BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Business segment information
Net sales	$ 1,286,910	$ 1,114,449	$ 2,504,338	$ 2,167,416
Operating income (loss)	37,513	31,742	63,568	61,398
Interest expense	1,382	1,298	2,455	2,684
Interest income	(219)	(57)	(389)	(265)
Other, net	27	(202)	168	(255)
Income before income taxes	36,323	30,703	61,334	59,234
Depreciation and amortization	9,598	8,887	19,190	17,242
Capital expenditures	5,121	6,718	12,922	14,267
Goodwill	193,576	189,397	193,576	189,397
Total assets	1,546,823	1,394,667	1,546,823	1,394,667
Wholesale
Business segment information
Net sales	1,273,400	1,099,960	2,476,482	2,139,735
Operating income (loss)	43,139	39,609	81,541	78,449
Depreciation and amortization	9,190	8,188	18,375	15,830
Capital expenditures	4,479	6,010	11,986	13,255
Goodwill	176,245	172,066	176,245	172,066
Total assets	1,400,094	1,262,797	1,400,094	1,262,797
Other
Business segment information
Net sales	34,987	39,233	77,455	83,606
Operating income (loss)	(6,589)	(7,698)	(17,336)	(16,168)
Depreciation and amortization	408	699	815	1,412
Capital expenditures	642	708	936	1,012
Goodwill	17,331	17,331	17,331	17,331
Total assets	153,017	140,265	153,017	140,265
Eliminations
Business segment information
Net sales	(21,477)	(24,744)	(49,599)	(55,925)
Operating income (loss)	963	(169)	(637)	(883)
Total assets	(6,288)	(8,395)	(6,288)	(8,395)
Unallocated Expenses
Business segment information
Interest expense	1,382	1,298	2,455	2,684
Interest income	(219)	(57)	(389)	(265)
Other, net	$ 27	$ (202)	$ 168	$ (255)