Consolidated Statements of Income And Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Revenues
Retail sales	$ 920,622	$ 913,079	$ 872,138
Other income (principally finance charges, late fees and layaway charges)	10,836	11,606	11,863
Total revenues	931,458	924,685	884,001
COSTS AND EXPENSES, NET
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation shown below)	574,176	563,262	554,055
Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation shown below)	238,982	250,763	245,444
Depreciation	21,825	21,822	21,829
Interest Expense	21	37	66
Interest and other income	3,817	3,971	4,313
Cost and expenses, net	831,187	831,913	817,081
Income before income taxes	100,271	92,772	66,920
Income tax expense	35,437	33,921	21,935
Net income	64,834	58,851	44,985
Basic earnings per share	$ 2.21	$ 2.00	$ 1.53
Diluted earnings per share	$ 2.21	$ 2.00	$ 1.53
Dividends per share	$ 0.875	$ 0.720	$ 0.660
Comprehensive income
Net income	64,834	58,851	44,985
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income tax benefit	660	(258)	121
Comprehensive income	$ 65,494	$ 58,593	$ 45,106