Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Jan. 30, 2011	Aug. 01, 2010
Ownership interest in the stock of Banfield
Voting common stock and preferred stock	$ 21,675	$ 21,675	$ 21,675
Equity in income from Banfield	26,541	21,183	14,368
Dividend received from Banfield	(15,960)	0	0
Total equity investment in Banfield	$ 32,256	$ 42,858	$ 36,043
Voting common stock and preferred stock, shares	4,693	4,693	4,693
Total equity investment in Banfield, shares	4,693	4,693	4,693