Asset Impairment and Exit Costs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 30, 2011
Asset Impairment and Exit Costs (Textual) [Abstract]
Revision to estimated lease termination reserve	$ 0.9	$ 0.9

Revision to previously estimated lease termination reserve.

No definition available.

Name:	belk_RevisionToPreviouslyEstimatedLeaseTerminationReserve
Namespace Prefix:	belk_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration