Segment information - Information by Segment additional information (Details) - Operating Segments - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
Zale Jewelry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss related to purchase accounting adjustments	$ 3.6	$ 11.0	$ 17.1	$ 20.4
Piercing Pagoda
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss related to purchase accounting adjustments	0.1	2.6	3.1	4.7
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Transaction related and integration expense	$ 9.8	$ 11.4	$ 59.8	$ 50.6