. Ampride, Inc., et al., Case No. 6-2582 (D. Kan.); Diane Foster, et al., v. BP North America Petroleum, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-2059 (W.D. Tenn.); Mara Redstone, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-20751 (S.D. Fla.); Fred Aguirre, et al. v. BP West Coast Products LLC, et al., Case No. 7-1534 (N.D. Cal.); J.C. Wash, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 4:7cv37 (E.D. Mo.); Jonathan Charles Conlin, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 7 317 (M.D. Tenn.); William Barker, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 7-cv-293 (D.N.M.); Melissa J. Couch, et al. v. BP Products North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 7cv291 (E.D. Tex.); S. Garrett Cook, Jr., et al., v. Hess Corporation, et al., Case No. 7cv750 (M.D. Ala.); Jeff Jenkins, et al. v. Amoco Oil Company, et al., Case No. 7-cv-661 (D. Utah); and Mark Wyatt, et al., v. B. P. America Corp., et al., Case No. 7-1754 (S.D. Cal.). On June 18, 2007, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation assigned the action, entitled In re Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices Litigation, MDL Docket No 1840, to Judge Kathryn Vratil in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. On April 12, 2009, the Company agreed to settle the actions in which it is named as a defendant. Under the settlement, the Company agreed, to the extent allowed by law, to install over five years from the effective date of the settlement temperature-correcting dispensers in the States of Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Other than payments to class representatives, the settlement does not provide for cash payments to class members. On September 22, 2011, the court preliminarily approved a revised settlement, which did not materially alter the terms. On April 24, 2012, the court granted final approval of the revised settlement. A class member who objected has filed a notice of appeal from the order approving the settlement. Plaintiffs have moved for an award of $10 million in attorneys’ fees, as well as an award of costs and payments to class representatives. The Company has opposed the motion.

On October 4, 2006, the Company received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, seeking records relating to the Company’s receipt and handling of hazardous merchandise returned by Costco members and other records. The Company has entered into tolling agreements with the United States Attorney’s Office.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an Information Request to the Company, dated November 1, 2007, regarding warehouses in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada and relating to compliance with regulations concerning air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. On March 4, 2009, the Company was advised by the Department of Justice that the Department was prepared to allege that the Company has committed at least nineteen violations of the leak-repair requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.156(i) and at least seventy-four violations of the recordkeeping requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.166(k), (m) at warehouses in these states. The Company has responded to these allegations, is engaged in communications with the Department about these and additional allegations, and has entered into tolling agreements. Substantial penalties may be levied for violations of the Clean Air Act. The Company is cooperating with this inquiry.

On October 7, 2009, the District Attorneys for San Diego, San Joaquin and Solano Counties filed a complaint, People of the State of California v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al, No. 37-2009-99912 (Superior Court for the County of San Diego), alleging on information and belief that the Company has violated and continues to violate provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and the Business and Professions Code through the use of certain spill clean-up materials at its gasoline stations. Relief sought includes, among other things, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, civil penalties, and costs and attorneys’ fees.

The Company has received notices from most states stating that they have appointed an agent to conduct an examination of the books and records of the Company to determine whether it has complied with state unclaimed property laws. In addition to seeking the turnover of unclaimed property subject to escheat laws, the states may seek interest, penalties, costs of examinations, and other relief.

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; 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.

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Note 10—Segment Reporting

The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of membership warehouses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and through majority-owned subsidiaries in Taiwan and Korea. The Company’s reportable segments are largely based on management’s organization of the operating segments for operational decisions and assessments of financial performance, which considers geographic locations. The material accounting policies of the segments are the same 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, 2012, and Note 1 above. All material 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 are not allocated internally and generally come under the responsibility of the Company’s U.S. management team.



	United States Operations		Canadian Operations		Other International Operations		Total
Twelve Weeks Ended May 12, 2013
Total revenue	$	17,444	$	3,857	$	2,782	$	24,083
Operating income	452		172		98		722
Depreciation and amortization	163		29		29		221
Additions to property and equipment	194		30		212		436
Twelve Weeks Ended May 6, 2012
Total revenue	$	16,203	$	3,474	$	2,647	$	22,324
Operating income	356		157		110		623
Depreciation and amortization	150		25		27		202
Additions to property and equipment	196		23		49		268
Thirty-six Weeks Ended May 12, 2013
Total revenue	$	52,156	$	11,748	$	8,765	$	72,669
Operating income	1,248		504		347		2,099
Depreciation and amortization	478		85		88		651
Additions to property and equipment	704		122		553		1,379
Net property and equipment	9,456		1,655		2,435		13,546
Total assets	20,518		4,578		4,910		30,006
Thirty-six Weeks Ended May 6, 2012
Total revenue	$	48,428	$	10,477	$	8,014	$	66,919
Operating income	1,046		436		328		1,810
Depreciation and amortization	460		79		77		616
Additions to property and equipment	628		110		162		900
Net property and equipment	9,012		1,631		1,953		12,596
Total assets	19,121		4,065		4,650		27,836
Year Ended September 2, 2012
Total revenue	$	71,776	$	15,717	$	11,644	$	99,137
Operating income	1,632		668		459		2,759
Depreciation and amortization	667		117		124		908
Additions to property and equipment	1,012		170		298		1,480
Net property and equipment	9,236		1,664		2,061		12,961
Total assets	18,401		4,237		4,502		27,140

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (amounts in millions, except per share, membership fee data, and warehouse number data)

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this Report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. They include statements that address activities, events, conditions or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future and may relate to such matters as sales growth, increases in comparable store sales, cannibalization of existing locations by new openings, price or fee changes, earnings performance, earnings per share, stock-based compensation expense, warehouse openings and closures, the amount we expect to spend on our expansion plans, the effect of adopting certain accounting standards, future financial reporting, financing, margins, return on invested capital, strategic direction, expense controls, membership renewal rates, shopping frequency, litigation impact and the demand for our products and services. Forward-looking statements may also be identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, domestic and international economic conditions, including exchange rates, the effects of competition and regulation, uncertainties in the financial markets, consumer and small business spending patterns and debt levels, conditions affecting the acquisition, development, ownership or use of real estate, actions of vendors, rising costs associated with employees (including health care costs), energy and certain commodities, geopolitical conditions, and other risks identified from time to time in the Company’s public statements and reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

This management discussion should be read in conjunction with the management discussion included in our fiscal 2012 annual report on Form 10-K, previously filed with the SEC.

OVERVIEW

We operate membership warehouses based on the concept that offering our members low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and select private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. This turnover, when combined with the operating efficiencies achieved by volume purchasing, efficient distribution and reduced handling of merchandise in no-frills, self-service warehouse facilities, enables us to operate profitably at significantly lower gross margins than traditional wholesalers, mass merchandisers, supermarkets, and supercenters.

We believe that the most important driver of increasing our profitability is sales growth, particularly comparable sales growth (we report comparable sales as sales in warehouses open for at least one year, including relocations, remodels, and expansions). Comparable sales growth is achieved through increasing the frequency with which our members shop and the amounts that they spend on each visit. Sales comparisons can also be particularly influenced by two factors that are beyond our control, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates (with respect to the consolidation of the results of our international operations) and changes in the cost of gasoline and associated competitive conditions (primarily impacting domestic operations). The higher our comparable sales exclusive of currency fluctuations, the more we can leverage certain of our selling, general and administrative expenses, reducing them as a percentage of sales and enhancing profitability. Generating comparable sales growth is foremost a question of making available to our members the right merchandise at the right prices, a skill that we believe we have repeatedly demonstrated over the long term. Another substantial factor in sales growth is the health of the economies in which we do business, especially the United States. Sales growth and gross margins are also impacted by our competition, which is vigorous and widespread, including a wide range of global, national and regional wholesalers and retailers, including supermarkets, supercenter stores, and department and specialty stores, gasoline stations, and internet-based retailers. While we cannot control or reliably predict general economic health or changes in competition, we believe that we have been successful historically in adapting our business to these changes, such as through adjustments to our pricing and to our merchandise mix, including increasing the penetration of our private label items. Our philosophy is not to focus in the short term on maximizing prices that our members can be charged, but to maintain what we believe is a perception among our members of our “pricing authority” – consistently providing the most competitive values. This may cause us, for example, to absorb increases in merchandise costs at certain times rather than immediately passing them along to our members, negatively impacting gross margin.

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, membership fee data, and warehouse number data)

We also achieve sales growth by opening new warehouses and, to a much lesser extent, relocating existing warehouses to larger and better-located facilities. As our warehouse base grows, available and desirable potential sites become more difficult to secure, and square footage growth becomes a comparatively less substantial component of growth. However, the negative aspects of such growth, including lower initial operating profitability relative to existing warehouses and cannibalization of sales at existing warehouses when openings occur in existing markets, are lessened. Our rate of square footage growth is higher in foreign markets, due to the smaller base in those markets, and we expect that to continue.

Our financial performance also depends heavily on our ability to control costs. While we believe that we have achieved successes in this area historically, some significant costs are partially outside our control, most particularly health care and utility expenses. With respect to expenses relating to the compensation of our employees, our philosophy is not to seek to minimize the wages and benefits that they earn. Rather, we believe that achieving our longer-term objectives of reducing employee turnover and enhancing employee satisfaction requires maintaining compensation levels that are better than the industry average for much of our workforce. This may cause us, for example, to absorb costs that other employers might seek to pass through to their workforces. Because our business is operated on very low margins, modest changes in various items in the income statement, particularly gross margin and selling, general and administrative expenses, can have substantial impacts on net income.

Our operating model is generally the same across our U.S., Canada, and Other International operating segments (see Part I, Item 1, Note 10 of this Report). Certain countries in the Other International segment have relatively higher rates of square footage growth, lower wages and benefit costs as a percentage of country sales, and/or less direct membership warehouse competition. Additionally, we operate our lower-margin gasoline business only in the United States and Canada.

In discussions of our consolidated operating results, we refer to the impact of changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, which are references to the differences between the foreign-exchange rates we use to convert the financial results of our international operations from local currencies into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. This impact of foreign-exchange rate changes is typically calculated as the difference between the current period’s currency exchange rates and the comparable prior-year period’s currency exchange rates.

Historically (prior to the July 2012 acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest), our operations in Mexico were through a 50% owned joint venture. For the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended May 6, 2012, the financial position and results of Mexico’s operations are fully consolidated and the joint venture partner’s share is included in “net income attributable to noncontrolling interests”. In July 2012, we acquired the remaining 50% interest in Mexico from our joint venture partner, and therefore, have included 100% of Mexico’s operations within “net income attributable to Costco” for the twelve and thirty-six weeks weeks ended May 12, 2013.

Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to August 31. References to the third quarters of 2013 and 2012 relate to the twelve-week fiscal quarters ended May 12, 2013, and May 6, 2012, respectively. References to the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 relate to the thirty-six weeks ended May 12, 2013, and May 6, 2012, respectively. Certain percentages presented are calculated using actual results prior to rounding. Unless otherwise noted, references to net income relate to net income attributable to Costco.

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, membership fee data, and warehouse number data)

Key items for the third quarter of 2013 as compared to the third quarter of 2012 include:


•	Net sales increased 8% to $23,552, driven by a 5% increase in comparable sales and sales at the 25 net new warehouses opened since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Net sales were negatively impacted by the weakening of certain foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar and by decreases in the price of gasoline;


•	Membership fees increased 12% to $531, primarily due to the impact of raising our annual membership fees in fiscal 2012, and new membership sign-ups and higher membership renewal rates at warehouses open for more than one year;


•	Gross margin (net sales less merchandise costs) as a percentage of net sales increased 12 basis points;


•	Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of net sales improved three basis points;


•	Net income increased 19% to $459, or $1.04 per diluted share, compared to $386, or $0.88 per diluted share; and


•	On April 30, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.31 per share (reflecting an increase of 13%), which was paid subsequent to the end of the third quarter.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales



	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012			May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012
Net sales	$	23,552		$	21,849		$	71,099		$	65,538
Increases in net sales:
U.S.	8		%	7		%	8		%	9		%
International	8		%	12		%	11		%	13		%
Total Company	8		%	8		%	8		%	10		%
Increases in comparable warehouse sales:
U.S.	6		%	5		%	6		%	7		%
International	4		%	5		%	6		%	8		%
Total Company	5		%	5		%	6		%	8		%
Increases in comparable warehouse sales excluding the impact of changes in gasoline prices and foreign currencies:
U.S.	7		%	4		%	6		%	6		%
International	7		%	8		%	6		%	9		%
Total Company	7		%	5		%	6		%	7		%

Net Sales

Net sales increased $1,703 or 8%, and $5,561 or 8% in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, respectively. These increases were attributable to an increase in comparable warehouse sales and sales at the 25 net new warehouses opened since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012.

Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted net sales during the third quarter of 2013 by approximately $185, or 85 basis points, but had an overall positive impact during the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 by approximately $66, or 10 basis points. The negative impact in the third quarter was primarily due to changes in the Japanese yen of approximately $97 and the Canadian dollar of approximately $96. Gasoline price deflation negatively impacted net sales by approximately $141 or 65 basis points during the third quarter, due to a 5% decrease in the average sales price per gallon.

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, membership fee data, and warehouse number data)

Comparable Sales

Comparable sales increased 5% and 6% in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, respectively, and were positively impacted by an increase in shopping frequency. The average amount spent by our members also positively impacted sales for the first thirty-six weeks of 2013. Changes in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, as well as gasoline price deflation, negatively impacted comparable sales results during the third quarter of 2013. The increase in comparable sales includes the negative impact of cannibalization (established warehouses losing sales to newly opened locations).

Membership Fees



	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012			May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012
Membership fees	$	531		$	475		$	1,570		$	1,381
Membership fees as a percent of net sales	2.25		%	2.17		%	2.21		%	2.11		%
Total cardholders (000’s)	69,900			66,500			69,900			66,500

Membership fee revenue increased 12% and 14% in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, respectively. These increases were due to the impact of raising our annual membership fees, new membership sign-ups and higher membership renewal rates at warehouses open for more than one year, and membership sign-ups at new warehouses opened since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012. For the third quarter of 2013, our member renewal rates have increased slightly relative to the third quarter of 2012, currently at approximately 89.9% in the U.S. and Canada, and approximately 86.4% on a worldwide basis.

We increased our annual membership fee in the U.S. and Canada effective November 1, 2011, for new members, and January 1, 2012, for renewal members. We account for membership fee revenue, net of estimated refunds, on a deferred basis, whereby revenue is recognized ratably over the one-year membership period. These fee increases had a positive impact on membership fee revenues of approximately $29 and $94 in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, respectively, and will continue to have a significant impact through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

Gross Margin



	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012			May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012
Net sales	$	23,552		$	21,849		$	71,099		$	65,538
Less merchandise costs	21,038			19,543			63,530			58,613
Gross margin	$	2,514		$	2,306		$	7,569		$	6,925
Gross margin as a percent of net sales	10.67		%	10.55		%	10.65		%	10.57		%

Quarterly results

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased 12 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2012. Gross margin in our core merchandise categories (food and sundries, hardlines, softlines, and fresh foods) when expressed as a percentage of net sales decreased five basis points. Gross margin for core merchandise categories, when expressed as a percent of core merchandise (rather than net) sales, decreased 13 basis points due to margin decreases across all categories, resulting from our continued investment in merchandise pricing. The gross margin comparison, as a percentage of net sales, was positively impacted by a non-recurring legal settlement received in the quarter which positively impacted gross margin by seven basis points. Gross margin was also positively impacted by six basis points due to an $8 LIFO benefit compared to a charge of $6 in 2012. Increased penetration of the Executive Membership 2% reward program negatively impacted gross margin by two basis points, due to increased spending by Executive Members. Warehouse ancillary and other business gross margin increased by six basis points predominately in our

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, membership fee data, and warehouse number data)

optical and hearing aid businesses, partially offset by a decrease in our pharmacy business. Excluding the effect of gasoline price deflation on net sales, gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased five basis points.

Gross margin on a geographic segment basis, when expressed as a percentage of the segment's own sales (gross margin percentage), increased in our U.S. operations primarily due to improvements in fresh foods and warehouse ancillary and other businesses. The LIFO benefit and the non-recurring legal settlement also benefited our U.S. operations. The gross margin percentage in our Canadian operations decreased across all categories due to our continued investment in merchandise pricing. The gross margin percentage in our Other International operations decreased, primarily in fresh foods.

Year-to-date results

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased eight basis points compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2012. Gross margin in our core merchandise categories when expressed as a percentage of net sales decreased four basis points compared to 2012. Gross margin for core merchandise categories, when expressed as a percent of core merchandise (rather than net) sales decreased two basis points compared to the prior period. The gross margin comparison, as a percentage of net sales, was positively impacted by four basis points due to a $19 LIFO benefit compared to a charge of $9 in the prior year. Also, the non-recurring legal settlement received in the third quarter positively impacted gross margin by two basis points. Increased penetration of the Executive Membership 2% reward program negatively impacted gross margin by two basis points due to increased spending by Executive Members. Warehouse ancillary and other businesses gross margin increased eight basis points predominately in our gasoline and hearing aid businesses.

The gross margin percentage in our U.S. operations increased due to improvements in warehouse ancillary and other businesses. The LIFO benefit and the non-recurring legal settlement also benefited our U.S operations. The gross margin percentage in our Canadian operations decreased across all categories due to our continued investment in merchandise pricing. The gross margin percentage in our Other International operations was largely unchanged.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses



	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012			May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012
SG&A expenses	$	2,313		$	2,152		$	7,006		$	6,474
SG&A expense as a percent of net sales	9.82		%	9.85		%	9.85		%	9.88		%

SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales improved three basis points compared to the third quarter of 2012. Our warehouse operating costs as a percentage of net sales improved two basis points, largely due to leveraging of our payroll and benefit costs in our Canadian and U.S. operations as a result of increased net sales. Additionally, central operating costs improved two basis points due to leveraging of payroll and benefit costs in our U.S. operations, notwithstanding the negative effect of our continued investment in the modernization of our information systems. These improvements were offset by higher stock compensation expense in our U.S. operations, which increased our SG&A percentage by one basis point. Excluding the effect of gasoline price deflation on net sales, SG&A as a percentage of net sales improved nine basis points.

SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales improved three basis points compared to the first thirty-six weeks of 2012. Our warehouse operating costs improved four basis points largely due to leveraging of our payroll and benefit costs in our Canadian and U.S. operations as a result of increased net sales. In addition, contributions made to an initiative reforming alcohol beverage laws in Washington State in the first quarter of 2012, with no comparable charge in 2013, resulted in a positive impact of three basis points. These improvements were offset by higher stock compensation expense and higher central operating costs, predominately related to the continuing modernization of our information systems and related activities, in our U.S. operations, which increased our SG&A percentage by two basis points each.

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, membership fee data, and warehouse number data)

Preopening Expenses



	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012		May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012
Preopening expenses	$	10	$	6	$	34	$	22
Warehouse openings, including relocations	5		4		19		10

Preopening expenses include costs for startup operations related to new warehouses and the expansion of ancillary operations at existing warehouses. Preopening expenses vary due to the number of warehouse openings, the timing of the opening relative to our quarter end, whether the warehouse is owned or leased, and whether the opening is in an existing, new, or international market. We opened four warehouses in our Other International operating segment in the third quarter of 2013 compared to two in 2012. Additionally, we opened six warehouses in our Other International operating segment in the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 compared to four in 2012.

Interest Expense



	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012		May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012
Interest expense	$	25	$	19	$	63	$	73

Interest expense in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013 primarily relates to our $1,100 of 5.5% Senior Notes issued in fiscal 2007 and our $3,500 of Senior Notes issued in December 2012. In the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2012, interest expense also included interest related to our $900 of 5.3% Senior Notes issued in fiscal 2007, which were paid off in March 2012.

Interest Income and Other, Net



	12 Weeks Ended				36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012		May 12, 2013		May 6, 2012
Interest income	$	9	$	11	$	29	$	33
Foreign-currency transactions gains (losses), net	0		3		21		23
Other, net	6		4		11		9
Interest income and other, net	$	15	$	18	$	61	$	65

The decrease in interest income in both the third quarter and the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 was primarily attributable to lower cash balances in some of our international locations. The decrease in foreign-currency transactions gains, net in the third quarter was attributable to the negative impact of mark-to-market adjustments related to forward foreign exchange contracts entered into by our foreign subsidiaries as the U.S. dollar weakened in certain international locations compared to the prior year. See Derivatives and Foreign Currency sections in Part I, Item 1, Note 1 of this Report. This decrease was partially offset by the revaluation or settlement of monetary assets and monetary liabilities during the quarter.

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, membership fee data, and warehouse number data)

Provision for Income Taxes



	12 Weeks Ended						36 Weeks Ended
	May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012			May 12, 2013			May 6, 2012
Provision for income taxes	$	248		$	217		$	658		$	657
Effective tax rate	34.8		%	34.8		%	31.4		%	36.4		%

The effective tax rate for the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 was favorably impacted by discrete tax benefits of $72, primarily due to a $62 tax benefit recorded in the second quarter in connection with the special cash dividend paid to employees through our 401(k) Retirement Plan. Dividends paid on these shares are deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.

Our effective tax rate for the first thirty-six weeks of 2012 was adversely impacted by a net discrete expense of $23 relating primarily to the adverse impact of an audit of Costco Mexico by the Mexican tax authority and the tax effects of nondeductible expenses for our contributions to an initiative reforming alcohol beverage laws in Washington State.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

The following table itemizes components of our most liquid assets:



	May 12, 2013		September 2, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,448	$	3,528
Short-term investments	1,062		1,326
Total	$	6,510	$	4,854

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from warehouse operations, cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investment balances. Of these balances, approximately $1,288 and $1,161 at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, respectively, represented debit and credit card receivables, primarily related to sales within the last week of our respective fiscal quarter or fiscal year.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $2,874 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2013, compared to $2,327 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2012, an increase of $547. This increase was primarily attributable to a $294 increase in net income including noncontrolling interests, a $128 increase in the change in our other current operating assets and liabilities, and an $83 decrease in cash used for our net investment in merchandise inventories.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $1,116 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 compared to $517 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2012, an increase of $599. This increase was primarily attributable to a $479 increase in the cash used to fund warehouse expansion and remodeling programs. In addition, net cash provided by purchases, maturities, and sales of investments decreased by $140.

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $216 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 compared to net cash used of $1,011 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2012, an increase of $1,227. This increase was primarily attributable to net proceeds of $3,610 from the issuance of long-term debt. This was partially offset by increased cash dividend payments of $3,080 in the first thirty-six weeks of 2013. Additionally, $900 was used for the repayment of long-term debt in the first thirty-six weeks of 2012.

We believe that our cash position and operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our capital requirements for the foreseeable future. We have not provided for U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. consolidated subsidiaries as we deem such earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. We believe that our U.S. current asset position is sufficient to meet our U.S. liquidity requirements and we have no current plans to repatriate the cash,

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, membership fee data, and warehouse number data)

cash equivalents, and short-term investments held by these subsidiaries for use in the U.S. At May 12, 2013, cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $2,333 were held by these non-U.S. consolidated subsidiaries.

Dividends

Our current quarterly cash dividend rate is $0.31 per share, or $1.24 per share on an annualized basis. On April 30, 2013, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31 per share payable to shareholders of record on May 17, 2013. This dividend was paid on May 31, 2013.

Expansion Plans

Our primary requirement for capital is the financing of land, building, and equipment costs for new and remodeled warehouses. To a lesser extent, capital is required for initial warehouse operations and working capital. While there can be no assurance that current expectations will be realized and plans are subject to change upon further review, it is our current intention to spend approximately $2,000 during fiscal 2013 for real estate, construction, remodeling, equipment for warehouses and related operations, and continuing the modernization of our information systems. Through the first thirty-six weeks of fiscal 2013, we have spent approximately $1,379. These expenditures are expected to be financed with a combination of cash provided from operations and existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.

We opened 19 new warehouses in the first thirty-six weeks of 2013. Our plans for the remainder of fiscal 2013 are to open up to 9 additional new warehouses.

Bank Credit Facilities

We maintain bank credit facilities for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of May 12, 2013, we had total borrowing capacity within these facilities of $772, of which $453 was maintained by our international operations. Of the $453 maintained by our international operations, $252 is guaranteed by the Company. There was $54 of outstanding short-term borrowings under the bank credit facilities at the end of the third quarter of 2013. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, a credit facility maintained by our international operations was reduced by $69, thereby reducing the credit facility maintained by international operations to $384, of which, $183 is guaranteed by the Company.

The Company has letter of credit facilities, for commercial and standby letters of credit, totaling $151. The outstanding commitments under these facilities at the end of the third quarter of 2013 was $99, including $91 in standby letters of credit with expiration dates within one year. The bank credit facilities have various expiration dates, all within one year, and generally, we intend to renew these facilities prior to their expiration. The amount of borrowings available at any time under our bank credit facilities is reduced by the amount of standby and commercial letters of credit outstanding at that time.

Financing Activities

In December 2012, we issued $3,500 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes as follows: $1,200 of 0.65% Senior Notes due December 7, 2015; $1,100 of 1.125% Senior Notes due December 15, 2017; and $1,200 of 1.7% Senior Notes due December 15, 2019. The proceeds from the issuance of these Senior Notes were used primarily to pay the special cash dividend on our common stock. The balance of approximately $450 was used for general corporate purposes.

In May 2013, the Company’s Japanese subsidiary issued approximately $98 of 1.05% promissory notes through a private placement. Interest is payable semiannually, and principal is due in May 2023.

Contractual Obligations

Other than the issuance of the long-term debt described above, as of the date of this report, there were no material changes to our contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of business since the end of our last fiscal year.

Stock Repurchase Programs

There was no stock repurchase activity under our stock repurchase program in the third quarter of 2013. In the third quarter of 2012, we repurchased 1,488,000 shares, at an average price of $87.41, totaling approximately $130. In the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012, we repurchased 357,000 shares and 5,369,000 shares, at an average price

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Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued) (amounts in millions, except per share, membership fee data, and warehouse number data)

of $96.41 and $83.38, for a total expenditure of $34 and $448, respectively. The remaining amount available to be purchased under our approved plan was $3,055 at May 12, 2013. 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. Repurchased shares are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires that we make estimates and judgments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Our critical accounting policies are discussed in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 2, 2012. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies previously disclosed in that report.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See discussion of Recent Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our exposure to financial market risk results primarily from fluctuations in interest rates and foreign-currency exchange rates. There have been no material changes to our market risks as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 2, 2012.

Item 4—Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1—Legal Proceedings

See discussion of Legal Proceedings in Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

Item 1A—Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 2, 2012. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds (amounts in millions)

There was no stock repurchase activity in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Our stock repurchase program is conducted under a $4,000 authorization of our Board of Directors approved in April 2011, which expires in April 2015.

Item 3—Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4— Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5—Other Information (amounts in whole dollars)

Disclosure pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 and Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

During the second and third fiscal quarters of 2013, we had as cardholders at our subsidiary in Japan four individuals under two business memberships in the name of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (“Embassy”). In the same time period, we had as cardholders in our United Kingdom subsidiary two individuals under one business membership in the name of Iran Air. Gross revenue in the second and third quarters of 2013 attributable to the memberships associated with the Iran Embassy was approximately $5,178, and our estimated profit on these transactions was less than $160. The Company recognized no revenue or profit attributable to the Iran Air membership in the second and third quarters of 2013. The Iran Air membership and one of the Iran Embassy memberships were canceled during the second quarter of 2013, and the remaining Iran Embassy membership was canceled in June 2013, prior to which time an additional $319 in revenue and less than $8 in estimated net profits were earned in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Company does not intend to continue these activities.

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Item 6—Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or incorporated by reference.



			Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description	Filed Herewith	Form	Period Ending	Filing Date

3.1	Articles of Incorporation of the registrant		8-K		8/30/1999
3.2	Bylaws of the registrant		8-K		8/24/2010
31.1	Rule 13(a) – 14(a) Certifications	x
32.1	Section 1350 Certifications	x
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document	x
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	x
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	x
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document	x
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	x
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	x

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



		COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION (Registrant)

June 11, 2013		/s/ W. CRAIG JELINEK
Date		W. Craig Jelinek President and Chief Executive Officer

June 11, 2013		/s/ RICHARD A. GALANTI
Date		Richard A. Galanti Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, W. Craig Jelinek, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Costco Wholesale Corporation (“the registrant”);


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: June 11, 2013



/S/ W. CRAIG JELINEK
W. Craig Jelinek
President and Chief Executive Officer

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Richard A. Galanti, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Costco Wholesale Corporation (“the registrant”);


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: June 11, 2013



/S/ RICHARD A. GALANTI
Richard A. Galanti
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Costco Wholesale Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 12, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, W. Craig Jelinek , President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:


(1)	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


(2)	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



/S/ W. CRAIG JELINEK		Date: June 11, 2013
W. Craig Jelinek President and Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to and will be retained by Costco Wholesale Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Costco Wholesale Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 12, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Richard A. Galanti, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:


(1)	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


(2)	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



/S/ RICHARD A. GALANTI		Date: June 11, 2013
Richard A. Galanti Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

v2.4.0.6

Segment Reporting
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

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, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and through majority-owned subsidiaries in Taiwan and Korea. The Company’s reportable segments are largely based on management’s organization of the operating segments for operational decisions and assessments of financial performance, which considers geographic locations. The material accounting policies of the segments are the same 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, 2012, and Note 1 above. All material 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 are not allocated internally and generally come under the responsibility of the Company’s U.S. management team.

United States
Operations

Canadian
Operations

Other
International
Operations

Total
Twelve Weeks Ended May 12, 2013

Total revenue
$
17,444

$
3,857

$
2,782

$
24,083

Operating income
452

172

98

722

Depreciation and amortization
163

29

29

221

Additions to property and equipment
194

30

212

436

Twelve Weeks Ended May 6, 2012

Total revenue
$
16,203

$
3,474

$
2,647

$
22,324

Operating income
356

157

110

623

Depreciation and amortization
150

25

27

202

Additions to property and equipment
196

23

49

268

Thirty-six Weeks Ended May 12, 2013

Total revenue
$
52,156

$
11,748

$
8,765

$
72,669

Operating income
1,248

504

347

2,099

Depreciation and amortization
478

85

88

651

Additions to property and equipment
704

122

553

1,379

Net property and equipment
9,456

1,655

2,435

13,546

Total assets
20,518

4,578

4,910

30,006

Thirty-six Weeks Ended May 6, 2012

Total revenue
$
48,428

$
10,477

$
8,014

$
66,919

Operating income
1,046

436

328

1,810

Depreciation and amortization
460

79

77

616

Additions to property and equipment
628

110

162

900

Net property and equipment
9,012

1,631

1,953

12,596

Total assets
19,121

4,065

4,650

27,836

Year Ended September 2, 2012

Total revenue
$
71,776

$
15,717

$
11,644

$
99,137

Operating income
1,632

668

459

2,759

Depreciation and amortization
667

117

124

908

Additions to property and equipment
1,012

170

298

1,480

Net property and equipment
9,236

1,664

2,061

12,961

Total assets
18,401

4,237

4,502

27,140

v2.4.0.6

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

REVENUE

Net sales $ 23,552 $ 21,849 $ 71,099 $ 65,538

Membership fees 531 475 1,570 1,381

Total revenue 24,083 22,324 72,669 66,919

OPERATING EXPENSES

Merchandise costs 21,038 19,543 63,530 58,613

Selling, general and administrative 2,313 2,152 7,006 6,474

Preopening expenses 10 6 34 22

Operating income 722 623 2,099 1,810

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

Interest expense (25) (19) (63) (73)

Interest income and other, net 15 18 61 65

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 712 622 2,097 1,802

Provision for income taxes 248 217 658 657

Net income including noncontrolling interests 464 405 1,439 1,145

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (5) (19) (17) (45)

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO $ 459 $ 386 $ 1,422 $ 1,100

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:

Basic (in dollars per share) $ 1.05 $ 0.89 $ 3.27 $ 2.53

Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 1.04 $ 0.88 $ 3.23 $ 2.50

Shares used in calculation (000's)

Basic (shares) 436,488 433,791 435,293 434,180

Diluted (shares) 440,780 439,166 439,738 439,748

CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.31 $ 0.00 $ 7.86 $ 0.48

v2.4.0.6

Fair Value Measurement
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

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 at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, respectively, regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the level within the fair value hierarchy reflecting the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. At May 12, 2013, the Company did not hold any Level 3 financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At September 2, 2012, the Company's holdings of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities were immaterial.
May 12, 2013:
Level 1

Level 2
Money market mutual funds ⁽¹⁾
$
195

$
0

Investment in U.S. government and agency securities ⁽²⁾
0

780

Investment in corporate notes and bonds
0

9

Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities
0

5

Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position ⁽³⁾
0

2

Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position ⁽³⁾
0

(3
)
Total
$
195

$
793

September 2, 2012:
Level 1

Level 2
Money market mutual funds ⁽¹⁾
$
77

$
0

Investment in U.S. government and agency securities ⁽²⁾
0

794

Investment in corporate notes and bonds
0

54

Investment in FDIC-insured corporate bonds
0

35

Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities
0

8

Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position ⁽³⁾
0

1

Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position ⁽³⁾
0

(3
)
Total
$
77

$
889

⁽¹⁾
^{Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.}
⁽²⁾
^On^{May 12, 2013}^,^$2^and^$778^{included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated}
^{balance sheets. On}^{September 2, 2012}^,^$12^and^$782^{included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.}
⁽³⁾
^{The asset and the liability values are included in deferred income taxes and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for additional information on derivative instruments.}

There were no financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, and they were immaterial during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2012. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include held-to-maturity investments that are carried at amortized cost and are not remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis. There were no fair value adjustments to these financial assets during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012.

Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as long-lived assets that are measured at fair value resulting from an impairment, if deemed necessary. Fair value adjustments to these nonfinancial assets and liabilities during the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 were immaterial.

v2.4.0.6

Net Income Per Common and Common Equivalent Share (Tables)
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share Effect on Net Income and Weighted Average Number of Dilutive Potential Common Stock
The following table shows the amounts used in computing net income per share and the effect on net income and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding (shares in 000’s):

12 Weeks Ended

36 Weeks Ended

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012
Net income available to common stockholders after assumed conversions of dilutive securities
$
459

$
386

$
1,422

$
1,101

Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share
436,488

433,791

435,293

434,180

RSUs and stock options
4,260

4,532

4,142

4,713

Conversion of convertible notes
32

843

303

855

Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share
440,780

439,166

439,738

439,748

Anti-dilutive RSUs
0

0

0

0

v2.4.0.6

Summary of Significant Policies (Policies)
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco Wholesale Corporation, a Washington corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest, consolidated entities in which it has made equity investments, or has other interests through which it has majority-voting control or it exercises the right to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s performance (Costco or the Company). 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 and other consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation. In July 2012, Costco purchased its former joint venture partner’s 50% equity interest in Costco Mexico. The Company’s net income excludes income attributable to noncontrolling interests in its operations in Mexico prior to the July 2012 acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest, Taiwan, and Korea. After the acquisition date, 100% of Mexico’s operations are included in “net income attributable to Costco.” 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, 2012.

Fiscal Year End
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. References to the third quarters of 2013 and 2012 relate to the twelve-week fiscal quarters ended May 12, 2013, and May 6, 2012, respectively. References to the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 relate to the thirty-six weeks ended May 12, 2013, and May 6, 2012, respectively.

Use of Estimates
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.

Reclassifications
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation in the current fiscal year. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on the Company’s previously reported condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature or variable interest rates. See Notes 2, 3, and 4 for the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s investments, derivative instruments, and fixed-rate debt, respectively.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying a fair value hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs are:

Level 1:

Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:

Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3:

Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The Company’s current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. The Company’s long-term financial liabilities consist of long-term debt, which is recorded on the balance sheet at issuance price and adjusted for any applicable unamortized discounts or premiums. There have been no material changes to the valuation techniques utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities as disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 2012.

Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, as determined primarily by the retail inventory method, and are stated using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for substantially all U.S. merchandise inventories. Merchandise inventories for all foreign operations are primarily valued by the retail inventory method and are stated using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The Company believes the LIFO method more fairly presents the results of operations by more closely matching current costs with current revenues. The Company records an adjustment each quarter, if necessary, for the projected annual effect of inflation or deflation, and these estimates are adjusted to actual results determined at year-end, when actual inflation rates and inventory levels have been determined.
Due to overall deflationary trends in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, benefits of $8 and $19 were recorded to merchandise costs, respectively, to reduce the cumulative LIFO valuation on merchandise inventories. Due to overall net inflationary trends, charges to merchandise costs of $6 and $9 were recorded in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2012, respectively. At May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, the cumulative impact of the LIFO valuation on merchandise inventories was $89 and $108, respectively.

Derivatives
Derivatives
The Company is exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business. It manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of forward foreign-exchange contracts, seeking to economically hedge the impact of fluctuations of foreign exchange on known future expenditures denominated in a non-functional foreign-currency. The contracts relate primarily to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The Company seeks to mitigate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features. The aggregate notional amounts of open, unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were $281 and $284 at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, respectively. The Company seeks to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which the Company has an established banking relationship. There can be no assurance, however, that this practice effectively mitigates counterparty risk. The contracts are limited to less than one year in duration. See Note 3 for information on the fair value of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts as of May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012.
The unrealized gains or losses recognized in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income relating to the net changes in the fair value of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were immaterial in the third quarter and the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012.
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in prices for the energy it consumes, particularly electricity and natural gas, which it seeks to partially mitigate through the use of fixed-price contracts for certain of its warehouses and other facilities, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company also enters into variable-priced contracts for some purchases of natural gas, in addition to fuel for its gas stations, on an index basis. These contracts meet the characteristics of derivative instruments, but generally qualify for the “normal purchases or normal sales” exception under authoritative guidance and thus require no mark-to-market adjustment.

Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency
The Company recognizes foreign-currency transaction gains and losses related to revaluing all monetary assets and revaluing or settling monetary liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Generally, this includes the U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalents and the U.S. dollar payables of consolidated subsidiaries to their functional currency. Also included are realized foreign-currency gains or losses from all settlements of forward foreign-exchange contracts. These items resulted in a net gain of $5 and $20 in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, respectively, as compared to a net gain of $2 and $25 in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2012, respectively.

Stock Repurchase Programs
Stock Repurchase Programs
Repurchased shares of common stock are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act. The par value of repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess of repurchase price over par value is deducted from additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. See Note 5 for additional information.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that eliminated the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. Instead, an entity is required to present either a continuous statement of net income and other comprehensive income or to present the information in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of 2013.
In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend the rules related to testing goodwill for impairment. The revised guidance allows an initial qualitative evaluation, based on the entity’s events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of this qualitative assessment determine whether it is necessary to perform further impairment tests. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of 2013. Adoption of this guidance had no impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance related to reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. An entity will be required to disclose the net income line items impacted by significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income if the item is reclassified in its entirety. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income cross-references to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP are required to provide additional detail about those amounts. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal year 2014. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

v2.4.0.6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Tax Benefits Realized and Intrinsic Value Related to Stock Options Exercised (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Actual tax benefit realized for stock options exercised $ 30 $ 29

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 84 ^[1] $ 82 ^[1]

[1] The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock measured at each individual exercise date.

v2.4.0.6

Summary of Significant Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

warehouse

May 06, 2012

Sep. 02, 2012

May 12, 2013

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts

Sep. 02, 2012

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts

Jul. 31, 2012

Costco Mexico

May 12, 2013

UNITED STATES

regions

warehouse

May 12, 2013

CANADA

warehouse

May 12, 2013

MEXICO

warehouse

May 12, 2013

UNITED KINGDOM

warehouse

May 12, 2013

JAPAN

warehouse

May 12, 2013

TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF CHINA

warehouse

May 12, 2013

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

warehouse

May 12, 2013

AUSTRALIA

warehouse

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Number of warehouses operated 627 449 85 33 24 15 9 9 3

Number of regions in country 41

Purchase of equity interest 50.00%

Inventory LIFO reserve impact $ 8 $ 6 $ 19 $ 9

Inventory LIFO reserve cumulative impact 89 89 108

Notional amount of forward foreign - exchange derivative 281 284

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transaction $ 5 $ 2 $ 20 $ 25

v2.4.0.6

Equity and Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

Nov. 28, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Equity [Abstract]

Dividends declared and paid $ 0.31 $ 0.275

Special cash dividend declared, declared date Nov. 28, 2012

Special cash dividend declared and paid, per share $ 7.00

Special cash dividend declared, payable date Dec. 18, 2012

Shares repurchased 0 1,488,000 357,000 5,369,000

Average price per share $ 87.41 $ 96.41 $ 83.38

Total cost $ 130 $ 34 $ 448

Stock repurchase authorization amount remaining $ 3,055

v2.4.0.6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes $ 51 $ 45 $ 210 $ 179

Less recognized income tax benefit (16) (15) (69) (59)

Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes $ 35 $ 30 $ 141 $ 120

v2.4.0.6

Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

May 12, 2013

Sep. 02, 2012

May 06, 2012

Aug. 28, 2011

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,448 $ 3,528 $ 4,791 $ 4,009

Short-term investments 792

US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Cash and cash equivalents 2 12

Short-term investments $ 778 $ 782

v2.4.0.6

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Damages sought $ 10

v2.4.0.6

Segment Reporting (Tables)
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the operation of membership warehouses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and through majority-owned subsidiaries in Taiwan and Korea. The Company’s reportable segments are largely based on management’s organization of the operating segments for operational decisions and assessments of financial performance, which considers geographic locations. The material accounting policies of the segments are the same 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, 2012, and Note 1 above. All material 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 are not allocated internally and generally come under the responsibility of the Company’s U.S. management team.

United States
Operations

Canadian
Operations

Other
International
Operations

Total
Twelve Weeks Ended May 12, 2013

Total revenue
$
17,444

$
3,857

$
2,782

$
24,083

Operating income
452

172

98

722

Depreciation and amortization
163

29

29

221

Additions to property and equipment
194

30

212

436

Twelve Weeks Ended May 6, 2012

Total revenue
$
16,203

$
3,474

$
2,647

$
22,324

Operating income
356

157

110

623

Depreciation and amortization
150

25

27

202

Additions to property and equipment
196

23

49

268

Thirty-six Weeks Ended May 12, 2013

Total revenue
$
52,156

$
11,748

$
8,765

$
72,669

Operating income
1,248

504

347

2,099

Depreciation and amortization
478

85

88

651

Additions to property and equipment
704

122

553

1,379

Net property and equipment
9,456

1,655

2,435

13,546

Total assets
20,518

4,578

4,910

30,006

Thirty-six Weeks Ended May 6, 2012

Total revenue
$
48,428

$
10,477

$
8,014

$
66,919

Operating income
1,046

436

328

1,810

Depreciation and amortization
460

79

77

616

Additions to property and equipment
628

110

162

900

Net property and equipment
9,012

1,631

1,953

12,596

Total assets
19,121

4,065

4,650

27,836

Year Ended September 2, 2012

Total revenue
$
71,776

$
15,717

$
11,644

$
99,137

Operating income
1,632

668

459

2,759

Depreciation and amortization
667

117

124

908

Additions to property and equipment
1,012

170

298

1,480

Net property and equipment
9,236

1,664

2,061

12,961

Total assets
18,401

4,237

4,502

27,140

v2.4.0.6

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 1,439 $ 1,145

Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization 651 616

Stock-based compensation 210 179

Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards (58) (50)

Other non-cash operating activities, net (7) 31

Deferred income taxes 15 (7)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Increase in merchandise inventories (595) (434)

Increase in accounts payable 638 394

Other operating assets and liabilities, net 581 453

Net cash provided by operating activities 2,874 2,327

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of short-term investments (1,637) (1,324)

Maturities of short-term investments 1,689 1,414

Sales of investments 201 303

Additions to property and equipment (1,379) (900)

Other investing activities, net 10 (10)

Net cash used in investing activities (1,116) (517)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Change in bank checks outstanding (81) 412

Repayments of short-term borrowings (230) (114)

Proceeds from short-term borrowings 293 114

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 3,610 127

Repayments of long-term debt 0 (900)

Distribution to noncontrolling interests (22) 0

Proceeds from exercise of stock options 47 71

Minimum tax withholdings on stock-based awards (120) (107)

Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards 58 50

Repurchases of common stock (36) (452)

Cash dividend payments (3,289) (209)

Other financing activities, net (14) (3)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 216 (1,011)

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (54) (17)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,920 782

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR 3,528 4,009

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD 5,448 4,791

Cash paid during the first thirty-six weeks of year for:

Interest (reduced by $10 and $6 interest capitalized in 2013 and 2012, respectively) 64 111

Income taxes 491 495

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Unsettled repurchases of common stock 0 13

Property acquired under capital lease 11 0

Common stock issued upon conversion of 3.5% Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes 30 1

Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid $ 135 $ 0

v2.4.0.6

Summary of Significant Policies
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Policies
Note 1—Summary of Significant Policies
Description of Business
Costco Wholesale Corporation and its subsidiaries operate membership warehouses based on the concept that offering members low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and select private-label products in a wide range of merchandise categories will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. At May 12, 2013, Costco operated 627 warehouses worldwide: 449 United States (U.S.) locations (in 41 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico), 85 Canada locations, 33 Mexico locations, 24 United Kingdom (U.K.) locations, 15 Japan locations, 9 Taiwan locations, 9 Korea locations, and 3 Australia locations. The Company also operates online businesses at costco.com in the U.S., costco.ca in Canada, and costco.co.uk in the U.K.
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Costco Wholesale Corporation, a Washington corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest, consolidated entities in which it has made equity investments, or has other interests through which it has majority-voting control or it exercises the right to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s performance (Costco or the Company). 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 and other consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation. In July 2012, Costco purchased its former joint venture partner’s 50% equity interest in Costco Mexico. The Company’s net income excludes income attributable to noncontrolling interests in its operations in Mexico prior to the July 2012 acquisition of the 50% noncontrolling interest, Taiwan, and Korea. After the acquisition date, 100% of Mexico’s operations are included in “net income attributable to Costco.” 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, 2012.
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. References to the third quarters of 2013 and 2012 relate to the twelve-week fiscal quarters ended May 12, 2013, and May 6, 2012, respectively. References to the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 relate to the thirty-six weeks ended May 12, 2013, and May 6, 2012, 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.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation in the current fiscal year. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on the Company’s previously reported condensed consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature or variable interest rates. See Notes 2, 3, and 4 for the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s investments, derivative instruments, and fixed-rate debt, respectively.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying a fair value hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs are:

Level 1:

Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:

Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3:

Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The Company’s current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. The Company’s long-term financial liabilities consist of long-term debt, which is recorded on the balance sheet at issuance price and adjusted for any applicable unamortized discounts or premiums. There have been no material changes to the valuation techniques utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities as disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 2012.
Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, as determined primarily by the retail inventory method, and are stated using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for substantially all U.S. merchandise inventories. Merchandise inventories for all foreign operations are primarily valued by the retail inventory method and are stated using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The Company believes the LIFO method more fairly presents the results of operations by more closely matching current costs with current revenues. The Company records an adjustment each quarter, if necessary, for the projected annual effect of inflation or deflation, and these estimates are adjusted to actual results determined at year-end, when actual inflation rates and inventory levels have been determined.
Due to overall deflationary trends in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, benefits of $8 and $19 were recorded to merchandise costs, respectively, to reduce the cumulative LIFO valuation on merchandise inventories. Due to overall net inflationary trends, charges to merchandise costs of $6 and $9 were recorded in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2012, respectively. At May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, the cumulative impact of the LIFO valuation on merchandise inventories was $89 and $108, respectively.
Derivatives
The Company is exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business. It manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of forward foreign-exchange contracts, seeking to economically hedge the impact of fluctuations of foreign exchange on known future expenditures denominated in a non-functional foreign-currency. The contracts relate primarily to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The Company seeks to mitigate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features. The aggregate notional amounts of open, unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were $281 and $284 at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, respectively. The Company seeks to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which the Company has an established banking relationship. There can be no assurance, however, that this practice effectively mitigates counterparty risk. The contracts are limited to less than one year in duration. See Note 3 for information on the fair value of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts as of May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012.
The unrealized gains or losses recognized in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income relating to the net changes in the fair value of unsettled forward foreign-exchange contracts were immaterial in the third quarter and the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012.
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in prices for the energy it consumes, particularly electricity and natural gas, which it seeks to partially mitigate through the use of fixed-price contracts for certain of its warehouses and other facilities, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company also enters into variable-priced contracts for some purchases of natural gas, in addition to fuel for its gas stations, on an index basis. These contracts meet the characteristics of derivative instruments, but generally qualify for the “normal purchases or normal sales” exception under authoritative guidance and thus require no mark-to-market adjustment.
Foreign Currency
The Company recognizes foreign-currency transaction gains and losses related to revaluing all monetary assets and revaluing or settling monetary liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency in interest income and other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Generally, this includes the U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalents and the U.S. dollar payables of consolidated subsidiaries to their functional currency. Also included are realized foreign-currency gains or losses from all settlements of forward foreign-exchange contracts. These items resulted in a net gain of $5 and $20 in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2013, respectively, as compared to a net gain of $2 and $25 in the third quarter and first thirty-six weeks of 2012, respectively.
Stock Repurchase Programs
Repurchased shares of common stock are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act. The par value of repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess of repurchase price over par value is deducted from additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. See Note 5 for additional information.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that eliminated the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. Instead, an entity is required to present either a continuous statement of net income and other comprehensive income or to present the information in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of 2013.
In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend the rules related to testing goodwill for impairment. The revised guidance allows an initial qualitative evaluation, based on the entity’s events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of this qualitative assessment determine whether it is necessary to perform further impairment tests. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of 2013. Adoption of this guidance had no impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance related to reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. An entity will be required to disclose the net income line items impacted by significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income if the item is reclassified in its entirety. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income cross-references to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP are required to provide additional detail about those amounts. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company plans to adopt this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal year 2014. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

v2.4.0.6

Debt
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt
Note 4—Debt
In December 2012, the Company issued $3,500 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes as follows:
•
$1,200 of 0.65% Senior Notes is due December 7, 2015. Interest is due semi-annually on June 7 and December 7, with the first payment due on June 7, 2013;
•
$1,100 of 1.125% Senior Notes is due December 15, 2017. Interest is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, with the first payment due on June 15, 2013; and
•
$1,200 of 1.7% Senior Notes is due December 15, 2019. Interest is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, with the first payment due on June 15, 2013.

In May 2013, the Company’s Japanese subsidiary issued approximately $98 of 1.05% promissory notes through a private placement. Interest is payable semiannually, and principal is due in May 2023. These notes are included in other long-term debt in the table below and are classified as a Level 3 measurement.
The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:

May 12, 2013

September 2, 2012

Carrying
Value

Fair
Value

Carrying
Value

Fair
Value
5.5% Senior Notes due March 2017
$
1,098

$
1,289

$
1,097

$
1,325

0.65% Senior Notes due December 2015
1,199

1,203

0

0

1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017
1,100

1,103

0

0

1.7% Senior Notes due December 2019
1,197

1,208

0

0

Other long-term debt
293

303

285

338

Total long-term debt
4,887

5,106

1,382

1,663

Less current portion
0

0

1

1

Long-term debt, excluding current portion
$
4,887

$
5,106

$
1,381

$
1,662

The estimated fair value of the Company's debt was based primarily on reported market values, recently completed market transactions, and estimates based upon interest rates, maturities, and credit. Substantially all of the Company's long-term debt is classified as Level 2.

v2.4.0.6

Investments
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments
Note 2—Investments
The Company's major categories of investments have not materially changed from the annual reporting period ended September 2, 2012. The Company's investments at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, were as follows:

May 12, 2013:
Cost
Basis

Unrealized
Gains

Recorded
Basis
Available-for-sale:

U.S. government and agency securities
$
774

$
4

$
778

Corporate notes and bonds
9

0

9

Asset and mortgage-backed securities
5

0

5

Total available-for-sale
788

4

792

Held-to-maturity:

Certificates of deposit
270

270

Total short-term investments
$
1,058

$
4

$
1,062

September 2, 2012:
Cost
Basis

Unrealized
Gains

Recorded
Basis
Available-for-sale:

U.S. government and agency securities
$
776

$
6

$
782

Corporate notes and bonds
54

0

54

FDIC-insured corporate bonds
35

0

35

Asset and mortgage-backed securities
8

0

8

Total available-for-sale
873

6

879

Held-to-maturity:

Certificates of deposit
447

447

Total short-term investments
$
1,320

$
6

$
1,326

At May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, the Company's available-for-sale securities that were in continuous unrealized-loss positions and gross unrealized gains and losses on cash equivalents were not material.
The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities during the third quarter and the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 are provided in the following table:

12 Weeks Ended

36 Weeks Ended

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012
Proceeds
$
81

$
112

$
201

$
303

Gross realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale securities during the third quarter and the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 were not material.
The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at May 12, 2013, were as follows:

Available-For-Sale

Held-To-
Maturity

Cost Basis

Fair Value

Due in one year or less
$
364

$
364

$
270

Due after one year through five years
410

413

0

Due after five years
14

15

0

$
788

$
792

$
270

v2.4.0.6

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Income Taxes [Line Items]

Effective tax rates 34.80% 34.80% 31.40% 36.40%

Discrete income tax benefit $ 72

Discrete tax expense 23

Special Cash Dividend

Income Taxes [Line Items]

Discrete income tax benefit $ 62

v2.4.0.6

Investments - Proceeds from Sales of Available for Sale Securities (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities $ 81 $ 112 $ 201 $ 303

v2.4.0.6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Transactions (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Dec. 10, 2012

Number of options

Number of options outstanding at September 2, 2012 3,161,000 2,905,000

Exercised (1,302,000)

Special cash dividend 221,000

Number of options outstanding at May 12, 2013 2,080,000 2,905,000

Weighted-average exercise price

Weighted-average exercise price at September 2, 2012 $ 40.90

Exercised $ 35.97

Weighted-average exercise price at May 12, 2013 $ 39.63

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]

Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) 1 year 8 months 5 days

Aggregate intrinsic value

Aggregate intrinsic value $ 146 ^[1]

[1] The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock at May 12, 2013.

v2.4.0.6

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)

May 12, 2013

Sep. 02, 2012

Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]

Preferred stock, par value $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Preferred stock, shares authorized 100,000,000 100,000,000

Preferred stock, shares issued 0 0

Preferred stock, shares outstanding 0 0

Common stock, par value $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Common stock, shares authorized 900,000,000 900,000,000

Common stock, shares issued 436,682,983 432,350,000

Common stock, shares outstanding 436,682,983 432,350,000

v2.4.0.6

Income Taxes
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes
Note 7—Income Taxes
The Company’s reported effective income tax rates for the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended May 12, 2013, were 34.8% and 31.4%, respectively, compared to 34.8% and 36.4% for the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended May 6, 2012, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income, which includes the net impact of discrete tax items. The current year effective tax rate was favorably impacted by discrete tax benefits of $72, primarily due to a $62 tax deduction recorded in the second quarter in connection with the special cash dividend paid by the Company to employees through the Company’s 401(k) Retirement Plan.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the first thirty-six weeks of 2012 was adversely impacted by a net discrete expense of $23 relating primarily to the adverse impact of an audit of Costco Mexico by the Mexican tax authority and the tax effects of nondeductible expenses for the Company’s contributions to an initiative reforming alcohol beverage laws in Washington State.

v2.4.0.6

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS $ 464 $ 405 $ 1,439 $ 1,145

Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net (31) 5 (74) (72)

Comprehensive income 433 410 1,365 1,073

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 4 11 18 27

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO $ 429 $ 399 $ 1,347 $ 1,046

v2.4.0.6

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

May 12, 2013

Sep. 02, 2012

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,448 $ 3,528

Short-term investments 1,062 1,326

Receivables, net 1,134 1,026

Merchandise inventories 7,635 7,096

Deferred income taxes and other current assets 584 550

Total current assets 15,863 13,526

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Land 4,343 4,032

Buildings and improvements 11,377 10,879

Equipment and fixtures 4,517 4,261

Construction in progress 400 374

Gross property and equipment 20,637 19,546

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,091) (6,585)

Net property and equipment 13,546 12,961

OTHER ASSETS 597 653

TOTAL ASSETS 30,006 27,140

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable 7,788 7,303

Accrued salaries and benefits 1,911 1,832

Accrued member rewards 714 661

Accrued sales and other taxes 432 397

Deferred membership fees 1,212 1,101

Other current liabilities 1,452 966

Total current liabilities 13,509 12,260

LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion 4,887 1,381

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES 963 981

Total liabilities 19,359 14,622

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

EQUITY

Preferred stock $.005 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding 0 0

Common stock $.005 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 436,682,983 and 432,350,000 shares issued and outstanding 2 2

Additional paid-in capital 4,587 4,369

Accumulated other comprehensive income 81 156

Retained earnings 5,802 7,834

Total Costco stockholders' equity 10,472 12,361

Noncontrolling interests 175 157

Total equity 10,647 12,518

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 30,006 $ 27,140

v2.4.0.6

Investments - Maturities of Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

May 12, 2013

Available-For-Sale, Cost Basis

Due in one year or less $ 364

Due after one year through five years 410

Due after five years 14

Available-For-Sale, Cost Basis, Total 788

Available-For-Sale, Fair Value

Due in one year or less 364

Due after one year through five years 413

Due after five years 15

Available-for-sale 792

Held-To-Maturity

Due in one year or less 270

Due after one year through five years 0

Due after five years 0

Held-To-Maturity, Cost Basis, Total $ 270

v2.4.0.6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Summary of Stock Option Activity
The following table summarizes stock option transactions during the first thirty-six weeks of 2013:

Number
Of
Options
(in 000’s)

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value⁽¹⁾
Outstanding at September 2, 2012
3,161

$
40.90

Exercised
(1,302
)

35.97

Special cash dividend
221

N/A

Outstanding at May 12, 2013
2,080

$
39.63

1.68

$
146

(1)
The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock at May 12, 2013.

Tax Benefits Realized and Intrinsic Value Related to Total Stock Options Exercised
The tax benefits realized, derived from the compensation deductions resulting from option exercises, and intrinsic value related to total stock options exercised during the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 are provided in the following table:

36 Weeks Ended

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012
Actual tax benefit realized for stock options exercised
$
30

$
29

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised ⁽¹⁾
$
84

$
82

(1)
The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock measured at each individual exercise date.

Summary of RSU Transactions
The following table summarizes RSU transactions during the first thirty-six weeks of 2013:

Number of
Units
(in 000’s)

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Non-vested at September 2, 2012
9,260

$
66.14

Granted
4,192

90.99

Vested and delivered
(3,842
)

67.15

Forfeited
(173
)

76.47

Special cash dividend
732

N/A

Non-vested at May 12, 2013
10,169

$
73.40

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

36 Weeks Ended

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
$
51

$
45

$
210

$
179

Less recognized income tax benefit
(16
)

(15
)

(69
)

(59
)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes
$
35

$
30

$
141

$
120

v2.4.0.6

Segment Reporting Information by Segment (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Sep. 02, 2012

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total revenue $ 24,083 $ 22,324 $ 72,669 $ 66,919 $ 99,137

Operating income 722 623 2,099 1,810 2,759

Depreciation and amortization 221 202 651 616 908

Additions to property and equipment 436 268 1,379 900 1,480

Net property and equipment 13,546 12,596 13,546 12,596 12,961

Total assets 30,006 27,836 30,006 27,836 27,140

United States Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total revenue 17,444 16,203 52,156 48,428 71,776

Operating income 452 356 1,248 1,046 1,632

Depreciation and amortization 163 150 478 460 667

Additions to property and equipment 194 196 704 628 1,012

Net property and equipment 9,456 9,012 9,456 9,012 9,236

Total assets 20,518 19,121 20,518 19,121 18,401

Canadian Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total revenue 3,857 3,474 11,748 10,477 15,717

Operating income 172 157 504 436 668

Depreciation and amortization 29 25 85 79 117

Additions to property and equipment 30 23 122 110 170

Net property and equipment 1,655 1,631 1,655 1,631 1,664

Total assets 4,578 4,065 4,578 4,065 4,237

Other International Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total revenue 2,782 2,647 8,765 8,014 11,644

Operating income 98 110 347 328 459

Depreciation and amortization 29 27 88 77 124

Additions to property and equipment 212 49 553 162 298

Net property and equipment 2,435 1,953 2,435 1,953 2,061

Total assets $ 4,910 $ 4,650 $ 4,910 $ 4,650 $ 4,502

v2.4.0.6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of RSU Transactions (Details) (USD $)
9 Months Ended

Dec. 10, 2012

May 12, 2013

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Number of units

Non-vested at September 2, 2012 9,676,000 9,260,000

Granted 4,192,000

Vested and delivered (3,842,000)

Forfeited (173,000)

Special cash dividend 732,000

Not vested at May 12, 2013 9,676,000 10,169,000

Weighted average grant date fair value

Non-vested at September 2, 2012 $ 66.14

Granted $ 90.99

Vested and delivered $ 67.15

Forfeited $ 76.47

Not vested at May 12, 2013 $ 73.40

v2.4.0.6

Equity and Comprehensive Income - Changes in Equity Attributes to Costco and the Noncontrolling Interests of Consolidated Subsidiaries (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Equity at beginning of period $ 12,518 $ 12,573

Comprehensive income:

Net income 464 405 1,439 1,145

Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net (31) 5 (74) (72)

Comprehensive income 433 410 1,365 1,073

Stock-based compensation 51 45 210 179

Stock options exercised, including tax effects 67 89

Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects (85) (75)

Conversion of convertible notes 30 1

Repurchases of common stock (130) (34) (448)

Cash dividends declared (3,424) (209)

Equity at end of period 10,647 13,183 10,647 13,183

Attributable to Costco

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Equity at beginning of period 12,361 12,002

Comprehensive income:

Net income 1,422 1,100

Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net (75) (54)

Comprehensive income 1,347 1,046

Stock-based compensation 210 179

Stock options exercised, including tax effects 67 89

Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects (85) (75)

Conversion of convertible notes 30 1

Repurchases of common stock (34) (448)

Cash dividends declared (3,424) (209)

Equity at end of period 10,472 12,585 10,472 12,585

Noncontrolling Interests

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Equity at beginning of period 157 571

Comprehensive income:

Net income 17 45

Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net 1 (18)

Comprehensive income 18 27

Stock-based compensation 0 0

Stock options exercised, including tax effects 0 0

Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects 0 0

Conversion of convertible notes 0 0

Repurchases of common stock 0 0

Cash dividends declared 0 0

Equity at end of period $ 175 $ 598 $ 175 $ 598

v2.4.0.6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Dec. 10, 2012

Sep. 02, 2012

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Additional number of shares authorized 16,000,000

Number of stock options outstanding 2,080,000 2,905,000 3,161,000

Number of RSUs outstanding 9,676,000

Additional shares available to be granted 778,000

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Additional number of shares authorized 9,143,000

Portion of each share issued counted towards limit of shares available 1.75

Number of RSUs outstanding 10,169,000 9,260,000

Number of shares available to be granted as RSUs 11,116,000

Time-based RSUs awards outstanding 9,443,000

Performance-based RSUs awards outstanding 376,000

Outstanding performance-based RSUs awards to be granted 350,000

Unrecognized compensation cost 582

Weighted-average period of time (in years) 1 year 9 months 4 days

v2.4.0.6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Plans
Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation Plans
In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Fifth Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan was amended following shareholder approval and is now referred to as the Sixth Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (Sixth Plan). The Sixth Plan initially authorized the issuance of 16,000,000 shares (9,143,000 RSUs) of common stock for future grants in addition to shares authorized under the previous plan. Each RSU issued is counted as 1.75 shares toward the limit of shares available. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs. RSUs are settled in shares, and delivered to participants annually, net of minimum statutory withholding taxes.
As required by the Company’s Sixth Plan, in conjunction with the special cash dividend discussed in Note 5, adjustments were made to awards outstanding on the dividend record date to preserve their value following the special cash dividend, as follows: (i) the number of shares subject to outstanding RSUs was increased; and (ii) the exercise prices of outstanding stock options were reduced and the number of shares subject to such options was increased. Approximately 2,905,000 stock options were adjusted, and approximately 9,676,000 RSUs were adjusted. These adjustments did not result in additional share-based compensation expense, as the fair value of the outstanding awards immediately following the payment of the special cash dividend was equal to the fair value immediately prior to such distribution. As further required by the Sixth Plan, the maximum number of shares issuable under the Sixth Plan was proportionally adjusted, which resulted in an additional 778,000 shares available to be granted.
Summary of Stock Option Activity
All outstanding stock options were fully vested and exercisable at May 12, 2013 and September 2, 2012. The following table summarizes stock option transactions during the first thirty-six weeks of 2013:

Number
Of
Options
(in 000’s)

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value⁽¹⁾
Outstanding at September 2, 2012
3,161

$
40.90

Exercised
(1,302
)

35.97

Special cash dividend
221

N/A

Outstanding at May 12, 2013
2,080

$
39.63

1.68

$
146

(1)
The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock at May 12, 2013.
The tax benefits realized, derived from the compensation deductions resulting from option exercises, and intrinsic value related to total stock options exercised during the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 are provided in the following table:

36 Weeks Ended

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012
Actual tax benefit realized for stock options exercised
$
30

$
29

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised ⁽¹⁾
$
84

$
82

(1)
The difference between the exercise price and market value of common stock measured at each individual exercise date.
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity
At May 12, 2013, 11,116,000 shares were available to be granted as RSUs.
The following awards were outstanding at the end of the first thirty-six weeks of 2013:
•
9,443,000 time-based RSUs that vest upon continued employment over specified periods of time;
•
376,000 performance-based RSUs granted to certain executive officers of the Company for which the performance targets have been met. Further restrictions lapse upon achievement of continued employment over specified periods of time; and
•
350,000 performance-based RSUs to be granted to executive officers of the Company upon achievement of performance targets for fiscal 2013, 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 thirty-six weeks of 2013:

Number of
Units
(in 000’s)

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Non-vested at September 2, 2012
9,260

$
66.14

Granted
4,192

90.99

Vested and delivered
(3,842
)

67.15

Forfeited
(173
)

76.47

Special cash dividend
732

N/A

Non-vested at May 12, 2013
10,169

$
73.40

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs at May 12, 2013, was $582 and the weighted-average period of time over which this cost will be recognized is 1.76 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

36 Weeks Ended

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
$
51

$
45

$
210

$
179

Less recognized income tax benefit
(16
)

(15
)

(69
)

(59
)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes
$
35

$
30

$
141

$
120

v2.4.0.6

Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

May 12, 2013

Sep. 02, 2012

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis $ 793 $ 889

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 195 77

Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 0 ^[1] 0 ^[1]

Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 195 ^[1] 77 ^[1]

US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 780 ^[2] 794 ^[2]

US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 0 ^[2] 0 ^[2]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 9 54

Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 0 0

FDIC-Insured Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 35

FDIC-Insured Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 0

Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 5 8

Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 0 0

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 2 ^[3] 1 ^[3]

Fair value of liabilities measured on recurring basis (3) ^[3] (3) ^[3]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis 0 ^[3] 0 ^[3]

Fair value of liabilities measured on recurring basis $ 0 ^[3] $ 0 ^[3]

[1] Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

[2] On May 12, 2013, $2 and $778 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. On September 2, 2012, $12 and $782 included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

[3] The asset and the liability values are included in deferred income taxes and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for additional information on derivative instruments.

v2.4.0.6

Net Income Per Common and Common Equivalent Share - Schedule of Earnings per Share Effect on Net Income and Weighted Averegae Number of Dilutive Potential Common Stock (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net income available to common stockholders after assumed conversion of dilutive securities $ 459 $ 386 $ 1,422 $ 1,101

Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share 436,488 433,791 435,293 434,180

RSUs and stock options 4,260 4,532 4,142 4,713

Conversion of convertible notes 32 843 303 855

Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share 440,780 439,166 439,738 439,748

Anti-dilutive RSUs 0 0 0 0

v2.4.0.6

Commitments and Contingencies
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

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. In such cases, there may be a possible exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. 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. As of the date of this report, the Company has not recorded an accrual with respect to any matter described below. In each case, there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. The possible loss or range of loss cannot in our view, however, 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 the following matters, among others:
A case brought as a class action on behalf of certain present and former female managers, in which plaintiffs allege denial of promotion based on gender in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California state law. Shirley “Rae” Ellis v. Costco Wholesale Corp., United States District Court (San Francisco), Case No. C-4-3341-MHP. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, interest, and attorneys’ fees. Class certification was granted by the district court on January 11, 2007. On September 16, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the order of class certification and remanded to the district court for further proceedings. On September 25, 2012, the district court certified a class of women in the United States denied promotion to warehouse general manager or assistant general manager since January 3, 2002. Currently the class is believed to be approximately 1,150 people. A trial has been set for January 2014.
Numerous putative class actions have been brought around the United States against motor fuel retailers, including the Company, alleging that they have been overcharging consumers by selling gasoline or diesel that is warmer than 60 degrees without adjusting the volume sold to compensate for heat-related expansion or disclosing the effect of such expansion on the energy equivalent received by the consumer. The Company is named in the following actions: Raphael Sagalyn, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-430 (D. Md.); Phyllis Lerner, et al., v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, et al., Case No. 7-1216 (C.D. Cal.); Linda A. Williams, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-179 (M.D. Ala.); James Graham, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 7-193 (E.D. Va.); Betty A. Delgado, et al., v. Allsups, Convenience Stores, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-202 (D.N.M.); Gary Kohut, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-285 (D. Nev.); Mark Rushing, et al., v. Alon USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 6-7621 (N.D. Cal.); James Vanderbilt, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 6-1052 (W.D. Mo.); Zachary Wilson, et al., v. Ampride, Inc., et al., Case No. 6-2582 (D. Kan.); Diane Foster, et al., v. BP North America Petroleum, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-2059 (W.D. Tenn.); Mara Redstone, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-20751 (S.D. Fla.); Fred Aguirre, et al. v. BP West Coast Products LLC, et al., Case No. 7-1534 (N.D. Cal.); J.C. Wash, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 4:7cv37 (E.D. Mo.); Jonathan Charles Conlin, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 7 317 (M.D. Tenn.); William Barker, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 7-cv-293 (D.N.M.); Melissa J. Couch, et al. v. BP Products North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 7cv291 (E.D. Tex.); S. Garrett Cook, Jr., et al., v. Hess Corporation, et al., Case No. 7cv750 (M.D. Ala.); Jeff Jenkins, et al. v. Amoco Oil Company, et al., Case No. 7-cv-661 (D. Utah); and Mark Wyatt, et al., v. B. P. America Corp., et al., Case No. 7-1754 (S.D. Cal.). On June 18, 2007, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation assigned the action, entitled In re Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices Litigation, MDL Docket No 1840, to Judge Kathryn Vratil in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. On April 12, 2009, the Company agreed to settle the actions in which it is named as a defendant. Under the settlement, the Company agreed, to the extent allowed by law, to install over five years from the effective date of the settlement temperature-correcting dispensers in the States of Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Other than payments to class representatives, the settlement does not provide for cash payments to class members. On September 22, 2011, the court preliminarily approved a revised settlement, which did not materially alter the terms. On April 24, 2012, the court granted final approval of the revised settlement. A class member who objected has filed a notice of appeal from the order approving the settlement. Plaintiffs have moved for an award of $10 million in attorneys’ fees, as well as an award of costs and payments to class representatives. The Company has opposed the motion.
On October 4, 2006, the Company received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, seeking records relating to the Company’s receipt and handling of hazardous merchandise returned by Costco members and other records. The Company has entered into tolling agreements with the United States Attorney’s Office.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an Information Request to the Company, dated November 1, 2007, regarding warehouses in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada and relating to compliance with regulations concerning air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. On March 4, 2009, the Company was advised by the Department of Justice that the Department was prepared to allege that the Company has committed at least nineteen violations of the leak-repair requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.156(i) and at least seventy-four violations of the recordkeeping requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.166(k), (m) at warehouses in these states. The Company has responded to these allegations, is engaged in communications with the Department about these and additional allegations, and has entered into tolling agreements. Substantial penalties may be levied for violations of the Clean Air Act. The Company is cooperating with this inquiry.
On October 7, 2009, the District Attorneys for San Diego, San Joaquin and Solano Counties filed a complaint, People of the State of California v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al, No. 37-2009-99912 (Superior Court for the County of San Diego), alleging on information and belief that the Company has violated and continues to violate provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and the Business and Professions Code through the use of certain spill clean-up materials at its gasoline stations. Relief sought includes, among other things, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, civil penalties, and costs and attorneys’ fees.
The Company has received notices from most states stating that they have appointed an agent to conduct an examination of the books and records of the Company to determine whether it has complied with state unclaimed property laws. In addition to seeking the turnover of unclaimed property subject to escheat laws, the states may seek interest, penalties, costs of examinations, and other relief.
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; 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.

v2.4.0.6

Equity and Comprehensive Income
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

Equity and Comprehensive Income
Note 5—Equity and Comprehensive Income
Dividends
The Company’s current quarterly dividend rate is $0.31 per share, compared to the $0.275 per share rate declared subsequent to the end of the third quarter of 2012. On November 28, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $7.00 per share, which was paid on December 18, 2012.
Stock Repurchase Programs
There was no stock repurchase activity in the third quarter of 2013. In the third quarter of 2012, we repurchased 1,488,000 shares, at an average price of $87.41, totaling $130. In the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012, we repurchased 357,000 shares and 5,369,000 shares, at an average price of $96.41 and $83.38, for a total expenditure of $34 and $448, respectively. The remaining amount available for stock repurchases under our approved plan was $3,055 at May 12, 2013. These amounts differ from the stock repurchase balances in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to changes in unsettled stock repurchases at the end of the quarter. 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. Repurchased shares are retired, in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act.
Components of Equity and Comprehensive Income
The following tables show the changes in equity attributable to Costco and the noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries and other entities in which the Company has a controlling interest, but less than total ownership:

Attributable
to Costco

Noncontrolling
Interests

Total
Equity
Equity at September 2, 2012
$
12,361

$
157

$
12,518

Comprehensive income:

Net income
1,422

17

1,439

Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net
(75
)

1

(74
)
Comprehensive income
1,347

18

1,365

Stock-based compensation
210

0

210

Stock options exercised, including tax effects
67

0

67

Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects
(85
)

0

(85
)
Conversion of convertible notes
30

0

30

Repurchases of common stock
(34
)

0

(34
)
Cash dividends declared
(3,424
)

0

(3,424
)
Equity at May 12, 2013
$
10,472

$
175

$
10,647

Attributable
to Costco

Noncontrolling
Interests

Total
Equity
Equity at August 28, 2011
$
12,002

$
571

$
12,573

Comprehensive income:

Net income
1,100

45

1,145

Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net
(54
)

(18
)

(72
)
Comprehensive income
1,046

27

1,073

Stock-based compensation
179

0

179

Stock options exercised, including tax effects
89

0

89

Release of vested RSUs, including tax effects
(75
)

0

(75
)
Conversion of convertible notes
1

0

1

Repurchases of common stock
(448
)

0

(448
)
Cash dividends declared
(209
)

0

(209
)
Equity at May 6, 2012
$
12,585

$
598

$
13,183

v2.4.0.6

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

May 06, 2012

Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]

Interest, interest capitalized $ 10 $ 6

v2.4.0.6

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 9 Months Ended

Dec. 07, 2012

May 12, 2013

0.65% Senior Notes due December 2015

Senior Notes [Member]

Dec. 07, 2012

0.65% Senior Notes due December 2015

Senior Notes [Member]

May 12, 2013

1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017

Senior Notes [Member]

Dec. 07, 2012

1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017

Senior Notes [Member]

May 12, 2013

1.7% Senior Notes due December 2019

Senior Notes [Member]

Dec. 07, 2012

1.7% Senior Notes due December 2019

Senior Notes [Member]

May 12, 2013

Private Placement Notes One Point Zero Five Percent Due May Twenty Three [Member] [Member]

May 02, 2013

Private Placement Notes One Point Zero Five Percent Due May Twenty Three [Member] [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Senior note $ 3,500 $ 1,200 $ 1,100 $ 1,200

Senior note, interest rate 0.65% 1.125% 1.70%

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Dec. 07, 2015 Dec. 15, 2017 Dec. 15, 2019 May 01, 2023

Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment Interest is due semi-annually on June 7 and December 7, with the first payment due on June 7, 2013; Interest is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, with the first payment due on June 15, 2013; Interest is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, with the first payment due on June 15, 2013. Interest is payable semiannually,

Long-term Debt $ 98

Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate 1.05%

v2.4.0.6

Investments (Tables)
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Investments
The Company's investments at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, were as follows:

May 12, 2013:
Cost
Basis

Unrealized
Gains

Recorded
Basis
Available-for-sale:

U.S. government and agency securities
$
774

$
4

$
778

Corporate notes and bonds
9

0

9

Asset and mortgage-backed securities
5

0

5

Total available-for-sale
788

4

792

Held-to-maturity:

Certificates of deposit
270

270

Total short-term investments
$
1,058

$
4

$
1,062

September 2, 2012:
Cost
Basis

Unrealized
Gains

Recorded
Basis
Available-for-sale:

U.S. government and agency securities
$
776

$
6

$
782

Corporate notes and bonds
54

0

54

FDIC-insured corporate bonds
35

0

35

Asset and mortgage-backed securities
8

0

8

Total available-for-sale
873

6

879

Held-to-maturity:

Certificates of deposit
447

447

Total short-term investments
$
1,320

$
6

$
1,326

Proceeds from Sales of Available for Sale Securities
The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities during the third quarter and the first thirty-six weeks of 2013 and 2012 are provided in the following table:

12 Weeks Ended

36 Weeks Ended

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012
Proceeds
$
81

$
112

$
201

$
303

Maturities of Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities
The maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at May 12, 2013, were as follows:

Available-For-Sale

Held-To-
Maturity

Cost Basis

Fair Value

Due in one year or less
$
364

$
364

$
270

Due after one year through five years
410

413

0

Due after five years
14

15

0

$
788

$
792

$
270

v2.4.0.6

Net Income Per Common and Common Equivalent Share
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

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 effect on net income and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding (shares in 000’s):

12 Weeks Ended

36 Weeks Ended

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012

May 12,
2013

May 6,
2012
Net income available to common stockholders after assumed conversions of dilutive securities
$
459

$
386

$
1,422

$
1,101

Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share
436,488

433,791

435,293

434,180

RSUs and stock options
4,260

4,532

4,142

4,713

Conversion of convertible notes
32

843

303

855

Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential of common stock used in diluted net income per share
440,780

439,166

439,738

439,748

Anti-dilutive RSUs
0

0

0

0

v2.4.0.6

Equity and Comprehensive Income (Tables)
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

Components of Equity and Comprehensive Income
The following tables show the changes in equity attributable to Costco and the noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries and other entities in which the Company has a controlling interest, but less than total ownership:

Attributable
to Costco

Noncontrolling
Interests

Total
Equity
Equity at September 2, 2012
$
12,361

$
157

$
12,518

Comprehensive income:

Net income
1,422

17

1,439

Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net
(75
)

1

(74
)
Comprehensive income
1,347

18

1,365

Stock-based compensation
210

0

210

Stock options exercised, including tax effects
67

0

67

Release of vested restricted stock units (RSUs), including tax effects
(85
)

0

(85
)
Conversion of convertible notes
30

0

30

Repurchases of common stock
(34
)

0

(34
)
Cash dividends declared
(3,424
)

0

(3,424
)
Equity at May 12, 2013
$
10,472

$
175

$
10,647

Attributable
to Costco

Noncontrolling
Interests

Total
Equity
Equity at August 28, 2011
$
12,002

$
571

$
12,573

Comprehensive income:

Net income
1,100

45

1,145

Foreign-currency translation adjustment and other, net
(54
)

(18
)

(72
)
Comprehensive income
1,046

27

1,073

Stock-based compensation
179

0

179

Stock options exercised, including tax effects
89

0

89

Release of vested RSUs, including tax effects
(75
)

0

(75
)
Conversion of convertible notes
1

0

1

Repurchases of common stock
(448
)

0

(448
)
Cash dividends declared
(209
)

0

(209
)
Equity at May 6, 2012
$
12,585

$
598

$
13,183

v2.4.0.6

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
The tables below present information at May 12, 2013, and September 2, 2012, respectively, regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the level within the fair value hierarchy reflecting the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. At May 12, 2013, the Company did not hold any Level 3 financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At September 2, 2012, the Company's holdings of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities were immaterial.
May 12, 2013:
Level 1

Level 2
Money market mutual funds ⁽¹⁾
$
195

$
0

Investment in U.S. government and agency securities ⁽²⁾
0

780

Investment in corporate notes and bonds
0

9

Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities
0

5

Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position ⁽³⁾
0

2

Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position ⁽³⁾
0

(3
)
Total
$
195

$
793

September 2, 2012:
Level 1

Level 2
Money market mutual funds ⁽¹⁾
$
77

$
0

Investment in U.S. government and agency securities ⁽²⁾
0

794

Investment in corporate notes and bonds
0

54

Investment in FDIC-insured corporate bonds
0

35

Investment in asset and mortgage-backed securities
0

8

Forward foreign exchange contracts, in asset position ⁽³⁾
0

1

Forward foreign exchange contracts, in (liability) position ⁽³⁾
0

(3
)
Total
$
77

$
889

⁽¹⁾
^{Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.}
⁽²⁾
^On^{May 12, 2013}^,^$2^and^$778^{included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated}
^{balance sheets. On}^{September 2, 2012}^,^$12^and^$782^{included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.}
⁽³⁾
^{The asset and the liability values are included in deferred income taxes and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for additional information on derivative instruments.}

v2.4.0.6

Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Jun. 04, 2013

Document and Entity Information [Abstract]

Document Type 10-Q

Amendment Flag false

Document Period End Date May 12, 2013

Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013

Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3

Trading Symbol COST

Entity Registrant Name COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW

Entity Central Index Key 0000909832

Current Fiscal Year End Date --09-01

Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer

Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 436,684,233

v2.4.0.6

Debt (Tables)
9 Months Ended

May 12, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Company's Long-Term Debt
The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:

May 12, 2013

September 2, 2012

Carrying
Value

Fair
Value

Carrying
Value

Fair
Value
5.5% Senior Notes due March 2017
$
1,098

$
1,289

$
1,097

$
1,325

0.65% Senior Notes due December 2015
1,199

1,203

0

0

1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017
1,100

1,103

0

0

1.7% Senior Notes due December 2019
1,197

1,208

0

0

Other long-term debt
293

303

285

338

Total long-term debt
4,887

5,106

1,382

1,663

Less current portion
0

0

1

1

Long-term debt, excluding current portion
$
4,887

$
5,106

$
1,381

$
1,662

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 12, 2013	May 06, 2012	May 12, 2013	May 06, 2012
REVENUE
Net sales	$ 23,552	$ 21,849	$ 71,099	$ 65,538
Membership fees	531	475	1,570	1,381
Total revenue	24,083	22,324	72,669	66,919
OPERATING EXPENSES
Merchandise costs	21,038	19,543	63,530	58,613
Selling, general and administrative	2,313	2,152	7,006	6,474
Preopening expenses	10	6	34	22
Operating income	722	623	2,099	1,810
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(25)	(19)	(63)	(73)
Interest income and other, net	15	18	61	65
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	712	622	2,097	1,802
Provision for income taxes	248	217	658	657
Net income including noncontrolling interests	464	405	1,439	1,145
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5)	(19)	(17)	(45)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO	$ 459	$ 386	$ 1,422	$ 1,100
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COSTCO:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.05	$ 0.89	$ 3.27	$ 2.53
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.04	$ 0.88	$ 3.23	$ 2.50
Shares used in calculation (000's)
Basic (shares)	436,488	433,791	435,293	434,180
Diluted (shares)	440,780	439,166	439,738	439,748
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$ 0.31	$ 0.00	$ 7.86	$ 0.48

Investments - Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Investments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	May 12, 2013	Sep. 02, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, cost basis	$ 788
Available-for-sale	792
Held-to-maturity, cost basis	270
Total short-term investments, recorded basis	1,062	1,326
Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Unrealized gains	4	6
Total short-term investments, cost basis	1,058	1,320
Total short-term investments, recorded basis	1,062	1,326
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] \| Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, cost basis	788	873
Unrealized gains	4	6
Available-for-sale	792	879
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] \| Short-term Investments [Member] \| U.S. government and agency securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, cost basis	774	776
Unrealized gains	4	6
Available-for-sale	778	782
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] \| Short-term Investments [Member] \| Corporate notes and bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, cost basis	9	54
Unrealized gains	0	0
Available-for-sale	9	54
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] \| Short-term Investments [Member] \| FDIC-insured corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, cost basis		35
Unrealized gains		0
Available-for-sale		35
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] \| Short-term Investments [Member] \| Asset and mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, cost basis	5	8
Unrealized gains	0	0
Available-for-sale	5	8
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] \| Short-term Investments [Member] \| Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity, cost basis	270	447
Held-to-maturity, recorded basis	$ 270	$ 447

Summary of Significant Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended					1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May 12, 2013	May 06, 2012	May 12, 2013 warehouse	May 06, 2012	Sep. 02, 2012	May 12, 2013 Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts	Sep. 02, 2012 Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts	Jul. 31, 2012 Costco Mexico	May 12, 2013 UNITED STATES regions warehouse	May 12, 2013 CANADA warehouse	May 12, 2013 MEXICO warehouse	May 12, 2013 UNITED KINGDOM warehouse	May 12, 2013 JAPAN warehouse	May 12, 2013 TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF CHINA warehouse	May 12, 2013 KOREA, REPUBLIC OF warehouse	May 12, 2013 AUSTRALIA warehouse
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of warehouses operated			627						449	85	33	24	15	9	9	3
Number of regions in country									41
Purchase of equity interest								50.00%
Inventory LIFO reserve impact	$ 8	$ 6	$ 19	$ 9
Inventory LIFO reserve cumulative impact	89		89		108
Notional amount of forward foreign - exchange derivative						281	284
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transaction	$ 5	$ 2	$ 20	$ 25

Equity and Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 28, 2012	May 12, 2013	May 06, 2012	May 12, 2013	May 06, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared and paid		$ 0.31	$ 0.275
Special cash dividend declared, declared date	Nov. 28, 2012
Special cash dividend declared and paid, per share	$ 7.00
Special cash dividend declared, payable date	Dec. 18, 2012
Shares repurchased		0	1,488,000	357,000	5,369,000
Average price per share			$ 87.41	$ 96.41	$ 83.38
Total cost			$ 130	$ 34	$ 448
Stock repurchase authorization amount remaining				$ 3,055

Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	May 12, 2013	Sep. 02, 2012	May 06, 2012	Aug. 28, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,448	$ 3,528	$ 4,791	$ 4,009
Short-term investments	792
US Treasury and Government [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	2	12
Short-term investments	$ 778	$ 782

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	May 12, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Damages sought	$ 10

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	May 12, 2013	May 06, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 1,439	$ 1,145
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	651	616
Stock-based compensation	210	179
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards	(58)	(50)
Other non-cash operating activities, net	(7)	31
Deferred income taxes	15	(7)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in merchandise inventories	(595)	(434)
Increase in accounts payable	638	394
Other operating assets and liabilities, net	581	453
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,874	2,327
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of short-term investments	(1,637)	(1,324)
Maturities of short-term investments	1,689	1,414
Sales of investments	201	303
Additions to property and equipment	(1,379)	(900)
Other investing activities, net	10	(10)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,116)	(517)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in bank checks outstanding	(81)	412
Repayments of short-term borrowings	(230)	(114)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	293	114
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	3,610	127
Repayments of long-term debt	0	(900)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(22)	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	47	71
Minimum tax withholdings on stock-based awards	(120)	(107)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards	58	50
Repurchases of common stock	(36)	(452)
Cash dividend payments	(3,289)	(209)
Other financing activities, net	(14)	(3)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	216	(1,011)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(54)	(17)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,920	782
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF YEAR	3,528	4,009
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD	5,448	4,791
Cash paid during the first thirty-six weeks of year for:
Interest (reduced by $10 and $6 interest capitalized in 2013 and 2012, respectively)	64	111
Income taxes	491	495
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Unsettled repurchases of common stock	0	13
Property acquired under capital lease	11	0
Common stock issued upon conversion of 3.5% Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes	30	1
Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid	$ 135	$ 0

Debt - Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Company's Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	May 12, 2013	Sep. 02, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, carrying value	$ 4,887	$ 1,382
Total long-term debt, fair value	5,106	1,663
Less current portion, carrying value	0	1
Less current portion, fair value	0	1
Long-term debt, excluding current portion, carrying value	4,887	1,381
Long-term debt, excluding current portion, fair value	5,106	1,662
5.5% Senior Notes due March 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal due date	2017-03
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	5.50%
Total long-term debt, carrying value	1,098	1,097
Total long-term debt, fair value	1,289	1,325
0.65% Senior Notes due December 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal due date	2015-12
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	0.65%
Total long-term debt, carrying value	1,199	0
Total long-term debt, fair value	1,203	0
1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal due date	2017-12
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	1.125%
Total long-term debt, carrying value	1,100	0
Total long-term debt, fair value	1,103	0
1.7% Senior Notes due December 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal due date	2019-12
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	1.70%
Total long-term debt, carrying value	1,197	0
Total long-term debt, fair value	1,208	0
Other Long Term Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, carrying value	293	285
Total long-term debt, fair value	$ 303	$ 338

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	May 12, 2013	Sep. 02, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.005	$ 0.005
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.005	$ 0.005
Common stock, shares authorized	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	436,682,983	432,350,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	436,682,983	432,350,000

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	May 12, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 7—Income Taxes The Company’s reported effective income tax rates for the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended May 12, 2013, were 34.8% and 31.4%, respectively, compared to 34.8% and 36.4% for the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended May 6, 2012, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income, which includes the net impact of discrete tax items. The current year effective tax rate was favorably impacted by discrete tax benefits of $72, primarily due to a $62 tax deduction recorded in the second quarter in connection with the special cash dividend paid by the Company to employees through the Company’s 401(k) Retirement Plan. The Company’s effective tax rate for the first thirty-six weeks of 2012 was adversely impacted by a net discrete expense of $23 relating primarily to the adverse impact of an audit of Costco Mexico by the Mexican tax authority and the tax effects of nondeductible expenses for the Company’s contributions to an initiative reforming alcohol beverage laws in Washington State.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	May 12, 2013	Sep. 02, 2012
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,448	$ 3,528
Short-term investments	1,062	1,326
Receivables, net	1,134	1,026
Merchandise inventories	7,635	7,096
Deferred income taxes and other current assets	584	550
Total current assets	15,863	13,526
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land	4,343	4,032
Buildings and improvements	11,377	10,879
Equipment and fixtures	4,517	4,261
Construction in progress	400	374
Gross property and equipment	20,637	19,546
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(7,091)	(6,585)
Net property and equipment	13,546	12,961
OTHER ASSETS	597	653
TOTAL ASSETS	30,006	27,140
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	7,788	7,303
Accrued salaries and benefits	1,911	1,832
Accrued member rewards	714	661
Accrued sales and other taxes	432	397
Deferred membership fees	1,212	1,101
Other current liabilities	1,452	966
Total current liabilities	13,509	12,260
LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion	4,887	1,381
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	963	981
Total liabilities	19,359	14,622
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY
Preferred stock $.005 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock $.005 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 436,682,983 and 432,350,000 shares issued and outstanding	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	4,587	4,369
Accumulated other comprehensive income	81	156
Retained earnings	5,802	7,834
Total Costco stockholders' equity	10,472	12,361
Noncontrolling interests	175	157
Total equity	10,647	12,518
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 30,006	$ 27,140

Investments - Maturities of Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	May 12, 2013
Available-For-Sale, Cost Basis
Due in one year or less	$ 364
Due after one year through five years	410
Due after five years	14
Available-For-Sale, Cost Basis, Total	788
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	364
Due after one year through five years	413
Due after five years	15
Available-for-sale	792
Held-To-Maturity
Due in one year or less	270
Due after one year through five years	0
Due after five years	0
Held-To-Maturity, Cost Basis, Total	$ 270

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of RSU Transactions (Details) (USD $)		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 10, 2012	May 12, 2013 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Number of units
Non-vested at September 2, 2012	9,676,000	9,260,000
Granted		4,192,000
Vested and delivered		(3,842,000)
Forfeited		(173,000)
Special cash dividend		732,000
Not vested at May 12, 2013	9,676,000	10,169,000
Weighted average grant date fair value
Non-vested at September 2, 2012		$ 66.14
Granted		$ 90.99
Vested and delivered		$ 67.15
Forfeited		$ 76.47
Not vested at May 12, 2013		$ 73.40

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	May 12, 2013
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. In such cases, there may be a possible exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. 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. As of the date of this report, the Company has not recorded an accrual with respect to any matter described below. In each case, there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. The possible loss or range of loss cannot in our view, however, 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 the following matters, among others: A case brought as a class action on behalf of certain present and former female managers, in which plaintiffs allege denial of promotion based on gender in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California state law. Shirley “Rae” Ellis v. Costco Wholesale Corp., United States District Court (San Francisco), Case No. C-4-3341-MHP. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, interest, and attorneys’ fees. Class certification was granted by the district court on January 11, 2007. On September 16, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the order of class certification and remanded to the district court for further proceedings. On September 25, 2012, the district court certified a class of women in the United States denied promotion to warehouse general manager or assistant general manager since January 3, 2002. Currently the class is believed to be approximately 1,150 people. A trial has been set for January 2014. Numerous putative class actions have been brought around the United States against motor fuel retailers, including the Company, alleging that they have been overcharging consumers by selling gasoline or diesel that is warmer than 60 degrees without adjusting the volume sold to compensate for heat-related expansion or disclosing the effect of such expansion on the energy equivalent received by the consumer. The Company is named in the following actions: Raphael Sagalyn, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-430 (D. Md.); Phyllis Lerner, et al., v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, et al., Case No. 7-1216 (C.D. Cal.); Linda A. Williams, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-179 (M.D. Ala.); James Graham, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 7-193 (E.D. Va.); Betty A. Delgado, et al., v. Allsups, Convenience Stores, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-202 (D.N.M.); Gary Kohut, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-285 (D. Nev.); Mark Rushing, et al., v. Alon USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 6-7621 (N.D. Cal.); James Vanderbilt, et al., v. BP Corporation North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 6-1052 (W.D. Mo.); Zachary Wilson, et al., v. Ampride, Inc., et al., Case No. 6-2582 (D. Kan.); Diane Foster, et al., v. BP North America Petroleum, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-2059 (W.D. Tenn.); Mara Redstone, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 7-20751 (S.D. Fla.); Fred Aguirre, et al. v. BP West Coast Products LLC, et al., Case No. 7-1534 (N.D. Cal.); J.C. Wash, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 4:7cv37 (E.D. Mo.); Jonathan Charles Conlin, et al., v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 7 317 (M.D. Tenn.); William Barker, et al. v. Chevron USA, Inc., et al.; Case No. 7-cv-293 (D.N.M.); Melissa J. Couch, et al. v. BP Products North America, Inc., et al., Case No. 7cv291 (E.D. Tex.); S. Garrett Cook, Jr., et al., v. Hess Corporation, et al., Case No. 7cv750 (M.D. Ala.); Jeff Jenkins, et al. v. Amoco Oil Company, et al., Case No. 7-cv-661 (D. Utah); and Mark Wyatt, et al., v. B. P. America Corp., et al., Case No. 7-1754 (S.D. Cal.). On June 18, 2007, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation assigned the action, entitled In re Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices Litigation, MDL Docket No 1840, to Judge Kathryn Vratil in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. On April 12, 2009, the Company agreed to settle the actions in which it is named as a defendant. Under the settlement, the Company agreed, to the extent allowed by law, to install over five years from the effective date of the settlement temperature-correcting dispensers in the States of Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Other than payments to class representatives, the settlement does not provide for cash payments to class members. On September 22, 2011, the court preliminarily approved a revised settlement, which did not materially alter the terms. On April 24, 2012, the court granted final approval of the revised settlement. A class member who objected has filed a notice of appeal from the order approving the settlement. Plaintiffs have moved for an award of $10 million in attorneys’ fees, as well as an award of costs and payments to class representatives. The Company has opposed the motion. On October 4, 2006, the Company received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, seeking records relating to the Company’s receipt and handling of hazardous merchandise returned by Costco members and other records. The Company has entered into tolling agreements with the United States Attorney’s Office. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an Information Request to the Company, dated November 1, 2007, regarding warehouses in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada and relating to compliance with regulations concerning air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. On March 4, 2009, the Company was advised by the Department of Justice that the Department was prepared to allege that the Company has committed at least nineteen violations of the leak-repair requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.156(i) and at least seventy-four violations of the recordkeeping requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 82.166(k), (m) at warehouses in these states. The Company has responded to these allegations, is engaged in communications with the Department about these and additional allegations, and has entered into tolling agreements. Substantial penalties may be levied for violations of the Clean Air Act. The Company is cooperating with this inquiry. On October 7, 2009, the District Attorneys for San Diego, San Joaquin and Solano Counties filed a complaint, People of the State of California v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al, No. 37-2009-99912 (Superior Court for the County of San Diego), alleging on information and belief that the Company has violated and continues to violate provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and the Business and Professions Code through the use of certain spill clean-up materials at its gasoline stations. Relief sought includes, among other things, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, civil penalties, and costs and attorneys’ fees. The Company has received notices from most states stating that they have appointed an agent to conduct an examination of the books and records of the Company to determine whether it has complied with state unclaimed property laws. In addition to seeking the turnover of unclaimed property subject to escheat laws, the states may seek interest, penalties, costs of examinations, and other relief. 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; 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.

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	May 12, 2013	May 06, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest, interest capitalized	$ 10	$ 6

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 07, 2012	May 12, 2013 0.65% Senior Notes due December 2015 Senior Notes [Member]	Dec. 07, 2012 0.65% Senior Notes due December 2015 Senior Notes [Member]	May 12, 2013 1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017 Senior Notes [Member]	Dec. 07, 2012 1.125% Senior Notes due December 2017 Senior Notes [Member]	May 12, 2013 1.7% Senior Notes due December 2019 Senior Notes [Member]	Dec. 07, 2012 1.7% Senior Notes due December 2019 Senior Notes [Member]	May 12, 2013 Private Placement Notes One Point Zero Five Percent Due May Twenty Three [Member] [Member]	May 02, 2013 Private Placement Notes One Point Zero Five Percent Due May Twenty Three [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior note	$ 3,500		$ 1,200		$ 1,100		$ 1,200
Senior note, interest rate			0.65%		1.125%		1.70%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Dec. 07, 2015		Dec. 15, 2017		Dec. 15, 2019		May 01, 2023
Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment		Interest is due semi-annually on June 7 and December 7, with the first payment due on June 7, 2013;		Interest is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, with the first payment due on June 15, 2013;		Interest is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, with the first payment due on June 15, 2013.		Interest is payable semiannually,
Long-term Debt								$ 98
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate									1.05%

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	May 12, 2013	Jun. 04, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	May 12, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	COST
Entity Registrant Name	COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW
Entity Central Index Key	0000909832
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-01
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		436,684,233