Basis of presentation and accounting policies (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Feb. 01, 2013	Feb. 03, 2012
Revenue and gain recognition
Liability for outstanding gift cards	$ 4,300,000	$ 3,600,000
Breakage income related to the gift card program	0	0	0
Advertising costs
Advertising costs	70,500,000	61,700,000	50,400,000
Expenses related to vendor funding for cooperative advertising offset	$ 31,900,000	$ 23,600,000	$ 20,800,000