Assets and liabilities measured at fair value (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2013	Feb. 03, 2012
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	$ 2,772,228	$ 2,618,481
Reported amount | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets:
Trading securities	4,285
Reported amount | Other assets, net
Assets:
Trading securities	1,301
Reported amount | Current portion of long-term debt obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	892
Reported amount | Long-term obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,771,336
Reported amount | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	4,285
Reported amount | Noncurrent Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	4,822
Deferred compensation	18,404
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)
Assets:
Trading securities	5,586
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,780,563
Deferred compensation	22,689
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	22,228
Derivative financial instruments	4,822
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period
Assets:
Trading securities	5,586
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,802,791
Derivative financial instruments	4,822
Deferred compensation	$ 22,689