Computation of Earnings per Common Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Computation of Earnings Per Common Share Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	2011		2010		2009
Numerator:
Net income attributed to Staples, Inc.	$	984,656	$	881,948	$	738,671
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	694,986		715,596		709,744
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options, Restricted Shares and Performance Shares	9,033		10,624		12,094
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution	704,019		726,220		721,838
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.42	$	1.23	$	1.04
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.40	$	1.21	$	1.02