Assets and liabilities measured at fair value (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 03, 2012	Jan. 28, 2011
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	$ 2,618,481	$ 3,288,227
Reported amount | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets:
Trading securities	1,377
Reported amount | Other assets, net
Assets:
Trading securities	5,404
Reported amount | Current portion of long-term debt obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	590
Reported amount | Long-term obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,617,891
Reported amount | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	10,820
Deferred compensation	1,377
Reported amount | Non-current Other Liabilities
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	17,570
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)
Assets:
Trading securities	6,781
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,647,697
Deferred compensation	18,947
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	19,584
Derivative financial instruments	10,820
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period
Assets:
Trading securities	6,781
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,667,281
Derivative financial instruments	10,820
Deferred compensation	$ 18,947