Investments (Table 1 & 2) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2012		Jan. 28, 2012
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	$ 19,903		$ 99,508
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	87,671	[1]	85,149	[1]
Total investments	107,574		184,657
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	25,175
Other Than Temporary Impairment	(5,272)
Carrying Value	19,903		99,508
Student Loan Backed [Member] | Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	4,755	[2]	84,650	[2]
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	5,200
Other Than Temporary Impairment	(445)
Carrying Value	4,755	[2]	84,650	[2]
Municipal Authority Bonds [Member] | Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities	15,148	[3]	14,858	[3]
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the marketable securities
Par Value	19,975
Other Than Temporary Impairment	(4,827)
Carrying Value	15,148	[3]	14,858	[3]
Money Market Funds [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	23	[1]	23	[1]
Trust Owned Life Insurance Policies (At Cash Surrender Value) [Member]
Rabbi Trust assets:
Rabbi Trust assets	$ 87,648	[1]	$ 85,126	[1]

[1] Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are restricted as to their use.

[2] As of October 27, 2012 and January 28, 2012, student loan backed auction rate securities were included in current assets.

[3] As of October 27, 2012 and January 28, 2012, municipal authority bond auction rate securities were included in current assets and non-current marketable securities, respectively.