Computation of Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 29, 2011

Computation of Earnings Per Common Share Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share

	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 29, 2011		October 30, 2010		October 29, 2011		October 30, 2010
Numerator:
Net income attributed to Staples, Inc.	$	326,380	$	288,680	$	701,063	$	607,206
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	691,205		714,180		698,813		717,487
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options, Restricted Shares and Performance Shares	6,804		7,653		9,215		10,419
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution	698,009		721,833		708,028		727,906
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.47	$	0.40	$	1.00	$	0.85
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.47	$	0.40	$	0.99	$	0.83