Pension and Other Retirement Plans Defined Contribution Plan (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Definied Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Associated with Company Match	$ 41.2	$ 35.6	$ 36.3

The amount of the cost recognized during the period associated with teh Company's match for defined contribution plans.

No definition available.

Name:	spls_DefiniedContributionPlanCostRecognizedAssociatedWithCompanyMatch
Namespace Prefix:	spls_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration