Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Textual) [Abstract]
Net of income tax on unrealized gain on interest rate swaps		$ 740
Net of income tax on defined benefit plan adjustments	$ 101,977	$ 104,300

Net of income tax on unrealized gain on interest rate swaps.

No definition available.

Name:	belk_NetOfIncomeTaxOnUnrealizedGainOnInterestRateSwaps
Namespace Prefix:	belk_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant