Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Feb. 01, 2013	Feb. 03, 2012
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill	$ 4,338,589,000	$ 4,338,589,000
Other intangible assets:
Leasehold interests, gross amount	64,644,000	106,917,000
Leasehold interests, accumulated amortization	56,699,000	87,074,000
Leasehold interests, net	7,945,000	19,843,000
Trade names and trademarks	1,199,700,000	1,199,700,000
Total other intangible assets, gross	1,264,344,000	1,306,617,000
Total other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	56,699,000	87,074,000
Total other intangible assets, net	1,207,645,000	1,219,543,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization expense	11,900,000	16,900,000	21,000,000
Estimated aggregate amortization expense
2014	5,800,000
2015	900,000
2016	300,000
2017	200,000
2018	$ 200,000
Minimum
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Leasehold interests, remaining life	1 year	1 year
Maximum
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Leasehold interests, remaining life	9 years	10 years