OBJECTIVES: I. Assess the role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor given during and/or after remission induction with MICE (mitoxantrone/cytarabine/etoposide) in elderly patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). II. Compare the complete remission (CR) rate and survival of these patients when treated with nearly equivalent doses of oral vs. intravenous mini-ICE (idarubicin/cytarabine/etoposide) as consolidation therapy given on an outpatient basis. III. Evaluate the feasibility of a second intensive consolidation regimen consisting of BAVC (carmustine/amsacrine/etoposide/cytarabine) followed by autologous stem cell support in patients under age 71 who are in CR and have good performance status.