Background	9 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2011
Background [Abstract]
Background	1. Background CarMax, Inc. ("we", "our", "us", "CarMax" and "the company"), including its wholly owned subsidiaries, is the largest retailer of used vehicles in the United States. We were the first used vehicle retailer to offer a large selection of high quality used vehicles at competitively low, no-haggle prices using a customer-friendly sales process in an attractive, modern sales facility. At select locations we also sell new vehicles under various franchise agreements. We provide customers with a full range of related products and services, including the financing of vehicle purchases through our own finance operation, CarMax Auto Finance ("CAF"), and third-party financing providers; the sale of extended service plans ("ESP"), a guaranteed asset protection ("GAP") product and accessories; the appraisal and purchase of vehicles directly from consumers; and vehicle repair service. Vehicles purchased through the appraisal process that do not meet our retail standards are sold to licensed dealers through on-site wholesale auctions.

Background

9 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2011

1. Background

CarMax, Inc. ("we", "our", "us", "CarMax" and "the company"), including its wholly owned subsidiaries, is the largest retailer of used vehicles in the United States. We were the first used vehicle retailer to offer a large selection of high quality used vehicles at competitively low, no-haggle prices using a customer-friendly sales process in an attractive, modern sales facility. At select locations we also sell new vehicles under various franchise agreements. We provide customers with a full range of related products and services, including the financing of vehicle purchases through our own finance operation, CarMax Auto Finance ("CAF"), and third-party financing providers; the sale of extended service plans ("ESP"), a guaranteed asset protection ("GAP") product and accessories; the appraisal and purchase of vehicles directly from consumers; and vehicle repair service. Vehicles purchased through the appraisal process that do not meet our retail standards are sold to licensed dealers through on-site wholesale auctions.