Ulta Beauty (ULTA) 10-K 1 Apr 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 26, 2015	Aug. 02, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ULTA
Entity Registrant Name	Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1403568
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		64,230,316
Entity Public Float			$4,117,508,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$389,149	$419,476
Short-term investments	150,209
Receivables, net	52,440	47,049
Merchandise inventories, net	581,229	457,933
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	66,548	55,993
Deferred income taxes	20,780	22,246
Total current assets	1,260,355	1,002,697
Property and equipment, net	717,159	595,736
Deferred compensation plan assets	5,656	4,294
Total assets	1,983,170	1,602,727
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	190,778	148,282
Accrued liabilities	149,412	103,180
Accrued income taxes	19,404	15,349
Total current liabilities	359,594	266,811
Deferred rent	294,127	261,630
Deferred income taxes	74,498	66,718
Other long-term liabilities	7,442	4,474
Total liabilities	735,661	599,633
Commitments and contingencies (note 4)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 400,000 shares authorized; 64,762 and 64,793 shares issued; 64,184 and 64,231 shares outstanding; at January 31, 2015, and February 1, 2014, respectively	647	647
Treasury stock-common, at cost	-9,713	-8,125
Additional paid-in capital	576,982	548,194
Retained earnings	679,593	462,378
Total stockholders' equity	1,247,509	1,003,094
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,983,170	$1,602,727

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	64,762,000	64,793,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	64,184,000	64,231,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$3,241,369	$2,670,573	$2,220,256
Cost of sales	2,104,582	1,729,325	1,436,582
Gross profit	1,136,787	941,248	783,674
Selling, general and administrative expenses	712,006	596,390	488,880
Pre-opening expenses	14,366	17,270	14,816
Operating income	410,415	327,588	279,978
Interest (income) expense, net	-894	-118	185
Income before income taxes	411,309	327,706	279,793
Income tax expense	154,174	124,857	107,244
Net income	$257,135	$202,849	$172,549
Net income per common share:
Basic	$4	$3.17	$2.73
Diluted	$3.98	$3.15	$2.68
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	64,335	63,992	63,250
Diluted	64,651	64,461	64,396
Dividends declared per common share	$0	$0	$1

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Operating activities
Net income	$257,135	$202,849	$172,549
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	131,764	106,283	88,233
Deferred income taxes	9,246	3,868	8,673
Non-cash stock compensation charges	14,923	16,003	13,375
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-3,229	-13,378	-47,345
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	4,468	3,902	1,074
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	-5,391	-5,534	-15,362
Merchandise inventories	-123,296	-96,808	-116,478
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-10,555	-5,541	-9,888
Income taxes	7,284	18,673	53,397
Accounts payable	42,496	29,396	32,444
Accrued liabilities	37,644	14,215	13,789
Deferred rent	32,497	53,627	44,540
Other assets and liabilities	1,606	170
Net cash provided by operating activities	396,592	327,725	239,001
Investing activities
Purchases of short-term investments	-200,209
Proceeds from short-term investments	50,000
Purchases of property and equipment	-249,067	-226,024	-188,578
Net cash used in investing activities	-399,276	-226,024	-188,578
Financing activities
Repurchase of common shares	-39,923	-37,337
Dividends paid			-62,482
Stock options exercised	10,639	21,890	31,530
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,229	13,378	47,345
Purchase of treasury shares	-1,588	-631	-79
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-27,643	-2,700	16,314
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-30,327	99,001	66,737
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	419,476	320,475	253,738
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	389,149	419,476	320,475
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds)	137,180	101,598	45,354
Noncash investing activities:
Change in property and equipment included in accrued liabilities	$8,588	($3,161)	$6,803

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury - Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands
Balance at Jan. 28, 2012	$584,704	$627	($7,415)	$404,698	$186,794
Balance, Shares at Jan. 28, 2012			-555
Balance, Shares at Jan. 28, 2012		62,764
Stock options exercised and other awards	31,530	18		31,512
Stock options exercised and other awards, Shares		1,801
Purchase of treasury shares	-79		-79
Purchase of treasury shares, Shares			-1
Net income	172,549				172,549
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	47,345			47,345
Stock compensation charge	13,375			13,375
Dividends paid	-62,482				-62,482
Balance at Feb. 02, 2013	786,942	645	-7,494	496,930	296,861
Balance, Shares at Feb. 02, 2013			-556
Balance, Shares at Feb. 02, 2013		64,565
Stock options exercised and other awards	21,890	7		21,883
Stock options exercised and other awards, Shares		729
Purchase of treasury shares	-631		-631
Purchase of treasury shares, Shares			-6
Net income	202,849				202,849
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	13,378			13,378
Stock compensation charge	16,003			16,003
Repurchase of common shares	-37,337	-5			-37,332
Repurchase of common shares, Shares		-501
Balance at Feb. 01, 2014	1,003,094	647	-8,125	548,194	462,378
Balance, Shares at Feb. 01, 2014			-562
Balance, Shares at Feb. 01, 2014		64,793
Stock options exercised and other awards	10,639	3		10,636
Stock options exercised and other awards, Shares		290
Purchase of treasury shares	-1,588		-1,588
Purchase of treasury shares, Shares			-16
Net income	257,135				257,135
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,229			3,229
Stock compensation charge	14,923			14,923
Repurchase of common shares	-39,923	-3			-39,920
Repurchase of common shares, Shares		-321
Balance at Jan. 31, 2015	$1,247,509	$647	($9,713)	$576,982	$679,593
Balance, Shares at Jan. 31, 2015			-578
Balance, Shares at Jan. 31, 2015		64,762

Business_and_basis_of_presenta

Business and basis of presentation	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business and basis of presentation	1.    Business and basis of presentation
	Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Delaware on January 9, 1990, to operate specialty retail stores selling cosmetics, fragrance, haircare and skincare products, and related accessories and services. The stores also feature full-service salons. As of January 31, 2015, the Company operated 774 stores in 47 states. As used in these notes and throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Ulta,” “Ulta Beauty” or the “Company” refer to Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary, Ulta Inc. All amounts are stated in thousands, with the exception of per share amounts and number of stores.
	The Company has determined its operating segments on the same basis that it uses to internally evaluate performance. The Company has combined its three operating segments: retail stores, salon services and e-commerce into one reportable segment because they have a similar class of consumer, economic characteristics, nature of products and distribution methods.

Summary_of_significant_account

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	2.    Summary of significant accounting policies
	Fiscal year
	The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The Company’s fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 (fiscal 2014), February 1, 2014 (fiscal 2013) and February 2, 2013 (fiscal 2012) were 52, 52 and 53 week years, respectively.
	Consolidation
	The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions and unrealized profit were eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the accounting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents include amounts due from third-party credit card receivables because such amounts generally convert to cash within one to three days with little or no default risk.
	Short-term investments
	The Company determines the balance sheet classification of its investments at the time of purchase and evaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Money market funds, certificates of deposit and time deposits with maturities of greater than three months but no more than twelve months are carried at cost, which approximates fair value and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Short-term investments (see Note 9, “Investments”).
	Receivables
	Receivables consist principally of amounts receivable from vendors and landlord construction allowances earned but not yet received. These receivables are computed based on provisions of the vendor and lease agreements in place and the Company’s completed performance. The Company’s vendors are primarily U.S.-based producers of consumer products and real estate developers and landlords. The Company does not require collateral on its receivables and does not accrue interest. Credit risk with respect to receivables is limited due to the diversity of vendors and landlords comprising the Company’s vendor base. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its vendors and evaluates the collectability of its receivables based on the length of time the receivable is past due and historical experience. The receivable for vendor allowances was $39,629 and $30,591 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively and the receivable for landlord allowances was $8,357 and $14,128 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The allowance for doubtful receivables totaled $1,346 and $915 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.
	Merchandise inventories
	Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average cost method and includes costs incurred to purchase and distribute goods. Inventory cost also includes vendor allowances related to co-op advertising, markdowns, and volume discounts. The Company maintains reserves for lower of cost or market and shrinkage.
	Fair value of financial instruments
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their estimated fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The Company had no outstanding debt as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014.
	Property and equipment
	The Company’s property and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expense as incurred. The Company’s assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method, over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the expected lease term as follows:
	Equipment and fixtures	3 to 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	10 years
	Electronic equipment and software	3 to 5 years
	The Company capitalizes costs incurred during the application development stage in developing or purchasing internal use software. These costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software.
	The Company periodically evaluates whether changes have occurred that would require revision of the remaining useful life of equipment and leasehold improvements or render them not recoverable. If such circumstances arise, the Company uses an estimate of the undiscounted sum of expected future operating cash flows during their holding period to determine whether the long-lived assets are impaired. If the aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, the resulting impairment charges to be recorded are calculated based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of such assets, with the fair value determined based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows. No significant impairments charges have been recognized in fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Customer loyalty program
	In early fiscal 2014, we completed the conversion of all our loyalty members to ULTAmate Rewards, a points-based program. ULTAmate Rewards enables customers to earn points based on their purchases. Points earned by members are valid for at least one year and may be redeemed on any product we sell. Prior to this conversion, we ran both ULTAmate Rewards and our prior program, The Club at Ulta. The Club at Ulta was a certificate program offering customers reward certificates for free beauty products based on the level of purchases. The Company accrues the cost of anticipated redemptions related to these programs at the time of the initial purchase based on historical experience. The accrued liability related to these loyalty programs at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 was $15,032 and $7,740 respectively. The cost of these programs, which was $42,096, $27,588 and $22,044 in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is included in cost of sales in the statements of income.
	Deferred rent
	Many of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined fixed increases of the minimum rental rate during the lease. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related rental expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term and records the difference between the amounts charged to expense and the rent paid as deferred rent. The lease term commences on the earlier of the date when the Company becomes legally obligated for rent payments or the date the Company takes possession of the leased space.
	As part of many lease agreements, the Company receives construction allowances from landlords for tenant improvements. These leasehold improvements made by the Company are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of the lease term or 10 years. The construction allowances are recorded as deferred rent and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction of rent expense.
	Revenue recognition
	Net sales include merchandise sales, salon service revenue and e-commerce revenue. Revenue from merchandise sales at stores is recognized at the time of sale, net of estimated returns. The Company provides refunds for product returns within 60 days from the original purchase date. Salon revenue is recognized when services are rendered. Salon service revenue amounted to $175,533, $145,815 and $121,357 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Company coupons and other incentives are recorded as a reduction of net sales. State sales taxes are presented on a net basis as the Company considers itself a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting state sales tax. E-commerce sales are recorded based on delivery of merchandise to the customer. E-commerce revenue amounted to $149,857, $95,809 and $55,086 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company’s gift card sales are deferred and recognized in net sales when the gift card is redeemed for product or services. The Company’s gift cards do not expire and do not include service fees that decrease customer balances. The Company has maintained Company-specific, historical data related to its large pool of similar gift card transactions sold and redeemed over a significant time frame. The Company recognizes gift card breakage to the extent there is no requirement for remitting balances to governmental agencies under unclaimed property laws. Gift card breakage is recognized over the same performance period, and in the same proportion, that the Company’s data has demonstrated that gift cards are redeemed. Gift card breakage was $2,720 and $2,181 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, and is recorded as a decrease in selling, general and administrative expense in the statements of income. Deferred gift card revenue was $22,681 and $16,439 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, and is included in accrued liabilities – accrued customer liabilities (Note 5).
	Vendor allowances
	The Company receives allowances from vendors in the normal course of business including advertising and markdown allowances, purchase volume discounts and rebates, and reimbursement for defective merchandise, and certain selling and display expenses. Substantially all vendor allowances are recorded as a reduction of the vendor’s product cost and are recognized in cost of sales as the product is sold.
	Advertising
	Advertising expense consists principally of paper, print and distribution costs related to the Company’s advertising circulars. The Company expenses the production and distribution costs related to its advertising circulars in the period the related promotional event occurs. Total advertising costs, exclusive of incentives from vendors and start-up advertising expense, amounted to $157,847, $140,774 and $118,365 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Advertising expense as a percentage of sales was 4.9%, 5.3% and 5.3% for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Prepaid advertising costs included in prepaid expenses and other current assets were $8,899 and $6,891 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.
	Pre-opening expenses
	Non-capital expenditures incurred prior to the grand opening of a new, remodeled or relocated store are charged against earnings as incurred.
	Cost of sales
	Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise sold including a majority of vendor allowances, which are treated as a reduction of merchandise costs; warehousing and distribution costs including labor and related benefits, freight, rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, and insurance; shipping and handling costs; store occupancy costs including rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, insurance, licenses, and cleaning expenses; salon payroll and benefits; customer loyalty program expense; and shrink and inventory valuation reserves.
	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Selling, general and administrative expenses includes payroll, bonus, and benefit costs for retail and corporate employees; advertising and marketing costs; occupancy costs related to our corporate office facilities; public company expense including Sarbanes-Oxley compliance expenses; stock-based compensation expense; depreciation and amortization for all assets except those related to our retail and warehouse operations, which are included in cost of sales; and legal, finance, information systems and other corporate overhead costs.
	Income taxes
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities used for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The amounts reported were derived using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year the differences are expected to reverse.
	Income tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax positions are recorded in income tax expense.
	Share-based compensation
	Share-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized on a straight-line method over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $14,923, $16,003 and $13,375 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively (see Note 10, “Share-based awards”).
	Insurance expense
	The Company has insurance programs with third party insurers for employee health, workers compensation and general liability, among others, to limit the Company’s liability exposure. The insurance programs are premium based and include retentions, deductibles and stop loss coverage. Current stop loss coverage per claim is $150 for employee health claims, $100 for general liability claims and $250 for workers compensation claims. The Company makes collateral and premium payments during the plan year and accrues expenses in the event additional premium is due from the Company based on actual claim results.
	Net income per common share
	Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share includes dilutive common stock equivalents, using the treasury stock method (see Note 11, “Net income per common share”).
	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, issued as a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that the Company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is effective beginning in fiscal year 2017 and allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the application method and the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Property_and_equipment

Property and equipment	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment	3.    Property and equipment
	Property and equipment consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Equipment and fixtures	$	447,782		$	390,650
	Leasehold improvements		431,999			376,796
	Electronic equipment and software		272,937			218,979
	Construction-in-progress		90,531			36,231
			1,243,249			1,022,656
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(526,090	)		(426,920	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	717,159		$	595,736
	The Company had no capitalized interest for fiscal 2014 and 2013 as a result of not utilizing the credit facility during the year.

Commitments_and_contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	4.    Commitments and contingencies
	Leases — The Company leases retail stores, distribution and office facilities, and certain equipment. Original non-cancelable lease terms range from three to ten years, and store leases generally contain renewal options for additional years. A number of the Company’s store leases provide for contingent rentals based upon sales. Contingent rent amounts were insignificant in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012. Total rent expense under operating leases was $159,245, $138,086 and $115,755 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases as of January 31, 2015, are as follows:
	Fiscal year	Operating
		Leases
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	214,479
	2016		218,879
	2017		207,223
	2018		189,683
	2019		173,111
	2020 and thereafter		599,542
	Total minimum lease payments	$	1,602,917
	Included in the operating lease schedule above is $184,376 of minimum lease payments for stores that are expected to open in fiscal 2015.
	Contractual obligations — As of January 31, 2015, the Company had obligations of $34,521 related to commitments made to a third party for products and services for future distribution centers for which a lease had been signed, advertising and other goods and service contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business. The amount relates primarily to the multi-year supply chain initiatives and payments under this commitment were $38,212 and $6,222 for fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	General litigation — On March 2, 2012, a putative employment class action lawsuit was filed against us and certain unnamed defendants in state court in Los Angeles County, California. On April 12, 2012, the Company removed the case to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On August 8, 2013, the plaintiff asked the court to certify the proposed class and the Company opposed the plaintiff’s request and is waiting for the court to issue a decision. The plaintiff and members of the proposed class are alleged to be (or to have been) non-exempt hourly employees. The suit alleges that Ulta violated various provisions of the California labor laws and failed to provide plaintiff and members of the proposed class with full meal periods, paid rest breaks, certain wages, overtime compensation and premium pay. The suit seeks to recover damages and penalties as a result of these alleged practices. The Company denies plaintiff’s allegations and is vigorously defending the matter.
	The Company has not recorded any accruals for this matter because the Company’s potential liability for the matter is not probable and cannot be reasonably estimated based on currently available information. The Company cannot determine a reasonable estimate of the maximum possible loss or range of loss for this matter given that it is in the early stage of the litigation process and is subject to the inherent uncertainties of litigation (such as the strength of the Company’s legal defenses and the availability of insurance recovery). Although the maximum amount of liability that may ultimately result from this matter cannot be predicted with certainty, management expects that this matter, when ultimately resolved, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or liquidity. It is possible, however, that the ultimate resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in a particular quarter or year if such resolution results in a significant liability for the Company.
	The Company is also involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business. In the opinion of management, the amount of any liability with respect to these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not be material.

Accrued_liabilities

Accrued liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities	5.    Accrued liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	January 31,		February 1,
		2015		2014
	Accrued vendor liabilities (including accrued property and equipment costs)	$	24,705	$	15,631
	Accrued customer liabilities		39,593		25,507
	Accrued payroll, bonus and employee benefits		50,931		33,642
	Accrued taxes, other		17,824		12,788
	Other accrued liabilities		16,359		15,612
	Accrued liabilities	$	149,412	$	103,180

Income_taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	6.    Income taxes
	The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	128,159		$	105,731		$	83,606
	State		16,909			15,310			14,832
	Total current		145,068			121,041			98,438
	Deferred:
	Federal		8,392			3,891			8,950
	State		714			(75	)		(144	)
	Total deferred		9,106			3,816			8,806
	Provision for income taxes	$	154,174		$	124,857		$	107,244
	A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:
		Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State effective rate, net of federal tax benefit		2.8	%		3	%		3.4	%
	Other		(0.3	%)		0.1	%		(0.1	%)
	Effective tax rate		37.5	%		38.1	%		38.3	%
	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
	(In thousands)	January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Reserves not currently deductible	$	22,380		$	24,721
	Employee benefits		8,782			6,290
	Credit carryforwards		338			402
	Accrued liabilities		8,231			3,927
	Inventory valuation		617			1,708
	Total deferred tax assets		40,348			37,048
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment		44,882			44,288
	Deferred rent obligation		38,409			28,529
	Prepaid expenses		10,775			8,703
	Total deferred tax liabilities		94,066			81,520
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(53,718	)	$	(44,472	)
	At January 31, 2015, the Company had $338 credit carryforwards for state income tax purposes.
	The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with the ASC rules for income taxes. The reserve for uncertain tax positions was $1,414 and $795 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The balance is the Company’s best estimate of the potential liability for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:
	(In thousands)	January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of the period	$	795		$	—
	Increase due to a current year position		670			795
	Decrease due to a prior period position		(51	)		—
	Balance at the end of the period	$	1,414		$	795
	The Company acknowledges that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change in the next twelve months. However, it does not expect the change to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. Income tax-related interest and penalties were insignificant for fiscal 2014 and 2013.
	The Company files tax returns in the U.S. Federal and State jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal examinations by the Internal Revenue Services for years before 2011 and this applies to examinations by the State authorities before 2010.

Notes_payable

Notes payable	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes payable	7.    Notes payable
	On October 19, 2011, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Loan Agreement) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and a Lender thereunder, Wells Fargo Capital Finance LLC as a Lender, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC as a Lender, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as a Lender and PNC Bank, National Association, as a Lender. The Loan Agreement amended and restated the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2010, by and among the lenders. The Loan Agreement extends the maturity of the Company’s credit facility to October 2016, provides maximum revolving loans equal to the lesser of $200,000 or a percentage of eligible owned inventory, contains a $10,000 subfacility for letters of credit and allows the Company to increase the revolving facility by an additional $50,000, subject to consent by each lender and other conditions. The Loan Agreement contains a requirement to maintain a minimum amount of excess borrowing availability at all times.
	On September 5, 2012, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Amendment) with the lender group. The Amendment updated certain administrative terms and conditions and provides the Company greater flexibility to take certain corporate actions. There were no changes to the revolving loan amounts available, interest rates, covenants or maturity date under terms of the Loan Agreement.
	On December 6, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Loan Amendment) with the lender group. The Loan Amendment extends the maturity of the facility to December 2018. Substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral for outstanding borrowings under the facility. Outstanding borrowings will bear interest at the prime rate or LIBOR plus 1.50% and the unused line fee is 0.20%.
	As of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and the Company was in compliance with all terms and covenants of the agreement.

Fair_value_measurements

Fair value measurements	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	8.    Fair value measurements
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their estimated fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments.
	Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy, which are described as follows:
	a. Level 1 — observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	b. Level 2 — inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data.
	c. Level 3 — unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which would require the Company to develop its own assumptions.
	As of January 31, 2015, the Company held financial liabilities of $5,574 related to its non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The liabilities have been categorized as Level 2 as they are based on third-party reported net asset values which are based primarily on quoted market prices of underlying assets of the funds within the plan.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Investments	9.    Investments
	The Company’s short-term investments as of January 31, 2015 consist of $150,209 in certificates of deposit. These short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Short-term investments. The contractual maturity of the Company’s investments was less than twelve months at January 31, 2015.

Sharebased_awards

Share-based awards	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based awards	10.    Share-based awards
	Equity incentive plans
	The Company has had a number of equity incentive plans over the years. The plans were adopted in order to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial authority and to provide additional incentive to employees, directors, and consultants to promote the success of the Company’s business. Incentive compensation was awarded under the Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Option Plan until April 2002 and under the 2002 Equity Incentive Plan through July 2007, at which time the 2007 Incentive Award Plan was adopted. All of the plans generally provided for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and other types of awards to employees, consultants and directors. Unless provided otherwise by the administrator of the plan, options vested over four years at the rate of 25% per year from the date of grant and most must be exercised within ten years. Options were granted with the exercise price equal to the fair value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.
	2011 Incentive award plan
	In June 2011, the Company adopted the 2011 Incentive Award Plan (the 2011 Plan). The 2011 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, stock payments, deferred stock and cash-based awards to employees, consultants, and directors. Following its adoption, awards are only being made under the 2011 Plan, and no further awards will be made under any prior plan. As of January 31, 2015, the 2011 Plan reserves for the issuance upon grant or exercise of awards up to 4,409 shares of the Company’s common stock.
	The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $14,923, $16,003 and $13,375 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $10,639, $21,890 and $31,530, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for equity compensation arrangements was $3,526, $4,812 and $5,364 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercise and restricted stock vesting of the share-based payment arrangements totaled $6,892, $18,169 and $51,886, respectively, for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Employee stock options
	The Company measures share-based compensation cost on the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognizes the expense on a straight-line method over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The Company estimated the grant date fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes valuation model using the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		2014			2013			2012
	Volatility rate		40.7	%		49.2	%		53.5	%
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.4	%		0.9	%		1.2	%
	Average expected life (in years)		3.8			4.4			6.3
	Dividend yield		None			None			None
	During fiscal 2013, the Company made changes to update the valuation assumptions to Company specific information. These changes are reflected in the table above and had no material impact on the calculation. For fiscal 2014 and 2013, the expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the ULTA Common Shares. The risk free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant for the respective expected life of the option. The expected life represents the time the options granted are expected to be outstanding. For fiscal 2014 and 2013, the expected life of options granted was derived from historical data on Ulta stock option exercises. Prior to 2013, we had limited historical data related to exercise behavior since our initial public offering on October 30, 2007. As a result, the Company elected to use the shortcut approach to determine the expected life in accordance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin on share-based payments and the expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of a peer group of publicly-traded companies. Beginning in fiscal 2013, the Company introduced a forfeiture rate. Forfeitures of options are estimated at the grant date based on historical rates of the Company’s stock option activity and reduce the compensation expense recognized. The Company does not currently pay a regular dividend. The dividend paid in May 2012 was a one-time special cash dividend.
	The Company granted 371 stock options during fiscal 2014. The compensation cost that has been charged against income for stock option grants was $9,078, $10,214, and $11,967 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $32.38, $34.31 and $46.29, respectively. The total fair value of stock options issued that vested during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $8,799, $10,544 and $12,089, respectively. At January 31, 2015, there was approximately $16,628 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $15,032, $49,404 and $138,291 in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):
		Fiscal 2014						Fiscal 2013					Fiscal 2012
		Shares			Weighted-			Shares			Weighted-		Shares			Weighted-
					average						average					average
					exercise price						exercise price					exercise price
	Common stock options outstanding
	Beginning of year		1,090		$	56.94			1,807		$	41.6		3,559		$	26.46
	Granted		371			99.4			302			84.5		241			89.99
	Exercised		(238	)		44.79			(705	)		31.07		(1,795	)		17.57
	Forfeited		(150	)		72.57			(314	)		53.15		(198	)		46.28
	End of year		1,073		$	72.12			1,090		$	56.94		1,807		$	41.6
	Exercisable at end of year		440		$	43.98			363		$	34.37		563		$	24.85
	Vested and Expected to vest		1,028		$	71.28			1,046		$	56.47		1,807		$	41.6
	The following table presents information related to options outstanding and options exercisable at January 31, 2015, under the Company’s stock option plans based on ranges of exercise prices (shares in thousands):
		Options outstanding									Options exercisable
	Options outstanding	Number of			Weighted-			Weighted-			Number		Weighted-			Weighted-
		options			average			average			of options		average			average
					remaining			exercise price					remaining			exercise price
					contractual life								contractual life
					(years)								(years)
	$1.11 - 15.81		132			4		$	12.2			132		4		$	12.2
	22.86 - 37.85		128			6			28.17			128		6			28.17
	47.19 - 69.96		184			7			66.74			97		7			67.96
	74.91 - 89.79		181			8			80.97			44		8			82.29
	91.12 - 99.66		373			9			97.54			30		8			96.52
	101.35 - 127.15		75			9			118.08			9		9			116.98
	End of year		1,073			7		$	72.12			440		6		$	43.98
	The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options as of January 31, 2015 was $64,167 and $38,669, respectively. The last reported sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on January 31, 2015 was $131.94 per share.
	Restricted stock awards
	The Company issues restricted stock to certain employees and its Board of Directors. Employee grants will generally cliff vest after 3 years and director grants will cliff vest within one year. The compensation expense recorded in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $5,845, $5,789 and $1,408, respectively. Beginning in fiscal 2013, the Company introduced a forfeiture rate. Forfeitures of restricted stock awards are estimated at the grant date based on historical rates of the Company’s restricted stock award activity and reduce the compensation expense recognized. At January 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards was $7,770. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.
	A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):
		Fiscal 2014						Fiscal 2013					Fiscal 2012
		Shares			Weighted-			Shares			Weighted-		Shares			Weighted-
					average						average					average
					grant date						grant date					grant date
					fair value						fair value					fair value
	Restricted stock outstanding
	Beginning of year		162		$	87.54			62		$	81.81		22		$	55.72
	Granted		71			97.73			141			86.07		65			90.18
	Vested		(52	)		91.91			(25	)		81.41		(5	)		66.88
	Forfeited		(30	)		82.91			(16	)		75.39		(20	)		75.3
	End of year		151		$	91.74			162		$	87.54		62		$	81.81
	Expected to vest		140		$	91.74			152		$	87.54		62		$	81.81

Net_income_per_common_share

Net income per common share	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income per common share	11.    Net income per common share
	The following is a reconciliation of net income and the number of shares of common stock used in the computation of net income per basic and diluted share:
		Fiscal year ended
	(In thousands, except per share data)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Numerator for diluted net income per share — net income	$	257,135	$	202,849	$	172,549
	Denominator for basic net income per share — weighted-average common shares		64,335		63,992		63,250
	Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested stock		316		469		1,146
	Denominator for diluted net income per share		64,651		64,461		64,396
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	4	$	3.17	$	2.73
	Diluted	$	3.98	$	3.15	$	2.68
	The denominator for diluted net income per common share for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 exclude 686, 658 and 533 employee options, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effects.

Employee_benefit_plans

Employee benefit plans	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Employee benefit plans	12.    Employee benefit plans
	The Company provides a 401(k) retirement plan covering all employees who qualify as to age and length of service. The plan is funded through employee contributions and a Company match. In fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company match was 100% of the first 3.0% of eligible compensation. As of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, the liability for the Company match was $4,104 and $3,532, respectively.
	The Company also has a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for highly compensated employees whose contributions are limited under qualified defined contribution plans. The plan is funded through employee contributions and, beginning in 2014, a Company match. In fiscal 2014, the Company match was 100% of the first 3.0% of salary. For fiscal year 2014, the liability for the Company match was $465. Amounts contributed and deferred under the plan are credited or charged with the performance of investment options offered under the plan as elected by the participants. In the event of bankruptcy, the assets of this plan are available to satisfy the claims of general creditors. The liability for compensation deferred under the Company’s plan included in other long-term liabilities was $5,574 and $3,678 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The Company manages the risk of changes in the fair value of the liability for deferred compensation by electing to match its liability under the plan with investment vehicles that offset a substantial portion of its exposure. The cash value of the investment vehicles included in deferred compensation plan assets was $5,656 and $4,294 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. Total expense recorded under this plan is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and was insignificant during fiscal 2014 and 2013.

Valuation_and_qualifying_accou

Valuation and qualifying accounts	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and qualifying accounts	13.    Valuation and qualifying accounts
	Description		Balance at			Charged to		Deductions			Balance at
			beginning			costs and					end
			of period			expenses					of period
			(In thousands)
	Fiscal 2014
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	915		$	874	$	(443	)(a)	$	1,346
	Shrink reserve			9,358			22,374		(20,134	)		11,598
	Inventory — lower of cost or market reserve			4,861			4,368		(3,976	)		5,253
	Insurance:
	Workers Comp / General Liability Prepaid Asset			(1,817	)(b)		6,899		(6,871	)		(1,789	)
	Employee Health Care Accrued Liability			2,606			41,335		(41,506	)		2,435
	Fiscal 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	973		$	300	$	(358	)(a)	$	915
	Shrink reserve			4,020			16,298		(10,960	)		9,358
	Inventory — lower of cost or market reserve			2,364			4,522		(2,025	)		4,861
	Insurance:
	Workers Comp / General Liability Prepaid Asset			(2,400	)(b)		7,060		(6,477	)		(1,817	)
	Employee Health Care Accrued Liability			2,232			34,422		(34,048	)		2,606
	Fiscal 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	556		$	419	$	(2	)(a)	$	973
	Shrink reserve			2,445			8,077		(6,502	)		4,020
	Inventory — lower of cost or market reserve			2,070			1,099		(805	)		2,364
	Insurance:
	Workers Comp / General Liability Prepaid Asset			(2,084	)(b)		4,864		(5,180	)		(2,400	)
	Employee Health Care Accrued Liability			1,929			26,584		(26,281	)		2,232
	(a)	Represents write-off of uncollectible accounts
	(b)	Represents prepaid insurance

Selected_quarterly_financial_d

Selected quarterly financial data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected quarterly financial data (unaudited)	14.    Selected quarterly financial data (unaudited)
	The following tables set forth the Company’s unaudited quarterly results of operations for each of the quarters in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013. The Company’s quarterly periods are the 13 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31.
		2014												2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	(In thousands, except per
	share data)
	Net sales	$	713,770		$	734,236		$	745,722		$	1,047,641		$	582,712		$	600,998		$	618,781		$	868,082
	Cost of sales		467,817			474,894			463,967			697,904			378,763			388,921			387,120			574,521
	Gross profit		245,953			259,342			281,755			349,737			203,949			212,077			231,661			293,561
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		162,443			157,768			181,093			210,702			133,048			134,400			151,306			177,636
	Pre-opening expenses		2,629			3,595			6,574			1,568			3,206			4,809			7,468			1,787
	Operating income		80,881			97,979			94,088			137,467			67,695			72,868			72,887			114,138
	Interest income, net		(200	)		(209	)		(254	)		(231	)		(24	)		(18	)		(7	)		(69	)
	Income before income taxes		81,081			98,188			94,342			137,698			67,719			72,886			72,894			114,207
	Income tax expense		31,128			37,394			35,218			50,434			25,893			27,975			27,464			43,525
	Net income	$	49,953		$	60,794		$	59,124		$	87,264		$	41,826		$	44,911		$	45,430		$	70,682
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.78		$	0.94		$	0.92		$	1.36		$	0.66		$	0.7		$	0.71		$	1.1
	Diluted	$	0.77		$	0.94		$	0.91		$	1.35		$	0.65		$	0.7		$	0.7		$	1.09
	The sum of the quarterly net income per common share may not equal the annual total due to quarterly changes in the weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding.

Stock_repurchase_program

Stock repurchase program	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program	15.    Stock repurchase program
	On March 18, 2013, the Company announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program (the 2013 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which the Company could repurchase up to $150,000 of the Company’s common stock. Repurchases pursuant to the terms of the 2013 Share Repurchase Program were made from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, at prices the Company deemed appropriate and subject to market conditions, applicable law and other factors deemed relevant in the Company’s sole discretion. The 2013 Share Repurchase Program did not have an expiration date, but provided for suspension or discontinuation at any time.
	On September 11, 2014, the Company announced that our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2014 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $300,000 of the Company’s common stock. The 2014 Share Repurchase Program authorization revokes the previously authorized but unused amounts of $112,664 from the 2013 Share Repurchase Program. The 2014 Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
	During fiscal year 2013, we purchased 501 shares of common stock for $37,337 at an average price of $74.58 from the 2013 Share Repurchase Program. During fiscal 2014, we purchased 321 shares of common stock for $39,923 at an average price of $124.31 from the 2014 Share Repurchase Program.

Subsequent_event

Subsequent event	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent event	16.    Subsequent event
	On March 12, 2015, the Company announced that our Board of Directors authorized an increase of $100 million to the 2014 Share Repurchase Program effective March 17, 2015.

Summary_of_significant_account1

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fiscal year	Fiscal year
	The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The Company’s fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 (fiscal 2014), February 1, 2014 (fiscal 2013) and February 2, 2013 (fiscal 2012) were 52, 52 and 53 week years, respectively.
Consolidation	Consolidation
	The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions and unrealized profit were eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the accounting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents include amounts due from third-party credit card receivables because such amounts generally convert to cash within one to three days with little or no default risk.
Short-term investments	Short-term investments
	The Company determines the balance sheet classification of its investments at the time of purchase and evaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Money market funds, certificates of deposit and time deposits with maturities of greater than three months but no more than twelve months are carried at cost, which approximates fair value and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Short-term investments (see Note 9, “Investments”).
Receivables	Receivables
	Receivables consist principally of amounts receivable from vendors and landlord construction allowances earned but not yet received. These receivables are computed based on provisions of the vendor and lease agreements in place and the Company’s completed performance. The Company’s vendors are primarily U.S.-based producers of consumer products and real estate developers and landlords. The Company does not require collateral on its receivables and does not accrue interest. Credit risk with respect to receivables is limited due to the diversity of vendors and landlords comprising the Company’s vendor base. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its vendors and evaluates the collectability of its receivables based on the length of time the receivable is past due and historical experience. The receivable for vendor allowances was $39,629 and $30,591 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively and the receivable for landlord allowances was $8,357 and $14,128 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The allowance for doubtful receivables totaled $1,346 and $915 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.
Merchandise inventories	Merchandise inventories
	Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average cost method and includes costs incurred to purchase and distribute goods. Inventory cost also includes vendor allowances related to co-op advertising, markdowns, and volume discounts. The Company maintains reserves for lower of cost or market and shrinkage.
Fair value of financial instruments	Fair value of financial instruments
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their estimated fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The Company had no outstanding debt as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment
	The Company’s property and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expense as incurred. The Company’s assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method, over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the expected lease term as follows:
	Equipment and fixtures	3 to 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	10 years
	Electronic equipment and software	3 to 5 years
	The Company capitalizes costs incurred during the application development stage in developing or purchasing internal use software. These costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software.
	The Company periodically evaluates whether changes have occurred that would require revision of the remaining useful life of equipment and leasehold improvements or render them not recoverable. If such circumstances arise, the Company uses an estimate of the undiscounted sum of expected future operating cash flows during their holding period to determine whether the long-lived assets are impaired. If the aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, the resulting impairment charges to be recorded are calculated based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of such assets, with the fair value determined based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows. No significant impairments charges have been recognized in fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Customer loyalty program	Customer loyalty program
	In early fiscal 2014, we completed the conversion of all our loyalty members to ULTAmate Rewards, a points-based program. ULTAmate Rewards enables customers to earn points based on their purchases. Points earned by members are valid for at least one year and may be redeemed on any product we sell. Prior to this conversion, we ran both ULTAmate Rewards and our prior program, The Club at Ulta. The Club at Ulta was a certificate program offering customers reward certificates for free beauty products based on the level of purchases. The Company accrues the cost of anticipated redemptions related to these programs at the time of the initial purchase based on historical experience. The accrued liability related to these loyalty programs at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 was $15,032 and $7,740 respectively. The cost of these programs, which was $42,096, $27,588 and $22,044 in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is included in cost of sales in the statements of income.
Deferred rent	Deferred rent
	Many of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined fixed increases of the minimum rental rate during the lease. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related rental expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term and records the difference between the amounts charged to expense and the rent paid as deferred rent. The lease term commences on the earlier of the date when the Company becomes legally obligated for rent payments or the date the Company takes possession of the leased space.
	As part of many lease agreements, the Company receives construction allowances from landlords for tenant improvements. These leasehold improvements made by the Company are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of the lease term or 10 years. The construction allowances are recorded as deferred rent and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction of rent expense.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition
	Net sales include merchandise sales, salon service revenue and e-commerce revenue. Revenue from merchandise sales at stores is recognized at the time of sale, net of estimated returns. The Company provides refunds for product returns within 60 days from the original purchase date. Salon revenue is recognized when services are rendered. Salon service revenue amounted to $175,533, $145,815 and $121,357 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Company coupons and other incentives are recorded as a reduction of net sales. State sales taxes are presented on a net basis as the Company considers itself a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting state sales tax. E-commerce sales are recorded based on delivery of merchandise to the customer. E-commerce revenue amounted to $149,857, $95,809 and $55,086 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company’s gift card sales are deferred and recognized in net sales when the gift card is redeemed for product or services. The Company’s gift cards do not expire and do not include service fees that decrease customer balances. The Company has maintained Company-specific, historical data related to its large pool of similar gift card transactions sold and redeemed over a significant time frame. The Company recognizes gift card breakage to the extent there is no requirement for remitting balances to governmental agencies under unclaimed property laws. Gift card breakage is recognized over the same performance period, and in the same proportion, that the Company’s data has demonstrated that gift cards are redeemed. Gift card breakage was $2,720 and $2,181 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, and is recorded as a decrease in selling, general and administrative expense in the statements of income. Deferred gift card revenue was $22,681 and $16,439 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, and is included in accrued liabilities – accrued customer liabilities (Note 5).
Vendor allowances	Vendor allowances
	The Company receives allowances from vendors in the normal course of business including advertising and markdown allowances, purchase volume discounts and rebates, and reimbursement for defective merchandise, and certain selling and display expenses. Substantially all vendor allowances are recorded as a reduction of the vendor’s product cost and are recognized in cost of sales as the product is sold.
Advertising	Advertising
	Advertising expense consists principally of paper, print and distribution costs related to the Company’s advertising circulars. The Company expenses the production and distribution costs related to its advertising circulars in the period the related promotional event occurs. Total advertising costs, exclusive of incentives from vendors and start-up advertising expense, amounted to $157,847, $140,774 and $118,365 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Advertising expense as a percentage of sales was 4.9%, 5.3% and 5.3% for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively Prepaid advertising costs included in prepaid expenses and other current assets were $8,899 and $6,891 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.
Pre-opening expenses	Pre-opening expenses
	Non-capital expenditures incurred prior to the grand opening of a new, remodeled or relocated store are charged against earnings as incurred.
Cost of sales	Cost of sales
	Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise sold including a majority of vendor allowances, which are treated as a reduction of merchandise costs; warehousing and distribution costs including labor and related benefits, freight, rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, and insurance; shipping and handling costs; store occupancy costs including rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, insurance, licenses, and cleaning expenses; salon payroll and benefits; customer loyalty program expense; and shrink and inventory valuation reserves.
Selling, general and administrative expenses	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Selling, general and administrative expenses includes payroll, bonus, and benefit costs for retail and corporate employees; advertising and marketing costs; occupancy costs related to our corporate office facilities; public company expense including Sarbanes-Oxley compliance expenses; stock-based compensation expense; depreciation and amortization for all assets except those related to our retail and warehouse operations which are included in cost of sales; and legal, finance, information systems and other corporate overhead costs.
Income taxes	Income taxes
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities used for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The amounts reported were derived using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year the differences are expected to reverse.
	Income tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax positions are recorded in income tax expense.
Share-based compensation	Share-based compensation
	Share-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized on a straight-line method over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $14,923, $16,003 and $13,375 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively (see Note 10, “Share-based awards”).
Insurance expense	Insurance expense
	The Company has insurance programs with third party insurers for employee health, workers compensation and general liability, among others, to limit the Company’s liability exposure. The insurance programs are premium based and include retentions, deductibles and stop loss coverage. Current stop loss coverage per claim is $150 for employee health claims, $100 for general liability claims and $250 for workers compensation claims. The Company makes collateral and premium payments during the plan year and accrues expenses in the event additional premium is due from the Company based on actual claim results.
Net income per common share	Net income per common share
	Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share includes dilutive common stock equivalents, using the treasury stock method (see Note 11, “Net income per common share”).
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, issued as a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that the Company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is effective beginning in fiscal year 2017 and allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the application method and the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Summary_of_significant_account2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Estimated Useful Lives or Expected Lease Term	The Company’s assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method, over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the expected lease term as follows:
	Equipment and fixtures	3 to 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	10 years
	Electronic equipment and software	3 to 5 years

Property_and_equipment_Tables

Property and equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Equipment and fixtures	$	447,782		$	390,650
	Leasehold improvements		431,999			376,796
	Electronic equipment and software		272,937			218,979
	Construction-in-progress		90,531			36,231
			1,243,249			1,022,656
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(526,090	)		(426,920	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	717,159		$	595,736

Commitments_and_contingencies_

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under operating leases as of January 31, 2015, are as follows:
	Fiscal year	Operating
		Leases
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	214,479
	2016		218,879
	2017		207,223
	2018		189,683
	2019		173,111
	2020 and thereafter		599,542
	Total minimum lease payments	$	1,602,917

Accrued_liabilities_Tables

Accrued liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	January 31,		February 1,
		2015		2014
	Accrued vendor liabilities (including accrued property and equipment costs)	$	24,705	$	15,631
	Accrued customer liabilities		39,593		25,507
	Accrued payroll, bonus and employee benefits		50,931		33,642
	Accrued taxes, other		17,824		12,788
	Other accrued liabilities		16,359		15,612
	Accrued liabilities	$	149,412	$	103,180

Income_taxes_Tables

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes	The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	128,159		$	105,731		$	83,606
	State		16,909			15,310			14,832
	Total current		145,068			121,041			98,438
	Deferred:
	Federal		8,392			3,891			8,950
	State		714			(75	)		(144	)
	Total deferred		9,106			3,816			8,806
	Provision for income taxes	$	154,174		$	124,857		$	107,244
Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:
		Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State effective rate, net of federal tax benefit		2.8	%		3	%		3.4	%
	Other		(0.3	%)		0.1	%		(0.1	%)
	Effective tax rate		37.5	%		38.1	%		38.3	%
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
	(In thousands)	January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Reserves not currently deductible	$	22,380		$	24,721
	Employee benefits		8,782			6,290
	Credit carryforwards		338			402
	Accrued liabilities		8,231			3,927
	Inventory valuation		617			1,708
	Total deferred tax assets		40,348			37,048
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment		44,882			44,288
	Deferred rent obligation		38,409			28,529
	Prepaid expenses		10,775			8,703
	Total deferred tax liabilities		94,066			81,520
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(53,718	)	$	(44,472	)
Reconciliation of Company's Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties	A reconciliation of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:
	(In thousands)	January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of the period	$	795		$	—
	Increase due to a current year position		670			795
	Decrease due to a prior period position		(51	)		—
	Balance at the end of the period	$	1,414		$	795

Sharebased_awards_Tables

Share-based awards (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Black-Scholes Valuation Model Weighted-Average Assumptions	The Company estimated the grant date fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes valuation model using the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		2014			2013			2012
	Volatility rate		40.7	%		49.2	%		53.5	%
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.4	%		0.9	%		1.2	%
	Average expected life (in years)		3.8			4.4			6.3
	Dividend yield		None			None			None
Summary of Options Outstanding and Options Exercisable Under Stock Option Plan	The following table presents information related to options outstanding and options exercisable at January 31, 2015, under the Company’s stock option plans based on ranges of exercise prices (shares in thousands):
		Options outstanding									Options exercisable
	Options outstanding	Number of			Weighted-			Weighted-			Number		Weighted-			Weighted-
		options			average			average			of options		average			average
					remaining			exercise price					remaining			exercise price
					contractual life								contractual life
					(years)								(years)
	$1.11 - 15.81		132			4		$	12.2			132		4		$	12.2
	22.86 - 37.85		128			6			28.17			128		6			28.17
	47.19 - 69.96		184			7			66.74			97		7			67.96
	74.91 - 89.79		181			8			80.97			44		8			82.29
	91.12 - 99.66		373			9			97.54			30		8			96.52
	101.35 - 127.15		75			9			118.08			9		9			116.98
	End of year		1,073			7		$	72.12			440		6		$	43.98
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock Option Activity	A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):
		Fiscal 2014						Fiscal 2013					Fiscal 2012
		Shares			Weighted-			Shares			Weighted-		Shares			Weighted-
					average						average					average
					exercise price						exercise price					exercise price
	Common stock options outstanding
	Beginning of year		1,090		$	56.94			1,807		$	41.6		3,559		$	26.46
	Granted		371			99.4			302			84.5		241			89.99
	Exercised		(238	)		44.79			(705	)		31.07		(1,795	)		17.57
	Forfeited		(150	)		72.57			(314	)		53.15		(198	)		46.28
	End of year		1,073		$	72.12			1,090		$	56.94		1,807		$	41.6
	Exercisable at end of year		440		$	43.98			363		$	34.37		563		$	24.85
	Vested and Expected to vest		1,028		$	71.28			1,046		$	56.47		1,807		$	41.6
Restricted Stock [Member]
Restricted Stock Option Activity	A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):
		Fiscal 2014						Fiscal 2013					Fiscal 2012
		Shares			Weighted-			Shares			Weighted-		Shares			Weighted-
					average						average					average
					grant date						grant date					grant date
					fair value						fair value					fair value
	Restricted stock outstanding
	Beginning of year		162		$	87.54			62		$	81.81		22		$	55.72
	Granted		71			97.73			141			86.07		65			90.18
	Vested		(52	)		91.91			(25	)		81.41		(5	)		66.88
	Forfeited		(30	)		82.91			(16	)		75.39		(20	)		75.3
	End of year		151		$	91.74			162		$	87.54		62		$	81.81
	Expected to vest		140		$	91.74			152		$	87.54		62		$	81.81

Net_income_per_common_share_Ta

Net income per common share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Basic and Diluted Share	The following is a reconciliation of net income and the number of shares of common stock used in the computation of net income per basic and diluted share:
		Fiscal year ended
	(In thousands, except per share data)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Numerator for diluted net income per share — net income	$	257,135	$	202,849	$	172,549
	Denominator for basic net income per share — weighted-average common shares		64,335		63,992		63,250
	Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested stock		316		469		1,146
	Denominator for diluted net income per share		64,651		64,461		64,396
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	4	$	3.17	$	2.73
	Diluted	$	3.98	$	3.15	$	2.68

Valuation_and_qualifying_accou1

Valuation and qualifying accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Description		Balance at			Charged to		Deductions			Balance at
			beginning			costs and					end
			of period			expenses					of period
			(In thousands)
	Fiscal 2014
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	915		$	874	$	(443	)(a)	$	1,346
	Shrink reserve			9,358			22,374		(20,134	)		11,598
	Inventory — lower of cost or market reserve			4,861			4,368		(3,976	)		5,253
	Insurance:
	Workers Comp / General Liability Prepaid Asset			(1,817	)(b)		6,899		(6,871	)		(1,789	)
	Employee Health Care Accrued Liability			2,606			41,335		(41,506	)		2,435
	Fiscal 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	973		$	300	$	(358	)(a)	$	915
	Shrink reserve			4,020			16,298		(10,960	)		9,358
	Inventory — lower of cost or market reserve			2,364			4,522		(2,025	)		4,861
	Insurance:
	Workers Comp / General Liability Prepaid Asset			(2,400	)(b)		7,060		(6,477	)		(1,817	)
	Employee Health Care Accrued Liability			2,232			34,422		(34,048	)		2,606
	Fiscal 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	556		$	419	$	(2	)(a)	$	973
	Shrink reserve			2,445			8,077		(6,502	)		4,020
	Inventory — lower of cost or market reserve			2,070			1,099		(805	)		2,364
	Insurance:
	Workers Comp / General Liability Prepaid Asset			(2,084	)(b)		4,864		(5,180	)		(2,400	)
	Employee Health Care Accrued Liability			1,929			26,584		(26,281	)		2,232
	(a)	Represents write-off of uncollectible accounts
	(b)	Represents prepaid insurance

Selected_quarterly_financial_d1

Selected quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information
		2014												2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	(In thousands, except per
	share data)
	Net sales	$	713,770		$	734,236		$	745,722		$	1,047,641		$	582,712		$	600,998		$	618,781		$	868,082
	Cost of sales		467,817			474,894			463,967			697,904			378,763			388,921			387,120			574,521
	Gross profit		245,953			259,342			281,755			349,737			203,949			212,077			231,661			293,561
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		162,443			157,768			181,093			210,702			133,048			134,400			151,306			177,636
	Pre-opening expenses		2,629			3,595			6,574			1,568			3,206			4,809			7,468			1,787
	Operating income		80,881			97,979			94,088			137,467			67,695			72,868			72,887			114,138
	Interest income, net		(200	)		(209	)		(254	)		(231	)		(24	)		(18	)		(7	)		(69	)
	Income before income taxes		81,081			98,188			94,342			137,698			67,719			72,886			72,894			114,207
	Income tax expense		31,128			37,394			35,218			50,434			25,893			27,975			27,464			43,525
	Net income	$	49,953		$	60,794		$	59,124		$	87,264		$	41,826		$	44,911		$	45,430		$	70,682
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.78		$	0.94		$	0.92		$	1.36		$	0.66		$	0.7		$	0.71		$	1.1
	Diluted	$	0.77		$	0.94		$	0.91		$	1.35		$	0.65		$	0.7		$	0.7		$	1.09

Recovered_Sheet1

Business and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
	Segment
	Store
	State
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of stores	774
Number of states in which entity operates	47
Number of operating segments	3
Number of reportable segments	1

Recovered_Sheet2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Product Information [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful receivable	$1,346	$915
Outstanding debt	0	0
Impairment charges	0	0	0
Accrued liability loyalty programs	15,032	7,740
Cost of loyalty programs	42,096	27,588	22,044
Duration of refund for sales return	60 days
Deferred gift card revenue	22,681	16,439
Gift card breakage	2,720	2,181
Total advertising costs	157,847	140,774	118,365
Prepaid advertising costs	8,899	6,891
Stock compensation expense	14,923	16,003	13,375
Stop loss coverage of employee health claims	150
Stop loss coverage of general liability claims	100
Stop loss coverage of workers compensation claims	250
Sales [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Percentage of advertisement expense to sales	4.90%	5.30%	5.30%
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives or the expected lease term	10 years
Salon Service [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Salon service	175,533	145,815	121,357
E-commerce [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue from E-Commerce	149,857	95,809	55,086
Vendor Allowances [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Allowances receivable	39,629	30,591
Landlord Allowances [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Allowances receivable	$8,357	$14,128

Recovered_Sheet3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Estimated Useful Lives or Expected Lease Term (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Equipment and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives or the expected lease term	3 years
Equipment and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives or the expected lease term	10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives or the expected lease term	10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Average [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives or the expected lease term	10 years
Electronic Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives or the expected lease term	3 years
Electronic Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives or the expected lease term	5 years

Property_and_Equipment_Compone

Property and Equipment - Components of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	$1,243,249	$1,022,656
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-526,090	-426,920
Property and equipment, net	717,159	595,736
Equipment and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	447,782	390,650
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	431,999	376,796
Electronic Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	272,937	218,979
Construction-in-progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	$90,531	$36,231

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Capitalized interest	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet4

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Non-cancelable operating lease terms, minimum	3 years
Non-cancelable operating lease terms, maximum	10 years
Total rent expense under operating leases	$159,245	$138,086	$115,755
Contractual obligations related to commitments	34,521
Multi-Year Supply Chain [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Contractual obligations related to commitments				38,212	6,222
Retail Stores [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Minimum lease payments for stores to be opened in next fiscal year	$184,376

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$214,479
2016	218,879
2017	207,223
2018	189,683
2019	173,111
2020 and thereafter	599,542
Total minimum lease payments	$1,602,917

Accrued_Liabilities_Schedule_o

Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued vendor liabilities (including accrued property and equipment costs)	$24,705	$15,631
Accrued customer liabilities	39,593	25,507
Accrued payroll, bonus and employee benefits	50,931	33,642
Accrued taxes, other	17,824	12,788
Other accrued liabilities	16,359	15,612
Accrued liabilities	$149,412	$103,180

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Provi

Income Taxes - Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	4-May-13	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Current:
Federal									$128,159	$105,731	$83,606
State									16,909	15,310	14,832
Total current									145,068	121,041	98,438
Deferred:
Federal									8,392	3,891	8,950
State									714	-75	-144
Total deferred									9,106	3,816	8,806
Provision for income taxes	$50,434	$35,218	$37,394	$31,128	$43,525	$27,464	$27,975	$25,893	$154,174	$124,857	$107,244

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Recon

Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State effective rate, net of federal tax benefit	2.80%	3.00%	3.40%
Other	-0.30%	0.10%	-0.10%
Effective tax rate	37.50%	38.10%	38.30%

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves not currently deductible	$22,380	$24,721
Employee benefits	8,782	6,290
Credit carryforwards	338	402
Accrued liabilities	8,231	3,927
Inventory valuation	617	1,708
Total deferred tax assets	40,348	37,048
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	44,882	44,288
Deferred rent obligation	38,409	28,529
Prepaid expenses	10,775	8,703
Total deferred tax liabilities	94,066	81,520
Net deferred tax liability	($53,718)	($44,472)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit carryforwards for state income tax	$338
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	$1,414	$795

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Company's Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of the period	$795
Increase due to a current year position	670	795
Decrease due to a prior period position	-51
Balance at the end of the period	$1,414	$795

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$200,000,000
Additional credit available under the revolving facility with consent by each lender and other conditions	50,000,000
Interest rate on outstanding borrowing under facility	LIBOR plus 1.50%
Percentage of unused Line of Credit Facility Fee	0.20%
Outstanding debt under credit facility	0	0
Subfacility for Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$10,000,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member], USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan liability	$5,574

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Certificates of deposit	$150,209

Sharebased_Awards_Additional_I

Share-based Awards - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Stock Based Awards [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$14,923	$16,003	$13,375
Cash from stock option exercises	10,639	21,890	31,530
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock Based Awards [Line Items]
Number of shares granted	371	302	241
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options	64,167
Sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market	$131.94
Restricted Stock Award [Member]
Stock Based Awards [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Unrecognized compensation cost	7,770
Unrecognized compensation expense weighted-average recognition period	2 years
Director restricted stock, vesting period	1 year
Compensation expense	5,845	5,789	1,408
2011 Incentive Award Plan [Member]
Stock Based Awards [Line Items]
Issuance upon grant or exercise of awards	4,409
Share-based Compensation	14,923	16,003	13,375
Cash from stock option exercises	10,639	21,890	31,530
Total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for the share-based compensation arrangements	3,526	4,812	5,364
Actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercise and restricted stock vesting	6,892	18,169	51,886
2011 Incentive Award Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock Based Awards [Line Items]
Employee stock options, expiration period	10 years
Vesting period	4 years
Employee stock options, vesting rate	25.00%
Compensation cost	9,078	10,214	11,967
Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted	$32.38	$34.31	$46.29
Total fair value stock options issued and vested	8,799	10,544	12,089
Unrecognized compensation cost	16,628
Unrecognized compensation expense weighted-average recognition period	2 years
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	15,032	49,404	138,291
Number of shares granted	371
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options	$38,669

Sharebased_Awards_BlackScholes

Share-based Awards - Black-Scholes Valuation Model Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Volatility rate	40.70%	49.20%	53.50%
Average risk-free interest rate	1.40%	0.90%	1.20%
Average expected life (in years)	3 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 4 months 24 days	6 years 3 months 18 days
Dividend yield

Sharebased_Awards_Stock_Option

Share-based Awards - Stock Option Activity (Detail) (Employee Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock options outstanding shares, Beginning of year	1,090	1,807	3,559
Common stock options outstanding shares, Granted	371	302	241
Common stock options outstanding shares, Exercised	-238	-705	-1,795
Common stock options outstanding shares, Forfeited	-150	-314	-198
Common stock options outstanding shares, End of year	1,073	1,090	1,807
Common stock options outstanding shares, Exercisable at end of year	440	363	563
Common stock options outstanding shares, Vested and Expected to vest	1,028	1,046	1,807
Common stock options outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Beginning of year	$56.94	$41.60	$26.46
Common stock options outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Granted	$99.40	$84.50	$89.99
Common stock options outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Exercised	$44.79	$31.07	$17.57
Common stock options outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Forfeited	$72.57	$53.15	$46.28
Common stock options outstanding weighted-average exercise price, End of year	$72.12	$56.94	$41.60
Common stock options outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Exercisable at end of year	$43.98	$34.37	$24.85
Common stock options outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Vested and expected to vest	$71.28	$56.47	$41.60

Sharebased_Awards_Summary_of_O

Share-based Awards - Summary of Options Outstanding and Options Exercisable Under Stock Option Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options outstanding Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	7 years
Options exercisable Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	6 years
Number of options, outstanding	1,073
Number of options, exercisable	440
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding	$72.12
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable	$43.98
1.11 - 15.81 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options outstanding Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	4 years
Options exercisable Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	4 years
Number of options, outstanding	132
Number of options, exercisable	132
Options outstanding, exercise prices lower range limit	$1.11
Options outstanding, exercise prices upper range limit	$15.81
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding	$12.20
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable	$12.20
22.86 - 37.85 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options outstanding Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	6 years
Options exercisable Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	6 years
Number of options, outstanding	128
Number of options, exercisable	128
Options outstanding, exercise prices lower range limit	$22.86
Options outstanding, exercise prices upper range limit	$37.85
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding	$28.17
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable	$28.17
47.19 - 69.96 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options outstanding Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	7 years
Options exercisable Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	7 years
Number of options, outstanding	184
Number of options, exercisable	97
Options outstanding, exercise prices lower range limit	$47.19
Options outstanding, exercise prices upper range limit	$69.96
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding	$66.74
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable	$67.96
74.91 - 89.79 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options outstanding Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	8 years
Options exercisable Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	8 years
Number of options, outstanding	181
Number of options, exercisable	44
Options outstanding, exercise prices lower range limit	$74.91
Options outstanding, exercise prices upper range limit	$89.79
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding	$80.97
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable	$82.29
91.12 - 99.66 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options outstanding Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years
Options exercisable Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	8 years
Number of options, outstanding	373
Number of options, exercisable	30
Options outstanding, exercise prices lower range limit	$91.12
Options outstanding, exercise prices upper range limit	$99.66
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding	$97.54
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable	$96.52
101.35 - 127.15 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options outstanding Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years
Options exercisable Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years
Number of options, outstanding	75
Number of options, exercisable	9
Options outstanding, exercise prices lower range limit	$101.35
Options outstanding, exercise prices upper range limit	$127.15
Weighted-average exercise price, options outstanding	$118.08
Weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable	$116.98

Sharebased_Awards_Restricted_S

Share-based Awards - Restricted Stock Option Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Activity [Line Items]
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Beginning of year	162	62	22
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Granted	71	141	65
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Vested	-52	-25	-5
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Forfeited	-30	-16	-20
Restricted stock outstanding shares, End of year	151	162	62
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Expected to vest	140	152	62
Restricted stock outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Beginning of year	$87.54	$81.81	$55.72
Restricted stock outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Granted	$97.73	$86.07	$90.18
Restricted stock outstanding Weighted-average Exercise Price, Vested	$91.91	$81.41	$66.88
Restricted stock outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Forfeited	$82.91	$75.39	$75.30
Restricted stock outstanding weighted- average exercise price, End of year	$91.74	$87.54	$81.81
Restricted stock outstanding weighted-average exercise price, Expected to vest	$91.74	$87.54	$81.81

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ne

Net Income Per Common Share - Net Income Per Basic and Diluted Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	4-May-13	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Numerator for diluted net income per share - net income	$87,264	$59,124	$60,794	$49,953	$70,682	$45,430	$44,911	$41,826	$257,135	$202,849	$172,549
Denominator for basic net income per share -weighted-average common shares									64,335	63,992	63,250
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested stock									316	469	1,146
Denominator for diluted net income per share									64,651	64,461	64,396
Net income per common share:
Basic	$1.36	$0.92	$0.94	$0.78	$1.10	$0.71	$0.70	$0.66	$4	$3.17	$2.73
Diluted	$1.35	$0.91	$0.94	$0.77	$1.09	$0.70	$0.70	$0.65	$3.98	$3.15	$2.68

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ad

Net Income Per Common Share - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive stock option excluded from computation of net income per common share	686	658	533

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Retirement Plan [Line Items]
Company match	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
401(k) Match on eligible compensation	3.00%
Company match liability amount	$4,104	$3,532
Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Retirement Plan [Line Items]
Company match	100.00%
Company match liability amount	465
Deferred compensation plan match	3.00%
Deferred compensation liability included in other long term liability	5,574	3,678
Investment included in deferred compensation plan assets	$5,656	$4,294

Recovered_Sheet5

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$915	$973	$556
Charged to costs and expenses	874	300	419
Deductions	-443	-358	-2
Balance at end of period	1,346	915	973
Shrink Reserve [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	9,358	4,020	2,445
Charged to costs and expenses	22,374	16,298	8,077
Deductions	-20,134	-10,960	-6,502
Balance at end of period	11,598	9,358	4,020
Inventory - Lower of Cost or Market Reserve [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	4,861	2,364	2,070
Charged to costs and expenses	4,368	4,522	1,099
Deductions	-3,976	-2,025	-805
Balance at end of period	5,253	4,861	2,364
Insurance: Workers Comp / General Liability Prepaid Asset [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	-1,817	-2,400	-2,084
Charged to costs and expenses	6,899	7,060	4,864
Deductions	-6,871	-6,477	-5,180
Balance at end of period	-1,789	-1,817	-2,400
Insurance: Employee Health Care Accrued Liability [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	2,606	2,232	1,929
Charged to costs and expenses	41,335	34,422	26,584
Deductions	-41,506	-34,048	-26,281
Balance at end of period	$2,435	$2,606	$2,232

Recovered_Sheet6

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	4-May-13	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$1,047,641	$745,722	$734,236	$713,770	$868,082	$618,781	$600,998	$582,712	$3,241,369	$2,670,573	$2,220,256
Cost of sales	697,904	463,967	474,894	467,817	574,521	387,120	388,921	378,763	2,104,582	1,729,325	1,436,582
Gross profit	349,737	281,755	259,342	245,953	293,561	231,661	212,077	203,949	1,136,787	941,248	783,674
Selling, general and administrative expenses	210,702	181,093	157,768	162,443	177,636	151,306	134,400	133,048	712,006	596,390	488,880
Pre-opening expenses	1,568	6,574	3,595	2,629	1,787	7,468	4,809	3,206	14,366	17,270	14,816
Operating income	137,467	94,088	97,979	80,881	114,138	72,887	72,868	67,695	410,415	327,588	279,978
Interest income, net	-231	-254	-209	-200	-69	-7	-18	-24	-894	-118	185
Income before income taxes	137,698	94,342	98,188	81,081	114,207	72,894	72,886	67,719	411,309	327,706	279,793
Income tax expense	50,434	35,218	37,394	31,128	43,525	27,464	27,975	25,893	154,174	124,857	107,244
Net income	$87,264	$59,124	$60,794	$49,953	$70,682	$45,430	$44,911	$41,826	$257,135	$202,849	$172,549
Net income per common share:
Basic	$1.36	$0.92	$0.94	$0.78	$1.10	$0.71	$0.70	$0.66	$4	$3.17	$2.73
Diluted	$1.35	$0.91	$0.94	$0.77	$1.09	$0.70	$0.70	$0.65	$3.98	$3.15	$2.68

Stock_Repurchase_Program_Addit

Stock Repurchase Program - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Sep. 11, 2014
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock	$39,923,000	$37,337,000
2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Shares authorized but unused amount revoked			112,664,000
Repurchase of common stock, shares		501
Repurchase of common stock		37,337,000
Repurchase of common stock, average price per share		$74.58
2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock authorized amount		150,000,000
2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock, shares	321
Repurchase of common stock	39,923,000
Repurchase of common stock, average price per share	$124.31
2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock authorized amount	$300,000,000

Subsequent_Event_Additional_In

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) (2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member], Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	Mar. 12, 2015
2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Increase to the 2014 Share Repurchase Program authorization	$100,000,000