Accounts receivable, net - Portfolio of Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 29, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 1,581.1	$ 1,756.4	$ 1,451.5
Consumer Portfolio Segment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	1,546.3		1,437.2
Other Accounts Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	8.4	16.9	14.3
Sterling Jewelers | Consumer Portfolio Segment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	1,546.3	1,725.9	1,437.2
Zale Jewelry | Consumer Portfolio Segment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 26.4	$ 13.6	$ 0.0