Segment reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	May 03, 2013 segment	May 04, 2012 segment
Segment reporting
Number of reportable segments	1	1
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	$ 4,233,733	$ 3,901,205
Consumables
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	3,194,906	2,877,282
Seasonal
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	529,281	524,493
Home products
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	265,811	258,998
Apparel
Net sales data for classes of similar products
Net sales	$ 243,735	$ 240,432