Basis of presentation and accounting policies (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2013	Feb. 03, 2012	Jan. 28, 2011
Revenue and gain recognition
Liability for outstanding gift cards	$ 3,600,000	$ 2,900,000
Breakage income related to the gift card program	0
Advertising costs
Advertising costs	61,700,000	50,400,000	46,900,000
Expenses related to vendor funding for cooperative advertising offset	$ 23,600,000	$ 20,800,000	$ 14,200,000