Leased Facilities and Commitments Schedule of Rent Expense (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Schedule of Rent Expense [Line Items]
Fixed minimum	$ 163,057	$ 156,779	$ 152,868
Contingent	8,375	6,995	6,805
Total store rent	171,432	163,774	159,673
Home office, distribution center, and other rent expense	3,789	6,920	8,551
Total rent expense	$ 175,221	$ 170,694	$ 168,224
Remaining Lease Term, Operating Leases, Minimum	1 year
Remaining Lease Term, Operating Leases, Maximum	10 years
Initial Lease Term	10 years