Commitments and contingencies - (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 03, 2017	Jan. 29, 2016	Jan. 30, 2015
Future minimum payments for operating leases
2017	$ 961,786
2018	924,169
2019	870,751
2020	792,435
2021	718,300
Thereafter	3,856,187
Total minimum payments	8,123,628
Total minimum payments for capital leases	4,500
Present value of net minimum capital lease payments	3,600
Gross property and equipment recorded under capital lease	29,800	$ 29,800
Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment recorded under capital lease	14,300	12,400
Operating lease rent expenses
Minimum rentals	935,663	849,115	$ 776,103
Contingent rentals	6,748	7,793	9,099
Operating lease rent expenses	942,411	856,908	785,202
Amortization of leasehold interests	$ 300	$ 900	$ 5,800
Maximum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Typical period of primary lease term for operating lease, build-to-suit, maximum	15 years