Segment reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	May 04, 2012 ReportableSegments	Apr. 29, 2011 ReportableSegments
Segment reporting
Number of reportable segments	1	1
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	$ 3,901,205	$ 3,451,697
Consumables
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	2,877,282	2,529,070
Seasonal
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	524,493	457,057
Home products
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	258,998	234,208
Apparel
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	$ 240,432	$ 231,362