Investments (Table 1 & 2) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 28, 2012		Jan. 28, 2012
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	$ 20,110		$ 99,508
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	86,821	[1]	85,149	[1]
Total investments	106,931		184,657
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	25,175
Other Than Temporary Impairment	(5,065)
Available-for-sale securities	20,110		99,508
Student Loan Backed [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	4,787
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Available-for-sale securities	4,787
Student Loan Backed [Member] | Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	4,787		84,650
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	5,200
Other Than Temporary Impairment	(413)
Available-for-sale securities	4,787		84,650
Municipal Authority Bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	15,323
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Available-for-sale securities	15,323
Municipal Authority Bonds [Member] | Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	15,323		14,858
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	19,975
Other Than Temporary Impairment	(4,652)
Available-for-sale securities	15,323		14,858
Money Market Funds [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	22	[1]	23	[1]
Trust Owned Life Insurance Policies At Cash Surrender Value [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	$ 86,799	[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.