Acquisition (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2014

Acquisition [Abstract]

Acquisition Disclosure [Text Block]

C.    ACQUISITION

In July 2012, the Company, through a venture with its former independent distributor, Damas Jewellery LLC ("Damas"), acquired the net assets associated with five existing independently-operated TIFFANY & CO. stores located in the U.A.E. for $25,000,000, of which $24,493,000 was allocated to goodwill and the remainder to other tangible assets and liabilities. All of the goodwill associated with the transaction would be deductible for tax purposes; however, the Company does not expect to receive a tax benefit as the U.A.E. does not impose a corporate income tax. The purchase resulted in the recognition of goodwill because the acquisition (i) enabled the Company to immediately integrate five existing TIFFANY & CO. stores into its worldwide store network and (ii) will enhance awareness of the Company's brand in the U.A.E.

In accordance with the agreement, the Company owns 49% of the common shares of the venture with Damas and will be entitled to 75% of the profits or losses of the venture. The Company is responsible for all merchandise assortment and pricing, advertising and promotional activities, staffing, store design and visual display and financial services. The Company has evaluated the variable interest entity consolidation requirements with respect to this transaction and has determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary as it has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the venture's economic performance, as well as the obligation to absorb losses of and the right to receive benefits that are significant to the venture. Therefore, the results of the venture are consolidated within the financial results of the Company. Income or loss attributable to the non-controlling interests is presented within other income, net as the amount is not material. The results of the venture and the associated goodwill are included within the Other non-reportable segment.