Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014		Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014		Aug. 03, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales	$ 1,225.9		$ 880.2	$ 2,282.0		$ 1,873.8
Total operating income	83.5		105.5	234.2		248.3
Total assets	5,994.7		3,640.3	5,994.7		3,640.3	4,029.2
Operating Segments | Sterling Jewelers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales	810.4		741.1	1,713.9		1,598.3
Total operating income	129.9		111.9	296.2		264.7
Total assets	3,296.4		3,000.7	3,296.4		3,000.7	3,311.0
Operating Segments | Signet - UK Jewelry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales	162.9		139.1	314.6		274.1
Total operating income	1.1		(0.8)	1.1		(4.9)
Total assets	475.4		434.0	475.4		434.0	484.6
Operating Segments | Zale Jewelry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales	215.0			215.0
Total operating income	(8.0)			(8.0)
Total assets	1,881.6			1,881.6
Operating Segments | Piercing Pagoda
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales	32.5			32.5
Total operating income	(1.8)			(1.8)
Total assets	123.9			123.9
Operating Segments | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales	5.1			6.0		1.4
Total operating income	(37.7)	[1]	(5.6)	(53.3)	[1]	(11.5)
Operating Segments | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 217.4		$ 205.6	$ 217.4		$ 205.6	$ 233.6

[1] Includes $30.8 million and $39.2 million of acquisition related costs for the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2014, respectively. See Note 20 for additional information.