Assets and liabilities measured at fair value (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2012	Feb. 03, 2012
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	$ 3,024,258	$ 2,618,481
Reported amount | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets:
Trading securities	4,047
Reported amount | Other assets, net
Assets:
Trading securities	1,695
Reported amount | Current portion of long-term debt obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	891
Reported amount | Long-term obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	3,023,367
Reported amount | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	1,557
Deferred compensation	4,047
Reported amount | Non-current Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	6,010
Deferred compensation	17,333
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)
Assets:
Trading securities	5,742
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	3,032,042
Deferred compensation	21,380
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	22,458
Derivative financial instruments	7,567
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period
Assets:
Trading securities	5,742
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	3,054,500
Derivative financial instruments	7,567
Deferred compensation	$ 21,380