Assets and liabilities measured at fair value (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2013	Feb. 01, 2013
Reported amount | Current portion of long-term debt obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	$ 25,927
Reported amount | Long-term obligations
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,845,138
Reported amount | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	3,971
Reported amount | Noncurrent Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	19,076
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	4,411	4,822
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)
Assets:
Trading securities	1,973
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,800,635
Deferred compensation	23,047
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	21,792
Derivative financial instruments	4,411
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	2,822,427
Deferred compensation	23,047
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets:
Trading securities	1,973
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Balance at the end of the period | Noncurrent Other liabilities
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	$ 4,411