Assets and liabilities measured at fair value (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 03, 2013	Feb. 01, 2013
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	$ 2,836,212	$ 2,772,228
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	6,084	4,822
Reported amount | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets:
Trading securities	5,558
Reported amount | Current portion of long-term debt obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	909
Reported amount | Long-term obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,835,303
Reported amount | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	6,873
Reported amount | Noncurrent Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	6,084
Deferred compensation	18,473
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)
Assets:
Trading securities	5,558
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,869,446
Deferred compensation	25,346
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	22,011
Derivative financial instruments	6,084
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period
Assets:
Trading securities	5,558
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,891,457
Derivative financial instruments	6,084
Deferred compensation	$ 25,346