EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Employee benefit plans
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 219,135	$ 213,838
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, before taxes:
Actuarial net loss (gain)	5,270	37,850	(8,944)
Recognition of net actuarial (loss) gain	(6,384)	(2,011)	(3,880)
Pension Benefits
Net periodic benefit expense (income):
Interest cost	8,468	9,493	10,171
Expected return on plan assets	(8,628)	(9,435)	(7,907)
Recognition of net actuarial loss (gain)	6,758	2,511	3,880
Net periodic benefit expense (income)	6,598	2,569	6,144
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, before taxes:
Actuarial net loss (gain)	5,374	37,660	(6,429)
Recognition of net actuarial (loss) gain	(6,758)	(2,511)	(3,880)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, before taxes	(1,384)	35,149	(10,309)
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive (income) loss , before taxes	5,214	37,718	(4,165)
Estimated amount that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) to net periodic cost
Net actuarial loss (gain)	6,566
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
Net periodic benefit expense (income):
Interest cost	142	182	325
Recognition of net actuarial loss (gain)	(374)	(500)
Net periodic benefit expense (income)	(232)	(318)	325
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, before taxes:
Actuarial net loss (gain)	(104)	190	(2,515)
Recognition of net actuarial (loss) gain	374	500
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, before taxes	270	690	(2,515)
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive (income) loss , before taxes	38	372	(2,190)
Estimated amount that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) to net periodic cost
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$ (363)