Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 03, 2012 Y	Jan. 28, 2011 Y	Jan. 29, 2010
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill	$ 4,338,589,000	$ 4,338,589,000
Other intangible assets:
Leasehold interests, gross amount	122,169,000	141,180,000
Leasehold interests, accumulated amortization	85,415,000	83,458,000
Leasehold interests, net	36,754,000	57,722,000
Trade names and trademarks	1,199,200,000	1,199,200,000
Total other intangible assets, gross	1,321,369,000	1,340,380,000
Total other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	85,415,000	83,458,000
Total other intangible assets, net	1,235,954,000	1,256,922,000
Leasehold interests, remaining life, minimum (in years)	1	1
Leasehold interests, remaining life, maximum (in years)	11	12
Amortization expense	21,000,000	27,400,000	41,300,000
Amortization expense included in rent expense	21,000,000	25,700,000	37,200,000
Estimated aggregate amortization expense
2012	16,900,000
2013	11,900,000
2014	5,800,000
2015	900,000
2016	$ 300,000