Ross Stores (ROST) 10-K 31 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 09, 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	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	ROSS STORES INC
Entity Central Index Key	745732
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		207,489,276
Entity Public Float			$13,252,215,244
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (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]
Sales	$3,032,698		$2,598,820		$2,729,566		$2,680,593		$2,741,040		$2,398,122		$2,551,277		$2,539,914		$11,041,677	$10,230,353	$9,721,065
Costs and Expenses
Cost of goods sold	2,203,570		1,882,185		1,944,017		1,908,184		1,992,101		1,746,235		1,823,777		1,798,811		7,937,956	7,360,924	7,011,428
Selling, general and administrative	430,342		410,002		395,225		379,802		401,345		381,860		381,193		361,968		1,615,371	1,526,366	1,437,886
Interest expense (income), net	2,406		777		-95		-104		-129		-152		-175		209		2,984	-247	6,907
Total costs and expenses	2,636,318		2,292,964		2,339,147		2,287,882		2,393,317		2,127,943		2,204,795		2,160,988		9,556,311	8,887,043	8,456,221
Earnings before taxes	396,380		305,856		390,419		392,711		347,723		270,179		346,482		378,926		1,485,366	1,343,310	1,264,844
Provision for taxes on earnings	147,850		113,136		150,858		148,798		129,770		98,561		133,361		144,314		560,642	506,006	478,081
Net earnings	$248,530		$192,720		$239,561		$243,913		$217,953		$171,618		$213,121		$234,612		$924,724	$837,304	$786,763
Earnings per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.21	[1]	$0.94	[1]	$1.15	[1]	$1.17	[1]	$1.04	[1]	$0.81	[1]	$1	[1]	$1.09	[1]	$4.47	$3.93	$3.59
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.20	[1]	$0.93	[1]	$1.14	[1]	$1.15	[1]	$1.02	[1]	$0.80	[1]	$0.98	[1]	$1.07	[1]	$4.42	$3.88	$3.53
Weighted average shares outstanding (000)
Basic (in shares)																	206,777	212,881	219,130
Diluted (in shares)																	209,039	215,805	222,784
[1]	EPS is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$924,724	$837,304	$786,763
Other comprehensive income:
Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	-59	-196	-50
Comprehensive income	$924,665	$837,108	$786,713

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$696,608	$423,168
Short-term investments	500	12,006
Accounts receivable	73,278	62,612
Merchandise inventory	1,372,675	1,257,155
Prepaid expenses and other	106,778	101,991
Deferred income taxes	12,951	10,227
Total current assets	2,262,790	1,867,159
Property and Equipment
Land and buildings	952,428	478,973
Fixtures and equipment	1,933,383	1,678,397
Leasehold improvements	854,572	813,972
Construction-in-progress	293,715	510,221
Property and equipment, gross	4,034,098	3,481,563
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,760,346	1,606,264
Property and equipment, net	2,273,752	1,875,299
Long-term investments	3,110	3,710
Other long-term assets	163,482	150,629
Total assets	4,703,134	3,896,797
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	1,000,700	779,455
Accrued expenses and other	385,325	359,929
Accrued payroll and benefits	256,141	235,324
Income taxes payable	17,202	18,349
Total current liabilities	1,659,368	1,393,057
Long-term debt	398,375	150,000
Other long-term liabilities	279,500	287,567
Deferred income taxes	86,681	58,871
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 600,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 207,470,000 and 213,420,000 shares, respectively	2,075	2,134
Additional paid-in capital	1,015,681	935,591
Treasury stock	-160,600	-121,559
Accumulated other comprehensive income	330	389
Retained earnings	1,421,724	1,190,747
Total stockholders’ equity	2,279,210	2,007,302
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$4,703,134	$3,896,797

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	207,470,000	213,420,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	207,470,000	213,420,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Statement (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance, Value at Jan. 28, 2012	$1,493,012	$2,269	$788,895	($62,262)	$635	$763,475
Balance, Shares at Jan. 28, 2012		226,864
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	786,763					786,763
Unrealized investment gain (loss), net	-50				-50
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares used for tax withholding, Shares		1,315
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares used for tax withholding, Value	-10,403	13	19,030	-29,446
Tax benefit from equity issuance	29,989		29,989
Stock-based compensation	48,952		48,952
Common stock repurchased, Shares		-7,458
Common stock repurchased, Value	-450,000	-75	-20,347			-429,578
Dividends declared	-131,400					-131,400
Balance, Value at Feb. 02, 2013	1,766,863	2,207	866,519	-91,708	585	989,260
Balance, Shares at Feb. 02, 2013		220,721
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	837,304					837,304
Unrealized investment gain (loss), net	-196				-196
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares used for tax withholding, Shares		878
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares used for tax withholding, Value	-10,777	9	19,065	-29,851
Tax benefit from equity issuance	27,661		27,661
Stock-based compensation	46,847		46,847
Common stock repurchased, Shares		-8,179
Common stock repurchased, Value	-550,000	-82	-24,501			-525,417
Dividends declared	-110,400					-110,400
Balance, Value at Feb. 01, 2014	2,007,302	2,134	935,591	-121,559	389	1,190,747
Balance, Shares at Feb. 01, 2014		213,420
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	924,724					924,724
Unrealized investment gain (loss), net	-59				-59
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares used for tax withholding, Shares		1,453
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares used for tax withholding, Value	-17,063	15	21,963	-39,041
Tax benefit from equity issuance	29,759		29,759
Stock-based compensation	53,001		53,001
Common stock repurchased, Shares		-7,403
Common stock repurchased, Value	-550,000	-74	-24,633			-525,293
Dividends declared	-168,454					-168,454
Balance, Value at Jan. 31, 2015	$2,279,210	$2,075	$1,015,681	($160,600)	$330	$1,421,724
Balance, Shares at Jan. 31, 2015		207,470

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	1 Months Ended												3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Jan. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Jan. 31, 2012	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
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.17	$0.17	$0.17	$0.17	$0.14	$0.14	$0.14	$0.14	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.17	$0.17	$0.17	$0	$0.80	$0.51	$0.59

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
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net earnings	$924,724	$837,304	$786,763
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	232,959	206,111	185,491
Stock-based compensation	53,001	46,847	48,952
Deferred income taxes	25,086	-15,250	-39,028
Tax benefit from equity issuance	29,759	27,661	29,989
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-29,415	-26,906	-29,103
Change in assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventory	-115,520	-47,918	-79,167
Other current assets	-16,410	-9,875	-14,474
Accounts payable	204,158	-4,104	40,109
Other current liabilities	69,568	-18,562	18,146
Other long-term, net	-5,045	26,695	31,966
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,372,865	1,022,003	979,644
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Additions to property and equipment	-646,691	-550,515	-424,434
Increase in restricted cash and investments	-4,329	-2,895	-2,107
Purchases of investments	0	-12,012	-5,430
Proceeds from investments	12,021	1,614	6,247
Net cash used in investing activities	-638,999	-563,808	-425,724
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	29,415	26,906	29,103
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	245,676	0	0
Issuance of common stock related to stock plans	21,978	19,074	19,043
Treasury stock purchased	-39,041	-29,851	-29,446
Repurchase of common stock	-550,000	-550,000	-450,000
Dividends paid	-168,454	-147,917	-125,694
Net cash used in financing activities	-460,426	-681,788	-556,994
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	273,440	-223,593	-3,074
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	423,168	646,761	649,835
End of year	696,608	423,168	646,761
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	9,668	9,668	9,668
Income taxes paid	$510,145	$506,182	$435,808

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Business. Ross Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an off-price retailer of first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions for the entire family. At the end of fiscal 2014, the Company operated 1,210 Ross Dress for Less® (“Ross”) locations in 33 states, the District of Columbia and Guam, and 152 dd’s DISCOUNTS® stores in 15 states. The Ross and dd's DISCOUNTS stores are supported by five distribution centers. The Company’s headquarters, one buying office, two operating distribution centers, two warehouses, and 25% of its stores are located in California.
	Segment reporting. The Company has one reportable segment. The Company’s operations include only activities related to off-price retailing in stores throughout the United States.
	Basis of presentation and fiscal year. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The Company follows the National Retail Federation fiscal calendar and utilizes a 52-53 week fiscal year whereby the fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. The fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 are referred to as fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Fiscal 2014 and 2013 were each 52-week years. Fiscal 2012 was a 53-week year.
	Use of accounting estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s significant accounting estimates include valuation reserves for inventory shortage, packaway inventory costs, useful lives of fixed assets, insurance reserves, and reserves for uncertain tax positions.
	Purchase obligations. As of January 31, 2015, the Company had purchase obligations of approximately $1,953 million. These purchase obligations primarily consist of merchandise inventory purchase orders, commitments related to construction projects, store fixtures and supplies, and information technology service, transportation, and maintenance contracts.
	Cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid, fixed income instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
	Restricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments. The Company has restricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments that serve as collateral for certain insurance obligations of the Company. These restricted funds are invested in bank deposits, money market mutual funds, U.S. Government and agency securities, and corporate securities and cannot be withdrawn from the Company’s account without the prior written consent of the secured parties. The following table summarizes total restricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments which were included in Prepaid expenses and other and Other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014:
	Restricted Assets ($000)		2014				2013
	Prepaid expenses and other		$	19,713			$	20,734
	Other long-term assets		56,107				50,763
	Total		$	75,820			$	71,497
	The classification between current and long-term is based on the timing of expected payments of the insurance obligations.
	Estimated fair value of financial instruments. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments, restricted cash and cash equivalents, restricted investments, accounts receivable, other long-term assets, accounts payable, and other long-term liabilities approximates their estimated fair value. See Note B and Note D for additional fair value information.
	Cash and cash equivalents were $696.6 million and $423.2 million, at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, and include bank deposits and money market funds for which the fair value was determined using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets, which are considered to be Level 1 inputs under the fair value measurements and disclosures guidance.
	Investments. The Company’s investments are comprised of various debt securities. At January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, these investments were classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value. Investments are classified as either short- or long-term based on their original maturities and the Company’s intent. Investments with an original maturity of less than one year are classified as short-term. See Note B for additional information.
	Merchandise inventory. Merchandise inventory is stated at the lower of cost (determined using a weighted average basis) or net realizable value. The Company purchases manufacturer overruns and canceled orders both during and at the end of a season which are referred to as "packaway" inventory. Packaway inventory is purchased with the intent that it will be stored in the Company's warehouses until a later date. The timing of the release of packaway inventory to the stores is principally driven by the product mix and seasonality of the merchandise, and its relation to the Company’s store merchandise assortment plans. As such, the aging of packaway varies by merchandise category and seasonality of purchase, but typically packaway remains in storage less than six months. Merchandise inventory includes acquisition, processing, and storage costs related to packaway inventory. The cost of the Company’s merchandise inventory is reduced by valuation reserves for shortage based on historical shortage experience from the Company’s physical merchandise inventory counts and cycle counts.
	Cost of goods sold. In addition to product costs, the Company includes in cost of goods sold its buying, distribution and freight expenses as well as occupancy costs, and depreciation and amortization related to the Company’s retail stores, buying, and distribution facilities. Buying expenses include costs to procure merchandise inventories. Distribution expenses include the cost of operating the Company’s distribution centers and warehouse facilities.
	Prepaid expenses and other. Prepaid expenses and other as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	Restricted cash and investments		$	19,713			$	20,734
	Prepaid expenses		87,065				81,257
	Total		$	106,778			$	101,991
	Property and equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, typically ranging from three to 12 years for equipment and 20 to 40 years for land improvements and buildings. Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was $233.0 million, $206.1 million, and $185.5 million for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The cost of leasehold improvements is amortized over the useful life of the asset or the applicable lease term, whichever is less. The Company capitalizes interest during the construction period. Interest capitalized was $10.8 million, $10.8 million, and $3.9 million in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. As of January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014, and February 2, 2013 the Company had $58.6 million, $61.3 million, and $23.7 million, respectively, of property and equipment purchased but not yet paid. These purchases are included in Property and Equipment and in Accounts payable and Accrued expenses and other in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In September 2014, the Company completed the purchase of its previously leased New York buying office for $222 million.
	Other long-term assets. Other long-term assets as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	Deferred compensation (Note B)		$	94,054			$	88,269
	Restricted cash and investments		56,107				50,763
	Deposits		3,285				3,285
	Goodwill		2,889				2,889
	Other		7,147				5,423
	Total		$	163,482			$	150,629
	Property and other long-term assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Intangible assets that are not subject to amortization, including goodwill, are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Based on the Company’s evaluation during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, no impairment charges were recorded.
	Store closures. The Company continually reviews the operating performance of individual stores. For stores that are closed, the Company records a liability for future minimum lease payments net of estimated sublease recoveries and related ancillary costs at the time the liability is incurred. In 2014, the Company closed nine stores. In 2013, the Company closed 11 stores. The lease loss liability was $2.7 million and $6.3 million, as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. Operating costs, including depreciation, of stores to be closed are expensed during the period they remain in use.
	Accounts payable. Accounts payable represents amounts owed to third parties at the end of the period. Accounts payable includes book cash overdrafts (checks issued under zero balance accounts not yet presented for payment) in excess of cash balances in such accounts of approximately $123.8 million and $75.7 million at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The Company includes the change in book cash overdrafts in operating cash flows.
	Insurance obligations. The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risk management activities, including workers’ compensation, general liability, and employee-related health care benefits. The self-insurance and deductible liability is determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Self-insurance and deductible reserves as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	Workers’ compensation		$	87,388			$	82,223
	General liability		37,253				34,524
	Medical plans		3,159				3,537
	Total		$	127,800			$	120,284
	Workers’ compensation and self-insured medical plan liabilities are included in Accrued payroll and benefits, and accruals for general liability are included in Accrued expenses and other in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Other long-term liabilities. Other long-term liabilities as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	Income taxes (Note F)		$	101,696			$	104,944
	Deferred compensation (Note G)		94,054				88,269
	Deferred rent		59,465				64,671
	Tenant improvement allowances		19,562				19,744
	Other		4,723				9,939
	Total		$	279,500			$	287,567
	Lease accounting. When a lease contains “rent holidays” or requires fixed escalations of the minimum lease payments, the Company records rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and the difference between the average rental amount charged to expense and the amount payable under the lease is recorded as deferred rent. The Company begins recording rent expense on the lease possession date. Tenant improvement allowances are included in Other long-term liabilities and are amortized over the lease term. Changes in tenant improvement allowances are included as a component of operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Revenue recognition. The Company recognizes revenue at the point of sale and maintains an allowance for estimated future returns. Sales of stored value cards are deferred until they are redeemed for the purchase of Company merchandise. The Company’s stored value cards do not have expiration dates. Based upon historical redemption rates, a small percentage of stored value cards will never be redeemed, which represents breakage. The Company recognizes income from stored value card breakage as a reduction of operating expenses when redemption by a customer is considered to be remote. Income recognized from breakage was not significant in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	Sales tax collected is not recognized as revenue and is included in Accrued expenses and other.
	Sales mix. The Company’s sales mix is shown below for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012:
		2014			2013			2012
	Ladies	29	%		29	%		29	%
	Home Accents and Bed and Bath	24	%		24	%		24	%
	Accessories, Lingerie, Fine Jewelry, and Fragrances	13	%		13	%		13	%
	Men's	13	%		13	%		13	%
	Shoes	13	%		13	%		13	%
	Children's	8	%		8	%		8	%
	Total	100	%		100	%		100	%
	Allowance for sales returns. An allowance for the gross margin loss on estimated sales returns is included in Accrued expenses and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The allowance for sales returns consists of the following:
$0		Beginning Balance				Additions			Returns			Ending Balance
Year ended:
January 31, 2015		$	7,431			$	717,040		$	(715,877	)	$	8,594
February 1, 2014		$	7,165			$	699,835		$	(699,569	)	$	7,431
February 2, 2013		$	6,426			$	680,058		$	(679,319	)	$	7,165
Store pre-opening. Store pre-opening costs are expensed in the period incurred.
Advertising. Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising costs for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $72.1 million, $70.2 million, and $67.7 million, respectively.
Stock-based compensation. The Company recognizes compensation expense based upon the grant date fair value of all stock-based awards, typically over the vesting period. See Note C for more information on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.
Taxes on earnings. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, the Company generally considers all expected future events other than changes in the tax law or tax rates. ASC 740 clarifies the criteria that an individual tax position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in a company’s consolidated financial statements. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement standard for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. See Note F.
Treasury stock. The Company records treasury stock at cost. Treasury stock includes shares purchased from employees for tax withholding purposes related to vesting of restricted stock grants.
Earnings per share (“EPS”). The Company computes and reports both basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the total potential dilution that could occur from outstanding equity plan awards, including unexercised stock options and unvested shares of both performance and non-performance based awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units.
In fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 there were 2,500, 2,900, and 53,900 weighted average shares, respectively, that were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive for those years.
The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:
Shares in (000s)		Basic EPS				Effect of dilutive			Diluted EPS
						common stock equivalents
2014
Shares		206,777				2,262			209,039
Amount		$	4.47			$	(0.05	)	$	4.42
2013
Shares		212,881				2,924			215,805
Amount		$	3.93			$	(0.05	)	$	3.88
2012
Shares		219,130				3,654			222,784
Amount		$	3.59			$	(0.06	)	$	3.53
Comprehensive income. Comprehensive income includes net earnings and components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consisting of unrealized investment gains or losses.
Recently issued accounting standards. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that a company should recognize revenue when the customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company’s annual and interim reporting periods beginning in fiscal 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adoption of this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Investments_And_Restricted_Inv

Investments And Restricted Investments	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Investments And Restricted Investments [Abstract]
Investments And Restricted Investments	Investments and Restricted Investments
	The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities as of January 31, 2015 were:
	$0	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair value		Short-term		Long-term
		cost		gains		losses
	Investments
	Corporate securities	$	3,298	$	243	$	(5	)	$	3,536	$	500	$	3,036
	Mortgage-backed securities	69		5		—			74		—		74
	Total investments	3,367		248		(5		)	3,610		500		3,110
	Restricted Investments
	U.S. government and agency securities	3,563		265		—			3,828		—		3,828
	Total restricted investments	3,563		265		—			3,828		—		3,828
	Total	$	6,930	$	513	$	(5	)	$	7,438	$	500	$	6,938
	The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's available-for-sale securities as of February 1, 2014 were:
	$0	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair value		Short-term		Long-term
		cost		gains		losses
	Investments
	Corporate securities	$	3,298	$	325	$	(4	)	$	3,619	$	—	$	3,619
	U.S. government and agency securities	12,005		1		—			12,006		12,006		—
	Mortgage-backed securities	86		5		—			91		—		91
	Total investments	15,389		331		(4		)	15,716		12,006		3,710
	Restricted Investments
	Corporate securities	110		5		—			115		115		—
	U.S. government and agency securities	3,728		266		—			3,994		145		3,849
	Total restricted investments	3,838		271		—			4,109		260		3,849
	Total	$	19,227	$	602	$	(4	)	$	19,825	$	12,266	$	7,559
	The change in fair value of investment securities for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 was a decrease of $0.1 million, $0.3 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.
	Accounting standards pertaining to fair value measurements establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. This fair value hierarchy also requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Corporate, U.S. government and agency, and mortgage-backed securities are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 because these securities are valued using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs.
	Investments and restricted investments measured at fair value at January 31, 2015 are summarized below:
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
		January 31,		Quoted prices in		Significant			Significant
		2015		active markets for		other			unobservable
				identical assets		observable			inputs
						inputs
	$0			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Investments
	Corporate securities	$	3,536	$	—	$	3,536		$	—
	Mortgage-backed securities	74		—		74			—
	Total investments	3,610		—		3,610			—
	Restricted Investments
	U.S. government and agency securities	3,828		3,828		—			—
	Total restricted investments	3,828		3,828		—			—
	Total	$	7,438	$	3,828	$	3,610		$	—
	Investments and restricted investments measured at fair value at February 1, 2014 are summarized below:
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
		February 1,		Quoted prices in		Significant			Significant
		2014		active markets for		other			unobservable
				identical assets		observable			inputs
						inputs
	$0			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Investments
	Corporate securities	$	3,619	$	—	$	3,619		$	—
	U.S. government and agency securities	12,006		12,006		—			—
	Mortgage-backed securities	91		—		91			—
	Total investments	15,716		12,006		3,710			—
	Restricted Investments
	Corporate securities	115		—		115			—
	U.S. government and agency securities	3,994		3,994		—			—
	Total restricted investments	4,109		3,994		115			—
	Total	$	19,825	$	16,000	$	3,825		$	—
	The future maturities of investment and restricted investment securities at January 31, 2015 were:
		Investments				Restricted Investments
	$0	Cost basis		Estimated fair value		Cost basis			Estimated fair value
	Maturing in one year or less	$	500	$	500	$	—		$	—
	Maturing after one year through five years	2,867		3,110		3,563			3,828
Total	$	3,367	$	3,610	$	3,563		$	3,828
The underlying assets in the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation program as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 (included in Other long-term assets and in Other long-term liabilities) primarily consist of participant-directed money market, stable value, stock, and bond funds. The fair value measurement for funds with quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1) and for funds without quoted market prices in active markets (Level 2) are as follows:
$0	2014		2013
Level 1	$	81,926	$	76,913
Level 2	12,128		11,356
Total	$	94,054	$	88,269
Fair market value for Level 2 funds is considered to be the sum of participant funds invested under a group annuity contract plus accrued interest.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	For fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense as follows:
	$0	2014		2013		2012
	Restricted stock	$	34,729	$	30,921	$	29,191
	Performance awards	16,003		13,812		17,872
	ESPP	2,269		2,114		1,889
	Total	$	53,001	$	46,847	$	48,952
	Capitalized stock-based compensation cost was not significant in any year.
	No stock options were granted during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012. The Company recognizes expense for ESPP purchase rights equal to the value of the 15% discount given on the purchase date. At January 31, 2015, the Company had one active stock-based compensation plan, which is further described in Note H.
	Total stock-based compensation recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows:
	Statements of Earnings Classification ($000)	2014		2013		2012
	Cost of goods sold	$	27,088	$	24,432	$	22,915
	Selling, general and administrative	25,913		22,415		26,037
	Total	$	53,001	$	46,847	$	48,952

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Senior notes. Unsecured senior debt, net of unamortized discounts, as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	6.38% Series A Senior Notes due 2018		$	85,000			$	85,000
	6.53% Series B Senior Notes due 2021		65,000				65,000
	3.375% Senior Notes due 2024¹		248,375				—
	Total		$	398,375			$	150,000
	¹Net of unamortized discount of $1.6 million at January 31, 2015.
	In September 2014, the Company issued unsecured 3.375% Senior Notes due September 2024 (the “2024 Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $250 million at a price equal to 99.329% of the principal amount. Cash proceeds, net of discount and other issuance fees and expenses, were approximately $246 million and were used to purchase the Company’s New York buying office for $222 million and for other general corporate purposes. Interest on the 2024 Notes is payable semi-annually beginning March 2015.
	At January 31, 2015, the Company also had outstanding two series of unsecured senior notes in the aggregate principal amount of $150 million, held by various institutional investors. The Series A notes totaling $85 million are due in December 2018 and bear interest at a rate of 6.38%. The Series B notes totaling $65 million are due in December 2021 and bear interest at a rate of 6.53%. Borrowings under these senior notes are subject to certain financial covenants, including interest coverage and other financial ratios. As of January 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
	The 2024 Notes, Series A, and Series B senior notes are all subject to prepayment penalties for early payment of principal.
	The aggregate fair value of the three outstanding senior note issuances was approximately $442 million as of January 31, 2015 and the aggregate fair value of the Series A and Series B notes was $182 million as of February 1, 2014. The fair value is estimated by obtaining comparable market quotes which are considered to be Level 1 inputs under the fair value measurements and disclosures guidance.
	The following table shows scheduled annual principal payments on Long-term debt:
	$0
	2015				2016				2017				2018		2019		Thereafter
	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	85,000	$	—	$	315,000
	The table below shows the components of interest expense and income for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	$0		2014				2013				2012
	Interest expense on long-term debt		$	12,990			$	9,721			$	9,721
	Other interest expense		1,230				1,350				1,665
	Capitalized interest		(10,825		)		(10,799		)		(3,851		)
	Interest income		(411		)		(519		)		(628		)
	Total interest expense (income), net		$	2,984			$	(247	)		$	6,907
	Revolving credit facility. The Company's $600 million unsecured revolving credit facility expires in June 2017 and contains a $300 million sublimit for issuance of standby letters of credit. Interest on this facility is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin (currently 100 basis points) and is payable quarterly and upon maturity. As of January 31, 2015 the Company had no borrowings or standby letters of credit outstanding under this facility and the $600 million credit facility remains in place and available.
	The revolving credit facility is subject to certain financial covenants, including interest coverage and other financial ratios. In addition, the interest rates under the revolving credit facility may vary depending on actual interest coverage ratios achieved. As of January 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
	Standby letters of credit and collateral trust. The Company uses standby letters of credit outside of its revolving credit facility in addition to a funded trust to collateralize its insurance obligations. As of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, the Company had $19.5 million and $24.3 million, respectively, in standby letters of credit and $56.3 million and $47.2 million, respectively, in a collateral trust. The standby letters of credit are collateralized by restricted cash and the collateral trust consists of restricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments.
	Trade letters of credit. The Company had $32.8 million and $31.6 million in trade letters of credit outstanding at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases
	The Company currently leases all but three of its store locations with original, non-cancelable terms that in general range from three to ten years. Store leases typically contain provisions for three to four renewal options of five years each. Most store leases also provide for minimum annual rentals and for payment of certain expenses. In addition, some store leases also have provisions for additional rent based on a percentage of sales.
	The Company leases three warehouses. Two of the warehouses are in Carlisle, Pennsylvania with leases expiring in 2016 and 2017. The third warehouse is in Fort Mill, South Carolina, with a lease expiring in 2019. The leases for the two Carlisle, Pennsylvania warehouses contain renewal provisions.
	The Company leases approximately 68,000 square feet of office space for its Los Angeles buying office. The lease term for this facility expires in 2017 and contains renewal provisions. In addition, the Company has a ground lease related to its New York buying office.
	The aggregate future minimum annual lease payments under leases in effect at January 31, 2015 are as follows:
	$0	Total operating leases
	2015	$	438,423
	2016	462,606
	2017	405,809
	2018	340,607
	2019	261,768
	Thereafter	1,434,485
	Total minimum lease payments	$	3,343,698
	Total rent expense was $457.0 million, $434.9 million, and $406.6 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Taxes_On_Earnings

Taxes On Earnings	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes On Earnings	Taxes on Earnings
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
	$0	2014				2013				2012
	Current
	Federal	$	499,009			$	486,203			$	485,882
	State	36,547				35,053				31,227
		535,556				521,256				517,109
	Deferred
	Federal	23,452				(11,055		)		(37,178		)
	State	1,634				(4,195		)		(1,850		)
		25,086				(15,250		)		(39,028		)
	Total	$	560,642			$	506,006			$	478,081
	In fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company realized tax benefits of $29.8 million, $27.7 million and $30.0 million, respectively, related to employee equity programs that were recorded in additional paid-in capital.
	The provision for taxes for financial reporting purposes is different from the tax provision computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate. The differences are reconciled below:
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal income taxes at the statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes (net of federal benefit) and other, net	3	%		3	%		3	%
	Total	38	%		38	%		38	%
	The components of deferred income taxes at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 are as follows:
	$0	2014				2013
	Deferred Tax Assets
	Accrued liabilities	$	77,791			$	87,835
	Deferred compensation	33,456				31,034
	Stock-based compensation	35,332				33,048
	Deferred rent	26,370				17,888
	California franchise taxes and credits	18,478				16,479
	Employee benefits	23,136				16,177
	Other	4,927				4,992
		219,490				207,453
	Deferred Tax Liabilities
	Depreciation	(252,013		)		(212,383		)
	Merchandise inventory	(26,668		)		(28,558		)
	Supplies	(11,616		)		(10,730		)
	Prepaid expenses	(2,923		)		(4,426		)
		(293,220		)		(256,097		)
	Net Deferred Tax Liabilities	$	(73,730	)		$	(48,644	)
	Classified as:
	Current net deferred tax asset	$	12,951			$	10,227
	Long-term net deferred tax liability	(86,681		)		(58,871		)
	Net Deferred Tax Liabilities	$	(73,730	)		$	(48,644	)
	At the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Company's state tax credit carryforwards for income tax purposes were approximately $12.1 million and $11.0 million, respectively. The state tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in fiscal 2023.
	The changes in amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (gross of federal tax benefits and excluding interest and penalties) at fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
	$0	2014				2013				2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of year	$	80,323			$	65,667			$	56,524
	Gross increases:
	Tax positions in current period	15,441				15,591				11,009
	Tax positions in prior period	—				2,418				4,167
	Gross decreases:
	Tax positions in prior periods	(9,432		)		(519		)		(1,476		)
	Lapse of statute limitations	(5,732		)		(2,274		)		(1,312		)
	Settlements	(2,484		)		(560		)		(3,245		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits - end of year	$	78,116			$	80,323			$	65,667
	At the end of fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits were $101.7 million, $104.9 million, and $82.5 million inclusive of $23.6 million, $24.6 million, and $16.8 million of related interest and penalties, respectively. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a part of its provision for taxes on earnings. If recognized, $51.0 million would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The difference between the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits and the amounts that would impact the effective tax rate relates to amounts attributable to deferred income tax assets and liabilities. These amounts are net of federal and state income taxes.
	During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the statute of limitations may lapse pertaining to positions taken by the Company in prior year tax returns. If this occurs, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease, reducing the provision for taxes on earnings by up to $6.3 million.
	The Company is generally open to audit by the Internal Revenue Service under the statute of limitations for fiscal years 2011 through 2014. The Company’s state income tax returns are generally open to audit under the various statutes of limitations for fiscal years 2010 through 2014. Certain state tax returns are currently under audit by state tax authorities. The Company does not expect the results of these audits to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company has a defined contribution plan that is available to certain employees. Under the plan, employee and Company contributions and accumulated plan earnings qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. This plan permits employees to make contributions up to the maximum limits allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches up to 4% of the employee’s salary up to the plan limits. Company matching contributions to the 401(k) plan were $11.4 million, $10.4 million, and $9.4 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The Company also has an Incentive Compensation Plan which provides cash awards to key management and employees based on Company and individual performance.
	The Company also makes available to management a Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan which allows management to make payroll contributions on a pre-tax basis in addition to the 401(k) plan. Other long-term assets include $94.1 million and $88.3 million at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, of long-term plan investments, at market value, set aside or designated for the Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (See Note B). Plan investments are designated by the participants, and investment returns are not guaranteed by the Company. The Company has a corresponding liability to participants of $94.1 million and $88.3 million at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, included in Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In addition, the Company has certain individuals who receive or will receive post-employment medical benefits. The estimated liability for these benefits of $9.7 million and $6.8 million is included in Accrued expenses and other in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity
	Common stock. In February 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a two-year $1.4 billion stock repurchase program for fiscal 2015 and 2016.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock repurchase activity in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	Fiscal Year		Shares repurchased (in millions)			Average repurchase price		Repurchased
								(in millions)
	2014		7.4			$74.30		$550
	2013		8.2			$67.24		$550
	2012		7.5			$60.34		$450
	Preferred stock. The Company has four million shares of preferred stock authorized, with a par value of $.01 per share. No preferred stock is issued or outstanding.
	Dividends. In February 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.235 per common share, payable on March 31, 2015. The Company’s Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.20 per common share in February, May, August, and November 2014, cash dividends of $0.17 per common share in January, May, August, and November 2013, and cash dividends of $0.14 per common share in January, May, August, and November 2012.
	In March 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend, to be paid on June 11, 2015 to stockholders of record as of April 22, 2015. The stock split will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Share and per share amounts have not been restated to reflect the pending stock split.
	2008 Equity Incentive Plan. In 2008, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the Ross Stores, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) with an initial share reserve of 16.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 12.0 million shares can be issued as full value awards. The 2008 Plan provides for various types of incentive awards, which may potentially include the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock purchase rights, restricted stock bonuses, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and deferred compensation awards. As of January 31, 2015, there were 6.6 million shares that remained available for grant under the 2008 Plan.
	A summary of the stock option activity for fiscal 2014 is presented below:
	(000, except per share data)		Number of shares			Weighted			Weighted average remaining contractual term	Aggregate
						average				intrinsic value
						exercise price
	Outstanding at February 1, 2014		1,169			$14.07
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		(650	)		14.05
	Forfeited		—			—
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015, all vested		519			$14.09			0.99	$40,285
	The following table summarizes information about the weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) and the weighted average exercise prices for stock options both outstanding and exercisable as of January 31, 2015 (number of shares in thousands):
											Options outstanding and exercisable
	Exercise price range										Number of shares	Remaining life	Exercise price
	$	11.47			to		$	13.77			116	0.98	$13.28
	13.84				to		13.89				56	0.29	13.85
	13.91				to		13.91				185	1.11	13.91
	13.92				to		14.65				106	0.52	14.32
	14.7				to		16.39				56	2.19	16.22
	$	11.47			to		$	16.39			519	0.99	$14.09
	A summary of the restricted stock activity for fiscal 2014 is presented below:
	(000, except per share data)		Number of			Weighted
			shares			average
						grant date
						fair value
	Unvested at February 1, 2014		3,914			$37.14
	Awarded		967			67.15
	Released		(1,316	)		29.29
	Forfeited		(74	)		55.46
	Unvested at January 31, 2015		3,491			$48.02
	The market value of shares of restricted stock and of the stock underlying restricted stock units at the date of grant is amortized to expense over the vesting period of generally three to five years. The unamortized compensation expense at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 was $87.4 million and $74.9 million, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 1.7 years. Intrinsic value for restricted stock, defined as the closing market value on the last business day of fiscal year 2014 (or $91.71), was $320.2 million. A total of 6,628,000, 6,986,000, and 7,202,000 shares were available for new restricted stock awards at the end of fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. During fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, shares purchased by the Company for tax withholding totaled 534,000, 496,000, and 505,000 shares, respectively, and are considered treasury shares which are available for reissuance. As of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, the Company held 4,888,000 and 4,354,000 shares of treasury stock, respectively.
	Performance share awards. The Company has a performance share award program for senior executives. A performance share award represents a right to receive shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units on a specified settlement date based on the Company’s attainment of a profitability-based performance goal during the performance period, which is the Company’s fiscal year. If attained, the restricted stock or units then vest over a service period, generally two to three years from the date the performance award was granted. The release of shares related to restricted stock units earned is deferred generally for one year from the date earned. The Company issued approximately 303,000, 240,000, and 280,000 shares in settlement of the fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 awards.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), eligible employees participating in the quarterly offering period can choose to have up to the lesser of 10% of their annual base earnings or the IRS annual share purchase limit of $25,000 in aggregate market value to purchase the Company’s common stock. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the closing market price on the date of purchase. Purchases occur on a quarterly basis (on the last trading day of each calendar quarter). The Company recognizes expense for ESPP purchase rights equal to the value of the 15% discount given on the purchase date.
	During fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, employees purchased approximately 200,000, 208,000, and 211,000 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock under the plan at weighted average per share prices of $64.35, $57.57, and $50.67, respectively. Through January 31, 2015, approximately 19,342,000 shares had been issued under this plan and 658,000 shares remained available for future issuance.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	The Company has a consulting agreement with Norman Ferber, its Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors, under which the Company pays him an annual consulting fee of $1.5 million through May 2018. In addition, the agreement provides for administrative support and health and other benefits for the individual and his dependents, which totaled approximately $0.3 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, along with amounts to cover premiums through May 2018 on a life insurance policy with a death benefit of $2.0 million. On termination of Mr. Ferber’s consultancy with the Company, the Company will pay Mr. Ferber $75,000 per year for a period of 10 years.
	Robert Ferber, the son of Norman Ferber, is a buyer with the Company. For fiscal 2014, the Company paid Robert Ferber compensation including salary and bonus of approximately $133,000.

Litigation_Claims_and_Assessme

Litigation, Claims, and Assessments	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Litigation Claims And Assessments [Abstract]
Litigation, Claims, and Assessments	Litigation, Claims, and Assessments
	Like many California retailers, the Company has been named in class action lawsuits alleging violation of wage and hour and other employment laws. Class action litigation remains pending as of January 31, 2015.
	The Company is also party to various other legal and regulatory proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Actions filed against the Company include commercial, product and product safety, customer, intellectual property, and labor and employment-related claims, including lawsuits in which private plaintiffs or governmental agencies allege that the Company violated federal, state, and / or local laws. Actions against the Company are in various procedural stages. Many of these proceedings raise factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties.
	In the opinion of management, the resolution of pending class action litigation and other currently pending legal and regulatory proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Quarterly_Financial_Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	Summarized quarterly financial information for fiscal 2014 and 2013 is presented in the tables below.
	Year ended January 31, 2015:
		Quarter Ended
	($000, except per share data)	May 3, 2014			August 2, 2014			November 1, 2014			January 31, 2015
	Sales	$	2,680,593		$	2,729,566		$	2,598,820		$	3,032,698
	Cost of goods sold	1,908,184			1,944,017			1,882,185			2,203,570
	Selling, general and administrative	379,802			395,225			410,002			430,342
	Interest (income) expense, net	(104		)	(95		)	777			2,406
	Total costs and expenses	2,287,882			2,339,147			2,292,964			2,636,318
	Earnings before taxes	392,711			390,419			305,856			396,380
	Provision for taxes on earnings	148,798			150,858			113,136			147,850
	Net earnings	$	243,913		$	239,561		$	192,720		$	248,530
	Earnings per share – basic1	$	1.17		$	1.15		$	0.94		$	1.21
	Earnings per share – diluted1	$	1.15		$	1.14		$	0.93		$	1.2
	Cash dividends declared per share
	on common stock	$	0.2		$	0.2		$	0.2		$	0.2
	Stock price
	High	$	74.09		$	69.66		$	80.83		$	96.94
	Low	$	65.78		$	62.15		$	64.64		$	80.44
	1 EPS is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.
	Year ended February 1, 2014:
		Quarter Ended
	($000, except per share data)	May 4, 2013			August 3, 2013			November 2, 2013			February 1, 2014
	Sales	$	2,539,914		$	2,551,277		$	2,398,122		$	2,741,040
	Cost of goods sold	1,798,811			1,823,777			1,746,235			1,992,101
	Selling, general and administrative	361,968			381,193			381,860			401,345
	Interest expense (income), net	209			(175		)	(152		)	(129		)
	Total costs and expenses	2,160,988			2,204,795			2,127,943			2,393,317
	Earnings before taxes	378,926			346,482			270,179			347,723
	Provision for taxes on earnings	144,314			133,361			98,561			129,770
	Net earnings	$	234,612		$	213,121		$	171,618		$	217,953
	Earnings per share – basic1	$	1.09		$	1		$	0.81		$	1.04
	Earnings per share – diluted1	$	1.07		$	0.98		$	0.8		$	1.02
	Cash dividends declared per share
	on common stock	$	—		$	0.17		$	0.17		$	0.17
	Stock price
	High	$	66.07		$	69.2		$	77.63		$	81.64
	Low	$	55.23		$	63.29		$	64.76		$	67.66
	1 EPS is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business	Business. Ross Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an off-price retailer of first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions for the entire family. At the end of fiscal 2014, the Company operated 1,210 Ross Dress for Less® (“Ross”) locations in 33 states, the District of Columbia and Guam, and 152 dd’s DISCOUNTS® stores in 15 states. The Ross and dd's DISCOUNTS stores are supported by five distribution centers. The Company’s headquarters, one buying office, two operating distribution centers, two warehouses, and 25% of its stores are located in California.
Segment Reporting	Segment reporting. The Company has one reportable segment. The Company’s operations include only activities related to off-price retailing in stores throughout the United States.
Basis Of Presentation And Fiscal Year	Basis of presentation and fiscal year. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The Company follows the National Retail Federation fiscal calendar and utilizes a 52-53 week fiscal year whereby the fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. The fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 are referred to as fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Fiscal 2014 and 2013 were each 52-week years. Fiscal 2012 was a 53-week year.
Use Of Accounting Estimates	Use of accounting estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s significant accounting estimates include valuation reserves for inventory shortage, packaway inventory costs, useful lives of fixed assets, insurance reserves, and reserves for uncertain tax positions.
Purchase Obligations	Purchase obligations. As of January 31, 2015, the Company had purchase obligations of approximately $1,953 million. These purchase obligations primarily consist of merchandise inventory purchase orders, commitments related to construction projects, store fixtures and supplies, and information technology service, transportation, and maintenance contracts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid, fixed income instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Investments	Restricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments. The Company has restricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments that serve as collateral for certain insurance obligations of the Company. These restricted funds are invested in bank deposits, money market mutual funds, U.S. Government and agency securities, and corporate securities and cannot be withdrawn from the Company’s account without the prior written consent of the secured parties. The following table summarizes total restricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments which were included in Prepaid expenses and other and Other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014:
	Restricted Assets ($000)	2014		2013
	Prepaid expenses and other	$	19,713	$	20,734
	Other long-term assets	56,107		50,763
	Total	$	75,820	$	71,497
	The classification between current and long-term is based on the timing of expected payments of the insurance obligations.
Estimated Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	Estimated fair value of financial instruments. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments, restricted cash and cash equivalents, restricted investments, accounts receivable, other long-term assets, accounts payable, and other long-term liabilities approximates their estimated fair value. See Note B and Note D for additional fair value information.
	Cash and cash equivalents were $696.6 million and $423.2 million, at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, and include bank deposits and money market funds for which the fair value was determined using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets, which are considered to be Level 1 inputs under the fair value measurements and disclosures guidance.
Investments	Investments. The Company’s investments are comprised of various debt securities. At January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, these investments were classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value. Investments are classified as either short- or long-term based on their original maturities and the Company’s intent. Investments with an original maturity of less than one year are classified as short-term. See Note B for additional information.
Merchandise Inventory	Merchandise inventory. Merchandise inventory is stated at the lower of cost (determined using a weighted average basis) or net realizable value. The Company purchases manufacturer overruns and canceled orders both during and at the end of a season which are referred to as "packaway" inventory. Packaway inventory is purchased with the intent that it will be stored in the Company's warehouses until a later date. The timing of the release of packaway inventory to the stores is principally driven by the product mix and seasonality of the merchandise, and its relation to the Company’s store merchandise assortment plans. As such, the aging of packaway varies by merchandise category and seasonality of purchase, but typically packaway remains in storage less than six months. Merchandise inventory includes acquisition, processing, and storage costs related to packaway inventory. The cost of the Company’s merchandise inventory is reduced by valuation reserves for shortage based on historical shortage experience from the Company’s physical merchandise inventory counts and cycle counts.
Cost of Goods Sold	Cost of goods sold. In addition to product costs, the Company includes in cost of goods sold its buying, distribution and freight expenses as well as occupancy costs, and depreciation and amortization related to the Company’s retail stores, buying, and distribution facilities. Buying expenses include costs to procure merchandise inventories. Distribution expenses include the cost of operating the Company’s distribution centers and warehouse facilities.
Prepaid Expenses And Other	Prepaid expenses and other. Prepaid expenses and other as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0	2014		2013
	Restricted cash and investments	$	19,713	$	20,734
	Prepaid expenses	87,065		81,257
	Total	$	106,778	$	101,991
Property And Equipment	Property and equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, typically ranging from three to 12 years for equipment and 20 to 40 years for land improvements and buildings. Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was $233.0 million, $206.1 million, and $185.5 million for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The cost of leasehold improvements is amortized over the useful life of the asset or the applicable lease term, whichever is less. The Company capitalizes interest during the construction period. Interest capitalized was $10.8 million, $10.8 million, and $3.9 million in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. As of January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014, and February 2, 2013 the Company had $58.6 million, $61.3 million, and $23.7 million, respectively, of property and equipment purchased but not yet paid. These purchases are included in Property and Equipment and in Accounts payable and Accrued expenses and other in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In September 2014, the Company completed the purchase of its previously leased New York buying office for $222 million.
Other Long-Term Assets	Other long-term assets. Other long-term assets as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0	2014		2013
	Deferred compensation (Note B)	$	94,054	$	88,269
	Restricted cash and investments	56,107		50,763
	Deposits	3,285		3,285
	Goodwill	2,889		2,889
	Other	7,147		5,423
	Total	$	163,482	$	150,629
	Property and other long-term assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Intangible assets that are not subject to amortization, including goodwill, are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Based on the Company’s evaluation during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, no impairment charges were recorded.
Store Closures	Store closures. The Company continually reviews the operating performance of individual stores. For stores that are closed, the Company records a liability for future minimum lease payments net of estimated sublease recoveries and related ancillary costs at the time the liability is incurred. In 2014, the Company closed nine stores. In 2013, the Company closed 11 stores. The lease loss liability was $2.7 million and $6.3 million, as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. Operating costs, including depreciation, of stores to be closed are expensed during the period they remain in use.
Accounts Payable	Accounts payable. Accounts payable represents amounts owed to third parties at the end of the period. Accounts payable includes book cash overdrafts (checks issued under zero balance accounts not yet presented for payment) in excess of cash balances in such accounts of approximately $123.8 million and $75.7 million at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The Company includes the change in book cash overdrafts in operating cash flows.
Insurance Obligations	Insurance obligations. The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risk management activities, including workers’ compensation, general liability, and employee-related health care benefits. The self-insurance and deductible liability is determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Self-insurance and deductible reserves as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0	2014		2013
	Workers’ compensation	$	87,388	$	82,223
	General liability	37,253		34,524
	Medical plans	3,159		3,537
	Total	$	127,800	$	120,284
Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities. Other long-term liabilities as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0	2014		2013
	Income taxes (Note F)	$	101,696	$	104,944
	Deferred compensation (Note G)	94,054		88,269
	Deferred rent	59,465		64,671
	Tenant improvement allowances	19,562		19,744
	Other	4,723		9,939
	Total	$	279,500	$	287,567
Lease Accounting	Lease accounting. When a lease contains “rent holidays” or requires fixed escalations of the minimum lease payments, the Company records rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and the difference between the average rental amount charged to expense and the amount payable under the lease is recorded as deferred rent. The Company begins recording rent expense on the lease possession date. Tenant improvement allowances are included in Other long-term liabilities and are amortized over the lease term. Changes in tenant improvement allowances are included as a component of operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue recognition. The Company recognizes revenue at the point of sale and maintains an allowance for estimated future returns. Sales of stored value cards are deferred until they are redeemed for the purchase of Company merchandise. The Company’s stored value cards do not have expiration dates. Based upon historical redemption rates, a small percentage of stored value cards will never be redeemed, which represents breakage. The Company recognizes income from stored value card breakage as a reduction of operating expenses when redemption by a customer is considered to be remote. Income recognized from breakage was not significant in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	Sales tax collected is not recognized as revenue and is included in Accrued expenses and other.
Allowance For Sales Returns	Allowance for sales returns. An allowance for the gross margin loss on estimated sales returns is included in Accrued expenses and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The allowance for sales returns consists of the following:
	$0	Beginning Balance		Additions			Returns			Ending Balance
	Year ended:
	January 31, 2015	$	7,431	$	717,040		$	(715,877	)	$	8,594
	February 1, 2014	$	7,165	$	699,835		$	(699,569	)	$	7,431
	February 2, 2013	$	6,426	$	680,058		$	(679,319	)	$	7,165
Store Pre-Opening	Store pre-opening. Store pre-opening costs are expensed in the period incurred.
Advertising	Advertising. Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising costs for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $72.1 million, $70.2 million, and $67.7 million, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation	Stock-based compensation. The Company recognizes compensation expense based upon the grant date fair value of all stock-based awards, typically over the vesting period. See Note C for more information on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.
Taxes On Earnings	Taxes on earnings. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, the Company generally considers all expected future events other than changes in the tax law or tax rates. ASC 740 clarifies the criteria that an individual tax position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in a company’s consolidated financial statements. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement standard for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. See Note F.
Treasury Stock	Treasury stock. The Company records treasury stock at cost. Treasury stock includes shares purchased from employees for tax withholding purposes related to vesting of restricted stock grants.
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	Earnings per share (“EPS”). The Company computes and reports both basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the total potential dilution that could occur from outstanding equity plan awards, including unexercised stock options and unvested shares of both performance and non-performance based awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units.
	In fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 there were 2,500, 2,900, and 53,900 weighted average shares, respectively, that were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive for those years.
	The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:
	Shares in (000s)	Basic EPS		Effect of dilutive			Diluted EPS
				common stock equivalents
	2014
	Shares	206,777		2,262			209,039
	Amount	$	4.47	$	(0.05	)	$	4.42
	2013
	Shares	212,881		2,924			215,805
	Amount	$	3.93	$	(0.05	)	$	3.88
	2012
	Shares	219,130		3,654			222,784
	Amount	$	3.59	$	(0.06	)	$	3.53
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive income. Comprehensive income includes net earnings and components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consisting of unrealized investment gains or losses
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Recently issued accounting standards. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that a company should recognize revenue when the customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company’s annual and interim reporting periods beginning in fiscal 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adoption of this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments	The following table summarizes total restricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments which were included in Prepaid expenses and other and Other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014:
	Restricted Assets ($000)		2014				2013
	Prepaid expenses and other		$	19,713			$	20,734
	Other long-term assets		56,107				50,763
	Total		$	75,820			$	71,497
Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Assets	Prepaid expenses and other as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	Restricted cash and investments		$	19,713			$	20,734
	Prepaid expenses		87,065				81,257
	Total		$	106,778			$	101,991
Schedule of Other Long-Term Assets	Other long-term assets as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	Deferred compensation (Note B)		$	94,054			$	88,269
	Restricted cash and investments		56,107				50,763
	Deposits		3,285				3,285
	Goodwill		2,889				2,889
	Other		7,147				5,423
	Total		$	163,482			$	150,629
Summary Of Insurance Obligations	Self-insurance and deductible reserves as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	Workers’ compensation		$	87,388			$	82,223
	General liability		37,253				34,524
	Medical plans		3,159				3,537
	Total		$	127,800			$	120,284
Schedule Of Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	Income taxes (Note F)		$	101,696			$	104,944
	Deferred compensation (Note G)		94,054				88,269
	Deferred rent		59,465				64,671
	Tenant improvement allowances		19,562				19,744
	Other		4,723				9,939
	Total		$	279,500			$	287,567
Schedule of Sales Mix	The Company’s sales mix is shown below for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012:
		2014			2013			2012
	Ladies	29	%		29	%		29	%
	Home Accents and Bed and Bath	24	%		24	%		24	%
	Accessories, Lingerie, Fine Jewelry, and Fragrances	13	%		13	%		13	%
	Men's	13	%		13	%		13	%
	Shoes	13	%		13	%		13	%
	Children's	8	%		8	%		8	%
	Total	100	%		100	%		100	%
Schedule Of Allowance For Sales Returns	The allowance for sales returns consists of the following:
	$0		Beginning Balance				Additions			Returns			Ending Balance
	Year ended:
	January 31, 2015		$	7,431			$	717,040		$	(715,877	)	$	8,594
	February 1, 2014		$	7,165			$	699,835		$	(699,569	)	$	7,431
	February 2, 2013		$	6,426			$	680,058		$	(679,319	)	$	7,165
Schedule Of Basic And Diluted EPS	The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:
	Shares in (000s)		Basic EPS				Effect of dilutive			Diluted EPS
							common stock equivalents
	2014
	Shares		206,777				2,262			209,039
	Amount		$	4.47			$	(0.05	)	$	4.42
	2013
	Shares		212,881				2,924			215,805
	Amount		$	3.93			$	(0.05	)	$	3.88
	2012
	Shares		219,130				3,654			222,784
	Amount		$	3.59			$	(0.06	)	$	3.53

Investments_And_Restricted_Inv1

Investments And Restricted Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Investments And Restricted Investments [Abstract]
Amortized Cost And Fair Value Of Available-For-Sale Securities	The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities as of January 31, 2015 were:
	$0	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair value		Short-term		Long-term
		cost		gains		losses
	Investments
	Corporate securities	$	3,298	$	243	$	(5	)	$	3,536	$	500	$	3,036
	Mortgage-backed securities	69		5		—			74		—		74
	Total investments	3,367		248		(5		)	3,610		500		3,110
	Restricted Investments
	U.S. government and agency securities	3,563		265		—			3,828		—		3,828
	Total restricted investments	3,563		265		—			3,828		—		3,828
	Total	$	6,930	$	513	$	(5	)	$	7,438	$	500	$	6,938
	The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's available-for-sale securities as of February 1, 2014 were:
	$0	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair value		Short-term		Long-term
		cost		gains		losses
	Investments
	Corporate securities	$	3,298	$	325	$	(4	)	$	3,619	$	—	$	3,619
	U.S. government and agency securities	12,005		1		—			12,006		12,006		—
	Mortgage-backed securities	86		5		—			91		—		91
	Total investments	15,389		331		(4		)	15,716		12,006		3,710
	Restricted Investments
	Corporate securities	110		5		—			115		115		—
	U.S. government and agency securities	3,728		266		—			3,994		145		3,849
	Total restricted investments	3,838		271		—			4,109		260		3,849
	Total	$	19,227	$	602	$	(4	)	$	19,825	$	12,266	$	7,559
Investments And Restricted Investments	Investments and restricted investments measured at fair value at January 31, 2015 are summarized below:
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
		January 31,		Quoted prices in		Significant			Significant
		2015		active markets for		other			unobservable
				identical assets		observable			inputs
						inputs
	$0			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Investments
	Corporate securities	$	3,536	$	—	$	3,536		$	—
	Mortgage-backed securities	74		—		74			—
	Total investments	3,610		—		3,610			—
	Restricted Investments
	U.S. government and agency securities	3,828		3,828		—			—
	Total restricted investments	3,828		3,828		—			—
	Total	$	7,438	$	3,828	$	3,610		$	—
	Investments and restricted investments measured at fair value at February 1, 2014 are summarized below:
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
		February 1,		Quoted prices in		Significant			Significant
		2014		active markets for		other			unobservable
				identical assets		observable			inputs
						inputs
	$0			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Investments
	Corporate securities	$	3,619	$	—	$	3,619		$	—
	U.S. government and agency securities	12,006		12,006		—			—
	Mortgage-backed securities	91		—		91			—
	Total investments	15,716		12,006		3,710			—
	Restricted Investments
	Corporate securities	115		—		115			—
	U.S. government and agency securities	3,994		3,994		—			—
	Total restricted investments	4,109		3,994		115			—
	Total	$	19,825	$	16,000	$	3,825		$	—
Maturities Of Investment And Restricted Investment Securities	The future maturities of investment and restricted investment securities at January 31, 2015 were:
		Investments				Restricted Investments
	$0	Cost basis		Estimated fair value		Cost basis			Estimated fair value
	Maturing in one year or less	$	500	$	500	$	—		$	—
	Maturing after one year through five years	2,867		3,110		3,563			3,828
	Total	$	3,367	$	3,610	$	3,563		$	3,828
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The fair value measurement for funds with quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1) and for funds without quoted market prices in active markets (Level 2) are as follows:
	$0	2014		2013
	Level 1	$	81,926	$	76,913
	Level 2	12,128		11,356
	Total	$	94,054	$	88,269

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Recognized Stock-Based Compensation	For fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense as follows:
	$0	2014		2013		2012
	Restricted stock	$	34,729	$	30,921	$	29,191
	Performance awards	16,003		13,812		17,872
	ESPP	2,269		2,114		1,889
	Total	$	53,001	$	46,847	$	48,952
Total Stock-Based Compensation Recognized In The Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Earnings	Total stock-based compensation recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows:
	Statements of Earnings Classification ($000)	2014		2013		2012
	Cost of goods sold	$	27,088	$	24,432	$	22,915
	Selling, general and administrative	25,913		22,415		26,037
	Total	$	53,001	$	46,847	$	48,952

Debt_Debt_Tables

Debt Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Senior notes. Unsecured senior debt, net of unamortized discounts, as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$0		2014				2013
	6.38% Series A Senior Notes due 2018		$	85,000			$	85,000
	6.53% Series B Senior Notes due 2021		65,000				65,000
	3.375% Senior Notes due 2024¹		248,375				—
	Total		$	398,375			$	150,000
	¹Net of unamortized discount of $1.6 million at January 31, 2015.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table shows scheduled annual principal payments on Long-term debt:
	$0
	2015				2016				2017				2018		2019		Thereafter
	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	85,000	$	—	$	315,000
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The table below shows the components of interest expense and income for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	$0		2014				2013				2012
	Interest expense on long-term debt		$	12,990			$	9,721			$	9,721
	Other interest expense		1,230				1,350				1,665
	Capitalized interest		(10,825		)		(10,799		)		(3,851		)
	Interest income		(411		)		(519		)		(628		)
	Total interest expense (income), net		$	2,984			$	(247	)		$	6,907

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments	The aggregate future minimum annual lease payments under leases in effect at January 31, 2015 are as follows:
	$0	Total operating leases
	2015	$	438,423
	2016	462,606
	2017	405,809
	2018	340,607
	2019	261,768
	Thereafter	1,434,485
	Total minimum lease payments	$	3,343,698

Taxes_On_Earnings_Tables

Taxes On Earnings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule for income tax provision	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
	$0	2014				2013				2012
	Current
	Federal	$	499,009			$	486,203			$	485,882
	State	36,547				35,053				31,227
		535,556				521,256				517,109
	Deferred
	Federal	23,452				(11,055		)		(37,178		)
	State	1,634				(4,195		)		(1,850		)
		25,086				(15,250		)		(39,028		)
	Total	$	560,642			$	506,006			$	478,081
Provision for Taxes Effective Rate	The provision for taxes for financial reporting purposes is different from the tax provision computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate. The differences are reconciled below:
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal income taxes at the statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes (net of federal benefit) and other, net	3	%		3	%		3	%
	Total	38	%		38	%		38	%
Components Of Deferred Income Taxes	The components of deferred income taxes at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 are as follows:
	$0	2014				2013
	Deferred Tax Assets
	Accrued liabilities	$	77,791			$	87,835
	Deferred compensation	33,456				31,034
	Stock-based compensation	35,332				33,048
	Deferred rent	26,370				17,888
	California franchise taxes and credits	18,478				16,479
	Employee benefits	23,136				16,177
	Other	4,927				4,992
		219,490				207,453
	Deferred Tax Liabilities
	Depreciation	(252,013		)		(212,383		)
	Merchandise inventory	(26,668		)		(28,558		)
	Supplies	(11,616		)		(10,730		)
	Prepaid expenses	(2,923		)		(4,426		)
		(293,220		)		(256,097		)
	Net Deferred Tax Liabilities	$	(73,730	)		$	(48,644	)
	Classified as:
	Current net deferred tax asset	$	12,951			$	10,227
	Long-term net deferred tax liability	(86,681		)		(58,871		)
	Net Deferred Tax Liabilities	$	(73,730	)		$	(48,644	)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The changes in amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (gross of federal tax benefits and excluding interest and penalties) at fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
	$0	2014				2013				2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of year	$	80,323			$	65,667			$	56,524
	Gross increases:
	Tax positions in current period	15,441				15,591				11,009
	Tax positions in prior period	—				2,418				4,167
	Gross decreases:
	Tax positions in prior periods	(9,432		)		(519		)		(1,476		)
	Lapse of statute limitations	(5,732		)		(2,274		)		(1,312		)
	Settlements	(2,484		)		(560		)		(3,245		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits - end of year	$	78,116			$	80,323			$	65,667

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule Of Stock Repurchase Activity	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock repurchase activity in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	Fiscal Year		Shares repurchased (in millions)			Average repurchase price		Repurchased
								(in millions)
	2014		7.4			$74.30		$550
	2013		8.2			$67.24		$550
	2012		7.5			$60.34		$450
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	A summary of the stock option activity for fiscal 2014 is presented below:
	(000, except per share data)		Number of shares			Weighted			Weighted average remaining contractual term	Aggregate
						average				intrinsic value
						exercise price
	Outstanding at February 1, 2014		1,169			$14.07
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		(650	)		14.05
	Forfeited		—			—
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015, all vested		519			$14.09			0.99	$40,285
Summary of Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life And The Weighted Average Exercise Prices For Stock Options Both Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table summarizes information about the weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) and the weighted average exercise prices for stock options both outstanding and exercisable as of January 31, 2015 (number of shares in thousands):
											Options outstanding and exercisable
	Exercise price range										Number of shares	Remaining life	Exercise price
	$	11.47			to		$	13.77			116	0.98	$13.28
	13.84				to		13.89				56	0.29	13.85
	13.91				to		13.91				185	1.11	13.91
	13.92				to		14.65				106	0.52	14.32
	14.7				to		16.39				56	2.19	16.22
	$	11.47			to		$	16.39			519	0.99	$14.09
Summary of Unvested Restricted Stock Activity	A summary of the restricted stock activity for fiscal 2014 is presented below:
	(000, except per share data)		Number of			Weighted
			shares			average
						grant date
						fair value
	Unvested at February 1, 2014		3,914			$37.14
	Awarded		967			67.15
	Released		(1,316	)		29.29
	Forfeited		(74	)		55.46
	Unvested at January 31, 2015		3,491			$48.02

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data	Summarized quarterly financial information for fiscal 2014 and 2013 is presented in the tables below.
	Year ended January 31, 2015:
		Quarter Ended
	($000, except per share data)	May 3, 2014			August 2, 2014			November 1, 2014			January 31, 2015
	Sales	$	2,680,593		$	2,729,566		$	2,598,820		$	3,032,698
	Cost of goods sold	1,908,184			1,944,017			1,882,185			2,203,570
	Selling, general and administrative	379,802			395,225			410,002			430,342
	Interest (income) expense, net	(104		)	(95		)	777			2,406
	Total costs and expenses	2,287,882			2,339,147			2,292,964			2,636,318
	Earnings before taxes	392,711			390,419			305,856			396,380
	Provision for taxes on earnings	148,798			150,858			113,136			147,850
	Net earnings	$	243,913		$	239,561		$	192,720		$	248,530
	Earnings per share – basic1	$	1.17		$	1.15		$	0.94		$	1.21
	Earnings per share – diluted1	$	1.15		$	1.14		$	0.93		$	1.2
	Cash dividends declared per share
	on common stock	$	0.2		$	0.2		$	0.2		$	0.2
	Stock price
	High	$	74.09		$	69.66		$	80.83		$	96.94
	Low	$	65.78		$	62.15		$	64.64		$	80.44
	1 EPS is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.
	Year ended February 1, 2014:
		Quarter Ended
	($000, except per share data)	May 4, 2013			August 3, 2013			November 2, 2013			February 1, 2014
	Sales	$	2,539,914		$	2,551,277		$	2,398,122		$	2,741,040
	Cost of goods sold	1,798,811			1,823,777			1,746,235			1,992,101
	Selling, general and administrative	361,968			381,193			381,860			401,345
	Interest expense (income), net	209			(175		)	(152		)	(129		)
	Total costs and expenses	2,160,988			2,204,795			2,127,943			2,393,317
	Earnings before taxes	378,926			346,482			270,179			347,723
	Provision for taxes on earnings	144,314			133,361			98,561			129,770
	Net earnings	$	234,612		$	213,121		$	171,618		$	217,953
	Earnings per share – basic1	$	1.09		$	1		$	0.81		$	1.04
	Earnings per share – diluted1	$	1.07		$	0.98		$	0.8		$	1.02
	Cash dividends declared per share
	on common stock	$	—		$	0.17		$	0.17		$	0.17
	Stock price
	High	$	66.07		$	69.2		$	77.63		$	81.64
	Low	$	55.23		$	63.29		$	64.76		$	67.66
	1 EPS is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014
	segment
	center
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of distribution centers	5
Number of reportable segments	1
Purchase obligations	$1,953,000,000
Fair value of cash and cash equivalents considered as Level 1 inputs	696,608,000	423,168,000	646,761,000	649,835,000
Packaway inventory, storage period, less than	6 months
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment	232,959,000	206,111,000	185,491,000
Capitalized interest	10,825,000	10,799,000	3,851,000
Asset impairment charges	0	0	0
Lease loss liability	2,700,000	6,300,000
Book cash overdrafts	123,800,000	75,700,000
Advertising costs	72,100,000	70,200,000	67,700,000
Anti-dilutive weighted average shares excluded from EPS calculation	2,500	2,900	53,900
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment purchased but not yet paid	58,600,000	61,300,000	23,700,000
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life, straight-line method	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Land Improvements and Buildings [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life, straight-line method	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life, straight-line method	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Land Improvements and Buildings [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life, straight-line method	40 years
Ross Dress For Less [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of stores	1,210
Number of states company operates in	33
Number of stores closed	9	11
DD's Discounts [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of stores	152
Number of states company operates in	15
California [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of distribution centers	2
Number of buying offices	1
Number of warehouses	2
Stores as percentage of total	25.00%
New York City Office [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Sales and purchase agreement, property purchase price agreed upon					$222,000,000

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other	$19,713	$20,734
Other long-term assets	56,107	50,763
Total	$75,820	$71,497

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Restricted cash and investments	$19,713	$20,734
Prepaid expenses	87,065	81,257
Total	$106,778	$101,991

Summary_Of_Significant_Account5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Other Long-Term Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Deferred compensation (Note B)	$94,054	$88,269
Restricted cash and investments	56,107	50,763
Deposits	3,285	3,285
Goodwill	2,889	2,889
Other	7,147	5,423
Total	$163,482	$150,629

Summary_Of_Significant_Account6

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Insurance Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Workers’ compensation	$87,388	$82,223
General liability	37,253	34,524
Medical plans	3,159	3,537
Total	$127,800	$120,284

Summary_Of_Significant_Account7

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Other Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Income taxes (Note F)	$101,696	$104,944	$82,500
Deferred compensation (Note G)	94,054	88,269
Deferred rent	59,465	64,671
Tenant improvement allowances	19,562	19,744
Other Liabilities	4,723	9,939
Total	$279,500	$287,567

Summary_Of_Significant_Account8

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Sales Mix) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Sales Mix [Line Items]
Company's sales mix as a percent of total sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Ladies [Member]
Sales Mix [Line Items]
Company's sales mix as a percent of total sales	29.00%	29.00%	29.00%
Home Accents And Bed And Bath [Member]
Sales Mix [Line Items]
Company's sales mix as a percent of total sales	24.00%	24.00%	24.00%
Accessories, Lingerie, Fine Jewelry, And Fragrances [Member]
Sales Mix [Line Items]
Company's sales mix as a percent of total sales	13.00%	13.00%	13.00%
Men's [Member]
Sales Mix [Line Items]
Company's sales mix as a percent of total sales	13.00%	13.00%	13.00%
Shoes [Member]
Sales Mix [Line Items]
Company's sales mix as a percent of total sales	13.00%	13.00%	13.00%
Children's [Member]
Sales Mix [Line Items]
Company's sales mix as a percent of total sales	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%

Summary_Of_Significant_Account9

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Allowance For Sales Returns) (Details) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Allowance for Sales Returns [Roll Forward]
Allowance For Sales Return, Beginning Balance	$7,431	$7,165	$6,426
Allowance For Sales Return, Additions	717,040	699,835	680,058
Allowance For Sales Return, Returns	-715,877	-699,569	-679,319
Allowance For Sales Return, Ending Balance	$8,594	$7,431	$7,165

Recovered_Sheet2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) (Details) (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
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)																	206,777	212,881	219,130
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.21	[1]	$0.94	[1]	$1.15	[1]	$1.17	[1]	$1.04	[1]	$0.81	[1]	$1	[1]	$1.09	[1]	$4.47	$3.93	$3.59
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in share)																	2,262	2,924	3,654
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in dollars per share)																	($0.05)	($0.05)	($0.06)
Diluted (in shares)																	209,039	215,805	222,784
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.20	[1]	$0.93	[1]	$1.14	[1]	$1.15	[1]	$1.02	[1]	$0.80	[1]	$0.98	[1]	$1.07	[1]	$4.42	$3.88	$3.53
[1]	EPS is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.

Investments_And_Restricted_Inv2

Investments And Restricted Investments (Amortized Cost And Fair Value Of Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$6,930,000	$19,227,000
Unrealized gains	513,000	602,000
Unrealized losses	-5,000	-4,000
Fair value	7,438,000	19,825,000
Short-term	500,000	12,266,000
Long-term	6,938,000	7,559,000
Increase Decrease in available for sale securities	-100,000	-300,000	-100,000
Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	3,367,000	15,389,000
Unrealized gains	248,000	331,000
Unrealized losses	-5,000	-4,000
Fair value	3,610,000	15,716,000
Short-term	500,000	12,006,000
Long-term	3,110,000	3,710,000
Investments [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	3,298,000	3,298,000
Unrealized gains	243,000	325,000
Unrealized losses	-5,000	-4,000
Fair value	3,536,000	3,619,000
Short-term	500,000	0
Long-term	3,036,000	3,619,000
Investments [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost		12,005,000
Unrealized gains		1,000
Unrealized losses		0
Fair value		12,006,000
Short-term		12,006,000
Long-term		0
Investments [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	69,000	86,000
Unrealized gains	5,000	5,000
Unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	74,000	91,000
Short-term	0	0
Long-term	74,000	91,000
Restricted Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	3,563,000	3,838,000
Unrealized gains	265,000	271,000
Unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	3,828,000	4,109,000
Short-term	0	260,000
Long-term	3,828,000	3,849,000
Restricted Investments [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost		110,000
Unrealized gains		5,000
Unrealized losses		0
Fair value		115,000
Short-term		115,000
Long-term		0
Restricted Investments [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	3,563,000	3,728,000
Unrealized gains	265,000	266,000
Unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	3,828,000	3,994,000
Short-term	0	145,000
Long-term	$3,828,000	$3,849,000

Investments_And_Restricted_Inv3

Investments And Restricted Investments (Investments And Restricted Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	$7,438	$19,825
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,828	16,000
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,610	3,825
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	0
Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,610	15,716
Investments [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,536	3,619
Investments [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value		12,006
Investments [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	74	91
Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	12,006
Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	0
Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value		12,006
Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	0
Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,610	3,710
Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,536	3,619
Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value		0
Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	74	91
Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	0
Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	0
Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value		0
Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	0
Restricted Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,828	4,109
Restricted Investments [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value		115
Restricted Investments [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,828	3,994
Restricted Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,828	3,994
Restricted Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value		0
Restricted Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	3,828	3,994
Restricted Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	115
Restricted Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value		115
Restricted Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	0
Restricted Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	0	0
Restricted Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value		0
Restricted Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Government And Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total investments measured at fair value	$0	$0

Investments_And_Restricted_Inv4

Investments And Restricted Investments (Maturities Of Investment And Restricted Investment Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments and Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Total, Cost basis	$6,930	$19,227
Fair value	7,438	19,825
Investments [Member]
Investments and Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Maturing in one year or less, Cost basis	500
Maturing after one year through five years, Cost basis	2,867
Total, Cost basis	3,367	15,389
Maturing in one year or less, Estimated fair value	500
Maturing after one year through five years, Estimated fair value	3,110
Fair value	3,610	15,716
Restricted Investments [Member]
Investments and Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Maturing in one year or less, Cost basis	0
Maturing after one year through five years, Cost basis	3,563
Total, Cost basis	3,563	3,838
Maturing in one year or less, Estimated fair value	0
Maturing after one year through five years, Estimated fair value	3,828
Fair value	$3,828	$4,109

Investments_And_Restricted_Inv5

Investments And Restricted Investments Underlying Assets in Deferred Compensation Program (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]
Underlying assets in non-qualified deferred compensation program	$94,054	$88,269
Level 1 [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Underlying assets in non-qualified deferred compensation program	81,926	76,913
Level 2 [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Underlying assets in non-qualified deferred compensation program	$12,128	$11,356

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	0	0	0
Discount rate under the ESPP	15.00%
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock-based compensation plans	1

StockBased_Compensation_Recogn

Stock-Based Compensation (Recognized Stock-Based Compensation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$53,001	$46,847	$48,952
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	34,729	30,921	29,191
Performance Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	16,003	13,812	17,872
ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$2,269	$2,114	$1,889

StockBased_Compensation_Total_

Stock-Based Compensation (Total Stock-Based Compensation Recognized In The Consolidated Statements Of Earnings) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$53,001	$46,847	$48,952
Cost Of Goods Sold [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	27,088	24,432	22,915
Selling, General And Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$25,913	$22,415	$26,037

Debt_Table_Details

Debt Table (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015		Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	note		note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of unsecured senior notes held	3		2
Long-term debt	$398,375		$150,000
Series A Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	85,000		85,000
Series B Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	65,000		65,000
3.375% Senior Notes due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$248,375	[1]	$0
[1]	Net of unamortized discount of $1.6 million at January 31, 2015.

Debt_Schedule_of_Maturities_of

Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	85,000
2019	0
Thereafter	$315,000

Debt_Interest_Expense_Income_N

Debt Interest Expense (Income) Net (Details) (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
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest expense on long-term debt									$12,990	$9,721	$9,721
Other interest expense									1,230	1,350	1,665
Capitalized interest									-10,825	-10,799	-3,851
Interest income									-411	-519	-628
Total interest expense (income), net	$2,406	$777	($95)	($104)	($129)	($152)	($175)	$209	$2,984	($247)	$6,907

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015		Feb. 01, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		$1,600,000
Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs	246,000,000
Number of unsecured senior notes held		3		2
Unsecured senior notes		398,375,000		150,000,000
Unsecured senior notes estimated fair value		442,000,000		182,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding		0
Collateral trust		56,300,000		47,200,000
Trade Letters Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Trade Letters Of Credit Amount		32,800,000		31,600,000
3.375% Senior Notes due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Debt Issuance, Net of Debt Discount, Percent	99.33%
Unsecured senior notes		248,375,000	[1]	0
Unsecured senior notes due date		1-Sep-24
Unsecured senior notes interest rate	3.38%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	250,000,000
Unsecured Series A and B Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		150,000,000
Series A Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes		85,000,000		85,000,000
Unsecured senior notes due date		1-Dec-18
Unsecured senior notes interest rate		6.38%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		85,000,000
Series B Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes		65,000,000		65,000,000
Unsecured senior notes due date		1-Dec-21
Unsecured senior notes interest rate		6.53%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		65,000,000
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity for revolving credit facility		600,000,000
Revolving credit facility expiration date		1-Jun-17
Sublimit for issuance of standby letters of credit		300,000,000
Basis points margin over LIBOR		1.00%
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Standby letter of credit, amount outstanding		19,500,000		24,300,000
New York City Office [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Sales and purchase agreement, property purchase price agreed upon	$222,000,000
[1]	Net of unamortized discount of $1.6 million at January 31, 2015.

Leases_Narrative_Details

Leases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
	option
	store
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of store sites owned	3
Number of options to renew store lease for five year period, minimum	3
Number of options to renew store lease for five year period, maximum	4
Renewal option term of leases	5 years
Operating leases, rent expense	$457	$434.90	$406.60
Los Angeles Office [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Facility, square foot area	68,000
Warehouse [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of warehouses leased	3
Warehouse [Member] | Carlisle, Pennsylvania [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of warehouses leased	2
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Non-cancelable lease term	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Non-cancelable lease term	10 years

Lease_Future_Minimum_Annual_Le

Lease (Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
2015	$438,423
2016	462,606
2017	405,809
2018	340,607
2019	261,768
Thereafter	1,434,485
Total minimum lease payments	$3,343,698

Taxes_On_Earnings_Narrative_De

Taxes On Earnings (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Realized tax benefits related to employee equity programs	$29,759,000	$27,661,000	$29,989,000
Reserves for unrecognized tax benefits	101,696,000	104,944,000	82,500,000
Interest related to the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits	23,600,000	24,600,000	16,800,000
Impact of recognizing taxes and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits	51,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits reduction resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations	6,300,000
Internal Revenue Service [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax year	2011
Internal Revenue Service [Member] | Latest [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax year	2014
State [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	$12,100,000	$11,000,000
State [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax year	2010
State [Member] | Latest [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax year	2014

Taxes_On_Earnings_Provision_Fo

Taxes On Earnings (Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) (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									$499,009	$486,203	$485,882
State									36,547	35,053	31,227
Current income taxes									535,556	521,256	517,109
Deferred
Federal									23,452	-11,055	-37,178
State									1,634	-4,195	-1,850
Deferred income taxes									25,086	-15,250	-39,028
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$147,850	$113,136	$150,858	$148,798	$129,770	$98,561	$133,361	$144,314	$560,642	$506,006	$478,081

Taxes_On_Earnings_Provision_Fo1

Taxes On Earnings (Provision For Taxes Effective Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income taxes at the statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes (net of federal benefit) and other, net	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Total	38.00%	38.00%	38.00%

Taxes_On_Earnings_Components_O

Taxes On Earnings (Components Of Deferred Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets
Accrued liabilities	$77,791	$87,835
Deferred compensation	33,456	31,034
Stock-based compensation	35,332	33,048
Deferred rent	26,370	17,888
Deferred Tax Assets, State Taxes	18,478	16,479
Employee benefits	23,136	16,177
Other	4,927	4,992
Deferred tax assets	219,490	207,453
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Depreciation	-252,013	-212,383
Merchandise inventory	-26,668	-28,558
Supplies	-11,616	-10,730
Prepaid expenses	-2,923	-4,426
Deferred tax liabilities	-293,220	-256,097
Classified as:
Current net deferred tax asset	12,951	10,227
Long-term net deferred tax liability	-86,681	-58,871
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities	($73,730)	($48,644)

Taxes_On_Earnings_Unrecognized

Taxes On Earnings (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of year	$80,323	$65,667	$56,524
Tax positions in current period, gross increases	15,441	15,591	11,009
Tax positions in prior periods, gross increases	0	2,418	4,167
Tax positions in prior periods, gross decreases	-9,432	-519	-1,476
Lapse of statute of limitations	-5,732	-2,274	-1,312
settlements	-2,484	-560	-3,245
Unrecognized tax benefits - end of year	$78,116	$80,323	$65,667

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Company match of employee salary, percent	4.00%
Company contributions	$11,400,000	$10,400,000	$9,400,000
Underlying assets in non-qualified deferred compensation program	94,054,000	88,269,000
Liability to participants	94,054,000	88,269,000
Estimated liability for post-employment medical benefits	$9,700,000	$6,800,000

Stockholders_Equity_Common_Sto

Stockholders' Equity (Common Stock) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased program period	2 years
Stock repurchase program, approved amount	$1,400,000,000
Average repurchase (in dollars per share)	$74.30	$67.24	$60.34
Common stock repurchased, Value	550,000,000	550,000,000	450,000,000
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock repurchased, Shares	-7,403	-8,179	-7,458
Common stock repurchased, Value	$74,000	$82,000	$75,000

Stockholders_Equity_Preferred_

Stockholders' Equity (Preferred Stock) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	4,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares issued	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0

Stockholders_Equity_Dividends_

Stockholders' Equity (Dividends) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended												3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Jan. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Jan. 31, 2012	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	Mar. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.17	$0.17	$0.17	$0.17	$0.14	$0.14	$0.14	$0.14	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.17	$0.17	$0.17	$0	$0.80	$0.51	$0.59
Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)																									$0.24
Stock Split, Conversion Ratio																								2

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock options granted	0	0	0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for new restricted stock awards		6,986,000	7,202,000
2008 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for new restricted stock awards	6,628,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Number of shares	1,169,000
Stock options granted	0
Exercised, Number of shares	-650,000
Forfeited, Number of shares	0
Outstanding at end of period, all vested, Number of shares	519,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted average exercise price	14.07
Granted, Weighted average exercise price	0
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price	14.05
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price	0
Outstanding at end of period, all vested, Weighted average exercise price	14.09
Outstanding at end of period, all vested, Weighted average remaining contractual term	0 years 11 months 26 days
Outstanding at end of period, all vested, Aggregate intrinsic value	40,285
2008 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Initial share reserve				16,500,000
Full value awards				12,000,000

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Opti1

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable) (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
$11.47 to $13.77 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding and exercisable, Number of shares	116
Options outstanding and exercisable, Remaining life	0 years 11 months 22 days
Options outstanding and exercisable, Exercise price	$13.28
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$11.47
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$13.77
$13.84 to $13.89 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding and exercisable, Number of shares	56
Options outstanding and exercisable, Remaining life	0 years 3 months 14 days
Options outstanding and exercisable, Exercise price	$13.85
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$13.84
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$13.89
$13.91 to $13.91 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding and exercisable, Number of shares	185
Options outstanding and exercisable, Remaining life	1 year 1 month 9 days
Options outstanding and exercisable, Exercise price	$13.91
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$13.91
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$13.91
$13.92 to $14.65 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding and exercisable, Number of shares	106
Options outstanding and exercisable, Remaining life	0 years 6 months 7 days
Options outstanding and exercisable, Exercise price	$14.32
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$13.92
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$14.65
$14.70 to $16.39 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding and exercisable, Number of shares	56
Options outstanding and exercisable, Remaining life	2 years 2 months 8 days
Options outstanding and exercisable, Exercise price	$16.22
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$14.70
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$16.39
$11.47 to $16.39 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding and exercisable, Number of shares	519
Options outstanding and exercisable, Remaining life	0 years 11 months 26 days
Options outstanding and exercisable, Exercise price	$14.09
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$11.47
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$16.39

Stockholders_Equity_Restricted

Stockholders' Equity (Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Unvested at beginning of period	3,914
Awarded, Number of shares	967
Released, Number of shares	-1,316
Forfeited, Number of shares	-74
Unvested at end of period	3,491	3,914
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Unvested at beginning of period, Weighted average grant date fair value	$37.14
Awarded, Weighted average grant date fair value	$67.15
Released, Weighted average grant date fair value	$29.29
Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value	$55.46
Unvested at end of period, Weighted average grant date fair value	$48.02	$37.14
Unamortized compensation expense	$87.40	$74.90
Employee service share-based compensation, unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards, weighted average period of recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Intrinsic value per share, end of period	$91.71
Intrinsic value, end of period	$320.20
Treasury Stock shares acquired	534	496	505
Treasury stock, number of shares held	4,888	4,354
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock vesting period	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock vesting period	5 years

Stockholders_Equity_Performanc

Stockholders' Equity (Performance Share Awards) (Details) (Performance Shares [Member])	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period Restricted Stock Units Are Deferred From The Time They Are Earned	1 year
Restricted stock issued in settlement of performance share awards	303	240	280
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period	3 years

Stockholders_Equity_Employee_S

Stockholders' Equity (Employee Stock Purchase Plan) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Plan participant's annual percentage ceiling for ESPP	10.00%
Plan participant's annual dollar amount ceiling for ESPP	$25,000
Purchase price for shares under ESPP	85.00%
Discount rate under the ESPP	15.00%
Shares purchased by employees	200	208	211
Shares purchased by employees, average price per share	$64.35	$57.57	$50.67
Shares issued under plan during period	19,342
Shares remaining for future issuance	658

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract]
Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors, consulting fee	$1,500,000
Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors, administrative support, health, other benefits	300,000	300,000	300,000
Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors, life insurance death benefit	2,000,000
Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors, severance pay	75,000
Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors, severance term	10 years
Son of Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors, compensation expense	$133,000

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended												3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Jan. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Jan. 31, 2012	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
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Sales													$3,032,698		$2,598,820		$2,729,566		$2,680,593		$2,741,040		$2,398,122		$2,551,277		$2,539,914		$11,041,677	$10,230,353	$9,721,065
Cost of goods sold													2,203,570		1,882,185		1,944,017		1,908,184		1,992,101		1,746,235		1,823,777		1,798,811		7,937,956	7,360,924	7,011,428
Selling, general and administrative													430,342		410,002		395,225		379,802		401,345		381,860		381,193		361,968		1,615,371	1,526,366	1,437,886
Total interest expense (income), net													2,406		777		-95		-104		-129		-152		-175		209		2,984	-247	6,907
Total costs and expenses													2,636,318		2,292,964		2,339,147		2,287,882		2,393,317		2,127,943		2,204,795		2,160,988		9,556,311	8,887,043	8,456,221
Earnings before taxes													396,380		305,856		390,419		392,711		347,723		270,179		346,482		378,926		1,485,366	1,343,310	1,264,844
Provision for taxes on earnings													147,850		113,136		150,858		148,798		129,770		98,561		133,361		144,314		560,642	506,006	478,081
Net earnings													$248,530		$192,720		$239,561		$243,913		$217,953		$171,618		$213,121		$234,612		$924,724	$837,304	$786,763
Basic (in dollars per share)													$1.21	[1]	$0.94	[1]	$1.15	[1]	$1.17	[1]	$1.04	[1]	$0.81	[1]	$1	[1]	$1.09	[1]	$4.47	$3.93	$3.59
Diluted (in dollars per share)													$1.20	[1]	$0.93	[1]	$1.14	[1]	$1.15	[1]	$1.02	[1]	$0.80	[1]	$0.98	[1]	$1.07	[1]	$4.42	$3.88	$3.53
Cash dividends declared per share on common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.17	$0.17	$0.17	$0.17	$0.14	$0.14	$0.14	$0.14	$0.20		$0.20		$0.20		$0.20		$0.17		$0.17		$0.17		$0		$0.80	$0.51	$0.59
High [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stock price													$96.94		$80.83		$69.66		$74.09		$81.64		$77.63		$69.20		$66.07		$96.94	$81.64
Low [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stock price													$80.44		$64.64		$62.15		$65.78		$67.66		$64.76		$63.29		$55.23		$80.44	$67.66
[1]	EPS is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.