Basis of presentation and accounting policies - Property and equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2020	Feb. 01, 2019	Feb. 02, 2018
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Property and equipment, gross	$ 6,097,970	$ 5,518,977
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,819,611	2,548,171
Net property and equipment	3,278,359	2,970,806
Depreciation
Depreciation expense	500,400	454,100	$ 403,300
Capitalized interest
Interest costs capitalized	2,700	3,700	$ 2,000
Land
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Property and equipment, gross	220,228	214,632
Land improvements
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Property and equipment, gross	$ 86,636	85,093
Depreciable Life	20 years
Buildings
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,290,673	1,219,852
Buildings | Minimum
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Depreciable Life	39 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Depreciable Life	40 years
Leasehold improvements
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Property and equipment, gross	$ 656,234	583,531
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Property and equipment, gross	$ 3,782,016	3,298,594
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Depreciable Life	3 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Depreciable Life	10 years
Construction in progress
Property and equipment recorded at cost
Property and equipment, gross	$ 62,183	$ 117,275