Assets and liabilities measured at fair value (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Feb. 01, 2013
Reported amount | Current portion of long-term debt obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	$ 75,966
Reported amount | Long-term obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,742,788
Reported amount | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	4,092
Reported amount | Noncurrent Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	17,604
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	4,109	4,822
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)
Assets:
Trading securities	621
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,772,739
Deferred compensation	21,696
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	21,336
Derivative financial instruments	4,109
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,794,075
Deferred compensation	21,696
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets:
Trading securities	621
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period | Noncurrent Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	$ 4,109