Business Segment Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	May 04, 2013	Apr. 28, 2012	Feb. 02, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,311,338	$ 1,294,481
Depreciation expense	27,470	25,288
Operating profit (loss)	56,692	68,842
Interest expense	(726)	(336)
Other income (expense)	(146)	37
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	55,820	68,543
Income tax expense	23,487	27,763
Income (Loss) from continuing operations	32,333	40,780
Total assets	1,736,763		1,753,626
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,274,744	1,262,235
Depreciation expense	26,880	24,424
Operating profit (loss)	60,991	74,995
Interest expense	(726)	(336)
Other income (expense)	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	60,265	74,659
Income tax expense	23,487	27,763
Income (Loss) from continuing operations	36,778	46,896
Total assets	1,670,323		1,681,005
UNITED STATES | Furniture [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	303,754	286,904
UNITED STATES | Consumables [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	207,421	200,023
UNITED STATES | Home [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	185,777	191,177
UNITED STATES | Seasonal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	178,816	173,405
UNITED STATES | Food [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	176,324	177,910
UNITED STATES | Electronics and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	116,045	115,031
UNITED STATES | Hardlines and Toys [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	106,607	117,785
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	36,594	32,246
Depreciation expense	590	864
Operating profit (loss)	(4,299)	(6,153)
Interest expense	0	0
Other income (expense)	(146)	37
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(4,445)	(6,116)
Income tax expense	0	0
Income (Loss) from continuing operations	(4,445)	(6,116)
Total assets	$ 66,440		$ 72,621