Investments (Table 1 & 2) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 29, 2011		Jan. 29, 2011
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	$ 100,334		$ 100,534
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	84,818	[1]	82,501	[1]
Total investments	185,152		183,035
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	113,900
Temporary Impairment	(13,566)
Available-for-sale securities	100,334		100,534
Student loan backed [Member] | Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	84,897		85,732
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	93,925
Temporary Impairment	(9,028)
Available-for-sale securities	84,897		85,732
Municipal Authority Bonds [Member] | Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	15,437		14,802
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	19,975
Temporary Impairment	(4,538)
Available-for-sale securities	15,437		14,802
Money market funds [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	774	[1]	343	[1]
Municipal notes and bonds [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	11,572	[1]	11,870	[1]
Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value) [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	$ 72,472	[1]	$ 70,288	[1]

[1]  Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are restricted as to their use.