Accounts receivable, net - Portfolio of Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	May. 02, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 1,689.3	$ 1,756.4	$ 1,499.9
Consumer Portfolio Segment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	1,654.3		1,489.4
Other Accounts Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	13.4	16.9	10.5
Sterling Jewelers | Consumer Portfolio Segment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	1,654.3	1,725.9	1,489.4
Zale Jewelry | Consumer Portfolio Segment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 21.6	$ 13.6	$ 0.0