Investments (Table 1 & 2) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 28, 2012		Jan. 28, 2012
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	$ 37,902		$ 99,508
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	85,980	[1]	85,149	[1]
Total investments	123,882		184,657
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	45,175
Temporary Impairment	(7,273)
Available-for-sale securities	37,902		99,508
Student loan backed [Member] | Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	22,289		84,650
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	25,200
Temporary Impairment	(2,911)
Available-for-sale securities	22,289		84,650
Municipal Authority Bonds [Member] | Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	15,613		14,858
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	19,975
Temporary Impairment	(4,362)
Available-for-sale securities	15,613		14,858
Money market funds [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	22	[1]	23	[1]
Municipal notes and bonds [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value) [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	$ 85,958	[1]	$ 85,126	[1]

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