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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
NOTE 3 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
In connection with our nonqualified deferred compensation plan, we had mutual fund investments of $21.9 million and $19.2 million at April 30, 2011 and January 29, 2011, respectively, which were recorded in other assets. These investments were classified as trading securities and were recorded at their fair value. The fair value of mutual fund investments was a Level 1 valuation under the fair value hierarchy because each fund's quoted market value per share was available in an active market.
 
Included in cash and cash equivalents were amounts on deposit with financial institutions totaling $90.3 million and $60.3 million at April 30, 2011 and January 29, 2011, respectively, stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
 
At April 30, 2011 and January 29, 2011, cash and cash equivalents carried at fair value was comprised of the following:
 
   
April 30, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
 
Money market funds
 $121,100  $121,100  $-  $- 
Variable rate demand notes
  25,000   -   25,000   - 
Total
 $146,100  $121,100  $25,000  $- 
                  
   
January 29, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
 
Money market funds
 $40,800  $40,800  $-  $- 
Variable rate demand notes
  25,000   -   25,000   - 
Total
 $65,800  $40,800  $25,000  $- 
 
Variable rate demand notes are issued by various corporate, non-profit and governmental entities that are of high credit quality with many being secured by direct-pay letters of credit from a major financial institution.  In addition, variable rate demand notes can be tendered for sale upon notice (generally no longer than seven days) to the original issuer, at par plus accrued interest.
 
The carrying value of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximates fair value because of the relatively short maturity of these items.